Recent accidents involving transportation fuel, including ethanol, have highlighted the importance of safety when it comes to moving flammable and hazardous materials. It turns out that the tanker truck explosion in California on June 13 was actually carrying petroleum, not ethanol as the media reported, but the Canadian National Railway train that derailed in Illinois over the weekend was carrying …
Ethanol Industry Official Recieves ASTM Award
The Director of Technical Services for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been recognized by ASTM International for her work on behalf of America’s ethanol producers to make sure fuel ethanol meets standards and has access to petroleum markets across the country. Kristy Moore received the Award of Appreciation from ASTM International’s Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants, which …
Energy Secretary on Ethanol in Iowa
During a visit to Des Moines Monday, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu gave some hope to ethanol supporters hoping that the federal government will approve a waiver that would allow up to 15 percent ethanol blends for standard vehicles. “I don’t want to prejudge what they’re going to find, but if the existing automobile fleet can handle 15 percent, I …
Corn Ethanol Land Use Conference Planned
The National Corn Growers Association is planning a conference in August to focus on land use and climate impacts of corn-based ethanol. The conference will feature sessions on topics such as land use change, nitrous oxide, new technologies and their effect on greenhouse gas emissions, domestic and international yields, satellite data and land conversion greenhouse gas emission factors, defining renewable …
Biofuels Promoters in New Holland Tractor Race
Two biofuels promoters took part in the 4th annual New Holland/Michael Peterson Celebrity Tractor Race held Sunday at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. Chuck Leavell (left) is probably best known as the versatile keyboardist for the Rolling Stones and Joe Jobe is CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. Jobe noted that New Holland Boomer being used for the race …
Florida Plans Cellulosic Ethanol By-Product Research Plant
Plans were announced this week for a cellulosic ethanol demonstration and research plant to be built in Florida that will produce both fuel and other products from the refining process. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Buckeye Technologies and Myriant Technologies (formed by BioEnergy International) are partners in the project that will explore ways to harness …
Ethanol Industry Stresses Safe Transportation
In the wake of a California tanker truck accident over the weekend, ethanol industry representatives are stressing the importance of transportation safety. The driver of a tanker truck hauling 8,000 gallons of ethanol on a highway in Long Beach was killed Saturday when the truck hit a guard rail and exploded into flames. Officials with the Renewable Fuels Association say …
Flex-Fuel Photo Challenge
Photos from your summer vacation could mean cash in your pocket if you enter the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) “Flex Fuel Challenge” Summer Photo Contest. All you have to do is submit a photo of photo of yourself on vacation and submit it. A panel of judges will choose one lucky first place winner, based on equal parts creativity and …
Answering Media Questions About Ethanol
This edition of the Ethanol Report features some questions and answers from the Renewable Fuels Association telephone conference call on June 8 regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rulemaking for the Renewable Fuels Standard. RFA president Bob Dinneen and vice president for research Geoff Cooper answer questions from Martin Ross of Illinois Farm Week, Chuck Abbott of Reuters, Steven Cook …
Iowa Corn Indy 250 Celebrates Homegrown Ethanol
Even though the Indy Car Series races this year are sponsored by the Brazilian ethanol industry, the Iowa Corn Indy 250 will still feature homegrown fuel. The race will be held June 21 at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa and sponsored once again by Pioneer Hi-Bred and the Iowa Corn Growers Association. According to Craig Floss, CEO of the …