This morning at Chicagoland Speedway the driver of the American Ethanol car, Austin Dillon, paid a visit to the Family Farmers exhibit in Champions Park outside the track. He made some remarks to the people who had gathered around to see him before signing autographs. I was able to get a moment with Austin. He says he’s always excited to …
NASCAR Race Weekend in Chicago
At the NASCAR Fuel for Business Council® meeting in Chicago, New Holland became the Official Agricultural Equipment of NASCAR®. Here’s New Holland on display outside of Chicagoland Speedway for this weekend’s NASCAR races. I’ll be covering the Nationwide Series Dollar General 300. In fact, I’m out at the track working with Illinois Family Farmers and the Illinois Corn Growers. You …
Ag Energy Coalition Urges Passage of Farm Bill
The 2012 Farm Bill has been big news this week as the agricultural industry, along with dozens of other groups, call for Congress to pass the bill before it sunsets on September 30, 2012. Earlier this week the Farm Bill Now coalition held a rally in Washington, D.C. that included participation of all Iowa legislators. The Agriculture Energy Coalition (AgEC) …
RFS Waiver Comment Period Extended
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a 15 day extension of the comment period on the requests for a waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), who filed for an extension on August 30, 2012, applauded EPA’s decision. They requested the waiver so corn growers and other energy crop farmers had a chance …
FFV Drivers in Nebraska Save More at Pump
Flex fuel vehicles in Nebraska are on the rise. The state has shown an increase of FFVs by more than 20 percent from last year with greater than 143,000 registered in the state. FFVs can run on ethanol fuel blends up to E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline). Many drivers are unaware they have an FFV. Most FFVs now …
Sacramento Gets New Biofuels Station
Sacramento, California has a new biofuels station selling both E85 and biodiesel. The station owned by Propel Fuels is co-located at the Mak’s Valero station at 1101 Broadway in downtown. The renewable fuel station is located near I-80, Business Route 80, I-5, Highway 50 and Highway 99. This is the ninth Propel station in the Greater Sacramento area due to …
Ag Secretary Highlights Biofuels During US Ship Visit
US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack went aboard the USS Monterey at the Naval Station Norfolk to highlight the commitment the military is making to advanced biofuels. He was joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Energy for Navy Tom Hicks. “Developing the next generation of advanced biofuels for our nation’s military is both a national security issue and aneconomic issue,” …
Alt Energy Vehicle Roadshow Hits Florida
The Alternative Fueled Vehicle Roadshow is driving into Florida. Sponsored by Clean Cities North Florida, Clean Cities Gold Coast, Clean Cities Tampa Bay and Clean Cities Central Florida, the eight city tour begins on September 18, 2012 and ends on September 27, 2012. During the event, attendees will learn about options for fueling vehicles with alternative transportation fuels rather than traditional gasoline …
Renewable Energy Part of Obama Acceptance
Renewable energy was part of President Obama’s acceptance speech Thursday night as the Democratic nominee for 2012. “We have doubled our use of renewable energy, and thousands of Americans have jobs today building wind turbines and long-lasting batteries,” Obama said to applause. “In the last year alone, we cut oil imports by 1 million barrels a day, more than any …
Vilsack Talks Biofuels at DNC
Delegates gathered to nominate Pres. Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC heard from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who pointed to his boss’ commitment to biofuels and rural America. “President Obama has a detailed plan for a new rural economy,” Vilsack told the delegates. “More support for small businesses making, creating and innovating. More investment …