For those of you not familiar with an FDA, Food Additive Petition (FAP), the folks at Phibro Chem’s Ethanol Performance Group can help you understand what it means to ethanol producers. They market the antimicrobial product, Lactrol. We normally think of the EPA when it comes to governmental regulations in this industry but FDA is getting more involved. That’s why …
Ethanol and Biodiesel Details in Climate Bill Compromise
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has provided more details about the compromise worked out this week on the climate change bill expected to come up for a vote in the House of Representatives on Friday. “Good faith negotiations and old fashioned horse sense led to a deal that achieves both our energy security and environmental goals,” said RFA President Bob …
Growth Energy CEO Optimistic About Ethanol Industry
The 25th annual Fuel Ethanol Workshop was the first for Growth Energy, the ethanol industry organization formed late last year, and CEO Tom Buis was impressed with the turnout at the conference despite current economic conditions. “I think everyone is really interested in moving forward,” Buis said. “Obviously we are going through some rough spots, economically, but I think people …
Cornell Opens New Biofuels Research Lab
The latest national biofuels research facility opened this week in at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The main focus of the new $6 million, 11,000-square-foot Cornell Biofuels Research Laboratory will be on cellulosic ethanol. “The Biofuels Research Laboratory catapults Cornell to the forefront of renewable energy research and becomes the centerpiece of the university’s broad portfolio of work on cellulosic …
Climate Bill Compromise Better for Ethanol
Farm state lawmakers led by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) have reached a compromise with Democratic leadership in the House on the so-called climate change bill that makes it more palatable to agriculture and biofuels interests. Part of the agreement includes allowing USDA to have oversight for agricultural carbon offset programs instead of EPA. “The climate change bill will include a …
Ethanol Report on Safety
Recent accidents involving transportation fuel, including ethanol, have highlighted the importance of safety when it comes to moving flammable and hazardous materials. It turns out that the tanker truck explosion in California on June 13 was actually carrying petroleum, not ethanol as the media reported, but the Canadian National Railway train that derailed in Illinois over the weekend was carrying …
Ethanol Industry Official Recieves ASTM Award
The Director of Technical Services for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been recognized by ASTM International for her work on behalf of America’s ethanol producers to make sure fuel ethanol meets standards and has access to petroleum markets across the country. Kristy Moore received the Award of Appreciation from ASTM International’s Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants, which …
Energy Secretary on Ethanol in Iowa
During a visit to Des Moines Monday, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu gave some hope to ethanol supporters hoping that the federal government will approve a waiver that would allow up to 15 percent ethanol blends for standard vehicles. “I don’t want to prejudge what they’re going to find, but if the existing automobile fleet can handle 15 percent, I …