A diverse group of ethanol producer company representatives took the stage Tuesday at the 2015 Fuel Ethanol Workshop and much of the conversation centered around reaction to the EPA’s new proposed volume obligations for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Panelists also discussed the industry’s continuing efforts to expand the marketplace for ethanol with higher blends, progress with cellulosic …
Ethanol Industry Blasts EPA RFS Proposal
Ethanol industry groups are blasting the EPA proposal for volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for what they see as siding with the oil industry. “Today’s announcement represents a step backward for the RFS,” says Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen, noting that the EPA continues to cling to the “blend wall” methodology. “The EPA plan fundamentally places …
NREL Releases E15 & Infrastructure Report
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has released a paper addressing the compatibility of E15 with gas station equipment. “E15 and Infrastructure” looks at compatibility of E15 through a literature review of published works by refueling equipment manufacturers, industry groups and federal agencies. The paper also includes a summary of applicable codes and standards, review of equipment manufacturer products, and …
E15 Comes to Orlando
The Orlando, Florida area is getting its first offering of the higher blend of ethanol, E15. Biofuels distributor Protec Fuel and Kissimmee Citgo have teamed up to launch the 88-octane fuel at the station at 3297 S. John Young Pkwy in Kissimmee, which already sells E85 and B20 biodiesel fuel. “We are extremely excited to be the first in Central …
Study Shows No RINS Impact on Gas Prices
A new statistical analysis prepared for the Renewable Fuels Association shows that retail gas prices remain unaffected by the “RIN credit” system under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to the analysis, conducted by Informa Economics, Inc., prices for “RIN credits” (Renewable Identification Numbers) used to demonstrate compliance with the RFS had no impact on retail gasoline prices from 2013 …
What’s the GHG Performance of Polluters?
Next 10 has released, “Green Innovation Index, International Edition,” a report that analyzes and ranks the economic and energy performance of the world’s 50 largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting countries. The reports reviews country gross domestic product (GDP), emissions, energy productivity, renewable energy generation, clean tech investments and other key metrics. The report find the European Union collectively, and its …
Illinois Could Cut Carbon Pollution with More E15
A new study shows that Illinois could cut its carbon pollution if the state adopted higher blends of ethanol, such as E15. The report from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s principal research economist, Dr. Steffen Mueller, and backed by a group pushing for Chicago’s adoption of the E15 Clean Air Ordinance, says carbon could be cut by up to …
Tenaska Buys Iowa Biodiesel Plant
Nebraska-based renewable energy company Tenaska has bought an Iowa biodiesel refinery. This article from the Omaha World Herald says the company acquired the Clinton County Bio Energy refinery in Clinton, Iowa, from a local group of investors, although Tenaska officials are being tight-lipped about the deal. Terms weren’t disclosed. The centerpiece of the deal is the biodiesel plant on the …
Think Tank Ponders Cellulosic Ethanol Link
A new report from centrist think tank Third Way ponders the quest for cellulosic biofuels and concludes that the pathway is via corn ethanol. “This report confirms what the biofuels industry has been saying for some time now – that you cannot have cellulosic ethanol without the continued production and support of grain-based ethanol,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. …
Farmers Union Concerned Over RFS Omission
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is concerned that Pres. Obama has left the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) out of his plan to cut greenhouse gases. This news release from the group says NFU President Roger Johnson isn’t pleased about the omission in the president’s formal submission of a plan to the United Nations that would cut the United States’ greenhouse …