Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN), together with Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Sharice Davids (D-KS), have introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act which would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent. The bill is …
Senators Launch Sustainable Aviation Caucus
U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Boozman (R-AR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have launched the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation industry and the renewable fuels industry. “As the aviation industry strives for lower emissions and cleaner energy sources, the development and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel will be a critical element,” …
USGC Helping Canada Move to Higher Ethanol Blends
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) held meetings with stakeholders in Ottawa, Ontario and Quebec City, Quebec this week to discuss how the U.S. industry can further support Canada’s ongoing transition to higher ethanol blending rates. While there is a nationwide mandate to blend gasoline with five percent ethanol (E5) in Canada, many provinces voluntarily set higher blend rates within their …
RFA Elects New Leadership
The Renewable Fuels Association elected new officers and board members at its annual membership meeting this week in Milwaukee. Jeff Oestmann, CEO of Aztalan Bio, near Johnson Creek, Wisc., was elected chair. Oestmann’s long career in ethanol and agriculture includes leadership roles at Granite Falls Energy, Syngenta, and East Kansas Agri-Energy. “It’s a true honor to step into the role …
Broad Coalition Urges President to Avert Port Strike
A broad coalition of organizations representing agriculture, biofuels, food and transportation is asking the White House to avoid a potential port operations disruption that could negatively impact the food supply chain. The labor agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance expires on September 30th and the groups say that if they are unable to come …
Congress Proposes Extension of Clean Fuels Tax Credit
Bipartisan and bicameral legislation has been introduced in Congress that would require the Treasury Department to restrict the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks and extending the tax credit to make it a full ten-year credit. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH)introduced the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act in …
U.S. House Moves Against EV Mandate
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Friday under a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution EPA’s controversial tailpipe emissions standards focused on mandating electric vehicles by 215 to 191, with eight Democrats joining 207 Republicans in support. The resolution was brought by Representative John James (R-MI). “I’ve always said, if you want an EV, get an EV. But allowing the Biden-Harris …
RFA Reports Membership Growth
The Renewable Fuels Association had a growth spurt this week, adding three new associate members to its rolls. The new companies are Nataqua, iRely, and Antora Energy Nataqua is an early-stage company transforming CO₂ into ethanol with innovative technology that utilizes CO₂ gas, liquid water, and affordable industrial electricity. Their efficient process converts CO₂ exhaust streams directly into ethanol, which …
GROWMARK Purchases Stake in Big River Resources
Farmer cooperative GROWMARK announced this week an investment in West Burlington, Iowa, ethanol plant Big River Resources LLC. GROWMARK CEO Mark Orr says GROWMARK believes ethanol will continue to be a strong driver of the agricultural industry with the potential for new and exciting innovative uses such as a feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. “Our investment in Big River Resources …
Ethanol Report on Election Issues
No matter what happens in November, there will be a new president in January and a new administration that could be radically different than the current one, and that could mean a big difference in the outcome of policy issues for the ethanol industry. In this edition of the Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper discusses …