A coalition working to make sure there are resources in this year’s Farm Bill to prop up renewable energy has recognized Ohio Congresswoman Rep. Marcy Kaptur and 16 other lawmakers for their work on energy programs in the current legislation: The Ag Energy Coalition applauded Kaptur and bill’s original co-sponsors, including Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), Rep. …
Truman Project VP Talks Green Energy to Congress
Folks from the Truman Project, a progressive think tank, were on Capitol Hill today, making their pitch for green energy. Mike Breen, Vice President of the Truman National Security Project and Operation Free Veteran, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, talking about the need for clean, domestic energy: “The connection between our energy posture …
Ethanol Group to Honor Nebraska Senator
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is saluting U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) during its upcoming 25th annual ethanol conference for the Senator’s efforts in advancing the ethanol industry. Nelson will be receiving the Merle Anderson Award for his leadership in supporting the renewable fuels industry while serving as Governor and Senator of Nebraska. Nelson established the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition …
Hurdle Cleared for Sale of 15% Ethanol Blends
The Environmental Protection Agency has given its approval for the first retailers to sell 15% ethanol blended fuel. “Today, the last significant federal hurdle has been cleared to allow consumers to buy fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol (E15),” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This gets us one step closer to giving the American consumer a real choice at …
Farm Bill Amendments Target Energy Programs
Several of the more than 200 amendments proposed for the 2012 Farm Bill in the Senate would negatively impact Farm Bill energy programs. Among the growing list are two from Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) that would eliminate all energy title mandatory funding and prohibit loan guarantees. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) is seeking to kill the Biorefinery Assistance Program and Sen. …
$1.8 Mil Grant to Fund New Tech at Cal Biodiesel Plant
A California biodiesel maker receives a $1.8 million state grant to fund some new technologies at an existing refinery at a military base. A press release from its parent corporation, Biodico, says Biodiesel Industries of Ventura, LLC got the grant to use at Biodico’s 10 million gallon per year facility at the National Environmental Technology Demonstration Site, at Naval Base …
Ethanol and Environmental Groups Unite for RFS
Ethanol, environmental, science and advanced biofuels groups jointly signed a letter to Congressional leaders this week asking them to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and extend expiring tax incentives for cellulosic biofuels. The letter was signed by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC), the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the Natural Resources Defense Council …
Vote to Cut Military Biofuels Disappoints Ag Secretary
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is “disappointed” in recent Congressional action that would cut the use of biofuels by the military. “We are extremely disappointed in that vote because I think it fails to recognize and appreciate the enormous potential of this industry to revitalize the rural economy,” said Vilsack during a conference call today when asked specifically about a …
Senator Visits Michigan Cellulosic Ethanol Facility
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) highlighted the benefits of next-generation biofuels during a tour of the Alpena Biorefinery in the northern part of her state. “This innovative partnership is producing Michigan-grown fuel that has the potential to spur new job growth and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” said Stabenow, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee which just sent a …
Iowa Ag Secretary Says Ethanol is Strong
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey continues to be bullish on ethanol, despite tight margins for producers. Speaking on Iowa Public Television’s Iowa Press program Sunday, Northey disagreed with a reporter’s question that losing the blenders tax credit has put the ethanol industry on “quicksand” and could be sinking. “No, ethanol is certainly very strong,” Northey said. “We have 41 …