Ethanol advocates from around the country are marching on Capitol Hill this week with the message that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is working. It’s the 6th annual Biofuels Beltway March organized by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE). “We have more than 80 people registered to attend, which is our highest attendance yet,” said Director of Strategic Projects Shannon …
Iowa RFA’s Shaw Has Ag Support for Congress
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw is one of several Republican candidates vying to replace the retiring Tom Latham as Iowa’s representative in the Third Congressional District, but he may have more grassroots agricultural support than most of them. Shaw has just announced the formation of his Iowa Agriculture Team, which includes key ag leaders from across the …
An Energy Enthusiast Version of March Madness
March Madness is upon us. For those not living in the United States, it’s the two weeks where college men and women’s basketball teams battle it out on the court until the last team is standing and crowned champion. Now that the NCAA teams have been announced and the brackets determined, people are filling out their official tournament forms with …
Minnesota Biodiesel Mandate Survives Delay Attempt
A bill that would have delayed implementation of a 10 percent biodiesel mandate in Minnesota diesel fuels was stopped in a state legislative committee. This story from WDAZ-TV says the bill from Sen. Melisa Franzen, D-Edina, was defeated overwhelmingly in the state Senate Commerce Committee. She said most cars and light trucks are built to handle 5 percent biodiesel, which …
New Budget Would Roll Back Oil Subsidies
The recently proposed Obama administration Fiscal Year 2015 Budget includes $4 billion a year in cuts to oil industry subsidies, notes Americans United for Change (AUFC), which calls that “a big win for taxpayers and consumers.” Under the Department of Energy section, the budget calls for elimination of “Unnecessary Fossil Fuel Subsidies” stating that as “the Nation continues to pursue …
EPA “Add-Up” for RFS & Biodiesel Tax Credit
The government’s proposed change in how to figure biodiesel and ethanol use for purposes of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) could end up being a boost for the green fuels. This analysis from the University of Illinois looks at how the EPA’s method of “adding-up” the market potential for E10 and E85 ethanol, biodiesel and other non-ethanol fuels changes how …
Bulk of Advanced Biofuel Payments Go to Biodiesel
The biggest portion of money recently paid out for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Advanced Biofuel Payment Program went to biodiesel operations, indicating that green fuel is the leading advanced biofuel in the U.S. Biodiesel Magazine reports that about $40 million of the $60 million paid out went to biodiesel production. USDA officials say the entire $60 million announced last …
Ill Winds Blow for Energy Production Tax Credit
Things could be looking bleak for a federal tax credit that helps wind power projects. This article from Bloomberg Businessweek says the production tax credit is facing a bumpy ride as Congressional Republicans look for a bigger tax break overhaul. “Maybe there will be some in the Senate who will try to revive it but I really do think it’s …
South Dakota to Include 15% Ethanol in State Fleets
South Dakota will soon begin incorporating 15 percent ethanol (E15) fuel into its state vehicle fleet. Governor Dennis Daugaard announced Thursday that E15 will be made available this year during a test period at four major fuel sites in Brookings, Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. The state will utilize E15 for flex fuel vehicles and some of its newer …
Ethanol’s Voice Heard at Commodity Classic
It might not be a biofuels convention per se, but the recently completed Commodity Classic in San Antonio attracted lots of producers and advocates for the green fuels. Previously, I talked to Joe Jobe from the National Biodiesel Board about his group’s participation in the annual meeting of corn, wheat, soybean and sorghum growers. At the booth next door was …