The ethanol industry was pleased to hear Monday that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is denying petitions for retroactive small refinery waivers for the 2011-18 compliance years. The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed the news that EPA is denying 54 “gap-year” small refinery exemption petitions and will deny the remaining 14 petitions once they are received from the Department of Energy. …
EPA to Deny Gap-Year Refinery Waivers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it is denying petitions for small refinery exemptions for past compliance years, the so-called “gap-filling” petitions for the 2011-18 compliance years. “This decision follows President Trump’s promise to promote domestic biofuel production, support our nation’s farmers, and in turn strengthen our energy independence,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “At the EPA, we …
Ethanol Industry Hopeful for US-Brazil Trade
U.S. ethanol stakeholder organizations are less than thrilled that Brazil’s tariff-rate quota (TRQ) has been extended now for another 90 days, but they are hopeful continued discussions will lead to a resumed free trade situation with that country. “The Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association believe the 90-day extension of the TRQ …
President Trump Order to Help Grow E15
President Donald Trump tweeted an announcement out over the weekend directed at increasing availability and sales of 15% ethanol blended fuel. “Subject only to State approval, our important Ethanol Industry will be allowed to use the 10% Pumps for the 15% BLEND,” the president tweeted on Saturday morning, thanking several ethanol state senators including Joni Ernst of Iowa. He called …
RFA Provides Testimony to EPA Advisory Committee
EPA’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee is meeting virtually this week to provide policy advice, information, and recommendations on a range of environmental issues and policies important to agriculture and rural communities. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper provided testimony on steps the EPA needs to take immediately to support U.S. ethanol producers and rural America. …
Ethanol Supporters Hopeful Waivers Will Be Denied
Ethanol supporters are encouraged by news this morning that President Donald Trump has directed EPA to deny retroactive refinery exemptions, as he promised Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa that he would. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), National Farmers Union (NFU) and American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) released a statement welcoming the news that petitions intended …
U.S. Ethanol Exports to Brazil Already Falling
Despite no official announcement, technically once the August 31 deadline passed, all U.S. ethanol shipped to Brazil became subject to a 20 percent tariff. However, U.S. exports to Brazil have already been declining this year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The latest government data shows U.S. ethanol exports down to 74 million gallons in July, a decrease of …
Corn Growers Help Grow Higher Ethanol Blends
Building out the infrastructure needed for future mid-level blends of ethanol continues to be a priority of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), which is why they have worked with Wayne Fueling Systems over the last three years to produce and sell pumps certified for fuel containing up to 25 percent ethanol. Thanks to this key partnership, NCGA has supported …
RFA Helps Retailers Apply for Infrastructure Grants
The Renewable Fuels Association has been able to assist retailers in 21 states this year apply for infrastructure project grants totaling over $52 million. The grants are part of USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which has $86 million available to transportation fueling facilities to expand the availability and sale of higher blends of ethanol like E15 and E85/Flex …
Ethanol Report 8-28-20
As the presidential election nears, the ethanol industry is watching closely to see which candidate will be more supportive of the Renewable Fuel Standard. As Democratic candidate Joe Biden released a strong statement of support for the industry this week, the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency continues to drag its feet on important decisions like the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligations …