Ethanol interests were quick to oppose an amendment offered by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) today that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Agriculture from funding Flex Fuel pump installations. “The McCain amendment would smother the only initiative we have to provide consumers the power to choose their fuel, and it gives OPEC the green light to tighten its grip on …
Sad News From Today’s Indy Car Race
It was with great sadness that I tuned in to today’s Indy Car race and saw the 13th lap multi car wreck and learned that Dan Wheldon was killed. Wow. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a number of these Indy Car racers over the years. You can say all you want about the wisdom of driving a …
Farm and Ethanol Groups Warn Against RFS Changes
A coalition of seven agricultural and biofuels organizations sent a letter this week to two members of Congress who have introduced legislation to modify the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2), warning that it is unnecessary and could lead to higher prices at the pump. The organizations were reacting to a bill introduced by Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Jim Costa (D-CA) …
Ethanol Industry Reacts to NAS Report
The ethanol industry is challenging a new report from the National Academies of Science that questions the ability of the biofuels industry to meet current goals under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) and the ability of biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the report, production of conventional biofuels and biomass-based diesel fuel will be adequate to meet the …
Bill Would Promote Fuel Choice
Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Dick Lugar (R-IN) have introduced a bill that would ensure most new vehicles in the United States are capable of running on a range of domestically produced alternative fuels starting in 2015. By introducing competition among fuels, the Open Fuels Standard (OFS) Act aims to bring about significant reductions in fuel prices paid by U.S. …
A Million NASCAR Miles on 15% Ethanol
NASCAR has passed the one million mile mark in competition racing on Sunoco Green E15 and issued a report detailing how the 15% ethanol blend performed on the race track this year. The “One Million Competition Miles on Sunoco Green E15” report, released today in Washington D.C., shows the qualities of E15 as a racing fuel this first year of …
Senators Receive Recognition for Ethanol Support
Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar were recognized for their support of the ethanol industry today with the “Fueling Growth” award from Growth Energy during the ethanol organization’s second annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. According to Growth Energy, the awards are meant to recognize the leadership of policy makers “in fostering our country’s energy independence, through the production …
Growth Energy Honors Vilsack for Ethanol Support
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed members of Growth Energy at their Second Annual Legislative Conference in Washington DC this morning and was honored with the ethanol organization’s “Fueling Growth” award for his dedication and support of domestic, renewable fuels. Vilsack (left) is pictured here receiving the award from Growth Energy Co-Chairman Jeff Broin of POET and CEO Tom Buis. …
Committee Urged to Consider Ethanol Feed Production
With the latest USDA forecast showing tighter grain supplies, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry is holding a hearing Wednesday on the concerns of livestock and poultry producers about feed availability and ethanol is likely to be a target for blame. In advance of the hearing, officials with Growth Energy have sent a letter to the committee …
NASCAR Popular at Farm Progress Show
There were quite a few race cars mixed in with the tractors and combines this year at the 2011 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. In addition Richard Childress and the American Ethanol NASCAR Sprint Series car at the Growth Energy exhibit, over at the Illinois Corn Growers exhibit, the Illinois Family Farmers NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kenny Wallace was …