IA Gov. Branstad to Speak Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

Joanna Schroeder

Once again, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad along with Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will be discussing Iowa’s leading role in biofuel production and development during the 10th annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The free event takes place January 19, 2016 in Altoona, Iowa. “Under Gov. Branstad’s proactive leadership, Iowa has become the nation’s …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

ARF: Sen Cruz is Anti-Job, Anti-Farmer

Joanna Schroeder

America’s Renewable Future (ARF) will be following presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz around Iowa as he campaigns to let voters know “the truth” about his “dangerous” plans for the state’s farmers and economy. The ARF RV will be at each of Cruz’s 28 stops and community members and ARF staff will be speaking with Iowans about their final Renewable Fuel …

biofuels, RFS

ARF Releases Final Prez Candidate Report

Joanna Schroeder

As the year comes to a close, Americas Renewable Future (ARF) has released its final 2016 presidential candidate Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) report card. Candidates are given a “good” or “bad” grade based on their statements and actions related to the alternative energy legislation. ARF plans to send the report card to more than 50,000 pledged caucus-goers so that “Iowans …

biofuels, Legislation, RFS

USDA Highlights 2015 Energy Achievements

Cindy Zimmerman

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has released a list of USDA’s top achievements in 2015 in the areas of trade, food security, conservation, energy, research, rural development, and more. “Even with challenges in 2015, including an unprecedented animal disease outbreak and lower commodity prices, America’s rural communities have proven once again that we are a nation of makers, creators and innovators, …

bioenergy, biofuels, Ethanol, USDA

Bill Howell Wins New Holland Boomer 47

Joanna Schroeder

Bill Howell was the winner of the 2015 Growth Energy Individual Member Sweepstakes and took home a Boomer 47, a 47 hp tractor customized with Growth Energy racing decals. The contest was sponsored by New Holland and Growth Energy and Howell was presented with his Boomer 47 in Carroll, Iowa this week. “We are proud to support farmers and those …

Agribusiness, biofuels, Growth Energy, New Holland

RFA Analysis: More Automakers Approving E15

Joanna Schroeder

According to an analysis conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) of 2016 model year (MY) warranty statements and owners manuals, auto makers are approving E15 use in more than 70 percent of new vehicles. This is an increase from MY 2015 when a little over 60 percent of vehicles were approved to use E15. RFA’s analysis shows that, for …

biofuels, E15, RFA

ExxonMobil, Wisc. Partner on Biomass-Biofuel Project

John Davis

Oil giant ExxonMobil has partnered with the University of Wisconsin–Madison on a project to turn biomass into biofuel. This article from Lab Manager says the two inked a two-year research agreement. UW–Madison long has been known for its expertise in biomass conversion, and the project leverages the university’s expertise alongside the resources and technology development of ExxonMobil. George Huber, the …

biofuels, biomass

Seattle Airport Inks Deal for Aviation Biofuels

John Davis

Officials at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are partnering with Alaska Airlines and Boeing to aim to have all flights out of the hub use sustainable aviation biofuel. This news release from the port authority says Sea-Tac is the first U.S. airport to lay out a long-term roadmap to incorporate aviation biofuel into its infrastructure in a cost-effective, efficient manner. At …

aviation biofuels, biofuels

Huckabee Talks Energy During Debate

Cindy Zimmerman

The CNN Republican Presidential Candidates debate from Las Vegas this week was focused entirely on national security issues, but the word biofuels was actually uttered by one of the candidates who put forth the idea of using energy as a weapon. “We ought to be challenging not only Russia, but the Iranians and the Saudis, on the point of energy,” …

Audio, biofuels, Energy, politics

Is Cruz for or Against Ethanol?

Joanna Schroeder

In Iowa, presidential Republican candidates Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz are leading the polls, but the two are running close. One heated area of debate: renewable fuels. With Iowa the leading state for all things biofuels, voters want a president who will continue to support clean, renewable energy and rural economic development, something Trump as been a supporter and …

biofuels, Ethanol, politics, RFS