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 …
Muckenhirn Excited About Expanded Role with ACE
The American Coalition for Ethanol‘s new Vice President of Public Affairs Katie Muckenhirn is excited about her expanded role with the organization to support the nation’s ethanol producers. Muckenhirn, whose maiden name is Fletcher, will continue to manage the organization’s media relations, while assuming a larger role in ACE’s public policy efforts and planning of ACE’s Washington, D.C. fly-in and …
Biofuels Groups Frustrated by EPA RFS Delays
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday additional extensions for oil refiners to comply with already delayed Renewable Fuel Standard obligations from 2019 and 2020, which were previously extended in April, further frustrating biofuels organizations still waiting for the agency to issue 2021 and 2022 RFS rules or the 2023 volumes or announced decisions on pending small refinery exemptions. Renewable Fuels …
ACE Supports Policies to Help Ethanol Reach Net-Zero
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Board of Directors voted this month to support new policies that credit farmers and ethanol producers for activities helping ethanol reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. The resolution supports the adoption of policies at both the state and federal level that “recognize ethanol is part of the climate and health solution while …
ACE Communications Director Takes on Public Affairs Role
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has elevated Communications Director Katie (Fletcher) Muckenhirn to a new role of Vice President of Public Affairs at the organization’s office based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Muckenhirn will continue to manage the organization’s media relations, while assuming a larger role in ACE’s public policy efforts and planning of ACE’s Washington, D.C. fly-in …
Midwest Governors Call for E-15 solution
Seven Midwestern state Governors have sent a joint letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan requesting immediate guidance on how they can continue to sell 15 percent ethanol-blended fuel (E15) year-round without restriction. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds spearheaded the letter which was also signed by the governors of Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The governors’ letter follows …