Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found a way to get more ethanol out of sugars used in the refining process. This university article says they’re using a plant-derived chemical, gamma valerolactone, or GVL. “With the sugar platform, you have possibilities,” says Jeremy Luterbacher, a postdoctoral researcher and the paper’s lead author. “You’ve taken fewer forks down the conversion …
Bi-Partisan Group Protests EPA Biofuels Reductions
A bi-partisan group of lawmakers is calling on the government to end its proposal to reduce the amount of ethanol and biodiesel that will be blended into the Nation’s fuel supply. Led by Democratic Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Republican Congresswoman Kristi Noem (SD-AL), the group has sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the agency’s proposal …
Southern Illinois Expands Ethanol Research Team
A research center dedicated to advancing the study and development of ethanol is expanding its research staff. This news release from the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) has added Dr. Arun Athmanathan, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in cellulosic and advanced biofuels research. “Following a national search that generated candidates from premier research institutions across the …
American Made Message Delivered to Drivers on I-80
Patriot Renewable Fuels is delivering the message of the benefits of American made products with their new LED sign on Interstate 80 that was installed on December 20, 2013. The biorefinery is located just off I-80 and drivers can see the facility as they drive by, but Gene Griffith, president of Patriot notes that most drivers have no idea that …
Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the RFS
Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds are leading a group of senior state officials from Iowa and the Midwest to organize and host a public hearing allowing citizens outside of Washington, D.C., the opportunity to testify about the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “Hearing the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard,” will be held at Hall …
RFS Road Show Kicks Off in Iowa
A Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) road show is kicking off in Iowa on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 to highlight the importance of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will be encouraging Iowans to comment on a proposal by the EPA that would significantly lower the levels of ethanol and biodiesel that are mandated to be blended …
VoteVets Expands RFS Ad Campaign
VoteVets has expanded its television campaign in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The ads began in Iowa earlier this month and have now expanded into Nebraska. The ads are also airing in Washington, D.C. The ad airing in Nebraska features Iraq War Veteran, Michael Connolly, making the case that gutting the Renewable Fuel Standard would allow for a …
Virginia City Greenlights Biodiesel, Ethanol Terminal
Officials in a central Virginia city have unanimously approved the conversion of an old petroleum site into a storage and distribution facility for gas, biodiesel and ethanol. This article from the Fredericksburg (VA) Free Lance-Star says they’re allowing the Lincoln Terminal Co. to make the conversion to the Quarles Petroleum site. During a public hearing before the vote, two people …
Farm Bureau Lends Support to Keeping RFS
As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers its proposal that would, in effect, slash the amount of ethanol and biodiesel to be blended into the Nation’s fuel supply, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is telling the government to leave the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) alone. During their policy session at the recent AFBF annual meeting in San Antonio, …
New Study: Corn Ethanol Reduces GHG Emissions
According to a new study, that compared the greenhouse gas emission reductions of corn ethanol and those of crude oil production and fracking, corn ethanol’s carbon intensity is declining while the carbon intensity of petroleum is increasing. The study was conducted by Life Cycle Associates and found that the carbon impacts associated with crude oil production continue to worsen as …