Bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate this week would help accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Farm to Fly Act, sponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA, Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), would use existing USDA programs to allow further growth for alternative fuels to be used in …
RFA Showcasing Hybrid Electric Flex Fuel Vehicle in DC
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is set up at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show this week to showcase its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Flex Fuel Vehicle (PHEFFV). RFA has conducted tailpipe emissions analysis, comprehensive life cycle greenhouse gas assessment, overall cost of ownership analysis, and convenience testing for the vehicle, a converted 2022 Ford Escape. “With the Flex Fuel Power Initiative, …
RFA Urges California to Promote More FFVs
The Renewable Fuels Association is urging California to promote the sale of more flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of running on up to 85 percent low-carbon ethanol when considering amendments to the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) regulations. In comments to the California Air Resources Board, RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman pointed out that E85 is increasingly popular with drivers in …
RFA Offers Recommendations for SAF Emissions Modeling
With the deadline to update the GREET model looming on March 1, the Renewable Fuels Association is offering recommendations for ensuring that the best available science and data are used in determining eligibility for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit established in the Inflation Reduction Act. RFA sent a letter today to an interagency administration working group containing detailed …
Ethanol Exports Down Slightly in November
The latest Renewable Fuels Association analysis of U.S. exports of ethanol shows a one percent drop in November to a still strong 115.9 million gallons (mg). Canada was our largest destination for the 32nd consecutive month despite a 23% drop in volume. Shipments totaled 50.0 mg (of which 91% was denatured), accounting for 43% of global sales. The U.S. exported …
Fifth Circuit Asked to Rehear RFS Oil Refinery Exemption Case
The Renewable Fuels Association this week requested that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rehear the challenge brought by certain oil refineries seeking exemptions from the Clean Air Act’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In November 2023, the Fifth Circuit determined it was the proper venue to hear a challenge brought by six small refineries who saw their RFS compliance exemption …
2023 Ethanol Production Expected to Top 2022
After hitting a year-end high the week of December 23, ethanol production moderated the last week of 2023 to a five week low of just over a million barrels per day, or 44.06 million gallons daily, according to the latest Energy Information Administration data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association. That was 24% more than the same week last year …
Montana Becomes 49th State to Approve E15
As of January 1, Montana became the 49th state to allow retail sales of E15, with California now remaining as the only state to prevent the sale of 15% ethanol-blended fuel. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry last year approved updated state regulations based on the most recent National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) handbook which went into …
Ethanol Report on 2023
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says 2023 was one of the best years ever for the U.S. ethanol industry. In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, Cooper takes a look back at the year for ethanol and some of the battles won for producers who are optimistic for the new year. 27:10 The Ethanol Report is …
Mexico Rail Bridges Shut Down Impacts Exports
U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed two rail bridges this week that move freight between Texas and Mexico due to a surge in the influx of migrants through Mexico by train but the move is impacting exports of agriculture and ethanol. The Renewable Fuels Association joined dozens of commodity groups and other organizations in asking U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro …