Renewable Energy Group (REG) CFO Chad Stone was elected as the new chairman for the National Biodiesel Board in November and he addressed the membership at the National Biodiesel Conference this week in Tampa. While 2019 was a disastrous year for the industry, which saw REG having to shut down a plant, Stone is very optimistic about biodiesel going forward. …
Plasma Blue Debuts at Biodiesel Conference
A novel process using electricity and liquid plasma to induce the transesterification process needed to produce biodiesel is generating a lot of interest at the National Biodiesel Conference this week in Tampa. The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council saw the potential for the technology, developed by scientists at the University of Minnesota, which could produce six gallons of biodiesel …
NBB CEO Meets with the Media
National Biodiesel Board (NBB) CEO Donnell Rehagen met with members of the media at the National Biodiesel Conference after his state of the industry address on Tuesday. Many of the questions dealt with the biodiesel tax credit extension and when it will provide some relief for the industry. “Producers should be working on it as we speak to get those …
National Biodiesel Board Shares “Vision 2020”
The 2020 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo kicked off Tuesday in Tampa with a new industry vision for a new decade. National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen unveiled the new industry vision statement in his state of the industry remarks to attendees. Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and renewable jet fuel will be recognized as mainstream low-carbon fuel options with superior performance …
Ethanol Report on New Trade Deals
Two major trade deals in one week last week are giving the agriculture and ethanol industries reason to be optimistic as we move into the “Roaring ’20s.” In this episode of The Ethanol Report, we hear from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper, President Donald Trump, USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and USDA …
Trump Addresses Farm Bureau For Third Year
President Donald Trump addressed farmer and rancher members of the American Farm Bureau Federation for the third year in a row Sunday, and promised to be back next year while continuing to fight for what is important to them. “My administration understands that if we want to stand up for America, we must stand up for American farmers,” said President …
USDA Deputy Secretary Addresses Iowa Biofuels Summit
USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky had the pleasure of announcing the Senate passage of USMCA to the crowd at the 2020 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday in Altoona, Iowa. “Just about 20 minutes ago, I’m proud to say that the Senate finally passed the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement on a vote of 89 to 10,” said Censky as the crowd …
RFA CEO Offers Outlook for Ethanol’s Future at Iowa Summit
As the keynote speaker at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said “2019 sucked” but the industry is focusing forward now into the “Roaring ’20s.” Cooper offered four predictions for the new decade. 1. The battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard will continue and intensify 2. The use of low carbon fuel …
Ethanol Groups Optimistic as China Trade Deal is Signed
Ethanol organizations expressed optimism about the signing of the historic Phase One Trade Agreement with China Wednesday, despite China’s announced suspension of its E10 ethanol mandate last week. “We are very optimistic about the potential of this agreement for American agriculture and the renewable fuels industry—with the inclusion of ethanol and key co-products like distillers grains—and are looking forward to …
National Biodiesel Conference to Unveil “Vision 2020”
The National Biodiesel Board will unveil its “Vision 2020” for the industry during the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Tampa, Florida on January 20-23. The largest gathering of North American biodiesel enthusiasts arrive in Florida on a roll with recent policy victories in Washington, DC, and California, as well as a heating oil industry that is partnering with producers …