The Iowa Corn Caucus released its report card for presidential candidates today, giving grades for different policy areas related to agriculture, including energy and biofuels, and an overall grade for each candidate. The highest overall grade went to Newt Gingrich, who scored straight As on every single policy issue. Second in the class was Rick Santorum, who received straight As …
Challenges Continue for 15% Ethanol Blend
Another challenge to the waiver allowing 15% ethanol blends in regular gasoline was made last week by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) who introduced legislation to “require that the EPA certify, not only that a new fuel will not lead to emissions increases, but also that the fuel will not reduce fuel efficiency or damage engines.” The Renewable Fuels Association says …
POET CEO Update on Cellulosic Ethanol
Ethanol industry leader POET is making “tremendous strides” in the development of ethanol from biomass for commercial use, according to company CEO Jeff Broin. Broin talked with farm broadcasters at last week’s National Association of Farm Broadcasting meeting last week in Kansas City to provide an update on Project LIBERTY, a cellulosic ethanol plant project in Emmetsburg, Iowa. “When we …
Looking At Trends In Alternative Energy
During the National Agri-Marketing Association’s Trends in Agriculture Conference, held last week in Kansas City, we had a session that focused on “Trends In Energy/Alternative Fuels” which featured Nathan Schock, POET & Matt Roberts, PhD. Pictured is Matt who is an Associate Professor of Ag Economics at Ohio State University. Matt does a lot of work in biofuels. One of …
SIGMA Joins Coaltion for E85
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 …