The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing whether to allow biofuels produced from palm oil as an allowable renewable fuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). The palm oil industry and the Indonesian and Malaysian governments are applying pressure to the EPA to reverse its finding that the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from palm oil production are …
RFS Waiver Comment Period Comes to a Close
With the RFS waiver request comment period coming to a close yesterday, the ethanol industry sent another round of comments to the EPA saying a waiver was not needed. But the ethanol industry was not the only sector to respond, the National Corn Growers Association submitted a letter in support of the RFS as is, as did the Governors of …
ACE Urges EPA to Deny RFS Waiver Requests
As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comment period comes to a close prior to their decision on whether or not to grant a waiver for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the American Coalition for Ethanol submitted comments to make the case to keep the RFS in place. The comment deadline is October 11, 2012. ACE Executive Vice President, Brian Jennings, …
IRFA Launches 2012 Election Campaign Webpage
With the presidential elections only a few weeks away, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has unveiled a new web page that highlights the stances of President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney regarding their positions on renewable fuels. As the campaign progresses, additional information will be added. “Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of both ethanol and biodiesel, …
EU Ethanol Dumping Allegations Dropped
Reuters is reporting that the European Union is no longer investigating allegations that the United States illegally subsidized and dumped ethanol on the European Market. The European Commission, which is the executive body of the European Union, conducted an 11-month investigation. During that time, the Commission says it found no evidence that such action had been taken by the U.S. …
Global Biofuels Market Forecast to Grow
According to a new Global Biofuels Market Report, the global biofuels market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7.7 percent between 2011-2015. A key factor is the expected increase in government funding and subsidies. The report looks at growth in the Americas, the EMEA And APAC regions and includes discussions about key companies operating in the market such …
FAPRI Study Weighs Impact of RFS Waiver
A new report has been issued by FAPRI-MU regarding the impacts of various RFS waiver options to inform decision makers who will determine if and how a wavier should be issued to adjust biofuel mandates for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2). The request came from various sources in response to the 2012 drought that still continues. “Renewable Fuel Standard Waiver Options …
Renewable Energy in the Debate
Increasing America’s energy independence came up quickly in the presidential debate last night and it showed some similarities and some clear differences between the candidates. “I think it’s important for us to develop new sources of energy here in America,” President Obama said in his opening remarks. Governor Romney followed up by putting energy first in his five part plan …
Major Auto Companies Endorse E15
In response to strong sales of E15 in areas where the ethanol blend is offered, Ford Motor Company and General Motors (GM) announced their recommendations for use of E15 in their new vehicles. GM added the recommendation of E15 for its 2012 and newer vehicles, while Ford recommends E15 for its 2013 and newer vehicles. In response, Iowa Renewable Fuels …
And the Survey Says…
With the legislative races in the home stretch, the American Coalition for Ethanol has released survey responses covering key Congressional and Senate races across the country. The two major party candidates in races including the Indiana Senate, Iowa Congressional Districts 03 and 04, Minnesota Congressional District 07, Missouri Senate, North Dakota Senate, and the South Dakota At-Large Congressional District responded …