The Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA) has officially joined the Coalition for E85 in the effort to have 85 percent ethanol designated as an alternative fuel under the tax code. The recently-launched coalition is made up primarily of fuel retailers who are concerned about the future of E85 once the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) expires …
Propane Supplies Good for Winter
Propane supplies are in good shape going into the winter, according to Randy Miller, GROWMARK director of propane operations. Regarding total inventories, Randy says 60 million barrels is the total to shoot for to feel comfortable going into the winter. “And we just did get to 60 million,” he said recently. “We’ve had some pretty good inventory increases the last …
Ethanol Report from NAFB
Once again this year, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) took part in the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s annual Trade Talk. This unique event allows over 100 agricultural companies and organizations to have access to the nation’s farm broadcast professionals all at the same time. It is what you can truly call a “win-win” situation as the exhibitors can get …
GROWMARK Watches Energy Markets
One of the benefits of membership in the GROWMARK cooperative system is daily information about the energy markets and recommendations on contracting fuel at different times of the year. Harry Cooney is manager of customer risk management for GROWMARK Energy and he is constantly keeping an eye on the energy complex, especially gasoline, propane and diesel fuel. He says the …
Growth Energy Excited About American Ethanol Race
Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis is looking forward to seeing black, silver and green Sunday at the Martinsville (Virginia) Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet race car will feature the American Ethanol paint design and Clint Bowyer, just coming off a win last weekend at Talladega, will be at the wheel. “Glad to …
Winterizing Diesel Fuel
There’s a chill in the air and winter weather is just around the corner. After last winter’s extremely cold temperatures, it’s especially important for diesel fuel users to make sure they are ready. That means winter treatment for diesel fuel, according to GROWMARK marketing manager for refined and renewable fuels Mark Dehner. “Diesel fuel is impacted by cold temperatures. There …
Sad News From Today’s Indy Car Race
It was with great sadness that I tuned in to today’s Indy Car race and saw the 13th lap multi car wreck and learned that Dan Wheldon was killed. Wow. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a number of these Indy Car racers over the years. You can say all you want about the wisdom of driving a …
GROWMARK Sees Propane Use Growing
In the home, on the farm, for businesses or for school buses, the Energy Division of GROWMARK is seeing the use of propane growing as a domestically produced, environmentally friendly fuel. Marion Ertmer, GROWMARK Propane Marketing Manager, says some people may still think of propane as an import from the Middle East, but that’s no longer true. “Today, with the …
PSM Most Cited Ethanol Plant Hazard
In 2010, process safety management (PSM) was the most common cited hazard at ethanol plants by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The data was published by Albert Patin with South Dakota State University. This year PSM citations are appearing to be on the same course as OSHA has been arriving unexpectedly at ethanol plants across the country assessing fines. …
Re-Opened Biodiesel Plant is a “Jewel”
The Renewable Energy Group (REG) just hated to see the 30 million gallon capacity biodiesel plant standing idle near Albert Lea, Minnesota for the past three years, so the company decided to do something about it. “It’s a great plant that needed to run,” Brad Albin, REG Vice President of Manufacturing, said at the plant’s re-opening on Monday. “It had …