The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated the carcinogenicity of automotive gasoline and some oxygenated gasoline additives and published findings last week in The Lancet Oncology. The Working Group evaluated automotive gasoline as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) on the basis of sufficient evidence for cancer in humans and the combination of sufficient evidence for cancer in experimental …
Back to the Future with the RFS
For the first time in 20 years, the Senate has a strong ethanol champion as Majority Leader in Sen. John Thune (R-SD). The last time was another South Dakotan, Democrat Tom Daschle, who was instrumental in crafting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Jonathon Lehman, who has been the American Coalition for Ethanol lobbyist for many years, served as Counsel to …
ACE Members on Capitol Hill
Members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) are on Capitol Hill this week with a laundry list of topics to discuss with Congressional offices, but topping the list is year-round, nationwide E15. “It’s time to get this done, it’s overdue. We came so close last year. Let’s not let that momentum fall by the wayside,” said ACE CEO Brian …
Groups Provide Climate Smart Ag Comments
Biofuels groups submitted comments this week to USDA on its interim rule for climate-smart agriculture guidance to support the new 45Z tax credit for clean fuel producers. The Renewable Fuels Association emphasized the importance of policies that empower farmers while ensuring a robust and efficient renewable fuels market. RFA highlighted the benefits of a book-and-claim supply chain management system, which …
ACE Excited About Annual Fly-in
The annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Fly-in is coming up March 27-28 and CEO Brian Jennings says once again the number one topic is year-round, nationwide E15. “We really need a permanent, national solution from Congress because that’s what the courts have said, before the summer driving season starts,” said Jennings during an interview at Commodity Classic this week. …
Year Round E15 Bill Reintroduced in Congress
The bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act has been reintroduced in both Houses of Congress. The legislation led by Senators Deb Fischer (R-ND) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in the Senate, and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) in the House would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of …
Brooke Rollins Confirmed as Agriculture Secretary
Brooke Rollins of Texas was confirmed as the 33rd Secretary of Agriculture Thursday by a vote of 72-28. Rollins served in Trump’s previous administration as acting director of the Domestic Policy Council and oversaw the White House Office of American Innovation. She since co-founded and served as president and chief executive officer of the America First Policy Institute. She has …
Biofuels Groups Pleased with Zeldin Confirmation
The U.S. Senate Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Lee Zeldin to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and biofuels groups are happy with the decision. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said they are looking forward to working with Administrator Zeldin. “As noted during his Senate confirmation hearing, Mr. Zeldin understands that ethanol and other renewable fuels …
Biofuels Supporting Senators Question EPA Nominee
President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for EPA Administrator faced questions from members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Thursday on a number of topics, including the Renewable Fuel Standard and year-round E15. Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) received a commitment from Zeldin to provide more certainty to the biofuels industry by following the law as it relates to the timeline …
Groups React to Climate Smart Ag Rule and GREET Model
Biofuel organizations welcomed the release Wednesday of USDA’s interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks, in addition to a beta version Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator, and the Department of Energy release of the 45ZCF-GREET model The rule establishes guidelines for quantifying, reporting, and verifying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of corn, …