As Americans celebrate the holiday season, they are paying less for food according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Price Outlook. While biodiesel production is higher than ever, the Consumer Price Index for grocery store items is 2.3 percent less than 2015. “Food is a universal part of most holiday celebrations, and this year prices have dropped even as …
EPA Wins Biodiesel Suit
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when it included biodiesel from Argentina under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for obligated parties to use when meeting their volume obligations. Back in 2015, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) filed a petition with the EPA urging them to change their rulemaking …
Iowa Energy Plan Unveiled
Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today unveiled the Iowa Energy Plan, which “assesses current and future energy supply and demand, examines energy policies and programs and identifies emerging challenges and opportunities.” “Iowa is a leader in biofuels and renewable energy,” said Lt. Governor Reynolds. “That leadership was achieved because of thoughtful planning. Creating a statewide energy plan will keep Iowa …
Iowa RFA Announces New Communications Director
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has announced Cassidy Riley as Communications Director for the organization. Riley most recently worked as the Central Iowa Field Director for Senator Chuck Grassley’s 2016 reelection campaign. Prior to the campaign she clerked in the Iowa House of Representatives for Rep. Tom Moore. “I’m thrilled to join the IRFA team because I get to …
Iowa Calls for Renewable Fuels Marketing Award Nominees
Do you know a fuel retailer who has gone above and beyond marketing renewable fuels including ethanol and biodiesel? Then nominate him/her for the Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards. Awards are given for both the sales and promotion of biodiesel and ethanol and the awards are in their 10th year. “Fuel retailers continue to take steps to make ethanol and biodiesel …
Today in Energy Looks at RFS
With the final 2017 rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in place, a recent Today in Energy looks at a revised biofuels forecast through 2017 published by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). The Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) finds that the new rule will have the greatest impact on biomass-based diesel consumption. This category is expected to grow while ethanol …
Iowa RFA Announces 2017 Officers
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) this week announced new board members and officers for 2017, elected at last week’s annual meeting. 2017 IRFA Board of Directors Officers President Eamonn Byrne, Lakeview Plymouth Energy Vice President Steve Bleyl, Green Plains Treasurer Bill Howell, POET Biorefining – Coon Rapids Secretary Derek Winkel, Renewable Energy Group, Inc. Executive Dir. Monte Shaw (non-voting) …
#Biofuels Could Benefit Under Trump
At the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS & Seed Expo this week, noted agricultural economist Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company once again provided his global outlook for agriculture, which includes the outlook for biofuels. Basse noted that he doesn’t believe the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which expires on December 31, 2016, will be extended before the end of the …
Study Shows People Will May More for #Biofuels
A new study has found that consumers are willing to pay more for second generation biofuels, in fact up to an 11 percent premium over conventional fuel. The research, “Consumer Preferences for Second-Generation Bioethanol,” was conducted by Washington State University (WSU) and published in the November issue of the journal of Energy Economics. “We were surprised the premium was that …
BETO to Issue Integrated Biorefinery Optimization Funding
The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the intent to issue a funding opportunity announcement called, “Integrated Biorefinery Optimization.” The funding will support R&D to increase biorefinery efficiencies that result in a continuous operation and production of biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower at competitive prices to fossil-based products. Suggested methods for accomplishing …