USDA has unveiled a new initiative for farmers, ranchers and biofuels producers impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions – Pandemic Assistance for Producers (PAP). USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and …
U.S. Biodiesel Celebrates 3 Billion Gallons
The National Biodiesel Board is pleased to celebrate National Biodiesel Day by announcing that the industry has reached a milestone of 3 billion gallons in operating capacity. National Biodiesel Day is celebrated on March 18 in honor of Rudolf Diesel who invented the diesel engine, which was originally designed to run on renewable peanut oil. Three billion gallons is significant …
Broad Coalition Supports MN Clean Fuels Standard
A broad coalition representing automakers, biofuel producers, farmers, electric vehicles, and conservation advocates is endorsing new legislation that would implement a clean fuels standard statewide in Minnesota, which would be the first for a Midwestern state. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are both members of the coalition, which is facilitated by the Great …
Michael Regan Confirmed as EPA Administrator
Michael Regan has officially been confirmed as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a 66-34 vote Wednesday by the U.S. Senate. Regan comes to EPA after serving as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. During his confirmation hearing, Regan emphasized that the “RFS is definitely a priority for this administration.” U.S. biofuels organizations are thrilled …
Vilsack Sees Future for Renewable Fuels
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack sees a continued need for biofuels in the future. “Most of you will still be around 20 or 30 years from now and I think you’re still going to have a need for and a higher demand for renewable fuels,” said Vilsack in a virtual appearance concluding the 2021 Commodity Classic Special Edition last …
House Biofuels Caucus Announces Two New Bills
The co-chairs of the House Biofuels Caucus have introduced two new pieces of legislation to increase access to biofuels and to fully recognize the environmental benefits. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, which would expand access to higher blends of biofuels. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) was the …
Vilsack Stresses Importance of Strong RFS
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack started his first full week of work Monday addressing the National Farmers Union’s virtual convention, the first of many appearances he will likely be making to agricultural organizations. As secretary under the Obama Administration for eight years, Vilsack made an effort to attend as many agriculture and biofuel related events as possible each year. Secretary …
EPA Supports 10th Circuit Decision
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced support for last year’s U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit decision and interpretation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) small-refinery exemption provisions. This conclusion, prompted by a detailed review following the Supreme Court’s grant of certiorari in the case, represents a change from EPA’s position before the Tenth Circuit. The change …
Biofuels Caucus Introduces RFS Integrity Act
U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) led the Congressional Biofuels Caucus in introducing bipartisan legislation last week to ensure transparency and predictability to the Environmental Protection Agency’s small refinery exemption (SRE) process. The Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act would require small refineries to submit a petition for a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) hardship exemption by June 1st …
Biofuels Groups Oppose General RFS Waivers
Biofuels organizations filed comments this week opposing requests from refiners, several state governors, and an environmental organization that the Environmental Protection Agency waive 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. “None of the petitions provides the required evidence that the RFS itself is causing economic or environmental harm. In fact, the requests point to the continuing coronavirus emergency as the …