The ethanol industry breathed a collective sigh of relief this week when President Joe Biden announced an emergency waiver to allow 15% ethanol blended gasoline (E15) to be sold this summer. “We applaud President Biden and his administration for recognizing that low-cost, low-carbon ethanol should be given a fair opportunity to strengthen our energy security and reduce record-high pump prices,” …
Homeland Energy Reaches 2 Billion Gallon Milestone
Homeland Energy Solutions in Lawler, Iowa recently reached the impressive milestone of 2 billion total gallons of ethanol production. “Strong support from our board and a committed team have allowed us to enjoy continued success as we promote and support our efforts to fuel America with sustainable energy,” said Mike Peterman, Plant Manager and COO. “I have been part of …
White House Lifting E15 Summer Restrictions
The Biden administration is taking action to ensure American consumers have uninterrupted access this summer to gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). To make E15 available in the summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to issue a national, emergency waiver. Without this action, E15 cannot be used in most of the country from June 1st to September 15th, …
EPA Denies Waivers But Still Gives Refiners a Break
The Environmental Protection Agency Thursday announced the denial of 36 small refinery exemptions (SRE) for the 2018 compliance year. The petitions were remanded to EPA by the U.S. Court of Appeals. At the same time, EPA announced an “alternate compliance approach” that allows 31 of those small refineries to meet their new 2018 compliance obligations “without purchasing or redeeming additional …
RFA Issues ‘Pump Up the Savings’ Challenge
Snap a photo of lower-priced, higher-ethanol blends at the pump could get you some free fuel. The Renewable Fuels Association has kicked off a new “Pump Up the Savings” sweepstakes encouraging consumers to share pictures of fuel prices when they fill up at the pump, showing the savings associated with ethanol blends like E15 and E85. Qualifying entries will be …
Americans Support Expanded E15 Use to Lower Gas Prices
A new nationwide survey indicates Americans see the potential for ethanol to help lower gas prices at the pump, with the national average running above $4 per gallon. The survey conducted by Morning Consult found that 72 percent of American voters support expanding the availability of E15 as a way to replace petroleum imports from Russia, and more than 80 …
Ethanol Report on How to Lower Gas Prices
With E15 selling as much 50 cents less than regular unleaded gasoline, it seems obvious that higher blends of ethanol can help lower prices at the pump. But so far, nothing is being done on the national level to unleash the power of biofuels to ease the pain of high gas prices. In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, …
E85 Sales Shatter Records in California
Sales of E85 flex fuel in California hit a new record last year, soaring 55 percent over 2020 levels and nearly doubling since 2018, according to new data released by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Last year, California drivers purchased nearly 62.5 million gallons (mg) of E85 flex fuel, up from about 40 mg in both 2019 and 2020, …
1000 Biofuel Supporters Sign Letter to White House
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is sending a letter to the White House today signed by more than 1,000 farmers, workers in the ethanol industry, and other biofuel supporters asking President Biden to help lower gas prices immediately by allowing broader use of lower-cost ethanol blends like E15. “Simply allowing gasoline blenders to sell E15 year-round would instantly help moderate …
Ethanomics 101: How More Ethanol Lowers Gas Prices
Everyone can agree that the price of gasoline is higher than it has ever been. However, no one seems to agree on any way to make it lower, even though an obvious answer is staring us right in the face – ethanol. According to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), it’s simply a matter of Ethanomics 101. Listen up, class! Increased …