This edition of the Ethanol Report explores ethanol’s role as a “net-zero hero” with highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). The report includes remarks from David MacIntosh, Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.; Stefan Unnasch with Life Cycle Associates; and Michael Berube, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation, who all spoke at the 2021 NEC. In addition, we …
Vilsack Stresses Importance of Strong RFS
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack started his first full week of work Monday addressing the National Farmers Union’s virtual convention, the first of many appearances he will likely be making to agricultural organizations. As secretary under the Obama Administration for eight years, Vilsack made an effort to attend as many agriculture and biofuel related events as possible each year. Secretary …
Secretary Vilsack Back at USDA
Former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack became current secretary under the Biden Administration this week, returning to the job he held for eight years under President Obama. Secretary Vilsack was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, sworn in virtually by Vice President Harris on Wednesday, and held his first press call with reporters Thursday morning. The first issue Vilsack addressed …
LCFS and RFS – Conflict or Complement?
Do Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) policies conflict or complement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)? That was the question Dr. Jarrett Whistance with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri was called on to answer at last week’s National Ethanol Conference. Whistance, who is Program Lead for Biofuel Market and Policy Analysis at FAPRI-MU, said …
Ethanol Report 2-19-21
This edition of the Ethanol Report features highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). First, we hear some of Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper’s annual State of the Industry address focusing on ethanol as essential energy. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) discusses her Next Generation Fuels Act, and former House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson comments …
Biofuels Groups Oppose General RFS Waivers
Biofuels organizations filed comments this week opposing requests from refiners, several state governors, and an environmental organization that the Environmental Protection Agency waive 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. “None of the petitions provides the required evidence that the RFS itself is causing economic or environmental harm. In fact, the requests point to the continuing coronavirus emergency as the …
New Uses for Ethanol Offer New Opportunities
Last year’s National Ethanol Conference featured a panel on new uses for ethanol that was such a big hit it was back again this year for an encore. Renewable Fuels Association Vice President for Technical & Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis moderated a panel of innovators including: Randy Cortright, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Adam Belyamani, Saola Energy LLC Paul Nooijen, ArenaRED …
Ethanol Helps Cut GHG Emissions, Support Economy
The Renewable Fuels Association released two important studies in the past week related to ethanol’s impact on the environment and the economy. For the environment, a new analysis finds the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has slashed greenhouse gas emissions by almost a billion metric tons since it was implemented in 2008. The research was conducted for the Renewable Fuels Association …
Tapping New Markets for Higher Ethanol Blends
The case for higher ethanol blends to lower emissions is stronger than ever and retailers are more receptive than ever. Renewable Fuels Association Director of Market Development Cassie Mullen led a panel discussion during the digital National Ethanol Conference this week focused on tapping new markets for higher blends. Her panelists included fuel marketers and retailers from coast to coast …
RFA Honors Former Ag Committee Chair Peterson
The Renewable Fuels Association today honored former Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), longtime chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, with the RFA Industry Award, presented during the digital 26th annual National Ethanol Conference. “I’ve been working on ethanol for a long time. I believe in it, and it’s been a passion of mine and it’s just been a pleasure for …