Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) this week introduced bipartisan legislation that would “help produce more energy, increase competition, promote alternative fuels, provide more consumer choice and lower the cost of fuels at the pump.” Sen. Klobuchar says the Domestic Fuels Act of 2012 would make it easier to market all fuels …
Record Attendance at Ethanol Safety Seminar
Nearly 160 emergency personnel, first responders, hazmat teams, safety managers, and local emergency planning committee members attended an ethanol safety seminar in Forsyth, Georgia this week. The free seminar was co-hosted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Norfolk Southern Corp., and Motiva Enterprises to provide in-depth information on proper training techniques for responding to ethanol-related emergencies. Several more are planned …
Ethanol Advocates Unite for RFS
Eight ethanol-advocating organizations joined together to champion the success of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in a letter to Congressional leaders this week. The letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Speaker John Boehner(R-OH) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) highlighted “ethanol’s proven ability to lower gas prices and reduce …
Ethanol Stocks Hit Record High
According to the latest figures from the Energy Information Administration, ethanol stocks hit an all-time record last week of 22.7 million barrels, equivalent to a 27-day supply. Ethanol production for the week ending 3/16/12 averaged 893,000 barrels per day (b/d) – or 37.51 million gallons daily. That is up slightly from the previous week and makes the 4-week average for …
Ethanol Report on E15 Plan
After more than a year of waiting since EPA approved its use for 2001 and newer vehicles, 15% ethanol blended motor fuel could be hitting the streets by this summer. In January 2011, EPA approved a waiver for the use of E15 in 2001 and newer vehicles. Since then, a pump label has been finalized, health effects testing approved and …
RFA Ready for 15% Ethanol to be Legal
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is ready for 15% ethanol (E15) to become street legal – something that could happen at any moment. RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen, Vice President of Technical Services Kristy Moore, and Director of Market Development Robert White gave an overview of the most recent developments in the commercialization of E15 ethanol blends. Specifically, they …
EPA Readies for 15% Ethanol Rollout
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is getting even closer to letting 15% ethanol blended gasoline (E15) make its debut in the marketplace. This week, EPA notified the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) that the model Misfueling Mitigation Plan for E15 the organization submitted meets the requirements of EPA’s waiver decision. In January 2011, EPA expanded upon its October 2010 decision and …
Ethanol Industry Pioneer Wants Higher Blends
The president of one of the world’s largest ethanol plant engineering and construction firms is pleased with the progress made by the industry in the last 30 years, but frustrated by the barriers to higher ethanol blends. At the recent National Ethanol Conference, where ICM, Inc. founder Dave Vander Griend was honored with the Renewable Fuels Association 2012 Membership Award, …
Ethanol Land Use Debate Continues
The debate over ethanol, greenhouse gases and land use continues – and that was the topic of a panel discussion at the recent 17th annual National Ethanol Conference. The panel, moderated by Renewable Fuels Association VP of Research and Analysis Geoff Cooper, consisted of Thomas Darlington with Air Improvement Resource, Inc.; Dr. David Zilberman with the University of California-Berkeley; and …
Ethanol Can Help Meet Higher Octane Needs
Automakers will need higher octane fuels to meet the coming increases in fuel economy and reductions in emissions called for by 2025 and ethanol is positioned to help fill that need. According to a new study by auto engineering firm Ricardo, Inc., the increase in average fleet fuel economy to 54.5 mile per by 2025 will have to be met …