Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today unveiled the Iowa Energy Plan, which “assesses current and future energy supply and demand, examines energy policies and programs and identifies emerging challenges and opportunities.” “Iowa is a leader in biofuels and renewable energy,” said Lt. Governor Reynolds. “That leadership was achieved because of thoughtful planning. Creating a statewide energy plan will keep Iowa …
Iowa RFA Announces New Communications Director
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has announced Cassidy Riley as Communications Director for the organization. Riley most recently worked as the Central Iowa Field Director for Senator Chuck Grassley’s 2016 reelection campaign. Prior to the campaign she clerked in the Iowa House of Representatives for Rep. Tom Moore. “I’m thrilled to join the IRFA team because I get to …
#Ethanol Report on Cabinet Picks
Some ethanol interests may be getting a little nervous about the oil industry ties of several Trump administration cabinet selections. Those include former Texas Governor Rick Perry for energy secretary, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for EPA administrator and ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says …
Iowa RFA Announces 2017 Officers
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) this week announced new board members and officers for 2017, elected at last week’s annual meeting. 2017 IRFA Board of Directors Officers President Eamonn Byrne, Lakeview Plymouth Energy Vice President Steve Bleyl, Green Plains Treasurer Bill Howell, POET Biorefining – Coon Rapids Secretary Derek Winkel, Renewable Energy Group, Inc. Executive Dir. Monte Shaw (non-voting) …
Trump Team Filling Up with Oil Interests
Former Texas Governor Rick Perry, the man who sought a waiver for his state from the Renewable Fuel Standard and was consistently ranked as bad for the ethanol industry during his two presidential bids, has been tapped by President-Elect Donald Trump to be Secretary of Energy. With ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson picked as Secretary of State and Oklahoma AG Scott …
EPA Holds RFS Rule Hearing in Chicago
The Environmental Protection Agency held a public hearing in Chicago yesterday to hear testimony the agency’s proposed Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule. The rule includes several actions that would help allow the market to introduce greater volumes of renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Among those who testified was Renewable Fuels Association senior vice president Geoff …
#ExEx16 Helps Create $460 Million in Sales
The 2016 Export Exchange was successful in achieving its goal of increasing exports of U.S. grain and ethanol co-products, according to officials with the U.S. Grains Council and Renewable Fuels Association. Buyers and end-users who attended the conference reported sales of approximately 2.6 million metric tons of grains and co-products worth $460 million traded in connection with the event, held …
Hearing Addresses #RFS Management
The Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management held a hearing yesterday examining two reports by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) released this week. The hearing included testimony from Frank Rusco, GAO Director Natural Resources and Environment and Janet McCabe, EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation …
EPA Boosts Final 2017 RVOs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced final renewable fuel volume requirement increases under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. “Renewable fuel volumes continue to increase across the board compared to 2016 levels,” said Janet McCabe, the agency’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. “These final standards will boost production, providing for ambitious yet achievable …
NCGA Optimistic About New Administration
The National Corn Growers Association is optimistic about what a Trump presidency can mean for agriculture. “It is great to have the election behind us, and we really are watching and putting our names out, and working with them in order to get ag knowledge into the different areas of administration,” said NCGA President Wesley Spurlock during an interview at …