In response to requests by the industry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to extend the comment periods for the proposed Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) Rule and proposed denial to change the Point of Obligation. The REGS comment period was schedule to end on January 17, but EPA received a joint request for an extension of the …
Iowa Governors to Address Iowa RFA Summit
Back by popular demand, current Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and future Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds are scheduled to address the 2017 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Altoona on January 31. Reynolds will be assuming the office of governor when Branstad is confirmed by the Senate as the U.S. ambassador to China, as nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump, so it is …
Minnesota Grows Cleaner Fuel Choices in 2016
Minnesota drivers have more fuel choices then they did a year ago. According to the American Lung Association in Minnesota, 35 new E85 stations opened throughout Minnesota last year, bringing the total number in the state to more than 325, which is more than any other state, and Minnesota flex fuel vehicle drivers used an average of more than a …
Iowa Breaks #Ethanol and #Biodiesel Records in 2016
Iowa’s biofuel industry had another record breaking year for production of both ethanol and biodiesel. In 2016, 43 ethanol plants produced 4.1 billion gallons, a slight increase from 2015 of 4 billion gallons. The most significant driver of demand was the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “Setting another annual ethanol production record is a testament to the efficiency and hard work …
Get Your Submission in for IRFA Video Contest
It’s time to get those submissions in for the “Fuel the Future” video competition, sponsored by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The annual competition awards a $1,000 grand prize to the Iowa high school student, or students, who create the best video about the benefits of biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. The winning entries will be announced during …
Biodiesel Grows, Food Prices Fall
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 …