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 …
USDA to Invest $1 Billion in Climate Smart Commodities
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was in Jefferson City, Missouri yesterday to announce $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse …
#NBB22 Ponders Future of RFS
Moderated by National Biodiesel Board’s Kurt Kovarik, a group of panelists discussed the history and potential future of the Renewable Fuels Standard at the 2022 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. Former Senator Byron Dorgan outlined the steps taken over the past nearly 30 years to bring alternative and renewable fuels including biodiesel to where they are today. He said the …
Iowa House Passes Biofuel Access Bill
Iowa moved one step closer this week to higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel statewide as the Iowa State House passed the 2022 Biofuel Access Bill by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw says they are urging the state Senate to take the bill up quickly. “We also want to thank Gov. Reynolds for …
EPA to Host Biofuel Greenhouse Gas Modeling Workshop
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling February 28 – March 1. This workshop seeks to solicit information on the current scientific understanding of greenhouse gas modeling of land-based biofuels and how this information can be applied to a range of current and future actions. EPA is explicitly seeking comment …
Iowa Governor Prioritizes Biofuels for 2022
During her 2022 Condition of the State speech this week, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds highlighted biofuels and her commitment to expand consumer access to E15 and B20 as one of her top priorities for this legislative session. “I am introducing new legislation that will improve access to E15 and B20 and upgrade Iowa’s fuel infrastructure to offer higher blends,” said …
CARB Urged to Recognize Climate-Smart Farming in LCFS
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), along with the Great Plains Institute, Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, the National Biodiesel Board, and Canadian Oilseed Processors Association, this week sent a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) urging them to recognize the climate benefits of farming practices in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). . The letter cites principles for …