A bipartisan bill introduced by members of the U.S. House would expand the production and availability of American biofuels. The Home Front Energy Independence Act, introduced by Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA), would make E15 available year-round, establish an E15 tax credit and extend the tax credit for biodiesel, and direct …
Secretary Vilsack Addresses #Classic22
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made only his second in-person appearance at a large agricultural event since taking office last year when he addressed the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans Friday and thousands of corn, sorghum, soybean, and wheat farmers. He talked about the situation in Ukraine and being able to hear from the agriculture minister from that country …
Wisconsin Capital Moving Fleet to B100
The City of Madison, Wisconsin will soon be seeing emissions reductions after 17 fleet vehicles have been converted to operate on 100% biodiesel, thanks to a partnership with Optimus Technologies and Renewable Energy Group. Over the lifecycle of the fuel, biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86% when compared with petroleum diesel. Utilizing Optimus Technologies proprietary Vector …
Senators Introduce Energy Independence Act
Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced a new bill that puts into law a ban on Russian oil and opens up the use and production of American biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel. The Home Front Energy Independence Act combines parts of several of the senators’ past bills that would make E15 available year round, establish an …
Iowa Biofuel Supporters Rally at Capitol for Access Bill
Over 200 Iowa biofuels supporters rallied at the Iowa State Capitol rotunda Wednesday to show support for the Iowa Biofuels Access Bill. The bill, proposed by Governor Kim Reynolds, would increase consumer access to higher biofuel blends including 20% biodiesel (B20) and E15 ethanol, as well as increasing infrastructure cost share for retailers. Iowa Biodiesel Board executive director Grant Kimberley …
Chevron Announces Agreement to Acquire REG
Chevron Corporation and Renewable Energy Group, Inc. announced today a definitive agreement under which Chevron will acquire the outstanding shares of REG in an all-cash transaction valued at $3.15 billion, or $61.50 per share. The acquisition combines REG’s growing renewable fuels production and leading feedstock capabilities with Chevron’s large manufacturing, distribution and commercial marketing position. “REG was a founder of …
REG Makes Strategic European Investments
Renewable Energy Group, Inc. announced a couple of strategic European investments this week. First, REG will install a state-of-the-art pretreatment facility in Germany, enabling the company to refine some of the lowest carbon intensity, hardest to convert waste fats and oils for bio-based diesel production. The project is located on the North Sea harbor of Emden, Germany at the border …
Iowa Biofuel Production Rebounds
A new study finds Iowa biofuels production rebounded in 2021 to provided a strong boost to the state’s economy. The study, authored by John Urbanchuk of ABF Economics and commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), found the production of ethanol and biodiesel accounts for over $5 billion in state GDP, supports nearly 46,000 jobs throughout the economy, and …
Senate Committee Hearing Looks at RFS
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing Wednesday to examine the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) said the committee has not held an oversight hearing on the RFS since 2016. “Since the implementation of the program, we’ve come a long way toward achieving our goals. Economic growth in agricultural communities has expanded …
Clean Fuels Comments on EPA RFS Proposals
Clean Fuels Alliance America submitted comments supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to deny pending small refinery exemptions while asking for certainty regarding proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Volume Standards for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Clean Fuels expressed particular concern with EPA’s triggering “reset” authority and proposals for regulating biointermediates. Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs, writes …