In the past couple of years, soybean growers have seen prices for their feedstock skyrocket as oil prices rose as well and motorists looked for alternatives to petroleum-based fuels. But those rising prices for soybeans put a lot of refineries in jeopardy, despite the growing demand for biodiesel.
Add to those issues, a new proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency that would basically shut out soy-based biodiesel from the Renewable Energy Standard, it’s no wonder Iowa Farmer Today has this story on how biodiesel and soybeans could be in for some tough times ahead:
“The biodiesel industry is hurting right now,” says Solon farmer Ed Ulch, treasurer of the National Biodiesel Board and a member of the Iowa Soybean Association board.
That sentiment is echoed by Jon Scharingson, director of marketing for REG (The Renewable Energy Group), which operates the plant in Newton.
“The last two years have been tough on the industry,” Scharingson says.
He explains soybean prices rose, oil prices fell and several federal governmental issues appeared on the horizon during that time. The combination spelled bad news for biodiesel.
Today, many biodiesel plants are shut down. Others run periodically or at less than 100 percent of capacity.
The second important issue in Washington, D.C., is big. It involves the 2007 energy bill and the language regarding “indirect land use.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule in late May and put that proposal up for comment until late July…
Without soy oil, the United States will not be able to meet renewable fuel goals. There simply isn’t enough animal fat and substitute oils available to meet the levels of production included in those goals.
The article concludes by saying biodiesel producers, large and small, active and idle alike, are just waiting for the change that will put them back on top of the game.
The Department Of Energy (DOE) is getting closer to shelling out some cash as part of its role in the new 
The first biofuels station has opened today in Solano County, CA. The Plaza Oliver Valero at 1009 Oliver Road in Fairfield is now carrying E85 and biodiesel. 
The Central States Air Resource Agencies, through its Blue Skyways Collaborative, is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to initiate a Green Gas Stations Pilot Program in fourteen states. 
Ethanol is everywhere – even the 
For those of you not familiar with an 
“Good faith negotiations and old fashioned horse sense led to a deal that achieves both our energy security and environmental goals,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “By ordering further review of the controversial theory of international indirect land use change, Congress can allow science to catch up with policy goals.”
The final in a series of Farm Foundation conferences looking at agricultural issues in the modern economy will be held next week in Little Rock, Arkansas and will focus on extension services and renewable energy.
In what could be considered a paradox, an oil company has a car that won’t need any non-renewable petroleum.
“I think everyone is really interested in moving forward,” Buis said. “Obviously we are going through some rough spots, economically, but I think people are optimistic and at the end of the day we will all win.”