The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has released a Top 10 list of efficiency and technology innovations of the past decade. IRFA Vice President and Absolute Energy CEO Rick Schwarck noted that while a lot has been written about the ethanol and biodiesel industry since the passing of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005, not enough focus has been on …
Getting to Know POET’s New CEO
During the Farm Progress Show, Cindy Zimmerman had the opportunity to sit down with new POET Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Lautt. Although he has been with the company for nearly eight years, he took the helm as president two years ago and several months ago was tapped as CEO. Lautt has taken over in a tough year for the ethanol …
Tom Slunecka Joins Minnesota Soybean Growers
Tom Slunecka has been named the new executive director for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. Prior to taking the helm of the soybean team on August 27, 2012, Slunecka was the vice president of marketing for PhibroChem where he focused on ethanol and animal agriculture. He also served as the executive director of the organization …
IRFA Renews Safety Alliance
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has renewed its safety alliance with the Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Iowa OSHA) for two years. The partnership is designed for the two organizations, through IRFA’s Safety Task Force, to explore best management practices and improve the recognition and control of workplace hazards in ethanol and biodiesel plants throughout Iowa. “The safety …
UC Davis Works to Develop Renewable Diesel Fuels
Researchers at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) located at University of California, Riverside, are working to develop diesel formulations with higher levels of renewable biofuels. The research supports the goal of California to reduce emissions in fuels and lower greenhouse gases. So far, researchers have evaluated the potential impacts of using biodiesel in diesel sold in the …
KSU Coach Bill Snyder Plays for Ethanol
Kansas State University head coach Bill Snyder is playing for ethanol. He has become a spokesperson for a radio campaign to promote the benefits of ethanol sponsored by the Kansas Association of Ethanol Producers (KAEP). The radio ads are part of a season-long ethanol promotion and will be aired on KSU’s 33-station network during all regular season football games and …
Tell Governors No to RFS Waiver
As the political frenzy heats up leading into the Democratic and Republican Conventions, the ethanol industry’s campaign to stop a waiver to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) is heating up as well. This week, several ethanol organizations have sent out letters to key legislatures including governors explaining why there is no need for a waiver. The governors who are advocating for a …
Gas Prices Rise with Isaac’s Arrival
Gas prices are beginning to rise in anticipation of hurricane Isaac, directly headed to New Orleans nearly seven years after hurricane Katrina. While evacuation plans were underway in the city, President Obama was in Ames, Iowa and Monte Shaw, the executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association brought a letter for the president asking him to take emergency action …
Getting More Products From Soybeans
During the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society a new integrated soybean biorefinery was revealed. The technology is designed to create a wider portfolio of products from soybeans. “Mention soybeans to most people, and they immediately think of the oil,” said Ramani Narayan, Michigan State (MSU) University Distinguished Professor, who reported on the new biorefinery technology. “Soybean …
Car Talker Responds to SEMA Ethanol Slam
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), has slammed ethanol saying it opposes the use of E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes corrosion with incompatible parts. They are one of many organizations that have brought a lawsuit against the use of E15 that also included manufacturers of cars, boats and power equipment. The organization says ethanol increases water formation that …