Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) told participants in the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference this week that she is optimistic about the future of ethanol under the new leadership in Washington D.C. “I’m confident that the Biden administration will look to tackle our climate crisis with solutions that foster the use of ethanol to drive decarbonization,” said Rep. Bustos. Bustos says …
New RFA Chair Opens National Ethanol Conference
The new chairperson of the Renewable Fuels Association welcomed attendees to the first digital National Ethanol Conference this week. Guardian Energy CEO Jeanne McCaherty took over as chair of the RFA in October so this was her first NEC welcome. McCaherty reflected on the 40th anniversary of the RFA, the toll 2020 took on the industry, and the opportunities for …
RFA State of the Ethanol Industry Address
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper focused forward in his annual state of the industry address at the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference on ethanol as the essential energy that it is. “While 2020 was an incredibly difficult year for the ethanol industry, it definitely taught us one thing: When America’s ethanol industry stops running, so does America. …
Exports a Bright Spot in the Ethanol Picture
The export market for ethanol and its livestock feed co-product distillers grains (DDGS) will be one of the topics addressed at the digital National Ethanol Conference, which starts today. The Renewable Fuels Association recently released two reports summarizing 2020 U.S. ethanol and distillers grains export and import data. According to the reports, more than 1.334 billion gallons, or about 10 …
Digital National Ethanol Conference Debuts Tuesday
The Renewable Fuels Association 26th annual National Ethanol Conference begins tomorrow, February 16, bringing an all-new format that will allow for more industry leaders to participate in what has always been the most widely attended executive-level policy and marketing conference for the ethanol industry. “The 2021 National Ethanol Conference promises to offer something of interest for everyone, whether their focus …
NEC Panel to Discuss Ethanol’s Role in Future Autos
With all the buzz about electric vehicles and ideas that the combustion engine is on the way out, where does ethanol fit in the future picture of automobiles? That question will be addressed next week at the digital 2021 National Ethanol Conference during one of several panels on hot topics in the industry. Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Industry …
RFA Opposes Extending RFS Compliance Deadlines
In a virtual public hearing this week, the Renewable Fuels Association opposed the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed extension of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadlines, calling it a last minute favor to oil refiners made by former EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on his way out the door. In his testimony, RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman said, “All …
AFBF Economist Sees Challenges for Ethanol Industry
The ethanol industry is continuing to feel the impact of COVID-19 as the pandemic enters a second year of global disruption. American Farm Bureau Federation chief economist John Newton, speaking Thursday at the virtual 57th annual Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Annual meeting, said ethanol production has taken a major hit in the last year. “From the beginning of 2020 …
RFA’s Young Professionals Network Growing Fast
The Renewable Fuels Association Young Professionals Network is only six months old, but it has already hit 100 members. The YPN was formed last summer to bring together innovative and dedicated young professionals from across the country who are 39 years old and younger and employed full time by a company in the U.S. ethanol industry. Since its inception, the …
EPA Administrator Nominee Says RFS is Priority
The nominee for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency says the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will be a priority for the new administration. “You have my commitment that we will look at the RFS program and we will introduce some transparency into that program,” nominee Michael Regan said Wednesday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works …