Unite and Ignite is the theme for this year’ 26th annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Conference that will take place in Des Moines, Iowa August 26-28, 2013. ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings says the theme of “Unite and Ignite,” points to the critical topics and timely opportunities that will be covered. “Our upcoming conference will be helpful to …
Oil Prices Heading Skyward
Oil prices are heading skyward again with U.S. prices soaring past $100 a barrel. The average cost of a gallon of gasoline rose 7.5 cents nationwide in less than one week and there is growing concern that gas prices will continue to rise due to escalating political turmoil in the Middle East. “Here we go again. With domestic oil now …
Syngenta Pledges Support for Renewable Fuels
During the American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen this past Saturday held at the Newton Speedway, Syngenta announced a three-year commitment to contribute $1 to the renewable fuels industry for every acre planted with Enogen trait technology. The initiative, that began with this year’s growing season, will help support America’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and promote the benefits of renewable …
New FOE Study Slams Biofuels
A new study by Friends of the Earth slams biofuels and bases many of its conclusions on indirect land use change (ILUC) a hotly debated theory. The report, “Understanding the Biofuel Trade-offs between Indirect Land Use Change, Hunger and Poverty,” authored by Timothy Searchinger, relies on ILUC theory and leaves out several underlying causes of global hunger when making an …
EU Votes to Cap Biofuel “Food” Feedstock Use
This week the European Parliament Environment Committee voted for the European Union (EU) to cap the amount of food used as biofuels at 5.5 percent. Groups opposed to the measure want to see an end to biofuels created from “food” crops. The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive requires EU member states to use 10 percent of the road transport fuel from …
Ethanol Safety Seminars Head to California
Ethanol Safety Seminars, hosted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), are heading to California this month, as part of a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant. All seminars are free and feature sessions from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The seminars are designed for individuals who respond to ethanol-related emergencies as well as those who work at …
The Right to Blend
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed into law last week legislation that preserves an Iowa petroleum marketer’s right to blend with Iowa manufactured ethanol and biodiesel. This, according to Dawn Carlson, president of the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa, helps retailers sell competitively priced fuel and preserves Iowa jobs. “We celebrate the signing of Iowa’s “Right to Blend Law”, …
Iowa State Growing Algae for Biofuel, Other Uses
Researchers at Iowa State have a new facility to grow algae for a variety of uses, including biofuel production. This news release from the school says the facility’s innovative design is attracting a lot of interest from other universities and private industry. The facility contains a novel biofilm-based cultivation system designed by Martin Gross, a graduate assistant in agricultural and …
Reactions to EPA Vehicle Emissions Proprosed Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has asked for comments regarding its proposed rule on Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards and the industry responded in force. Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) noted that for the most part, the air toxics the EPA is reviewing pertain to refiners of gasoline and auto manufacturers, …
July 1st – Independence Day for Iowa Fuel Retailers
July 1, 2013 has now become “Independence Day” for Iowa fuel retailers as today marks the enactment of a new Iowa law that frees Iowa retailers from some Big Oil restrictions. “Today, new liberties go into effect for Iowa’s fuel retailers. They now have the freedom to offer the fuel options they choose, not what Big Oil dictates,” said Iowa …