This edition of the Ethanol Report features highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). First, we hear some of Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper’s annual State of the Industry address focusing on ethanol as essential energy. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) discusses her Next Generation Fuels Act, and former House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson comments …
Biofuels Groups Oppose General RFS Waivers
Biofuels organizations filed comments this week opposing requests from refiners, several state governors, and an environmental organization that the Environmental Protection Agency waive 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. “None of the petitions provides the required evidence that the RFS itself is causing economic or environmental harm. In fact, the requests point to the continuing coronavirus emergency as the …
New Uses for Ethanol Offer New Opportunities
Last year’s National Ethanol Conference featured a panel on new uses for ethanol that was such a big hit it was back again this year for an encore. Renewable Fuels Association Vice President for Technical & Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis moderated a panel of innovators including: Randy Cortright, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Adam Belyamani, Saola Energy LLC Paul Nooijen, ArenaRED …
Ethanol Helps Cut GHG Emissions, Support Economy
The Renewable Fuels Association released two important studies in the past week related to ethanol’s impact on the environment and the economy. For the environment, a new analysis finds the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has slashed greenhouse gas emissions by almost a billion metric tons since it was implemented in 2008. The research was conducted for the Renewable Fuels Association …
RFA Releases Annual Ethanol Industry Outlook
The Renewable Fuels Association released its 2021 Ethanol Industry Outlook and Pocket Guide to Ethanol during the digital 26th annual National Ethanol Conference this week. The annual publications and conference all share the common theme of Essential Energy. A related video also debuted at the event. Now in its 22nd year, the annual Outlook publication provides policymakers, regulators, consumers, the …
Tapping New Markets for Higher Ethanol Blends
The case for higher ethanol blends to lower emissions is stronger than ever and retailers are more receptive than ever. Renewable Fuels Association Director of Market Development Cassie Mullen led a panel discussion during the digital National Ethanol Conference this week focused on tapping new markets for higher blends. Her panelists included fuel marketers and retailers from coast to coast …
RFA Honors Former Ag Committee Chair Peterson
The Renewable Fuels Association today honored former Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), longtime chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, with the RFA Industry Award, presented during the digital 26th annual National Ethanol Conference. “I’ve been working on ethanol for a long time. I believe in it, and it’s been a passion of mine and it’s just been a pleasure for …
Rep. Bustos Optimistic For Ethanol Future
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) told participants in the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference this week that she is optimistic about the future of ethanol under the new leadership in Washington D.C. “I’m confident that the Biden administration will look to tackle our climate crisis with solutions that foster the use of ethanol to drive decarbonization,” said Rep. Bustos. Bustos says …
New RFA Chair Opens National Ethanol Conference
The new chairperson of the Renewable Fuels Association welcomed attendees to the first digital National Ethanol Conference this week. Guardian Energy CEO Jeanne McCaherty took over as chair of the RFA in October so this was her first NEC welcome. McCaherty reflected on the 40th anniversary of the RFA, the toll 2020 took on the industry, and the opportunities for …
RFA State of the Ethanol Industry Address
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper focused forward in his annual state of the industry address at the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference on ethanol as the essential energy that it is. “While 2020 was an incredibly difficult year for the ethanol industry, it definitely taught us one thing: When America’s ethanol industry stops running, so does America. …