The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) 34th annual conference is less than a month away now and plans include a variety of breakout sessions covering the latest in technology updates, strategic planning advice, and ways to make ethanol plants more profitable. “Our conference theme is ‘Accelerate,’ which aligns with the membership initiative we launched this year that builds upon ACE’s …
Prospects for the Renewable Fuels Sector
Representatives from the three U.S. ethanol organizations shared their thoughts on prospects for renewable fuels in the Biden era during the 37th Fuel Ethanol Workshop last week. BBI International Program Developer Tim Portz moderated the discussion with Renewable Fuels Association Senior VP Government & Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp, American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings, and Chris Bliley, Senior Vice …
House and Senate Bills Would Provide E15 Fix
As the 2021 Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) was getting underway Wednesday, ethanol’s champions in Congress were introducing bills that would allow E15 to be sold year round despite the recent circuit court decision. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) led Co-Chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus in introducing the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure …
Groups Urge EPA to Propose Higher Octane Fuel Standard
A coalition of agriculture and biofuel groups is urging the administration to propose a higher octane fuel standard as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updates its greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger vehicles and light duty trucks, In a letter to President Joe Biden, the group also requested that EPA open a comment period on the role that high octane …
Klobuchar Introduces Bipartisan Biofuel Package
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has announced the introduction of a new package of bipartisan bills, along with Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and John Thune (R-SD), to expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels, incentivize the use of higher blends of biofuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation, supported by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and American Coalition for …
ACE Conference Plans Accelerate
The 34th annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) conference is accelerating forward with plans for a live and in-person event August 18-20 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ACE Senior Director of Operations and Programming Shannon Gustafson says the theme of the conference is Accelerate and they are planning a wild ride for the conference this year to celebrate being back in person. …
SCOTUS Disappoints Biofuels Coalition with Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court today overturned a 2020 appellate court ruling that struck down three improper small refinery exemptions granted by previous EPA administrators, disappointing the coalition of renewable fuel and farm groups that brought the case. However, the industry remains hopeful that other elements of the original ruling that were unchallenged will discourage future abuses of the exemption program. …
USDA Announces Pandemic Aid for Biofuels Producers
Pandemic aid for biofuels producers may soon be on its way. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced implementation of additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses as part of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, including $700 million for biofuels producers adversely impacted by travel restrictions last year. “USDA is honoring its commitment to get financial assistance to producers …
Chief Ethanol Joins Carbon Capture Effort in Nebraska
Chief Ethanol is joining the effort to develop carbon capture and permanent sequestration (CCS) in Nebraska. Chief Industries, Inc. is partnering with Catahoula, one of the largest investors in midstream infrastructure in North America, on carbon capture and sequestration projects at ethanol plants in Hastings and Lexington, with the goal to reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of each facility significantly. …
Golden Grain Energy Holds Big Bin Bash
Golden Grain Energy (GGE) in Mason City, Iowa is now home to the world’s largest grain bin, built by Sukup Manufacturing Co. The bin measures 165 feet in diameter with a peak height of 155 feet, 7 inches and boasts a capacity of 2.2 million bushels. GGE held a Big Bin Bash this week to celebrate completion of the bin …