Both President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney say they support maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard in answers to an American Farm Bureau Federation questionnaire on agricultural issues. “Our rural communities, farmers, and ranchers can increase our energy independence and boost the transition to a clean energy economy,” Obama responded to a question about energy security and agriculture. “U.S. …
Vilsack Frustrated by No Farm Bill
Congress left town last week without even considering a new farm bill in the House, leaving the current bill to expire at the end of this month. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said they would deal with a farm bill after the election because he did not believe there were 218 votes to pass either an extension or new legislation. …
Promoting Ethanol at Kansas Events
The Kansas Association of Ethanol Processors (KAEP) had a great showing during the Kansas State Fair last week. Positive ethanol messages were heard by thousands of attendees through educational materials, displays and videos. The state fair opened with a KAEP sponsorship, allowing the association to greet attendees and drive traffic directly to the KAEP booth. Once there, attendees had a …
Ethanol, Biodiesel Production Remains Strong
August was a strong month for biofuel production. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), biodiesel production for the month of August 2012 was 100 million gallons. Year-do-date biodiesel production is 757 million gallons. There was also 3 million additional gallons of biomass-based diesel produced during the month, raising the total category production under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to …
Kansas E15 Stations Increases to 7
There are now seven retail stations in Kansas that offer E15 (15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline). Several of the new stations are located in Olathe, Kansas, the first in a major metropolitan area. More stations are expected to open in the state within the next few weeks. The new E15 stations are: 397 S. Parker St. (Intersection of …
USDA Report Release Times to Change
USDA is changing the release time of certain key statistical reports beginning in January 2013. According to a USDA news release the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) will begin issuing several major USDA statistical reports at 12:00 p.m. EDT beginning in January 2013. The current USDA release time of 8:30 a.m. EDT will remain …
Scholarships Offered for Students to Attend NEC
The Renewable Fuels Association’s (RFA) annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC) is a great place to learn the ins and outs of the ethanol industry as well as network with key industry experts. That is why RFA is offering several scholarships for current college students interested in renewable fuels to attend the 2013 event. The awards will cover the cost of …
Report Shows Ethanol Industry Resilient
The 2011-2012 Biofuels Benchmarking report compiled by biofuels financial experts Christianson & Associates, PLLP (C&A) shows that despite the continual challenges facing the ethanol industry, it is doing well. The ethanol industry has shown resilience while implementing greener practices and production efficiencies even as margins tighten. The annual Biofuels Benchmarking report provides analysis of changes and trends for a broad …
Ethanol Report on RFS Waiver Comments
The comment period on a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requested by several governors is underway and was recently extended by the Environmental Protection Agency. So, between now and October 11 is the time for all interested parties to be getting their comments in to EPA to have their voices heard on the issue. In this edition of …
“Ethanol’s Lost Promise” Report Disputed
The ethanol industry is disputing the conclusions of a report titled “Ethanol’s Lost Promise” released this week by EPRINC, an oil industry-funded research group. The report suggests a multi-year suspension of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) could reduce U.S. ethanol use by more than half. To offset this loss in ethanol supplies, officials with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) note …