An AP wire story out last week highlights the use of hops in ethanol production to combat bacteria. DomesticFuel did a feature on BetaTec, the company referenced in the article, about two years ago after their debut at the 2007 Fuel Ethanol Workshop. They market a product called IsoStabTM , which is derived from natural acids found in hops and …
RFA Urges EPA to Level Playing Field
A new video launched by the Renewable Fuels Association makes the point that other fuels have indirect effects, not only biofuels. The video, which shows images of burning oil wells, oil spill damage, oil contamination of natural habitat, and the destruction brought on by oil exploration and tar sands excavation, is meant to draw attention to the Environmental Protection Agency’s …
New President for Missouri Renewable Fuels Group
Members of the Missouri Renewable Fuels Association (MoRFA), an organization comprised of the state’s six farmer-owned ethanol plants and the Missouri Corn Growers Association, have selected Ryland Utlaut of Alma, Mo., as the organization’s 2009-10 president. Utlaut, president and general manager of Mid-Missouri Energy, a majority farmer-owned ethanol plant in Malta Bend, Mo., assumes the new leadership responsibilities Oct. 1. …
Report Finds Oil Subsidies Higher Than Ethanol
A new report from the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) finds that federal subsidies for fossil fuels are twice that of renewables. According to a summary on the ELI report store website: The largest U.S subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to research released by ELI. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel …
Pioneer Explores Alfalfa’s Role in Cellulosic Ethanol
The lowly alfalfa crop could play a role in the future of cellulosic ethanol. Alfalfa is the nation’s most popular legume and actually our third most valuable crop, but it is often taken for granted and somewhat under valued. However, the many benefits of the crop could make it a potential frontrunner in the cellulosic ethanol race, especially if new …
Get Ready to FuelChat Again
Clear your calendar for a #FuelChat coming up next week on September 23 at 2:00 pm Eastern time. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is hosting this second open on-line Twitter chat to answer questions and offer information about all things ethanol. The first FuelChat was held in July during the evening hours but after some consultation and research, it was …
RFA Announces Flex Fuel Photo Winner
Snapping a photo of his daughter stopping to smell the flowers paid off for Rich Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska who has been named the winner of the Renewable Fuels Association Flex-Fuel Challenge Summer Photo Contest. Rich’s photo was judged based on creativity as well as quality out of more than 1,100 photos submitted in the contest this summer. As the …
Ethanol in the Classroom
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF) are partnering with teachers and the National FFA Organization to provide tens of thousands of high school students information about the opportunities available to them in the field of renewable fuels. “America’s energy future rests squarely in its high school classrooms today,” said Mike Jerke, chairman of the RFF …
Mascoma and Chevron Team for Cellulosic Ethanol
An agreement between Mascoma Corporation and Chevron Technology Ventures will provide feedstock for conversion to cellulosic ethanol and by-products. According to a press release, Mascoma has entered into a feedstock processing and lignin supply agreement with Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV), a division of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Under terms of the agreement, CTV will provide various sources of lignocellulosic feedstock to …
Ethanol Report on USDA Crop Forecast
This edition of “The Ethanol Report” features comments from Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association on today’s increased corn crop forecast from USDA, how it disputes the indirect land use change theory and food versus fuel debate. Cooper also comments on the importance of ethanol to our national security as we remember the anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks …