The latest data from the Energy Information Administration show that U.S. ethanol production and consumption rose nearly two percent in 2023 to reach their highest levels since 2019, while the blend rate hit a record 10.39 percent, pushing further above the hypothetical 10-percent “blend wall,” according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Once again, the ethanol blend rate exceeded 10% …
Ethanol Report on 29th NEC
The 29th National Ethanol Conference held in San Diego California last week may go down as one of the best and most timely industry meetings ever, setting the stage for major decisions that hang in the balance this year, including year-round availability of E15 and a revised GREET model that will determine ethanol’s role in sustainable aviation fuel. The Renewable …
ACE Reacts to E15 Waiver Approval, Prepares for DC Fly-in
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) reacted to the Biden Administration’s EPA announcement this week to allow the sale of E15 year-round in eight Midwest states, but not until the summer of 2025. “As the saying goes, ‘better late than never,’ but EPA had a legal responsibility to approve E15 year-round in these states more than a year and a …
EPA Announces E15 Waiver Approval for 8 States in 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday approval of requests from state governors to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for gasoline-ethanol blends containing 10 percent ethanol in their states, but delays the effective date to April 28, 2025. “After review of the emissions modeling results presented by the governors in their requests, EPA is removing the 1-psi waiver in the following …
#RFANEC 2024 Wraps Up in California
The Renewable Fuels Association wrapped up its 2024 National Ethanol Conference Wednesday in San Diego with RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper calling it one of the most successful ever. “This has been a great event, lots of energy, lots of enthusiasm coming out of this conference for the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Cooper. “We had the most people …
Iowa Awards $3.4 Million to Expand E15 Availability
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) has approved 74 project applications totaling more than $3.4 million in cost-share funding for Iowa fuel retailers for the first quarter to fund a record 73 ethanol cost-share projects to increase availability of E15 across the state. The board also approved one application for a new biodiesel terminal project. Once completed, these projects …
Nebraska Retailers Urged to Apply for HBIIP Grants
Nebraska is one of 22 states that recently received a portion of $19 million awarded recently by USDA under the Higher Blend Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) with 16 retail locations receiving grants. The Nebraska Ethanol Board is urging retailers across the state to take advantage of the program during the current signup period. Launched in July 2023 with a $450 …
Montana Becomes 49th State to Approve E15
As of January 1, Montana became the 49th state to allow retail sales of E15, with California now remaining as the only state to prevent the sale of 15% ethanol-blended fuel. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry last year approved updated state regulations based on the most recent National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) handbook which went into …
Governors’ E15 Waiver Request Moves Forward
After months of delay, some action was finally taken this week on the request from eight states to allow year-round sales of E15. On Monday, EPA’s proposed rule was sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final review, which is the last step in the process before the rule is finalized and published. Renewable Fuels …
Most 2024 Vehicles Approved for E15
More new vehicles than ever are specifically approved by manufacturers to run on 15 percent ethanol blended fuel (E15). The Renewable Fuels Association just released its annual review of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements and found that E15 is explicitly approved by the manufacturer for use in approximately 95 percent of model year 2024 cars and light trucks. “RFA …