2021 may have been a slight improvement over 2020 for the ethanol industry, but it will still be nice to put the year in the rear view mirror and focus on “Zeroing in on New Opportunities.” That’s the theme of the 27th annual National Ethanol Conference, taking place February 21-23, 2022, in New Orleans. The Renewable Fuels Association just released …
RFA Disappointed with EPA Vehicle Emissions Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized new emissions standards for passenger vehicles but failed to recognize the importance of the fuels in those vehicles in paving the way for a zero emissions future, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. “It appears EPA has again failed to recognize that the fuels we put into our engines can have as much—or …
New Ethanol Emergency Response Videos Unveiled
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has released a new series of ethanol emergency response videos aimed at ensuring effective responses to ethanol incidents. The eight-episode series was developed in conjunction with TRANSCAER and funded through a federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration ALERT grant. “It is important for us to get this critical safety response information out to as …
RFA Reviews 2022 Vehicles for Ethanol Use Approval
The Renewable Fuels Association analysis of 2022 automobile models finds more approved to use up to 15% ethanol fuel (E15), but less flex fuel models that can use up to 85% (E85). Based on current market share data, nearly 95 percent of new MY 2022 vehicles sold will carry the manufacturer’s unequivocal approval to use E15. For the 11th year …
Defend the Blend Act Introduced in Senate
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) Tuesday introduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit the EPA from reducing the minimum applicable volume of biofuels into transportation fuel after blending levels are finalized for any given year. The Defend the Blend Act is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of …
Groups Urge EPA to Resolve Summertime E15 Barrier
Six national farm and biofuel organizations are asking Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to enact regulations requiring lower-volatility conventional gasoline blendstock in the summertime in order to facilitate year-round sales of E15 nationwide. The Renewable Fuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, and National Sorghum Producers sent the joint letter saying …
EPA Biofuels Proposals Reaction
Biofuel supporters are having mixed reactions to the two proposals released this week by the Environmental Protection Agency related to the Renewable Fuel Standard. On the good side, EPA proposed to deny 65 pending small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions based on the Tenth Circuit court decision in Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA. However, the proposed package setting Renewable …
EPA Proposes Volume Standards and Waiver Rejections
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed a package of actions setting biofuels volumes for years 2022, 2021, and 2020, and introducing regulatory changes intended to enhance the program’s objectives. In addition, EPA is seeking public comment on a proposed decision to deny petitions to exempt small refineries from their obligations under the RFS on the grounds that petitioners failed …
RFA Mourns Sen. Dole as Ethanol Champion
The Renewable Fuels Association paid tribute to former Sen. Robert Dole (R-KS), who passed away Sunday at the age of 98, as a great patriot, war hero, national statesman, friend of farmers, and a champion of America’s renewable fuels industry. “Throughout his distinguished career in public service, Senator Dole always put his country first and worked tirelessly to improve the …
EPA Holds Hearing on Proposed RFS Compliance Deadlines
Biofuels groups had the opportunity to sound off to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed extension of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance deadlines during a virtual hearing Friday. The Renewable Fuels Association voiced strong opposition to again delay annual RFS compliance deadlines. “EPA has had ample time to decide pending 2019 and 2020 SRE petitions following the Supreme …