Record high production of ethanol and biodiesel in 2016 continued to power the rural Iowa economy engine despite another challenging year, according to the latest economic impact study commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “The environment facing Iowa’s biodiesel industry was more favorable than that experienced by ethanol producers,” said study author John Urbanchuk, ABF Economics. “Both the …
NBB Names New Chief Operating Officer
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has promoted Doug Whitehead to Chief Operating Officer, after 10 years in various roles with the organization, most recently as the Director of Operations and Membership. “Doug has admirably served the biodiesel industry in his various roles at NBB over the years and his experience and expertise in operations, membership, strategic thinking, and management uniquely …
Iowa RFA Presents High School Video Awards
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) presented this year’s winners of the “Fuel the Future” High School Video Contest at the annual summit this week. First place went to Jacob Roush and Dylan Smith of Waukee who received the $1,000 Grand Prize for their video “Choose Ethanol: Fuel the Future.” Amy Wieland and Tyler Groathouse of Waukee High School won …
Iowa Renewable Fuels “Unrelenting”
The 2017 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the industry this year. “The state of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry is uncertain but unrelenting,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “We are ready to expand and bring cheaper, cleaner, home-grown fuels to US and world consumers.” Concerning federal policy, Shaw foresees unrelenting progress …
General Motors Pleased to Take Biodiesel Lead
General Motors was very pleased to announce its expanded portfolio of B20-capable vehicles during the recent 14th National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego, taking the lead among auto makers with 20 trucks, cars and crossovers able to use 20% biodiesel. “We listen to what our customers are asking us for,” said John Schwegman, GM Director of Commercial Product and Medium …
Biodiesel Fueling Future from Coast to Coast
The closing session of the 14th National Biodiesel Conference & Expo last week provided a look back at the accomplishments of the past year and how biodiesel is fueling a low carbon future. Led by Don O’Connor, a Vancouver-based international expert on greenhouse-gas emissions, the panel discussed biodiesel opportunities from coast to coast. From the west coast was Simon Mui, …
Former Congressman to Talk Biodiesel at Iowa RFA Summit
Fresh off his annual appearance at the National Biodiesel Conference last week in San Diego, former U.S. Representative Kenny Hulshof will be heading to Altoona, Iowa next week to talk about “Biodiesel: America’s Advanced Biofuel” at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 31st. While biodiesel is the most readily available source of advanced biofuel, challenges remain. Hulshof will speak …
2016 #Biodiesel Market Hits Record Highs
The good news is that the amount of biodiesel and renewable diesel available to U.S. consumers last year increased by almost 40 percent. The bad news for domestic producers is that imports increased by more than 50 percent in 2016. “We are proud to be delivering record gallons of American made biodiesel, but that success is undermined by the fact …
Meet New NBB Chairman
Kent Engelbrecht of ADM was elected chairman of the National Biodiesel Board in November, marking the first time that company has moved into the leadership position for the organization. “We’ve been involved in biodiesel since 2006,” said Engelbrecht. “We’ve got four plants in North America producing a lot of biodiesel, and that uses a lot of soybean oil, and that …
John Deere Continues Biodiesel Support
John Deere green was on display at the National Biodiesel Conference Vehicle Showcase last week in San Diego. Chuck Studer, Director of Industry Relations, highlighted John Deere’s vast diesel equipment product line and long-standing involvement with biodiesel. John Deere was one of the first original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to get involved with biodiesel, approving B5 biodiesel blends for use in …