With just days before a new administration takes office, the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday issued a mixed bag of last minute proposals for biofuels producers. First, in Friday’s Federal Register, EPA proposed to extend compliance deadlines for 2019 and 2020 renewable volume obligations, stating that the agency would “take no position on the availability of SREs for the 2019 …
Ethanol Report 1-15-21
2021 is getting off to a whirlwind start for the ethanol industry. The year is barely started and the industry has already seen an unexpected Supreme Court unexpectedly taking up the Tenth Circuit Court decision from last January, heard rumors of last minute granting of small refinery waivers, and then got hit with four proposals from the outgoing EPA related …
Biodiesel Conference to Spotlight Policy
National Biodiesel Board Director of Regulatory Affairs Kate Shenk will be moderating a panel at the 2021 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo called “What to Expect When You’re Expecting an RFS Rule” and with all of the turmoil going on right now regarding what the Trump EPA may do before leaving office, that landscape is changing daily. Shenk says a …
Virtual Biodiesel Conference Starts Next Week
The virtual 2021 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo officially launches next Tuesday, January 19th, with a full agenda on-line to allow participation from anywhere. The theme of this year’s conference is “Rise” and National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Chief Operating Officer Doug Whitehead says it reflects the resilience of the industry. “We’re rising up to meet the challenges of yesterday, today, …
EPA Chief Wheeler Will Not Resign
During an agricultural event in Mississippi on Monday, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler said he will not resign from the Trump Administration. “I was disgusted by the events of last Wednesday,” he said in answer to a reporter’s question. “I believe in the best interests of the agency, in order to ensure a smooth transition to my successors, …
Ethanol Report 12-28-20
Like everyone else, ethanol producers will be happy to see the end of 2020 with hopeful hearts that 2021 will be a better year. In this edition of the Ethanol Report, we take a ride back through the year starting with the high hopes for a great year in January and February, into the devastating impact of COVID-19 restrictions on …
COVID Relief Bill Passes with Aid for Biofuels Producers
Agricultural and biofuels groups as well as farm state lawmakers are pleased that the new COVID relief package passed by Congress last night includes help for producers excluded from previous aid legislation. Sen. John Thune (R-SD) says relief includes the Paycheck Protection Program for Producers Act. “The bill also includes funding to allow the Department of Agriculture to provide additional …
Brazil Tariff Decision ‘Devastating’ For US Ethanol
Brazil’s decision to impose a 20 percent tariff on all U.S. ethanol imports is devastating for the U.S. ethanol industry, according to organizations that work to promote ethanol exports. The leadership of the Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association say the action jeopardizes the future of cooperation and coordination between the U.S …
RFA Gives Ethanol Industry Update
As Congress continues to negotiate a new COVID-19 aid package, the pandemic continues to batter the U.S. ethanol industry and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) wants lawmakers to know the challenges producers are facing. With losses from the pandemic nearing $4 billion, the ethanol industry continues to fight for implementation of the Tenth Circuit Court decision nationwide, and prepares to …
Biofuels Included in Ag Talks Roadmap for Trade
Farmers for Free Trade held a virtual press conference Tuesday to release a new report on the challenges and solutions for American agriculture on trade, supply chains and global competitiveness. The report is the culmination of a series of Ag Talk discussions across rural America and includes recommendations to drive demand for U.S. agricultural products at home and abroad. Recommendations …