The 2016 Prospective Plantings report out today from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) shows farmers expect to plant more corn than expected this year. U.S. corn growers expect to plant 93.6 million acres to corn this year, the first increase in corn planted acreage since 2012 and, if realized, will be the third largest corn acreage since 1944. Farmers …
Senators Call for Increased RFS RVOs
This week Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and 17 others sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling for them to follow the congressional intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by increasing blending targets (Renewable Volume Obligations/RVO) for 2017. The biofuels industry praised the senators for their call to action and released a joint statement. …
EPA, CFTC to Share RFS& RIN Data, Analysis
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that allows the agencies to share data and analysis on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). As part of the deal, the agencies will cooperate and coordinate on topics relevant to the RFS and the market for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINS). …
House Hearing Attacks #RFS
The House Oversight Subcommittees on Interior and Healthcare, Benefits and Administrative Rules held a joint hearing Wednesday to ostensibly examine the Renewable Fuel Standard but was basically an attack on the law. EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality Director Chris Grundler provided testimony at the hearing and attempted to explain the purpose and intent of the RFS, including what …
Trump and Cruz Rumble Over #Ethanol in Miami
The topic of ethanol came up in last week’s GOP debate in Miami, although it is unlikely to play a big role in the Florida primary this week. During the debate, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) boasted that he campaigned against ethanol in Iowa because he wants to cut the size of government programs. “When I went to Iowa and campaigned …
RFA: API Understates Benefits of RFS
Is the American Petroleum Institute (API) changing its RFS tune? In a recent interview with POLITICO Pro Energy’s Morning Energy, API President and CEO Jack Gerard said his organization was pivoting its strategy toward reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rather than continuing to call for an outright repeal. A change of tune for sure but whether it’s on key …
Poll Show Iowans Support RFS
According to a new poll from the Des Moines Register, 71 percent of Iowans favor the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), 21 percent oppose it and eight percent are unsure. The issue was a hot button for candidates leading up to the Iowa Caucus where Sen. Ted Cruz received the state’s nomination, despite voters being unsure as to what his stance …
US Ethanol Production Sets Records
New records were set in 2015 for U.S. ethanol production and blending according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Last year ethanol production hit a record high of 14.81 billion gallons while refiners and blenders integrated a record 13.69 billion gallons into the U.S. gasoline supply. The industry’s monthly average output in December 2015 also crested the 1 …
Research Looks Into Gas Prices
As I pulled into a gas station in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee last week I couldn’t believe the price per gallon of fuel with ethanol. After nearly $5.00 per gallon of gas a few years ago in states such as California, I never thought I’d see prices drop below $2.00. But they have and continue to stay. While this is great …
API Continues to Lambaste #RFS
The American Petroleum Institute (API) continues to lambaste the Renewable Fuel Standard (#RFS) as the energy policy draws criticism from all sides. Cited as the most effective energy policy ever enacted in the U.S. by supporters, API remains steadfast in its efforts to get the legislation repealed. Shortly before a Senate committee oversight hearing on Wednesday, API’s Downstream Group Director …