As President Trump headed to Argentina this week for the G20 Summit, three biodiesel stakeholder trade groups wrote him to express concern about the U.S. Commerce Department “changed circumstances” reviews of U.S. trade duties on Argentine biodiesel companies. The National Biodiesel Board, the American Soybean Association, and the National Renderers Association urged the president to ensure that Commerce “undertake a …
Study Finds Refiners Can Increase Octane Without Ethanol
A new Energy Information Administration (EIA) study has found that U.S. petroleum refineries would be able to produce gasoline with a higher minimum octane rating (95 Research Octane Number, or “RON”) beginning in 2022 without using more ethanol meet such an octane standard. The study, conducted by oil industry consulting firm Baker & O’Brien, determined “refiners would simply increase reformer …
Al-Corn Clean Fuel Support MN FFA
Al-Corn Clean Fuel has been recognized by the Minnesota FFA Foundation for the company’s support of programing throughout southeast and southern Minnesota. The partnership between Al-Corn Clean Fuel and the Minnesota FFA Foundation allows for scholarship funds to assist 58 FFA chapters in select programs, including service projects. “The leadership skills acquired by the next generation of agricultural leaders through …
RFA CEO Calls Out Big Oil’s E15 Hypocrisy
In an editorial this week, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Geoff Cooper called out the hypocrisy of oil interests when it comes to allowing year round sales of 15% ethanol, E15. Noting that “hell hath no fury like Big Oil scorned,” Cooper debunks all of the oil industry’s dire warnings in response to President Trump’s recent decision calling …
Driving Ethanol Performance Value
Growth Energy is celebrating ten years of advocating for ethanol since it was created in 2008. This edition of the Driving Ethanol podcast is the second in a series of three focusing on a decade of accomplishments for the organization. This episode reflects on how Growth Energy has proven ethanol’s performance value through the high profile American Ethanol partnership with …
House Tax Package Includes Biodiesel Extension
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) has released a tax and oversight package that would extend several expired tax credits, including the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax incentive. According to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), the proposal for a multi-year extension the incentive would keep the credit at its current rate of $1.00 per gallon for 2018 …
Refinery Exemptions Continue to Destroy Demand
With the latest news that Chevron received a hardship refinery exemption from the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has released a new analysis showing just how destructive the EPA waivers are. RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman says the 19 small refinery exemptions granted retroactively for the 2016 compliance year, and the 29 for 2017, have impacted both …
ACE Completes 6th Mexico Ethanol Workshop
American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty traveled to Mexico City this month for the sixth and final ethanol technical workshop held this year for Mexican petroleum equipment installers and retailers. The workshops were a joint effort of the U.S. Grains Council and the Mexican Association of Service Station Suppliers (AMPES) to educate retail station owners about …
Enogen Means Energy for Feed and Fuel
The same trait that makes Enogen corn hybrids great for ethanol production is also good for livestock feed. The higher levels of the alpha-amylase enzyme in these hybrids help break down sugar into energy more efficiently which benefits both ethanol producers and cattle. “The Enogen technology and how it gains efficiencies and makes the ethanol plant money is similar in …
House Bill Would Replace RFS
Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL) and Congressman Bill Flores (R-TX) are proposing new legislation that would replace the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) with the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act. In a discussion draft released last week, the congressmen proposed a “transition from the RFS beginning in 2023 to a national octane specification” which they say would create “new market opportunities for …