As always, the Global Perspectives and Washington Insiders panels at the National Ethanol Conference were as entertaining as ever. The panels routinely feature representatives from other organizations that may not share the same viewpoint of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), allowing the opportunity for some interesting dialogue. Global Renewable Fuels Alliance spokesperson Bliss Baker served as the moderator/referee for the …
API Launches Fuels Campaign
Yesterday the American Petroleum Institute (API) announced a new TV advertising campaign. According to API’s Senior Manager, Cindy Schild, the ad is designed to highlight the importance of the nation’s refining industry. She said a strong energy future for our nation depends in part on our ability to refine and distribute the fuels we need – and that sound decisions …
Pompeo Bill Would Increase Petroluem Favoritism
U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo (R-Kan) has introduced a bill dubbed the “Energy Freedom and Economic Prosperity Act.” The bill eliminates tax credits for new industries attempting to compete with petroleum while maintaining billions in taxpayer subsidies for Big Oil. Furthermore, the bill would immediately eliminate every tax credit for alternatives to petroleum, including cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel and wind. Yet the …
Ethanol Groups Not Surprised by Attack on RFS
The ethanol industry is categorizing the latest attack on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by the American Petroleum Institute (API) as more of the same. In response to API’s call this morning to eliminate the RFS “because it is not working well and because it will force higher concentrations of ethanol in gasoline that could harm vehicles,” Growth Energy CEO …
Romney Energy Plan Includes Renewables
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is rolling out his energy plan with the goal to “achieve North American energy independence by 2020 and establish America as an energy superpower in the 21st century.” With a strong emphasis on opening up and developing more domestic sources for petroleum, the Romney plan does include a small mention of renewable sources and one line …
Survey Shows Drought Spurs Need for Alt Energy
According to a recent ORC International survey, 81 percent of Americans are concerned about “increased drought” and other extreme weather conditions. Conducted on behalf of the Civil Society Institute (CSI), the poll results showed that concerns about drought, of which the many states have been severely affected, go hand in hand with worries about water shortages. Three out of four …
Oil Industry Attacks on E15 Inappropriate
The ethanol industry is calling recent attacks by the oil industry regarding the use of E15 inappropriate and unreasonable. The latest in an ongoing battle between Big Oil and Little Ethanol occurred when the American Petroleum Institute (API) issued a “warning” to drivers in Kansas to not use E15 being sold at a Zarco 66 station in Lawrence, Kansas. In its first …
G20 Blasted for Not Lowering Oil Subsidies
As the G20 summit wraps up in Mexico and many of the members head off to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the group is being blasted for its failure to reduce the amount of subsidies for crude oil. This press release from the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) says a new Oil Change …
API Says EPA Jumped the Gun on E15
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has publicly said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jumped the gun on giving approval for the use of E15. Jack Gerard, President and CEO of API told reporters that testing by the Coordinating Research Council showed that use of E15 – gasoline with 15 percent ethanol – could harm car and truck engines, potentially …
South Dakota – Home to Substandard Gas?
South Dakota could continue to be the home of substandard gas if refiners have their way. If the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), a national ethanol organization based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has its way, it will not become the dumping grounds for low-octane fuel. Historically the state has allowed 85 octane gasoline for sale in the western part …