The U.S. ethanol industry is in a much better place compared to a year ago when production was nearing a record low and plants were closing as a result of efforts to contain COVID-19. In this edition of The Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper provides an update on where the ethanol industry is today, …
Biofuels Coalition Files Brief in Supreme Court Case
The Biofuels Coalition, comprised of Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, the National Corn Growers Association and the National Farmers Union filed a response brief this week in the Supreme Court case HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC, et al., v. Renewable Fuels Association, et al. In the brief, the coalition argues in support of the challenged Tenth Circuit decision, …
EPA Extends RFS Compliance Deadlines
The first decision by the new administration that impacts biofuels is a disappointment to the industry. Late Tuesday afternoon, the Environmental Protection Agency extended compliance deadlines for the Renewable Fuel Standard, a move proposed under the Trump Administration that is opposed by biofuels supporters. EPA finalized a rule to extend the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program’s compliance deadlines for 2019 …
RFA Urges New EPA Admin to Support RFS
The Renewable Fuels Association is urging new EPA Administrator Michael Regan to “stay the course” on the Renewable Fuel Standard, as the policy faces renewed attacks from oil refiners. In a letter to Regan, RFA responds to several assertions about the RFS and RIN credits made by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM). “Contrary to the refiners’ claim that …
RFA Opposes Proposal to Extend RFS Deadlines
The Renewable Fuels Association submitted comments this week to oppose an EPA proposal to extend the deadlines for demonstrating compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2019 and 2020. “This proposal is unnecessary, and the timelines are excessive,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “All that the extensions would do is to compound problems that the EPA itself created …
Broad Coalition Supports MN Clean Fuels Standard
A broad coalition representing automakers, biofuel producers, farmers, electric vehicles, and conservation advocates is endorsing new legislation that would implement a clean fuels standard statewide in Minnesota, which would be the first for a Midwestern state. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are both members of the coalition, which is facilitated by the Great …
Michael Regan Confirmed as EPA Administrator
Michael Regan has officially been confirmed as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a 66-34 vote Wednesday by the U.S. Senate. Regan comes to EPA after serving as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. During his confirmation hearing, Regan emphasized that the “RFS is definitely a priority for this administration.” U.S. biofuels organizations are thrilled …
US Ethanol Groups Support Canada Clean Fuel Reg
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy submitted joint comments regarding Canada’s proposed Clean Fuel Regulation. “The proposed regulation takes a market-based approach to driving carbon reductions in the Canadian fuels market, providing an attractive model for other countries to follow,” the organizations said. “Canada should be applauded for showing global leadership on the implementation of …
Ethanol Report 3-4-21
This edition of the Ethanol Report explores ethanol’s role as a “net-zero hero” with highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). The report includes remarks from David MacIntosh, Environmental Health & Engineering Inc.; Stefan Unnasch with Life Cycle Associates; and Michael Berube, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation, who all spoke at the 2021 NEC. In addition, we …
CLEAN Future Act Includes RFS Provisions
Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Tuesday introduced the Climate Leadership and Environmental Action for our Nation’s (CLEAN) Future Act, intended to achieve net zero greenhouse gas pollution by 2050. The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed the inclusion of certain provisions in the legislature that would help bring more transparency and integrity to EPA’s implementation of the Renewable Fuel …