Biofuel organizations are baffled by the White House “Plan to Respond to Putin’s Price Hike at the Pump” released Thursday that completely ignores increasing use of renewable fuels. The plan to address higher fuel prices resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine calls on petroleum companies to ramp up oil production and includes an unprecedented release of up to 180 million …
Biofuels Caucus Members Press Biden on E15
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) led the six bipartisan Co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and 23 additional Members of Congress in a letter to President Joe Biden Thursday urging him to prioritize homegrown renewable fuels as a replacement for Russian energy sources. The letter specifically asks the President to direct EPA to both allow the summer sales of E15 …
Reps Question Lack of Biofuels in Budget
Representatives from Iowa questioned Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young Tuesday on the lack of biofuels in the $6 trillion White House budget unveiled this week. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) both pressed Young on why there was no mention of biofuels in the budget. “I believe EPA will have more details when they …
Rep. Craig Hopes EPA Will Allow Year Round E15
Last week, Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) and several of her colleagues introduced the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act, in an effort to expand the production and availability of American biofuels and lower energy costs for working families. “At the gas pump this past weekend E15 was anywhere from 30 cents to 50 cents (less), and we found one gas …
Secretary Vilsack Addresses #Classic22
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made only his second in-person appearance at a large agricultural event since taking office last year when he addressed the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans Friday and thousands of corn, sorghum, soybean, and wheat farmers. He talked about the situation in Ukraine and being able to hear from the agriculture minister from that country …
Senators Introduce Energy Independence Act
Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced a new bill that puts into law a ban on Russian oil and opens up the use and production of American biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel. The Home Front Energy Independence Act combines parts of several of the senators’ past bills that would make E15 available year round, establish an …
Iowa Lawmakers Promote Biofuels for Energy Security
As gas prices soar, Iowa’s bipartisan congressional delegation this week magnified the voices of ethanol supporters telling the Biden administration to unleash the power of higher ethanol blends in strengthening American energy security and lowering record-high pump prices. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Reps. Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Cindy Axne (IA-03), Ashley Hinson (IA-01) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks …
Iowa Biofuel Supporters Rally at Capitol for Access Bill
Over 200 Iowa biofuels supporters rallied at the Iowa State Capitol rotunda Wednesday to show support for the Iowa Biofuels Access Bill. The bill, proposed by Governor Kim Reynolds, would increase consumer access to higher biofuel blends including 20% biodiesel (B20) and E15 ethanol, as well as increasing infrastructure cost share for retailers. Iowa Biodiesel Board executive director Grant Kimberley …
Chevron Announces Agreement to Acquire REG
Chevron Corporation and Renewable Energy Group, Inc. announced today a definitive agreement under which Chevron will acquire the outstanding shares of REG in an all-cash transaction valued at $3.15 billion, or $61.50 per share. The acquisition combines REG’s growing renewable fuels production and leading feedstock capabilities with Chevron’s large manufacturing, distribution and commercial marketing position. “REG was a founder of …
Iowa Biofuel Production Rebounds
A new study finds Iowa biofuels production rebounded in 2021 to provided a strong boost to the state’s economy. The study, authored by John Urbanchuk of ABF Economics and commissioned by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), found the production of ethanol and biodiesel accounts for over $5 billion in state GDP, supports nearly 46,000 jobs throughout the economy, and …