100th Anniversary of the Gas Station

Joanna Schroeder

December 1, 2013 is the 100th anniversary of the modern gas station. As Americans pull up to the pump this holiday season, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is encouraging consumers to fill up with ethanol-blended fuel. “For 100 years drivers have been paying too much for transportation fuel. This can be seen today more than ever,” said Bob Dinneen, President …

biofuels, E15, E85, Ethanol, RFA

“We The People” Support of the RFS

Joanna Schroeder

This morning hundreds of people are expected at the RFS Rally (Renewable Fuel Standard) in support of keeping the renewable biofuel volumes for 2014 moving in the right direction: up. Patriot Renewable Fuels, located in Annawan, IL is hosting the event with Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) speaking about her support of the RFS. Rep. Bustos along with Representative Kristi Noem …

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol, RFS

Ethanol-Fueled NASCAR Welcomed Back to St. Louis

John Davis

NASCAR racing, fueled by ethanol, is being welcomed back to the St. Louis area. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says NASCAR returns to Gateway Motorsports Park with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on June 14, 2014. National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre joined track owner Curtis Francois, NASCAR VP of Racing Operations Jim Cassidy, and American Ethanol …

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NASCAR, NCGA

Good & Quick Offering E15 to Iowans

Joanna Schroeder

Good & Quick located in Nevada, Iowa has begun selling E15 to 2001 and newer vehicles, making it the 11th registered E15 station in the state. In addition to E15, Good & Quick also offers E20, E30 and E85 for flex-fuel vehicle owners and biodiesel blends. “Nevada-area residents will now be able to benefit from this low-cost, clean and green …

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

South Africa Adopts Biofuels Mandate

Joanna Schroeder

The Department of Energy of South Africa has announced that beginning October 1 2015, all gasoline and diesel sold in the country will include the addition of biofuels. The mandatory blending regulations released by the Department of Energy of South Africa in August 2012, allows mixing of B5 biodiesel and between E2 and E10 for gasoline, ie between 2 percent …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, International, UNICA

Ethanol By-Product as Biodegradable Kitty Litter

John Davis

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have found a way to turn a by-product of ethanol production into a biodegradable form of kitty litter. This news release from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says USDA plant physiologist Steven Vaughn and his colleagues are using dried distiller’s grains, DDGs, as a starting material for a more environmentally friendly alternative …

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, USDA

EPA to Hold Hearing on RFS Proposal

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled a public hearing on its proposal to lower the volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014. According to a notice in the Federal Register, the hearing will be held December 5 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. The event will begin at 9:00 in the morning and “end …

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, RFS

E15 Now Available in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA

Joanna Schroeder

ECI has announced it has begun selling registered E15 to motorists who drive a 2001 or newer vehicle. ECI is located near Waterloo at 1144 Hwy 63 North in Hudson, Iowa. E15, a blend of gasoline and 15 percent ethanol, can be used by all 2001 and newer passenger vehicles, which account for about 85 percent of fuel use in …

E15, Ethanol, Iowa RFA, Renewable Energy

Questions About EPA Authority for RFS Waiver

Cindy Zimmerman

Even before the Environmental Protection Agency officially released its proposed 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), questions arose about whether the EPA is overstepping its authority. University of Illinois Clinical Assistant Professor of Law and Policy Jonathan Coppess, former counsel to the Senate Ag Committee and former administrator for USDA, says there is a legal …

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, RFS

Protect The RFS

Joanna Schroeder

There are events springing up around the Midwest to rally consumers into helping support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Some of the leaders of this movement are state legislators including Iowa Governor Terry Branstad along with Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds have launched a new website in an effort to counter the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed reduction of 2014 …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Education, Ethanol, RFS