Counties in Downstate New York are set to join New York City in increasing the use of biodiesel in home heating oil, a product called Bioheat® fuel. Legislation passed this week by Assemblyman Steve Englebright (A.6954-A) and Senator Phil Boyle (S.B5422-A) would expand the state’s commitment to renewable energy by requiring heating oil sold in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties …
Iowa Biodiesel on Capitol Hill for Tax Incentive Reform
Biodiesel advocates from Iowa were on Capitol Hill this week to talk with members of Congress about the need for a reformed biodiesel tax incentive. Bills have been introduced in Congress to reinstate the biodiesel tax credit, and reform it from a blenders credit to a producers credit and fix a loophole where foreign biodiesel producers can take advantage of …
DieselSellerz to Promote Biodiesel
The DieselSellerz are going bio with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) to promote biodiesel. The DieselSellerz is the “world’s largest diesel truck classifieds community,” with a crew that has become known for building and giving away tricked-out diesel trucks, as well as other antics, on the Discovery Channel show “Diesel Brothers.” The crew will take on the …
New Iowa Governor Prioritizes Biofuels
Like her predecessor, the new governor of Iowa intends to make renewable fuels a priority in her administration. In her inaugural speech on Wednesday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds made innovating Iowa’s energy policy her second priority, just behind reforming the state’s tax code. “For years, our fields have fed the world. Now, they energize it. They produce products that fuel …
Branstad Confirmed as Chinese Ambassador
Biofuels interests are pleased with final approval of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as U.S. Ambassador to China by a vote of 82-13 in the Senate. “While we hate to lose such a passionate supporter for renewable fuels as governor, there are a number of vital trade issues with China that have a major impact on our industry,” said Iowa Renewable …
Ethanol and Biodiesel Groups Testify on Trade Issues
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) both testified at a U.S. Department of Commerce hearing Thursday to provide input on a recent Executive Order concerning significant trade deficits. The NBB testified about the harm being caused to the U.S. biodiesel industry from increasing volumes of imports from Indonesia, while RFA was focused on China’s recent …
NBB Submits Regulatory Comments to EPA
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) submitted comments this week to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to a call for input on burdensome regulations. NBB provided comments on five subjects: (1) funding for additional guidance and compliance assistance, (2) RFS implementing regulations, (3) the proposed Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule, (4) Product Transfer Documents (PTD) and (5) …
Branstad Signs Iowa Biofuels Infrastructure Bill
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed his last bills as governor of the Hawkeye State last week, including the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund bill (HF 643), which provides $3 million to fund the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. “Governor Branstad has been exceptionally supportive of funding renewable fuels and this infrastructure program. We thank him whole-heartedly for his leadership,” said Grant Kimberley, …
REG Reports Renewable Hydrocarbon Diesel Growth
Renewable Energy Group, Inc. sold almost 25 percent more fuel in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same time last year, largely due to an increase in renewable hydrocarbon diesel gallons. REG also experienced a full quarter of operations at its Madison, Wisconsin facility, and the impact of distillation upgrades completed in 2016 at the Danville, Illinois biorefinery …
Actions Seek to Keep U.S. Biodiesel Tax Benefits at Home
Two actions last week made progress toward preventing foreign biodiesel producers from reaping the benefits of U.S. tax incentives. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) announced the introduction of legislation would extend the $1-per-gallon tax credit for biodiesel through the end of 2020 and reform the credit so it is only used for fuel produced in the U.S. “This legislation would give …