Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found a way to get more ethanol out of sugars used in the refining process. This university article says they’re using a plant-derived chemical, gamma valerolactone, or GVL. “With the sugar platform, you have possibilities,” says Jeremy Luterbacher, a postdoctoral researcher and the paper’s lead author. “You’ve taken fewer forks down the conversion …
RFS Road Show Kicks Off in Iowa
A Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) road show is kicking off in Iowa on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 to highlight the importance of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will be encouraging Iowans to comment on a proposal by the EPA that would significantly lower the levels of ethanol and biodiesel that are mandated to be blended …
VoteVets Expands RFS Ad Campaign
VoteVets has expanded its television campaign in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The ads began in Iowa earlier this month and have now expanded into Nebraska. The ads are also airing in Washington, D.C. The ad airing in Nebraska features Iraq War Veteran, Michael Connolly, making the case that gutting the Renewable Fuel Standard would allow for a …
Farm Bureau Lends Support to Keeping RFS
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers its proposal that would, in effect, slash the amount of ethanol and biodiesel to be blended into the Nation’s fuel supply, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is telling the government to leave the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) alone. During their policy session at the recent AFBF annual meeting in San Antonio, …
New Study: Corn Ethanol Reduces GHG Emissions
According to a new study, that compared the greenhouse gas emission reductions of corn ethanol and those of crude oil production and fracking, corn ethanol’s carbon intensity is declining while the carbon intensity of petroleum is increasing. The study was conducted by Life Cycle Associates and found that the carbon impacts associated with crude oil production continue to worsen as …
And the Experts Keep On A Comin
The 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show is just around the corner (January 28, 2014) and the list of experts keeps on a comin. The event’s host, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), has announced a new panel, “The Future Engine Technology Enhanced by Ethanol and Biodiesel” that will feature two experts on future engine designs and …
Iowa Renewable Fuel Awards Go To…
This years Biodiesel and Ethanol Marketing Awards went to Russ and Barb Danielsen from Southern Iowa Oil and Jason Stauffer from STAR Energy. The 2014 winners were announced by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. “Both winners have gone to great lengths to make biodiesel and ethanol more available to Iowa drivers and I appreciate the effort and investment they …
MAPCO to Sell E15
A big announcement for the availability with consumers this week with the announcement that MAPCO Express, one of the country’s largest retail chains, they will begin offering E15 to consumers. MAPCO has set a goal of offering E15 at all pumps at 100 stations. Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), said of the news, “This …
New Illinois Farm Bureau Prez: RFS Top Priority
Members of the American Farm Bureau Federation have met in San Antonio, Texas, where they have been talking AFBF policy. And the new Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert says ethanol and the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) remains the top priority for farmers in his state and the region. “Midwest farmers have worked so hard and so long to get …
Group: Budget Creates Uncertainty for Biofuels
The $1.1 trillion U.S. budget deal passed by the House and awaiting action from the Senate has removed discretionary funding for Farm Bill energy programs, according to a group that considers ag-based energy issues. And this story from BioFuels Journal says the Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) feels the 2014 Consolidated Appropriations agreement underscores the need for Congress to get busy …