Secretary Vilsack Addresses #Classic22

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made only his second in-person appearance at a large agricultural event since taking office last year when he addressed the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans Friday and thousands of corn, sorghum, soybean, and wheat farmers.

He talked about the situation in Ukraine and being able to hear from the agriculture minister from that country who was speaking to them from a bunker. “As I listened to him, it impressed upon me the importance of all of us who live in a free and democratic country never to take that privilege for granted,” Vilsack said to applause.

The secretary got a standing ovation when he talked about the role biofuels can play in lowering record high fuel costs. “We know and I know and you know that E15 can do that and B20 can do that,” he said.

During his press conference, Vilsack had little else to add when asked about what can be done to increase the use of higher ethanol blends to offset higher gas prices. “You can expect announcements of increased use in the sense that we are putting $100 million of USDA resources out to expand the resources to make E15 more available,” said Vilsack, adding that he could not speak for other federal agencies, meaning that USDA is not able to make any decisions regarding retail sales of E15 in the summer months. “It’s clear from the marketplace that there is a price differential (between ethanol and gas) and we would obviously support whatever steps are necessary.”

Secretary Vilsack remarks (32:11)

Vilsack press conference (24:24)

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Commodity Classic, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, USDA

RFA Promotes Higher Ethanol Blends at #Classic22

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association is back in New Orleans this week at the 2022 Commodity Classic promoting higher blends of ethanol at the trade show.

For one, they are giving farmers a chance to sign a letter to President Biden urging him to use more ethanol to help moderate soaring gas prices. “Today ethanol is selling for about a dollar a gallon less than gasoline,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Obviously, if you are able to blend more ethanol, it’s going to result in a lower cost product for the consumer.”

In this interview, Cooper talks about other ways they are trying to get the administration to unleash the power of higher ethanol blends, and the great partnership between RFA and corn growers.
Classic 22 Interview with Geoff Cooper, RFA (6:10)

In addition, RFA has its new flex-fuel Hauk Designs Can-Am X3 on display. “We took this thing from 170 horsepower all the way up to about 220, so it’s a rocket on four wheels…demonstrating that nearly every engine on the planet can be converted to use a higher blend of ethanol,” said RFA Vice President for Industry Relations Robert White.

The Can-Am X3 project is being featured on Season 4 of the popular Hauk Machines television program and White says mini-episodes of the show are starting to air now on RFA social media.

In this interview, White talks about some of the plans RFA has for the vehicle.
Classic 22 Interview with Robert White, RFA (5:24)

Audio, Commodity Classic, corn, E15, E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Wisconsin Capital Moving Fleet to B100

Cindy Zimmerman

The City of Madison, Wisconsin will soon be seeing emissions reductions after 17 fleet vehicles have been converted to operate on 100% biodiesel, thanks to a partnership with Optimus Technologies and Renewable Energy Group.

Over the lifecycle of the fuel, biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86% when compared with petroleum diesel. Utilizing Optimus Technologies proprietary Vector System, a simple vehicle add-on that works in conjunction with the conventional diesel components, fleets can operate on B100 year-round.

“Optimus’ Vector System is in use in cities across the U.S. like Washington, D.C. and the City of Chicago where we’re eliminating carbon emissions from critical public services such as refuse collection and snow removal,” said Colin Huwyler, CEO of Optimus Technologies. “These applications require severe-duty trucks with the ability to perform in the harshest conditions without compromising reliability or performanc.”

The City of Madison vehicles were installed with the Vector System at the end of last month, and will begin operating on B100 in the coming weeks. The 17 vehicles that were converted include three dump trucks, 12 garbage trucks, one 644kh loader and one wood grinder.

Biodiesel, REG

Senators Introduce Energy Independence Act

Cindy Zimmerman

Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced a new bill that puts into law a ban on Russian oil and opens up the use and production of American biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel.

The Home Front Energy Independence Act combines parts of several of the senators’ past bills that would make E15 available year round, establish an E15 and Biodiesel Tax Credit, direct EPA to finalize their E15 labeling rule, and provide for biofuel infrastructure and compatibility with retailers. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) are cosponsoring the bill.

Clean Fuels Alliance America Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik said the bill would help biodiesel and renewable diesel continue growing. “We appreciate the Senators’ continued support for a new program to match investments in biodiesel infrastructure and improve consumer access to clean fuels. Over the past decade, the contribution that biodiesel and renewable diesel have made to America‘s fuel supply has kept fuel prices down by an average of 31 cents per gallon.”

Another bipartisan group of senators led by Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) wrote a letter this week urging President Biden to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel.

“As the United States joins global partners in seeking to hold accountable and isolate the Russian Federation for its unprovoked assault on Ukraine, we must deny Russia’s economic lifeblood of energy dominance,” the senators wrote. “This will require tapping every accessible contribution of American energy technology. As you know, American biofuels are one such readily available energy solution that offer consumers affordable and cleaner options at the pump.”

“The emergency action recommended by these Senators would remove a key roadblock that restricts consumer access to lower-priced E15, and we encourage EPA to immediately act upon this request.” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Iowa Lawmakers Promote Biofuels for Energy Security

Cindy Zimmerman

Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy plant

As gas prices soar, Iowa’s bipartisan congressional delegation this week magnified the voices of ethanol supporters telling the Biden administration to unleash the power of higher ethanol blends in strengthening American energy security and lowering record-high pump prices.

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Reps. Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Cindy Axne (IA-03), Ashley Hinson (IA-01) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan to prioritize American energy independence by using more American-made ethanol and other biofuels.

“According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Russia ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of petroleum and other liquid fuels, producing an average of 10.5 million barrels per day in 2020. The United States and our allies across the globe are now looking to decrease our reliance on Russian oil. As conflict continues in the region, we urge the Biden administration to expand the production and potential export of domestic ethanol and biodiesel to meet global energy needs,” the lawmakers wrote.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper says ethanol was selling for $1 per gallon less than gasoline in wholesale markets this week. “U.S. biorefineries have the spare capacity to entirely replace the volume of gasoline produced from Russian petroleum imports; the industry stands ready to help, just as it did during the onset of the pandemic by supplying critical and essential products to the marketplace.”

During his Tuesday morning call with reporters, Sen. Grassley questioned why the administration is turning to foreign sources of oil during this trying time instead of taking advantage of our own clean sources of fuel. “Instead of going to Venezuela, OPEC and Russia with these corrupt dictators, President Biden ought to look to the Midwest and think about how ethanol and biodiesel can fill these voids,” said Grassley. “These producers in the Midwest can make up the difference in production that we need.”

Sen. Grassley comments 3-8-22 (1:49)

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Biofuel Supporters Beg Biden for Higher Blends

Cindy Zimmerman

As gas prices continue to skyrocket in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, six farm and biofuel organizations wrote to President Biden Friday urging his administration to use existing authority to allow for the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15).

In a letter to the White House, the Renewable Fuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union and National Sorghum Producers explained that an immediate move to restore year-round sales of E15 can ease the impact of oil market disruptions and surging gas prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“As American families continue to confront skyrocketing gas prices, we write today to urge the Administration to take a simple action that can provide immediate relief at the pump while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector,” wrote the organizations. “Specifically, we request that the Administration use its authority to authorize the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) in response to surging oil prices and expected fuel supply disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“As Russia’s harmful actions in Ukraine continue and further sanctions are potentially imposed against Russia, oil prices will likely continue to rise, creating still higher consumer costs and threatening U.S. energy and economic security. Expanding the volume of American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply can help alleviate these issues, as ethanol is currently priced 70-80 cents per gallon lower than gasoline. And, by displacing imported petroleum, increased ethanol use will enhance U.S. energy security and independence, while reducing emissions and supporting America’s farmers and rural economies.”

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

UN Advisor Tells EPA Ethanol Reduces GHG Emissions

Cindy Zimmerman

EPA hosted a virtual public workshop on biofuel greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling last week and heard from a number of experts, including Reid Detchon, Senior Advisor for Climate Solutions for the United Nations Foundation, who urged EPA to “stop dwelling on uncertainties in greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling and accept the extensive work that has already been conducted by the federal government.”

“Argonne National Laboratory has refined its greenhouse gas lifecycle analysis of fuels now over many years,” said Detchon. “Today’s discussion has underscored the value of this tool, which is the clear gold standard in the field. EPA should immediately incorporate the updated GREET findings into its own analyses and rulemakings.”

Detchon and others argued that the carbon sequestration value of corn has been misrepresented by numerous studies in the past, despite NASA satellite imaging showing that the Corn Belt is a carbon sink and EPA’s own GHG Inventory Report showing the positive impact of corn on organic soil carbon. He said the land use effect of corn ethanol may well be positive in some cases if it is given credit for increasing soil carbon.

Detchon is a member of the Clean Fuels Development Coalition Advisory Committee, which has been urging EPA to adopt the Argonne GREET (Greenhouse Gas, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation) model and not be influenced by studies based on counterfactual hypotheticals like the National Wildlife Federation’s flawed analysis released last month.

CFDC Executive Director Doug Durante said, “EPA stated that the information gathered as part of this workshop will be used to inform a range of current and future actions. These are critical times as we grapple with energy, health, and environmental issues surrounding the fuels we use. As Mr. Detchon said, policy should be based on what we know, and we know the full life-cycle analysis of corn ethanol tells a different story than what has been portrayed. EPA should rely on the work of U.S. government experts, recognize the value of corn ethanol, and clear the pathway for increased biofuel use.”

corn, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Iowa Biofuel Supporters Rally at Capitol for Access Bill

Cindy Zimmerman

Over 200 Iowa biofuels supporters rallied at the Iowa State Capitol rotunda Wednesday to show support for the Iowa Biofuels Access Bill. The bill, proposed by Governor Kim Reynolds, would increase consumer access to higher biofuel blends including 20% biodiesel (B20) and E15 ethanol, as well as increasing infrastructure cost share for retailers.

Iowa Biodiesel Board executive director Grant Kimberley said the state legislators heard directly from farmers and other supporters about how important biofuels are to the state’s economy and their livelihoods. “We need this legislation to lift up this vital industry and keep it thriving. Our country is at the beginning of an energy transformation, mostly driven by other states and also large corporations calling for low-carbon fuel. Iowa’s answer to that call is biodiesel. If we want our state to participate in and capture the economic benefits of this new shift, we need to prioritize smart policy.”

The bill passed the Iowa House last month by a strong bipartisan vote of 82 to 10 and is now pending in the Iowa Senate. Members of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, and Iowa Soybean Association gathered to encourage the Senate to pass the bill.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels

ACE Scholarship Program Recognizes 2021 Winners

Cindy Zimmerman

Allison Sahr, Zachary Baker, Kaelyn Drury

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is proud to recognize its 2021 scholarship recipients and open the 2022 Scholarship Program for application submission.

The 2021 scholarship winners are:
Allison Sahr of Madison, South Dakota is pursuing a degree in Nursing at the University of South Dakota. Her family is affiliated with ACE voting member East River Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. of Madison, South Dakota.

Zachary Baker of Winslow, Illinois is pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois. His family has been affiliated with ACE ethanol producer member Adkins Energy LLC in Lena, Illinois.

Kaelyn Drury of Blue Hill, Nebraska, is attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she studies Nutrition Science. Her family is affiliated with ACE ethanol producer member Chief Ethanol Fuels.

Each student received a $1,000 scholarship through the program to help further their collegiate education. The ACE Scholarship Program was initiated in 2004, and ACE has since awarded $62,000. Scholarships are made available to employees and dependents of employees and shareholders of ACE ethanol producer, voting and associate member companies and organizations.

Applications for the 2022 scholarship program are now being accepted. The deadline is April 12, 2022.

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Biofuels Response to SOTU is Energy Solution

Cindy Zimmerman

Biofuels advocates offered a response to President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address this week – use more ethanol.

Acknowledging that the situation in Ukraine was causing pain at the pump here at home, President Biden’s solution was more oil. “I can announce the United States has worked with 30 other countries to release 60 million barrels of oil from reserves around the world. America will lead that effort, releasing 30 million barrels of our own Strategic Petroleum Reserve.”

In a joint statement Wednesday, the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, Clean Fuels Alliance America, Growth Energy, National Farmers Union, and Renewable Fuels Association called on the president to unleash the power of ethanol.

“American-made biofuels are the only abundant, affordable, homegrown alternative to oil that can immediately extend the domestic supply of liquid fuels…Ethanol is trading at a steep discount compared to unblended gasoline, often 50 to 60 cents per gallon, and consumers are driving out of their way every day to capture the extra 15 cents or more per gallon savings on higher blends like E15.”

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds pointed out the importance of biofuels in her Republican SOTU response. “We’re fighting to restore America’s energy independence, including biofuels.”

“While we appreciate President Biden’s appeal to ‘buy American,’ it is disappointing the State of the Union address did not highlight how increasing the use of American-made ethanol is a cost-effective and low-carbon solution to simultaneously address urgent pocketbook, energy security, and climate concerns facing the U.S.,” said American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Geoff Cooper wrote a response to the SOTU on the RFA Blog that echoes his State of the Industry address last week at the National Ethanol Conference. “More ethanol could easily be blended simply by the Biden administration supporting and allowing for year-round availability of E15. In fact, our nation’s ethanol producers currently have enough excess production capacity to supply enough ethanol to entirely replace equivalently the amount of crude oil the U.S. currently imports from Russia.”

In addition to maintaining market access for E15, ethanol industry leaders urge the administration to get the Renewable Fuel Standard back on track by denying all pending Small Refinery Exemptions and issuing strong renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2020, 2021 and 2022.

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA