The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) today announced the appointment of an interim CEO to replace Marcos Jank, who announced his resignation on March 27th. UNICA’s Board of Directors has named the organization’s Technical Director, Antonio de Padua Rodrigues, to serve as interim CEO during the selection process, now underway, for a new chief executive. A member of the executive …
Florida Ag Commissioner Pleased with Energy Law
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is pleased with the new energy bill for the state that was allowed to become law last week when Governor Rick Scott declined to either sign or veto it. “Rooted in common sense, this bill was developed to expand energy production in Florida and create much-needed jobs for Floridians. It garnered bipartisan support from an …
Setback in Ethanol Case Against California LCFS
The ethanol industry has been handed a setback in its case against the California Air Resources Board Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) that was ruled unconstitutional by a judge in December. From a Growth Energy statement: Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit issued an order expediting briefing in the California Air Resources Board’s appeal of a …
Governors Want E85 Called Alternative Fuel
The Governors’ Biofuels Coalition is urging the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees to include E85 in the definition of the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit and recommending that the provision be extended as part of the pending “Extenders Bill.” In a letter sent to the leadership of both committees last week, the governors noted that E85 was considered …
E15 Fuel Survey Satisfies Final EPA Requirement
The final federal hurdle to getting 15% ethanol at the pump has officially been satisfied with the funding of a nationwide fuel survey required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The ethanol industry reports that a total of 99 ethanol producers are funding the survey to meet the requirement under the partial waiver approved by EPA. “Despite owning just a …
Energy Coalition Disappointed in Farm Bill Draft
A coalition of trade groups and organizations representing renewable energy, energy efficiency, farm and environmental interests is disappointed in a 2012 Farm Bill draft out of the Senate Agriculture Committee that they say provides “no real funding for energy programs.” “The Committee draft bill moves the process forward, thankfully, and we support getting a bill done this year,” said Ag …
America Can Achieve Energy Victory
If the United States puts its mind to it, energy victory can be achieved. How? Energy expert Dr. Robert Zubrin, author of Energy Victory has the formula for success. Zubrin recently spoke at the Indiana Ethanol Forum, and fellow journalist Meghan Grebner of Brownfield Ag News interviewed him after his presentation asking him what the most important thing people should …
Dinneen Asks For Support of Biofuels During Hearing
The key to continued growth, says Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen, is the availability of higher level ethanol blends such as E15 and other renewable fuels. Dinneen submitted written testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Environment and Economy on April 19. Dinneen testified in support of the Domestic Fuels Protection Act, aimed …
Obama Maintains Commitment to Biofuels
According to a top aide to President Obama, the White House is still highly supportive of renewable fuels. Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change made this statement during the Renewable Fuels Association’s Washington Legislative Forum that was held this week at the Newseum in Washington, DC. “One of those most promising [clean energy] industries …
Jerome Taylor Awarded Champion of Change
MFA Oil CEO Jerome Taylor has been recognized by the White House for being a Champion of Change due to his cooperative’s work in helping to build the renewable energy industry. He was one of nine people honored by the White House yesterday and is no stranger to the biofuels industry. In 2006, Taylor was honored with the Fields to …