Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper told participants at the 2021 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo Wednesday that low-carbon ethanol’s “brightest and sunniest days remain ahead” despite recent judicial setbacks and a growing policy push on electric vehicles. Even after two recent disappointing court decisions, “The ethanol industry is still in a stronger position today than …
Groups Urge EPA to Propose Higher Octane Fuel Standard
A coalition of agriculture and biofuel groups is urging the administration to propose a higher octane fuel standard as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updates its greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger vehicles and light duty trucks, In a letter to President Joe Biden, the group also requested that EPA open a comment period on the role that high octane …
Research Suggests Use of Biofuels Reduces Cancer Risk
A newly published review of top scientific literature suggests that ethanol-blended fuels “result in less toxic emissions from vehicles and present a lower risk to human health than regular gasoline.” The study was a collaboration between The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota and the Energy Resources Center, University of Illinois Chicago, and was supported in part by the Renewable Fuels …
House Bill Would Clarify Refinery Waiver Language
Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN) last week introduced the Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021 to clarify the definition of “extension” in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that favored oil refineries over biofuel producers. “The biofuels industry is an important driver of economic growth in Iowa, supporting hundreds of jobs and expanding market options …
DC Court Decision Reverses Year-Round E15 Rule
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a decision Friday that impacts the year-round sale of 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15) to the great disappointment of the ethanol industry. The decision reverses a 2019 rule by the Environmental Protection Agency that lifted outdated restrictions on the sale of E15 in a case brought by the American Fuel & Petrochemical …
Klobuchar Introduces Bipartisan Biofuel Package
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has announced the introduction of a new package of bipartisan bills, along with Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and John Thune (R-SD), to expand the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels, incentivize the use of higher blends of biofuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation, supported by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and American Coalition for …
Ethanol Report – RFA Summer Ethanol Promotions
It’s summertime and Americans are celebrating by hitting the road again after being mostly stuck at home last year. The Renewable Fuels Association is also celebrating by bringing back the ‘Ethanol Days of Summer’ Contest offering weekly drawings for $100 in free fuel to participants for reporting prices of E15 and E85 on E85prices.com or on the E85Prices.com app In …
SCOTUS Disappoints Biofuels Coalition with Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court today overturned a 2020 appellate court ruling that struck down three improper small refinery exemptions granted by previous EPA administrators, disappointing the coalition of renewable fuel and farm groups that brought the case. However, the industry remains hopeful that other elements of the original ruling that were unchallenged will discourage future abuses of the exemption program. …
Oregon to Allow E15 Sales
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed into law legislation enabling the sales of 15 percent ethanol blended fuel (E15) in Oregon. Under current law, Oregon requires that gasoline sold for use in motor vehicles be blended with up to 10 percent ethanol (E10). The new legislation sets 10 percent as a minimum, allowing for sale of fuel with higher concentrations …
RFA Welcomes New Government Affairs Team Member
The Renewable Fuels Association welcomes Jared Mullendore to the organization’s staff as new Director, Government Affairs. Mullendore’s experience includes serving as district director for former Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), and on the staff of former Rep. David Loebsack (D-IA). “We are pleased to welcome Jared to our Government Affairs team in Washington, D.C.,” said RFA Senior Vice President for Government …