According to an analysis by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), “food before fuel” is a fight between states. After reviewing eight waiver requests from governors submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a common argument was farmers in other states have to provide their states’ livestock industries corn. The waivers request a halt, or lowering, of the amount of …
Ethanol Report on RFS Waiver Comments
The comment period on a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requested by several governors is underway and was recently extended by the Environmental Protection Agency. So, between now and October 11 is the time for all interested parties to be getting their comments in to EPA to have their voices heard on the issue. In this edition of …
Vilsack Tours AGP Biodiesel
AGP Biodiesel based in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, hosted Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack last week who is highlighting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action to increase the biodiesel amount required in 2013 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The RFS was established by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) and specifies a one billion gallon minimum volume requirement for …
Biodiesel Requirement in RFS Increases
The Obama Administration has announced that there will be an increase in the biodiesel volume requirement for next year under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision was released today in a draft proposal that would increase the requirement for biomass-based diesel to 1.28 billion gallons. This represents a modest increase from the industry’s record production last …
RFS Waiver Comment Period Extended
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a 15 day extension of the comment period on the requests for a waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), who filed for an extension on August 30, 2012, applauded EPA’s decision. They requested the waiver so corn growers and other energy crop farmers had a chance …
Companies Point to Successes to Justify RFS
As the EPA considers a waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) due to the impact the drought is having on corn supplies, members of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, BIO, are urging the agency to preserve the standard. During a news conference today, BIO provided a progress report on advanced biofuels to make the case in favor of the RFS, …
NCGA Officer Says They Respect RFS Waiver Process
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) continues to support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and respects the process that allows for a waiver to be considered by the Environmental Protection Agency. That according to NCGA First Vice President Pam Johnson of Floyd, Iowa who talked about the issue during an interview last week at the 2012 Farm Progress Show. “If …
DF Cast: Debating the RFS Waiver
The EPA has just started the 30-day comment period for a proposed waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). And just as the comments started, the National Corn Growers Association has asked for even more time for comments to come in. But there’s no lack of viewpoints already out there. In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we’ll hear …
Corn Growers Ask for Extra Time for RFS Comments
Just as the EPA started its 30-day comment period on a waiver request for the Renewable Fuel Standard, the National Corn Growers Association is asking for more time for comments. NCGA President Garry Niemeyer sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting an additional 30-day extension, citing harvest and the uncertainty of this year’s corn crop: “Across the nation …
Former Ag Secretary Would Say No to RFS Waiver
A former Secretary of Agriculture says he would advise against waiving the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Clayton Yeutter, who served as agriculture secretary under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1991, says he believes the markets will resolve the current situation. “Markets work,” he said during an appearance at the 2012 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. “We’re seeing …