While traditional and next generation ethanol came out negative in the National Research Council report out this week, the biodiesel industry was pleased with the findings. Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board, said the report reaffirms that biodiesel is an advanced biofuel that can meet the biomass-based diesel targets under the EPA’s Renewable Fuel …
Ethanol Industry Reacts to NAS Report
The ethanol industry is challenging a new report from the National Academies of Science that questions the ability of the biofuels industry to meet current goals under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) and the ability of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the report, production of conventional biofuels and biomass-based diesel fuel will be adequate to meet the …
SunPower Opens Biodiesel Fueling Station in Duluth
SunPower Biodiesel has announced the opening of their first biodiesel fueling station in Minnesota. The company’s original prototype FuelMaster® biodiesel station is located at SunPower’s production facility, based in Cumberland, Wisconsin. The newest addition is located in Duluth, MN and offers B99 (99% biodiesel and 1% petroleum diesel, the first station in Northern Minnesota to offer a B99 blend. Jamie …
Renewable Energy Group Transitions Leadership
The board of Renewable Energy Group (REG) today announced the succession plan for a seamless transition of the company’s leadership positions. The board offered unanimous approval of Jeff Stroburg’s request to transition from the dual position of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer to the sole role of Chairman of the Board. Daniel Oh, currently President and Chief …
USDA Approves Payments for Advanced Biofuels
USDA will make payments to more than 160 energy producers in 41 states “to support and ensure the production and expansion of advanced biofuels.” “Renewable energy production will create tens of thousands of direct, American jobs; thousands more indirect jobs, and clean electricity to power millions of homes. The payments I am announcing today represent the continuing commitment of the …
Re-Opened Biodiesel Plant is a “Jewel”
The Renewable Energy Group (REG) just hated to see the 30 million gallon capacity biodiesel plant standing idle near Albert Lea, Minnesota for the past three years, so the company decided to do something about it. “It’s a great plant that needed to run,” Brad Albin, REG Vice President of Manufacturing, said at the plant’s re-opening on Monday. “It had …
Biodiesel Tax Incentive Creates Jobs
The biodiesel tax incentive is helping to create jobs across the country, according to testimony submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee today by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). “While we understand the pressures facing Congress, this is the wrong time to pull support from a growing American industry that is a rare bright spot in this economy,” said …
Minnesota Biodiesel Plant Means Jobs
At the opening celebration of the Renewable Energy Group (REG) REG Albert Lea facility on Monday, Minnesota state representative Rich Murray (left) and local Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr (right) both congratulated REG president Dan Oh (center) on fueling the economy by creating new jobs. “They’re great green collar jobs,” said Kehr, who noted the importance of the …
Consumer Fuel Choice Campaign Launched
Ethanol, biodiesel, propane, natural gas, electricity – even regular gasoline – consumers should have choices at the pump and a new campaign is urging lawmakers in Washington to make that happen. More than 20 worldwide leaders in the effort to commercialize next-generation transportation fuels today announced the new campaign, called FuelChoiceNow. Among the companies that have joined the effort are …
Biodiesel Adds Value to Minnesota Soybeans
Fields of soybeans surround the newly re-opened Renewable Energy Group REG Albert Lea biodiesel plant in southern Minnesota, serving as a reminder of where the renewable fuel is rooted. Chris Hill, a soybean farmer who serves on the board of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and the Minnesota Biodiesel Council, is pleased to see the plant re-open because it really …