This year’s general session during the Fuel Ethanol Workshop diverged from past years. Rather than have a keynote speaker, the three leaders of the country’s largest ethanol associations came together on one stage to discuss current U.S. ethanol policy. The Association Roundtable: Mid-Year U.S. Ethanol Policy Update, panel was moderated by Tom Bryan, president of BBI International and featured Bob …
Senate Passes Farm Bill with Energy Funding
By a vote of 66 to 27 on Monday evening, the full Senate passed its version of a 2013 Farm Bill which includes mandatory funding for renewable energy programs. “Specifically, the $900 million in mandatory funding to critical rural energy programs will help provide the certainty investors and businesses need to keep making renewable fuels from diverse feedstocks, from corn …
World Bank: Crude Oil Biggest Driver of Food Prices
According to a recent study by the World Bank, “Long-Term Drivers of Food Prices,” oil prices are the biggest driver of higher food prices. The study, using data from 1960-2012, applied an economic model to five internationally-traded food commodities (maize/corn, wheat, rice, soybeans and palm oil) and studied the impact of several food-price drivers. These included energy prices, exchange rates, …
Growth Energy Promotes Frohlich
Growth Energy has promoted Michael Frolich to Director of Communications. He joined the ethanol organization in May 2012 as the press secretary. In his new role, he will continue to serve as the primary spokesperson and media contact. Since its inception, Growth Energy has advocated for increasing the use of ethanol in the American fuel system by promoting ethanol’s benefits …
Ethanol Supporters Disappointed in Florida Bill
A bill repealing Florida’s Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) was signed into law Friday by Gov. Rick Scott to the disappointment of many ethanol and other biofuel supporters. State Representative Debbie Mayfield of Vero Beach, led the opposition to the repeal of the requirement which was passed in 2008 when her late husband Stan Mayfield chairman of the Florida House energy …
Needed: Summer Gas Loan
It’s that time of year when families hop in the car and begin summer vacations. It’s also the time of year when gas prices jump up and the cash in wallets jumps out. When I filled up my tank yesterday, I thought I might have to go the bank and take out a “summer gas loan” to help pay for …
Ethanol, Biodiesel Groups Welcome New Energy Sec.
The U.S. Senate today confirmed Ernest Moniz to replace Steven Chu as the Nation’s Secretary of Energy. The 96-0 vote was welcomed by biodiesel and ethanol groups: “Throughout his career, Ernest Moniz has supported efforts to move beyond fossil fuels to a cleaner, more secure energy future in which renewable sources play a prominent role,” said Anne Steckel, vice president …
Groups Seek to End EU Duty on US Ethanol
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy have filed a complaint with the General Court in Luxembourg challenging the European Union’s (EU) decision to impose a 9.6 percent antidumping duty on all ethanol imported from the United States. The complaint outlines 10 specific violations of one established trade law committed by the European Commission in its investigation of anti-dumping …
Keeping RFS Still Top Concern for Ethanol Industry
Progress on a new farm bill is all well and good but defending the Renewable Fuel Standard remains the top priority for the ethanol industry. “The attack on the Renewable Fuel Standard is first and foremost and coupled with it is the blend wall,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis st the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual Washington Watch …
Ethanol Policy Update to Kick Off Discussions at FEW
Looks like the discussions are going to kick off right at the upcoming International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW), June 10-13, 2013, in St. Louis, Mo. One of the first sessions will be the Association Roundtable: Mid-Year U.S. Ethanol Policy Update, featuring moderator Tom Bryan, President, BBI International; Bob Dinneen, President & CEO, Renewable Fuels Association; Tom Buis, CEO, …