President Trump welcomed new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on his first day in office for a White House “Farmers Roundtable” with 14 farmers and ranchers from around the country. During the roundtable event, the president signed an Executive Order establishing an Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity “to promote economic development and revitalization, job growth, infrastructure, innovation, …
Biofuels Stakeholders Comment on Oral Arguments
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) presented oral arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Monday on the petition for review of the Renewable Volume Obligations for 2014-2016 filed by Americans for Clean Energy, et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in January 2016. The NBB challenged EPA’s interpretation and use of its waiver authority …
Coalition Formed to Protect Point of Obligation
A coalition made up largely of fuel retailers has been formed to oppose efforts to change the point of obligation requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Main Street Energy Alliance (MSEA) includes the National Association of Convenience Stores, NATSO (representing truck stops and travel plazas), the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, as well as Shell and …
GRFA Calls on Increased Action for Climate Change
Bliss Baker, the President of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA), has asked G20 leaders take last year’s Paris Accord even further. The first binding climate agreement needs to be scaled up in it’s ambitiousness to reduce emissions in the transport sector, Baker said, especially in light of a newly released report “Perspectives for the Energy Transition” from the International …
Ethanol Powering Crappie Masters Boats
When it comes to using ethanol blended fuel in your boat engine it is important to follow manufacturer directions and actually just properly maintain your equipment. That is advice from pro fishermen like Terry Richard here. Terry and teammate Casey Rayner will be competing in this weekend’s Crappie Masters tournament sponsored by The Renewable Fuels Association, American Ethanol, and Bass …
Iowa Tells Pruitt to Leave RFS Alone
With the Senate poised to confirm Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Iowa has a message for him – Don’t Mess with the RFS. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and other state organizations urged Pruitt to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by rejecting a petition to change the program’s point of obligation, which …
Program Improving Sorghum for Food and Fuel
A plant breeding program to improve sorghum varieties for biofuel production could now help meet growing food demands in Africa. The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has announced a three-year $6.1 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand and accelerate the development and deployment of advanced sorghum phenotyping and breeding technologies in support of improved varieties …
Biofuels and China Impact Crop Outlook
Dr. Pat Westhoff of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri brought attendees of the American Farm Bureau Federation‘s Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show last week an outlook for the 2017-2018 crop demand. Overall, he says, look for 2017 to follow a similar trend of 2016, with prices continuing to be below average. …
Minnesota Grows Cleaner Fuel Choices in 2016
Minnesota drivers have more fuel choices then they did a year ago. According to the American Lung Association in Minnesota, 35 new E85 stations opened throughout Minnesota last year, bringing the total number in the state to more than 325, which is more than any other state, and Minnesota flex fuel vehicle drivers used an average of more than a …
Iowa Energy Plan Unveiled
Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today unveiled the Iowa Energy Plan, which “assesses current and future energy supply and demand, examines energy policies and programs and identifies emerging challenges and opportunities.” “Iowa is a leader in biofuels and renewable energy,” said Lt. Governor Reynolds. “That leadership was achieved because of thoughtful planning. Creating a statewide energy plan will keep Iowa …