A new study finds that the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) has succeeded in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions more than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) original expectations. The analysis, conducted by Life Cycle Associates and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Foundation, concludes that there has been nearly 600 million metric tons of GHG reduction since 2007, compared to EPA’s …
Praise for Farm Bill Soil Carbon Pilot Program
Several organizations are pleased that the new farm bill includes a climate-friendly soil carbon pilot program. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) thank the Farm Bill conferees for including language in the 2018 Farm Bill to establish an Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) pilot …
B20 Biodiesel Use Translates to $1.2M Health Cost Savings
Illinois communities that routinely use B20 biodiesel fuel in diesel vehicles receive an estimated $1.2 million in health cost savings, according to data submitted by 15 members of the B20 Club, a partnership between the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program and the American Lung Association in Illinois (ALAIL). B20 Club members include Illinois-based municipalities, trucking companies, fuel suppliers and …
Iowa Biofuels Plants Help Fuel Monarch Butterflies
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has launched the Monarch Fueling Station Project to help ethanol and biodiesel producers across the state establish monarch butterfly habitats on green spaces surrounding their plants. “Because of their migratory patterns, monarchs need small patches of habitat throughout the state,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel plants are scattered across …
Biodiesel Helps Clear the Air in Great Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains are so named because of the blue mist that hovers around the peaks and valleys of the range along the Tennessee–North Carolina border. To keep that blue mist from being obscured by smog, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park strives to maintain its natural beauty through practices that reduce the park’s environmental footprint – such as …
Global RFA Urges Renewed Pledge to CO2 Reduction
On Earth Day 2017, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) called for a renewed global commitment to reducing CO2 emissions in the year ahead. GRFA president Bliss Baker notes that nearly 200 countries have signed on to the world’s first binding agreement on climate action. “What needs to happen next is the implementation of policies across the globe aimed at …
Ethanol Report on Earth Day
Ethanol has a seat on the ground at one of the largest Earth Day events in the country this weekend – Earth Day Texas, which last year hosted over 130,000 attendees, over 700 exhibitors and more than 250 speakers. Even bigger and better this year, the event includes the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey where Renewable Fuels Association …
Nebraska Drivers Save $17M With #Ethanol
Ethanol-blended fuels are saving Nebraska consumers money at the pump this year – nearly $17 million. According to data analyzed by the Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB), these savings are due to lower-prices for ethanol as compared to wholesale gasoline along with the state’s projected yearly fuel consumption of 900 million gallons. Today the most common ethanol blend sold across the …
Biofuture Platform Announced During COP22
One of the first transportation-fuel related climate initiatives was announced during COP22 this week. The Biofuture Platform was launched in COP22 host country Marrakech by co-hosts Brazil and Morocco, and is a coalition formed to accelerate development and scale up deployment of modern sustainable low-carbon alternatives to fossil based solutions in transport fuels, industrial processes, chemicals, plastics and other sectors. …
Paris Agreement in Force, GRFA Stresses #Biofuels Role
On November 4, 2016 the Paris Agreement, reached during COP21 and signed by nearly 200 countries, went into force. This is the first enforceable accord setting targets to curb global carbon emissions with the goal of limiting global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. With the agreement now ‘official,’ the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) …