2021 marks the 10th anniversary of the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard being implemented with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s transportation sector, while also lessening dependence on petroleum by using alternative fuels, like ethanol. A new Renewable Fuels Association white paper looks at how, for the past decade, ethanol has been the go-to fuel to …
RFA Says E15 Could Help Fill Void Created by Colonial Pipeline Shutdown
The fuel supply challenges being faced by some states due to the Colonial Pipeline shutdown could be helped by increasing use of 15 percent ethanol (E15), according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper specifically asked EPA to suspend certain regulatory requirements that otherwise would impede and …
Ethanol Report 4-28-21
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week on the appeal of a case over the Small Refinery Exemption program under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The case was decided unanimously last year by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which held that only small refineries that have remained continuously exempt from obligations under the RFS are …
SCOTUS Hears Arguments in Biofuels Coalition Case
The biofuels industry had its day in the Supreme Court April 27 to present oral arguments in the case of HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC, et al. v. Renewable Fuels Association, et al over small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The case was decided unanimously last year by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, which …
RFA Provides Ethanol Industry Update
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) provided an ethanol industry update on Friday, presenting a history of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its success, how small refinery waivers have undermined production, progress on recovery after COVID, a new consumer attitudes survey, and more. Speakers include: Geoff Cooper, RFA President and CEO 18:13 Scott Richman, RFA Chief Economist 7:56 Troy Bredenkamp, …
Nebraska Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum Features CEO Panel
The 16th Annual Ethanol: Emerging Issues Forum last week, hosted by the Nebraska Ethanol Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska, featured an industry CEO panel that discussed some of the most pressing topics in the renewable fuels space. Renewable Fuels Nebraska (RFN) interim director Pam Miller moderated the panel with American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings, Growth Energy CEO Emily …
Ethanol Report 3-31-21
The U.S. ethanol industry is in a much better place compared to a year ago when production was nearing a record low and plants were closing as a result of efforts to contain COVID-19. In this edition of The Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper provides an update on where the ethanol industry is today, …
Broad Coalition Supports Minnesota Clean Fuels Standard
A broad coalition representing automakers, biofuel producers, farmers, electric vehicles, and conservation advocates is endorsing new legislation that would implement a clean fuels standard statewide in Minnesota, which would be the first for a Midwestern state. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are both members of the coalition, which is facilitated by the Great …
Nebraska E30 Demonstration Study Released
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Nebraska Ethanol Board released the details of a new study on higher ethanol blends on Monday. The E30 Demonstration was conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Engineering Department. The yearlong demonstration involved 50 non-flex fuel vehicles (non-FFVs) from the State of Nebraska to determine adaptability, economic feasibility, and environmental impact of using E30. Twenty-six …
Ethanol Report 3-4-21
This edition of the Ethanol Report explores ethanol’s role as a “net-zero hero” with highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). The report includes remarks from David MacIntosh, Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.; Stefan Unnasch with Life Cycle Associates; and Michael Berube, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation, who all spoke at the 2021 NEC. In addition, we …
2021 Digital National Ethanol Conference
The Renewable Fuels Association 26th annual National Ethanol Conference, February 16-18, features a fully digital, interactive format for the first time ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021 National Ethanol Conference information This virtual ag newsroom includes links to digital media content available free of charge for digital or print publication or broadcast. Images 2021 Digital National Ethanol Conference image …
Ethanol Report 2-19-21
This edition of the Ethanol Report features highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). First, we hear some of Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper’s annual State of the Industry address focusing on ethanol as essential energy. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) discusses her Next Generation Fuels Act, and former House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson comments …
Senators Question EPA Nominee on RFS and WOTUS
The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and the Renewable Fuel Standard were two topics Environmental Protection Agency nominee Michael Regan addressed during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Wednesday. Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) called WOTUS the “one that everyone ought to be concerned about because that’s the number one issue.” Regan, who …
Tom Vilsack Senate Ag Confirmation Hearing
Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday questioned former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about his goals if confirmed to return to his old job as the new Secretary of Agriculture. (4:36) Vilsack discussed his plans for the biofuels industry in response to a question from Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). (1:37) Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) asked Vilsack how he will support …
Ethanol Report 1-28-21
In this edition of the Ethanol Report, we hear from three Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) staff members about the organization’s efforts in advocacy, safety, and education. Troy Bredenkamp is RFA’s brand new Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs in the Washington D.C. office and he could not be coming on board at a more critical time for the …