The star of the recent Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa was the fuel that kept all the engines running – and that was supplied by STAR Energy, a retail division of GROWMARK that covers northwest Iowa. “What’s unique with us is we’re an all energy company,” STAR Energy representative Jason Stauffer said. “We solely stay focused on the energy …
Renewable Energy Part of Obama Acceptance
Renewable energy was part of President Obama’s acceptance speech Thursday night as the Democratic nominee for 2012. “We have doubled our use of renewable energy, and thousands of Americans have jobs today building wind turbines and long-lasting batteries,” Obama said to applause. “In the last year alone, we cut oil imports by 1 million barrels a day, more than any …
Biofuel Groups File Brief in RFS Challenge
Seven biofuel organizations filed a brief Tuesday in a case by the American Petroleum Institute challenging the 2012 cellulosic and advanced biofuel requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The groups include the Advanced Biofuels Association, the Advanced Ethanol Council, the American Coalition for Ethanol, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, Growth Energy, the National Biodiesel Board, and the Renewable Fuels Association. …
NCGA Officer Says They Respect RFS Waiver Process
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) continues to support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and respects the process that allows for a waiver to be considered by the Environmental Protection Agency. That according to NCGA First Vice President Pam Johnson of Floyd, Iowa who talked about the issue during an interview last week at the 2012 Farm Progress Show. “If …
Syngenta Corn Trait Offers Ethanol Efficiency
A new corn trait from Syngenta can offer increased efficiency for ethanol plants and premiums for farmers who grow it. Enogen corn was specifically developed for ethanol production and just fully approved by USDA in February 2011. According to David Witherspoon with Syngenta, Enogen contains alpha amylase, one of the primary enzymes used in ethanol production. “So when this corn …
New Holland Promotes Ethanol at Farm Progress Show
New Holland was all about American Ethanol at the 2012 Farm Progress Show this past week in Boone, Iowa. “This year we’ve got a whole emphasis on a brand new partnership with American Ethanol,” said New Holland North America Vice President Abe Hughes about the equipment and signage at the show exhibit promoting ethanol and the NASCAR partnership. “We’re putting …
Former Ag Secretary Would Say No to RFS Waiver
A former Secretary of Agriculture says he would advise against waiving the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Clayton Yeutter, who served as agriculture secretary under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1991, says he believes the markets will resolve the current situation. “Markets work,” he said during an appearance at the 2012 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. “We’re seeing …
Nebraska Corn Growers Funding Blender Pumps
Nebraska corn growers are on a mission to get more blender pumps installed in their state, especially in the larger cities. Kim Clark, director of biofuels development for the Nebraska Corn Board, gave an update at the American Coalition for Ethanol conference on what they are doing to help get more blender pumps out in the state. “The corn board …
Romney Energy Plan Includes Renewables
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is rolling out his energy plan with the goal to “achieve North American energy independence by 2020 and establish America as an energy superpower in the 21st century.” With a strong emphasis on opening up and developing more domestic sources for petroleum, the Romney plan does include a small mention of renewable sources and one line …
EPA Requests Comment Period for RFS
The Environmental Protection Agency has officially requested a comment period to start the process toward consideration of a waiver for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA issued the request for comments in response to petitions from the Governors of Arkansas and North Carolina last week seeking a waiver of the volume requirements for corn ethanol under the RFS. The request …