The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to deny 65 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions is strongly supported by the ethanol industry. In comments on the proposal, the Renewable Fuels Association noted that such an action would “restore confidence” in the Renewable Fuel Standard program, and would also ensure the SRE program complies with the Tenth Circuit Court’s 2020 decision moving …
Ethanol Groups Submit Comments on Proposed RVOs
Ethanol organizations submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency Friday on its Proposed Volume Standards for 2020, 2021, and 2022 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Renewable Fuels Association expressed strong support for the agency’s proposed 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVO) while opposing the proposed retroactive reduction of the previously finalized 2020 RVO requirements. RFA President and CEO Geoff …
Senators Urge Support for RFS
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators led by Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter this week urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and to support biofuels. Specifically, the lawmakers call on the Biden administration to maintain the blending requirements for 2022; deny all pending Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs); eliminate …
CARB Urged to Recognize Climate-Smart Farming in LCFS
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), along with the Great Plains Institute, Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, the National Biodiesel Board, and Canadian Oilseed Processors Association, this week sent a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) urging them to recognize the climate benefits of farming practices in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). . The letter cites principles for …
ACE Testimony Encourages EPA to Revise RFS Proposal
American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings testified on behalf of the organization’s members today during a virtual public hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rulemaking for 2020, 2021 and 2022 compliance years. Jennings noted that they are pleased EPA proposed a statutory 15 billion gallons for 2022 and put forth a plan …
Defend the Blend Act Introduced in Senate
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Tuesday introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit the EPA from reducing the minimum applicable volume of biofuels into transportation fuel after blending levels are finalized for any given year. The Defend the Blend Act is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of …
EPA Biofuels Proposals Reaction
Biofuel supporters are having mixed reactions to the two proposals released this week by the Environmental Protection Agency related to the Renewable Fuel Standard. On the good side, EPA proposed to deny 65 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions based on the Tenth Circuit court decision in Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA. However, the proposed package setting Renewable …
EPA Holds Hearing on Proposed RFS Compliance Deadlines
Biofuels groups had the opportunity to sound off to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed extension of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance deadlines during a virtual hearing Friday. The Renewable Fuels Association voiced strong opposition to again delay annual RFS compliance deadlines. “EPA has had ample time to decide pending 2019 and 2020 SRE petitions following the Supreme …
ACE Participates in OPIS LCFS and Carbon Markets Workshop
American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) consultant Jonathon Lehman was on a panel entitled “Reducing Carbon Intensity in Renewable Fuels with Climate Smart Farming Practices” with representatives from Gevo and the American Society of Agronomy at the OPIS LCFS and Carbon Markets Workshop this week in California. “USDA estimates U.S. farmers currently store 20 million metric tons of carbon per year …
Bipartisan Defend the Blend Bill Introduced
Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), together with Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN) and Ron Kind (D-WI), introduced bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House this week that would keep blend levels under the Renewable Fuel Standard from being reduced after they are finalized. The “Defend the Blend” bill would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from reducing the minimum applicable …