The final 2023-2025 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes released by the Environmental Protection Agency this week mark an unfortunate step backward from the volumes that were originally proposed, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, RFA Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp discusses the final rule from EPA, as well …
Biofuels Groups Unhappy With Final EPA RFS Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced a final rule for biofuel volume requirements through 2025, displeasing major biofuel organizations. The final rule includes conventional renewable fuel requirements of 15 billion gallons for both 2024 and 2025, down from the proposed volumes of 15.25 billion for both years. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper called the reductions “inexplicable …
Coalition White Paper Concludes EV No Silver Bullet
New research by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) concludes that the widespread introduction of electric vehicles as a means of reducing carbon emissions presents more challenges than a technology neutral strategy. Reality EV: No Silver Bullet explores the constraints single fuel source electric vehicles (EVs) must overcome and how it could cost as much as $3 trillion in government/taxpayer …
FEW Honors Ethanol Industry Leaders
Ethanol industry awards were presented this week in Omaha at the 2023 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show. Mick Henderson, General Manager of Commonwealth Agri-Energy and past chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association, received the FEW High Octane Award, which honors those whose passion and unstoppable pursuits have significantly benefited the ethanol industry. Henderson began his career in ethanol …
Senators Support Sustainable Aviation Fuel Legislation
U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), along with Joni Ernst (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), are introducing bipartisan legislation to identify the standards required to meet the definition of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 would require the federal government to use …
EPA Delays Final Biofuel Blending Targets
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been granted permission to extend by one week the court-ordered consent decree deadline to issue the final “Set” 2023-2025 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Instead of June 14, EPA will now be required to finalize the rule by June 21, 2023. The consent decree agreement was made between EPA …
RFA CEO Keynotes #FEW23
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper offered the keynote address Tuesday at the 2023 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo. In his presentation, Cooper outlined the goals of the global “Energy Transition” and noted that many seem to believe electrification is the only way to decarbonize the transportation sector by mid-century. “For many, the ‘Energy Transition’ is simply …
RFA Talks Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Progress at FEW
At the 2023 Fuel Ethanol Workshop in Omaha today, Renewable Fuels Association Vice President for Strategy and Innovation Tad Hepner presented the findings a survey of U.S. ethanol producers and a new white paper that shows the industry to be on track toward its net-zero-carbon goal, with facilities producing ethanol that is up to 55 percent less carbon intensive than …
Sugarcane Ethanol Plant Secures Crop Commitments
California Ethanol & Power has announced its low-carbon sugarcane-to-ethanol and power facility, Sugar Valley Energy, has secured letters of intent with local Imperial Valley farmers to grow 12,000 acres of sugarcane to support its initial feedstock production schedule. The sugarcane plantings will take place in phases, corresponding with the timing of construction of the facility, which will encompass an advanced …
2023 FEW in Omaha This Week
The ethanol industry is in Omaha this week for the 2023 Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show and the Renewable Fuels Association is headlining the event this year. Starting today with a golf outing and sessions, FEW officially kicks off tomorrow morning with the industry keynote address by RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. Following that, Senior Vice President for …