The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule today that establishes required renewable volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2020 that is basically the same as the proposed rule that industry stakeholders say still falls short. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the rule fails to deliver on President Trump’s commitment to restore …
Corn Yield Contest Winners Hit New Highs
Despite adverse growing conditions that impacted most farmers around the country this year, National Corn Growers Association 2019 National Corn Yield Contest were able to attain some impressive yields, with a new overall record that will be hard to beat. David Hula of Charles City, Virginia produced the highest yield on record at 616.1953 bushels per acre, beating his previous …
Corn Growers Seek Action on Ethanol and USMCA
Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and state corn organizations held a news conference Wednesday morning to urge the Trump Administration and members of Congress to finish the job on outstanding trade and ethanol issues important to corn farmers. The past year has presented a perfect storm of challenges for America’s corn farmers. While there have been positive …
Comments Rolling in on RFS Rule
Comments are rolling in this week proposed supplemental rulemaking to the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The deadline is Friday, November 29, which is a federal work day, but many groups are getting their comments in early this week to take two days for Thanksgiving. Most comments from biofuel supporters basically center on three …
NCGA Participates in Ag-Auto-Ethanol Work Group
Representatives from state and national corn growers’ associations were among those in attendance at the recently Ag-Auto-Ethanol Work Group Annual Forum in Detroit, Michigan. The forum took a deep dive into environmental issues, future engine technologies and the potential cost-benefit of high-octane low-carbon fuels at the pump. “This forum is an opportunity to bring together a cross-section of groups which …
Groups Ask President Trump to Uphold Biofuels Promise
A broad coalition of biofuel and farm advocates today sent a letter to the White House calling on President Trump to uphold his commitment to accurately account for refinery waivers and support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The letter was signed by 60 organizations, including ethanol, biodiesel, corn and soybean groups on the state and national level. “Mr. President, we …
New Court Docs Show EPA Abuse of Waivers
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today highlighted newly available court documents which show how EPA “inappropriately granted Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance exemptions to certain small refineries that did not even qualify for the waivers, and that there was division within the Trump administration about its new approach to small refinery hardship exemption requests.” Specifically, the briefs and supporting documents …
Corn and Ethanol Producers Waiting for Relief
Ethanol producers and corn farmers held a telephone press conference Wednesday to spotlight recent research on the impacts of ethanol plant closings, a new survey on voter attitudes about ethanol, and a potential White House agreement to promote further renewable fuels use. The main message from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, new National Corn Growers Association President …
Corn Growers Urge President to Uphold RFS
As harvest is getting into high gear at the end of a difficult year, corn farmers are urging President Trump to follow the law and keep the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) whole. Leaders of corn grower organizations in 23 states sent a letter to the president last week, calling on him to stop the harm caused by waivers and restore …
Corn Growers Support E15 in Court Motion
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) this week filed a motion in support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the final rule allowing for year-round sales of E15, opposing an effort by the oil industry to challenge the rule. If successful, the oil industry’s lawsuit would overturn the E15 rule. NCGA and its farmer members have been long-time advocates …