The Renewable Fuels Association National Ethanol Conference is the nation’s most widely attended executive-level conference for the ethanol industry, and this year’s conference February 19-21 in San Diego is anticipated to be one of the largest in recent years. Nearly 1,000 industry professionals are expected to attend the conference with the theme “Powered by Partnerships” to reflect the deeply collaborative …

Iowa Awards $3.4 Million to Expand E15 Availability
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) has approved 74 project applications totaling more than $3.4 million in cost-share funding for Iowa fuel retailers for the first quarter to fund a record 73 ethanol cost-share projects to increase availability of E15 across the state. The board also approved one application for a new biodiesel terminal project. Once completed, these projects …
Federal Clean Fuels Policy Update
At the Clean Fuels Conference in Fort Wort this week, Kurt Kovarik, who serves as Vice President, Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels, provided an update on federal policies and described the work Clean Fuels does on the Hill. A significant part of it is education and persistence. Kovarik leads members in advocating federal policies that support the industry’s growth. Kovarik …
Clean Fuels Awards Presented
The annual Clean Fuels Awards honoring outstanding contributions of a diverse group of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel were announced this week at the Clean Fuels Conference in Fort Worth. The Impact Award was presented Tuesday to John Bullock, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Darling …
Secretary Vilsack to Speak at National Ethanol Conference
The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce that USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will speak at the 2024 National Ethanol Conference in San Diego. Sec. Vilsack will speak to nearly 1,000 conference attendees Tuesday morning, Feb. 20. “We are truly honored to have Secretary Vilsack joining us at this year’s conference, and we look forward to hearing his perspective …
Clean Fuels CEO Optimistic as Industry Faces Headwind
On the MainStage at the 2024 Clean Fuels Conference, Clean Fuels Alliance America CEO Donnell Rehagen, provided a state of the industry report noting that it is a very transformative time for clean fuels, biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. “We are facing a serious headwind right now with the low RVOs set by the EPA as part of …
Biofuels Industry Mourns Loss of Bill Northey
The tributes began pouring in as soon as the shock wore off Monday when the news broke that former Iowa Agriculture Secretary and USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey had died at the age of 64. The Agribusiness Association of Iowa (AAI) where Northey served as CEO shared the news of his passing. “The state of …
Iowa Ethanol Production Up, Biodiesel Steady
In 2023, Iowa ethanol production increased to a record-breaking 4.6 billion gallons, up from the previous record of 4.5 billion gallons in 2022, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “Given relatively stable ethanol demand over the last few years, it was a pleasant surprise to crunch the numbers and find Iowa ethanol producers again increased production,” said IRFA …
Report: Biofuels Needed for MN Clean Transportation Standard
A working group report shows biofuels must be included in a fuel- and technology-neutral Clean Transportation Standard (CTS) for Minnesota to achieve its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals. “The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association is committed to working with the legislature to ensure any CTS program is fuel- and technology-neutral so that we can meet GHG reduction targets while offering market …
International Grains Council Considers Biofuels Outlook
The United States hosted the 59th International Grains Council Session and 2024 Grains Forum this past week in New Orleans, Louisiana. The IGC discusses world grain market developments, monitors changes in national grain policies and provides critical grain and oilseed market information and analysis to its members. The event kicked off with a Mississippi river tour sponsored by the North …