The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has created an ‘infographic’ promoting the benefits of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Entitled “An American Success Story,” the new infographic pinpoints how the RFS is accomplishing the goals set by Congress. “ACE’s infographic is a vivid and effective ‘show and tell’ tool for ethanol advocates to use in proactively promoting the benefits of …
RIN Study Counters “Hyperbole”
According to new analysis conducted by Informa Economics, Inc., ethanol costs significantly less than gasoline at the wholesale level and is reducing pump prices for consumers across the country. The report demonstrates that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its associated “RIN” credits, have not been a factor in this spring’s higher retail gasoline prices. A RIN is a Renewable …
Florida House Committee Passes FL RFS Repeal Bill
Yesterday I traveled to Tallahassee, Florida to testify at a hearing of the Florida House of Representatives Regulatory Affairs Committee on HB 4001 which is a bill to repeal the Florida Renewable Fuel Standard. This hearing was actually an extension of one held previously that ran out of time to conclude. You can watch the session here. The portion on …
Mascoma Drops IPO
According to several sources, Mascoma Corporation has withdrawn its registration for its planned initial public offering (IPO). The company had hoped to raise as much as $100 million through the offering. The biofuel company has been focused on developing enzymes for breakdown of sugars in the cellulosic ethanol production process. In a filing, the company said it had determined not …
Engine Products Group Appeals E15 Partial Waiver
The Engine Products Group (EPG) is challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to grant partial waivers approving the sale of gasoline containing E15 (fifteen percent ethanol, eighty-five percent gasoline) for 2001 model year and new passenger cars and light trucks. The Court of Appeals dismissed the case in August 2012 for lack of jurisdiction. Today, EPG has filed a …
AFPM Attack on RFS, Inaccurate, Typical
The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) held teleconferences last week in an effort to discredit the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). During the call, AFPM blamed increased gas prices on renewable fuels, which, says, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, is false. “Manipulating data and spreading misinformation is not the way to educate lawmakers and drive policy decisions. Our energy …
Florida Bill Would Repeal Ethanol Requirement
A bill has been introduced in the Florida legislature that would repeal the state’s Renewable Fuel Standard Act. Currently, the Florida law requires that all gasoline sold or offered for sale by a terminal supplier, importer, blender or wholesaler in Florida contain 9-10 percent ethanol, or other alternative fuel, by volume. Legislation to repeal that requirement was considered by the …
RFS & E10 Blend Wall White Paper Released
The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee has released a “white paper” analyzing the federal renewable fuels standard (RFS) and the so-called E10 blend wall. On page two, the white paper highlighted that new fuels are banned from competing with petroleum products unless first approved for use by the federal government. According to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), this federal …
Economist Says E85 Will Solve RINS Price Issue
A highly respected oil economist believes the solution to the current Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) price issue is more sales of E85 (85% ethanol). Economist Phil Verleger has weighed in on the RINS situation in the latest edition of Notes at the Margin, his weekly email report about news impacting the petroleum industry. “The obvious solution to the RIN price …
What’s the Real Deal with E15?
What’s the real deal with E15? Do we hate it? Do we love it? Well Big Oil certainly has not shown an affinity for the ethanol fuel blend. But why? According to Ron Lamberty, Senior Vice President for American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), American Petroleum Institute (API) began its campaign against E15 as part of its attempt to get rid …