The Renewable Fuels Association’s flex fuel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (FFPHEV) worked hard in 2023, so just ahead of the 2024 National Ethanol Conference in California last month, RFA’s Robert White decided to take it along on a family vacation as he drove from Kansas City to San Diego. White, who serves as RFA Senior Vice President for Industry Relations …
Ag and Food Summit Features SAF Discussion
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was the topic of two panels at Monday’s “2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit: Revitalizing Rural Revenues” in Washington D.C. and there was a lot of discussion surrounding the GREET model, changes in the RFS, carbon sequestration, corn ethanol, and new feedstocks. Alder Renewables CEO Tim Obitts says agriculture holds the key to the future for …
ACE Wraps Up 2024 DC Fly-in
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) wrapped up its annual DC Fly-in last week, with dozens of members bringing their message to Capitol Hill when it comes to important topics for the industry. CEO Brian Jennings was especially pleased members were able to hear from Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), sponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of …
Sen. Grassley Meets with Ethanol Stakeholders
One of the few members of Congress still left in town on Thursday afternoon last week was Iowa’s senior Senator Chuck Grassley, who was more than happy to meet with members of the American Coalition for Ethanol and talk about his favorite topic. “It’s good for agriculture, it’s good for the environment, it’s good for good paying jobs in rural …
New USDA Under Secretary Excited to Help Rural America
The recently confirmed USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development told ethanol supporters last week that he is excited about the programs they have to help the people in rural America. “One thing that I really want to make clear that I bring to this position as Under Secretary each day is my passion for rural America,” said Dr. Basil Gooden …
Irish Group Invests $500 Million in Aztalan Bio
Irish agribusiness group ClonBio announced this week a $500 million in Wisconsin biorefinery Aztalan Bio. ClonBio contracted to purchase the plant in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin in 2022 and has invested $100 million in the acquisition and upgrading of the plant, which is now the largest grain processing facility in Wisconsin. “We are thrilled with this monumental investment by our parent …
Year Round E15 Bill Hits Roadblock
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) told members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) meeting in Washington D.C. this week that her bill to allow year-round sales of E15 has hit a roadblock, in the form of Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE). “Senator Carper, as you know, is chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee,” said Fischer. “We’ve reached out to …
New EPA Ag Office Head Addresses ACE Fly-in
The head of EPA’s new Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Rod Snyder addressed the 13th American Coalition for Ethanol DC Fly-in Thursday and had a lot to talk about of interest to ethanol stakeholders, not the least of which was updates to the GREET model for implementation of Inflation Reduction Act tax credits. “It’s better to do something right …
Record E85 Sales Save California Drivers $99 Million
The record use of E85 (up to 85% ethanol fuel) in California last year saved the state’s drivers $99 million in 2023, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 370,000 metric tons, according to a new analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association. A record 118.5 million gallons of E85 were sold last year, up 14 percent over 2022 and nearly …
Lawmakers Push for Year Round E15
More than 30 members of the U.S. House of Representatives this week sent a letter to House leadership requesting a legislative solution to allow the voluntary sale of E15 year-round nationwide. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) led the letter to Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, Chair McMorris Rodgers, and Ranking Member Pallone. …