U.S. ethanol stakeholder groups cheered news that Ontario, Canada will be adopting the use of 15% ethanol by 2025, according to its recently released Province of Ontario’s Environment Plan. Growth Energy, U.S. Grains Council, and Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) issued a joint statement on the news. “As one of the largest markets for ethanol, this is a huge milestone for …
EPA Finalizes RFS Renewable Fuel Volumes
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the finalized rule for required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2019, and biomass-based diesel for 2020. The key elements of the final rule include maintaining the “conventional” renewable fuel volumes, primarily met by corn ethanol, at the current 15-billion gallon level set by Congress for 2019; increasing …
Study Finds Refiners Can Increase Octane Without Ethanol
A new Energy Information Administration (EIA) study has found that U.S. petroleum refineries would be able to produce gasoline with a higher minimum octane rating (95 Research Octane Number, or “RON”) beginning in 2022 without using more ethanol meet such an octane standard. The study, conducted by oil industry consulting firm Baker & O’Brien, determined “refiners would simply increase reformer …
RFA CEO Calls Out Big Oil’s E15 Hypocrisy
In an editorial this week, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Geoff Cooper called out the hypocrisy of oil interests when it comes to allowing year round sales of 15% ethanol, E15. Noting that “hell hath no fury like Big Oil scorned,” Cooper debunks all of the oil industry’s dire warnings in response to President Trump’s recent decision calling …
Refinery Exemptions Continue to Destroy Demand
With the latest news that Chevron received a hardship refinery exemption from the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has released a new analysis showing just how destructive the EPA waivers are. RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman says the 19 small refinery exemptions granted retroactively for the 2016 compliance year, and the 29 for 2017, have impacted both …
Ethanol Groups Blast EPA for Chevron Waiver
A report out yesterday that EPA granted Chevron a 2017 hardship waiver earlier this year is causing some pre-Thanksgiving heartburn for ethanol producers. “While Chevron and other refiners enjoy their record profits and “economic hardship” waivers from EPA on Thanksgiving, many farmers and ethanol producers in rural America are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet,” says American …
Ethanol Report from 2018 NAFB Convention
The new president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) met with farm broadcasters from around the country recently at the annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk. While Geoff Cooper has been with RFA since 2008, it was the first time he had the opportunity to talk with the ag media as CEO. Among the topics he …
RFA Welcomes New Members
Six new member companies have joined the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) for the new year, including a new ethanol plant under construction in Kansas, a cellulosic ethanol facility soon to begin construction in North Dakota, and four associate members who provide goods and services to the industry. The new RFA members are: ELEMENT LLC, a partnership between ICM, Inc. and …
RFA’s Davis Reappointed to Export Advisory Committee
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President of Regulatory Affairs Kelly Davis has been re-appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (REEEAC), which advises the agency on U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency products and services. “I am honored to be reappointed to this committee,” said Davis, who is one of 39 members appointed …
RFA Displays Custom Ethanol Motorcycle at NAFB
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) was once again proud to be a sponsor of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual convention, this year having on display the new custom motorcycle built by Paul Teutul Jr. for the American Chopper TV series. In one of many interviews with farm broadcasters at the annual Trade Talk, RFA Vice President of Industry …