Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) chairman Randall Doyal believes the 2016 National Ethanol Conference was one of the best ever and he’s very pleased with attendance. “Attendance is up over last year,” said Doyal. “I’ve heard people who thought that everyone would be depressed because margins are non-existent and we’re looking at some really tough times, but the industry’s kind of …
Making #Ethanol the Consumers’ Choice
An expert on consumer marketing offered some recommendations on how to make ethanol the natural choice for consumers during the National Ethanol Conference (NEC) in New Orleans this week. Matthew Willcox, executive director of the Institute of Decision Making, gave a presentation on how insights from behavioral science can be used by fuel marketers to affect consumer choice at the …
Economic and Octane Benefits of #Ethanol
The latest study on the economic impact of the ethanol industry released at the National Ethanol Conference this week shows the renewable fuel added $44 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product and supported nearly 360,000 jobs last year. The study, conducted by ABF Economics, quantified the impact of domestic ethanol production in 2015 on the national economy. “It really …
#RFANEC Panel on Marketing Higher Ethanol Blends
A really interesting session on getting more higher ethanol blends in the retail market unfortunately got cut a little short at the National Ethanol Conference this week due to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s visit, but you can listen to the presentations by two industry leaders here. Pennsylvania-based Sheetz, Inc. is a family-owned chain of gas station/convenience stores located in six …
GFRA Calls to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies
Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) President Bliss Baker is calling on national leaders to eliminate all fossil fuel subsides, especially in light of the current low price per barrel costs. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the estimated global fossil fuel subsidies are worth $490 billion. IEA is also predicting global oil demand will drop 25 percent in 2016 …
Reports Find Increasing Ethanol Efficiency
Two recent reports have found that ethanol production continues to become even more efficient. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Chief Economist and titled, “2015 Energy Balance for the Corn Ethanol Industry“. The second report titled, “Literature Review of Estimated Market Effects of U.S. Corn Starch Ethanol,” was published by the University of Missouri, Food and Agricultural Policy …
RFA Honors Iowa Governor for #Ethanol Support
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has been recognized for his unwavering support of ethanol as the recipient of the RFA 2016 Industry Award. The Industry Award is bestowed annually to individuals that demonstrate great dedication and innovation within the industry. Since the governor had a conflict and was unable to attend the National Ethanol Conference in New Orleans this week, Absolute …
High Octane Discussion at #RFANEC
With “Fueling a High Octane Future” as the theme for the 21st annual National Ethanol Conference, it was appropriate that the first panel focus on ethanol’s high octane properties and how they translate into high performance. Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper moderated a panel of experts including Brian West with Oak Ridge National Laboratory; MathPro president …
ACE Video Highlights #E15 Market Potential
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has released a new animated video targeted to retail fuel station owners and encouraging them to offer consumers #E15 at the pump. The piece highlights the rapidly growing number of vehicles on the road that can use E15. The video is located on the Flex Fuel Forward website, a source where retailers can share …
USDA Secretary Visits #RFANEC Again
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the National Ethanol Conference for the last time in the position he has held under President Obama for both terms. During his appearance, Vilsack announced some good news for the ethanol industry – new research showing significant improvement in ethanol production efficiency. “This study we just published today looks at the ratio of the energy …