An article in the San Francisco Chronicle this week blames ethanol production for the so-called “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico, which it compares to the oil disaster currently facing that body of water. The article prompted a response from Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen, who starts off a letter to the editor by saying, “it is clear …
The Biofuels Investor Migration to Brazil
A colleague of mine, Will Thurmond, who is the CEO of markets research firm Emerging Markets Online, sent me this great article about why companies are spending billions of dollars investing in advanced biofuels in Brazil while companies are hesitant to invest in any biofuels projects here in the states. I thought that it was so insightful that I wanted …
Coffee Cups Could Make Ethanol
Researchers at the University of Manitoba are finding a new use for discarded coffee cups by turning them into cellulosic ethanol. According to a story from Canada’s CBC News, the researchers are using one particular kind of disposable coffee cups, from the Tim Hortons coffee chain, founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario and very popular in Canada. Microbiologists Richard Sparling …
Ethanol Helps Ryan Ride and Fund Cancer Research
Thanks to the collective support of a number of sponsors, including ICM-Ethanol USA, Ryan Hunter-Reay will continue to drive the No. 37 IZOD-sponsored car for Andretti Autosport for the rest of the season. The car will continue to have the primary sponsorship of Team IZOD, with the exception of the August race at Chicagoland Speedway and another race to be …
Choice at the Pump Will Lead to Energy Independence
As the July 4th weekend kicks off, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is reminding everyone that energy independence can be achieved through choice at the pump. To reinforce this message, ACE has confirmed that Anne Korin, author of “Turning Oil Into Salt: Independence Through Fuel Choice,” chair of the Set America Free Coalition and nationally sought after expert, will …
RFA Renews Ethanol Sponsorship of Motorcycle Rally
For the second year, the Legendary Buffalo Chip will be “Fueled With Pride” as the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) continues their support as an honored sponsor to promote ethanol during the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The popular bikers event will take place August 6-14th in Sturgis, South Dakota. The RFA will continue their partnership with the Legendary Buffalo Chip …
Green Process for Fuel Additive Could Help Ethanol Production
An Iowa State University researcher has developed a new green, bio-based process for producing the fuel additive isobutene that could help ethanol production. ISU biochemistry professor Thomas Bobik invented a process for manufacturing the much-used fuel additive and industrial chemical that is currently made from petroleum by identifying a new, natural enzyme that produces the fuel organically. Isobutene is a …
Bioenergy and Ethanol Market News from USDA
Producers, consumers and distributors of bioenergy products can access crucial data through the Bioenergy Market News Reports published by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. The Ethanol reports include data for six regions – Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and the Eastern Corn Belt. Each report publishes daily corn bids, daily distiller grain prices and a weekly ethanol price. The …
Biofuels Videos from Obama Administration
The Obama administration and USDA have released a couple of videos highlighting the importance of biofuels to the nation and what the government is doing to get us down the road to advanced renewable fuels. In a short YouTube video, USDA highlights current production and consumption capacities as well as projections to meet the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) which calls …