A D.C. Circuit Court decision Friday upholds 2019 renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard, while at the same time rejecting arguments from oil refiners that the RFS causes them economic hardship. The National Biodiesel Board, one of the biofuels petitioners in the case challenging EPA’s failure to account for retroactive small refinery exemptions that undercut the annual volumes …
Groups Urge EPA to Propose Higher Octane Fuel Standard
A coalition of agriculture and biofuel groups is urging the administration to propose a higher octane fuel standard as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updates its greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger vehicles and light duty trucks, In a letter to President Joe Biden, the group also requested that EPA open a comment period on the role that high octane …
Research Suggests Use of Biofuels Reduces Cancer Risk
A newly published review of top scientific literature suggests that ethanol-blended fuels “result in less toxic emissions from vehicles and present a lower risk to human health than regular gasoline.” The study was a collaboration between The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota and the Energy Resources Center, University of Illinois Chicago, and was supported in part by the Renewable Fuels …
Klobuchar Introduces Bipartisan Biofuel Package
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has announced the introduction of a new package of bipartisan bills, along with Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and John Thune (R-SD), to expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels, incentivize the use of higher blends of biofuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation, supported by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and American Coalition for …
Senators Urge President Biden to Keep Biofuels Promises
A group of six U.S. senators, led by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), are holding President Biden accountable for the promises he made on the campaign trail to support biofuels producers and farmers in light of recent reports about his consideration of favors to the oil industry. In a letter, the senators reminded Biden, “During your campaign for President, you indicated …
SCOTUS Disappoints Biofuels Coalition with Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court today overturned a 2020 appellate court ruling that struck down three improper small refinery exemptions granted by previous EPA administrators, disappointing the coalition of renewable fuel and farm groups that brought the case. However, the industry remains hopeful that other elements of the original ruling that were unchallenged will discourage future abuses of the exemption program. …
Rep. Randy Feenstra is Passionate About Biofuels
Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) is new to Congress this year, winning the seat from Rep. Steve King in Iowa’s 4th congressional district. That district includes includes Sioux City, Ames, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Boone and Carroll so agriculture and biofuels are a big deal for Feenstra. “I am truly passionate about biofuels and I will be the advocate to further …
Congressional Democrats Urge Support for RFS
Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate are urging the Biden administration “reject any actions under discussion to exempt oil refiners of their obligations under the RFS and uphold your commitment to combating climate change and supporting our nation’s farmers.” Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a letter with …
Grassley Challenges Biden Administration on Biofuels
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) gave a speech on the Senate floor yesterday challenging the Biden Administration’s support of biofuels in general and ethanol in particular. “Reuters reported the Biden Administration is considering ways to allow U.S. oil refiners to not meet their biofuels blending requirements,” said Grassley. “The same administration has proposed hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies for …
USDA Announces Pandemic Aid for Biofuels Producers
Pandemic aid for biofuels producers may soon be on its way. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced implementation of additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses as part of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, including $700 million for biofuels producers adversely impacted by travel restrictions last year. “USDA is honoring its commitment to get financial assistance to producers …