Novozymes has joined FuelChoiceNow, a coalition announced last week to create more open access to alternative fuels. “The formation of this new coalition proves that momentum is continuing to build behind biofuels. Consumers deserve to have a choice with their fuel and our economy needs the jobs,” said Adam Monroe, President of Novozymes North America. “Novozymes is proud to be …
Ethanol Group Says Changing RFS is “Bad Policy”
Legislation reportedly being drafted that would change the Renewable Fuels Standard would be a bad policy move, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Reuters reported this week that a bill is being drafted in the House that would “reduce the federal mandate to use fuel ethanol when corn supplies are tight” in an effort to keep livestock feed prices …
Groups Challenge 15% Ethanol Rules and Label
Groups representing small engine, automakers and marine manufacturers announced a formal legal challenge to regulations and labeling proposed for the use of 15% ethanol blends (E15) in older model vehicles. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and other organizations object to the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Regulation to Mitigate Misfueling” rule and labeling proposal meant to address concerns about improper use …
RFA Urges Super Committee to Look at Oil Subsidies
In a letter to the co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, the so-called “super committee” assigned to find ways to cut the deficit, the Renewable Fuels Association today urged them to “focus on comprehensive energy tax policy” rather than simply end the ethanol tax credit a week earlier than it is due to expire. “On behalf of …
USDA Studies Yeast and Enzymes for Ethanol Production
USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are studying a new yeast that could help make cellulosic ethanol production less expensive and a commercial enzyme that could reduce overall costs linked with producing ethanol from grain. Molecular biologist Zonglin Lewis Liu with ARS’ National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria found a biorefinery yeast that successfully ferments plant sugars from …
Consumer Fuel Choice Campaign Launched
Ethanol, biodiesel, propane, natural gas, electricity – even regular gasoline – consumers should have choices at the pump and a new campaign is urging lawmakers in Washington to make that happen. More than 20 worldwide leaders in the effort to commercialize next-generation transportation fuels today announced the new campaign, called FuelChoiceNow. Among the companies that have joined the effort are …
Canadian Co-op Happy With Corn Demand
Last week I attended the 2011 IFAJ Congress in Canada. This is the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. One of our stops was the Hensall District Co-operative. We were welcomed by CEO, Earl Wagner, who gave us an overview of the various business units of the co-operative. HDC is a diversified farmer-owned Ontario Agricultural Co-operative. Established in 1937, HDC is …
Registration Open for 2012 National Ethanol Conference
Registration is now open for the Renewable Fuels Association 17th Annual National Ethanol Conference – Accelerating Industry Innovation. The conference will be held February 22-24 in Orlando, Florida at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The program will highlight how the industry has and continues to evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing marketplace. With federal policy …
Ohio Ethanol Plant Celebrates Grand Opening
Guardian Lima, LLC of Ohio is officially back in full operation, producing 54 million gallons of ethanol a year, as well as 165,000 tons of dried distillers grains and jobs for the local economy. Guardian Lima employs 33 full time Ohioans in positions from chemists to engineers to accountants and administrative support staff. Prior to the opening, there were 120 …
Tapioca Pearls Can Dry Ethanol
Purdue University researchers have found proof in the pudding of a new way to dry ethanol. The current industry practice for absorbing the water that is part of the ethanol production process after fermentation is to use corn grits. But the Purdue study found that the shape and structure of tapioca pearls make them more ideal for the job, not …