Homeland Energy Solutions in Lawler, Iowa recently reached the impressive milestone of 2 billion total gallons of ethanol production. “Strong support from our board and a committed team have allowed us to enjoy continued success as we promote and support our efforts to fuel America with sustainable energy,” said Mike Peterman, Plant Manager and COO. “I have been part of …
President Biden Announces Emergency Waiver for E15
President Joe Biden visited the POET Bioprocessing facility in Menlo, Iowa Tuesday to formally announce an emergency waiver to allow 15% ethanol blended gasoline (E15) to be sold this summer. President Biden said adding ethanol to our gasoline reduces our reliance on foreign oil and gives consumers a choice at the pump. “When you have a choice, you have competition, …
White House Lifting E15 Summer Restrictions
The Biden administration is taking action to ensure American consumers have uninterrupted access this summer to gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). To make E15 available in the summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to issue a national, emergency waiver. Without this action, E15 cannot be used in most of the country from June 1st to September 15th, …
EPA Denies Waivers But Still Gives Refiners a Break
The Environmental Protection Agency Thursday announced the denial of 36 small refinery exemptions (SRE) for the 2018 compliance year. The petitions were remanded to EPA by the U.S. Court of Appeals. At the same time, EPA announced an “alternate compliance approach” that allows 31 of those small refineries to meet their new 2018 compliance obligations “without purchasing or redeeming additional …
USDA Says Ethanol COVID Payments Coming Soon
Two years ago ethanol producers were in the middle of the worst downturn in the industry’s history as the new COVID-19 pandemic put the country at a standstill and production dropped by 50 percent in a month. Under the CARES Act, $700 million was approved to help make up for those losses to producers, but that money has yet to …
Senators Press EPA Administrator on E15
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan appeared before the Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday to talk about the agency’s budget request, but some senators wanted to know what he was going to do and when he was going to do it to make E15 (15% ethanol fuel) available in the summer months this year. Both Sens. Joni Ernst …
Gevo Testifies at House Ag Committee Hearing
Gevo CEO Patrick Gruber presented testimony before the House Agriculture Committee this week on the future of climate smart crops and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) with updated carbon accounting and a system that rewards farmers for sustainable practices. “Net zero hydrocarbon drop in fuels are what the marketplace is interested in,” Gruber told the committee, outlining Gevo’s concept of a …
E15 Sales Reach Record Levels in 2021
Sales of E15 (15% ethanol fuel) hit a record 814 million gallons in 2021, according to a new analysis from the Renewable Fuels Association. The 2021 volume represents a 62 percent increase over 2020 and was nearly double pre-pandemic sales volumes in 2019. The analysis is based on recently released data for Minnesota and Iowa that show sales of E15 …
RFA Issues ‘Pump Up the Savings’ Challenge
Snap a photo of lower-priced, higher-ethanol blends at the pump could get you some free fuel. The Renewable Fuels Association has kicked off a new “Pump Up the Savings” sweepstakes encouraging consumers to share pictures of fuel prices when they fill up at the pump, showing the savings associated with ethanol blends like E15 and E85. Qualifying entries will be …
Senator Says Administration is Considering E15 Year Round
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) gave hope to the ethanol industry that sales of 15% ethanol blends may yet be able to continue in the summer months despite last year’s devastating court ruling. “The Biden administration is considering summertime sales of E15. Praise the Lord!” said the senator during his weekly call with agricultural reporters on Tuesday. “The president needs to …