The National Biodiesel Board seems happy with what it heard from USDA regarding what the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS-2) will bring in the future.
Members of the NBB’s Governing Board had a meeting today with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack:
“Implementation of a workable RFS-2 program is consistent with a national energy strategy that values the replacement of petroleum diesel with domestically-produced low carbon fuel,” stated Joe Jobe, NBB CEO. “Secretary Vilsack clearly understands this, and the U.S. biodiesel industry applauds his leadership on this important issue.”
RFS-2, enacted as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, for the first time specifically requires the use of low carbon, renewable diesel replacement fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently crafting the rule to implement this program. Under RFS-2, fuels must hit greenhouse gas (ghg) emission reduction targets to qualify for the program. The U.S. biodiesel industry is concerned that the methodology being employed by EPA to calculate the ghg emission profile of biodiesel produced from vegetable oils – particularly as it relates to Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) assumptions – is being based on inaccurate and unreliable assumptions. The result would be a program that disqualifies vegetable oil as a biodiesel feedstock, an outcome that would be make it impossible to meet the Advanced Biofuels targets established in RFS-2.
Jobe added that his group is looking forward to helping the Ag Secretary achieve a successful implementation of RFS-2.
According to a 
The drive toward higher blends of ethanol in gasoline is accelerating and the 
According to the report, “U.S. corn ending stocks for 2008/09 are projected 50 million bushels lower this month as higher ethanol use more than offsets a reduction in exports. Corn use for ethanol is projected 100 million bushels higher on indications of improving blender incentives and higher ethanol use. Blender margins have become increasingly favorable since late February as gasoline prices have risen relative to those for ethanol. A continuing recovery in weekly production of gasoline blends with ethanol is also supportive of ethanol demand as are the latest data on ethanol production, imports, and stocks which indicate record use in December.”
A Kansas biodiesel and ethanol seller has been recognized for its efforts to sell the green fuels in a station that reflects that commitment to a better environment.
Many fuel retailers have begun offering blends between 10 percent and 85 percent ethanol for flexible fuel vehicles. The 
These labels are offered at a member rate and non-member rate. The coalition also offers the mandatory pump labeling for these blends. Besides blend pump labels, the NEVC offers a complete “pump imaging package” for E85 fueling stations. A listing of all items offered for pump labeling can be found by clicking 
An Illinois-based technology services company recently unveiled a new set of “2nd Generation” technologies aimed at increasing the sustainability and profitability of corn-based ethanol plants. 
In addition, 
“Our view is that we can get to 12 to 13 percent by just simply understanding that it’s significantly not much different than 10 percent, it’s an insignificant difference, and under the rules and regulations EPA could do that,” Vilsack said Monday. “If you get to 15 percent or higher, there may be more review required, and we appreciate that. But the help is needed now.” 
You may not have heard about Phibro Ethanol Performance Group but what they offer is what they believe is the top performing 
As margins continue to be tight in the ethanol industry, I asked Slunecka to give the industry some advice when it comes to choosing products and services for their plants. “Just like how consumers purchase automobiles, the time is right to be selective in the products they choose and the services they ask for,” answered Slunecka. “It’s vital that all inputs be maximized in order to generate the greatest return on investment.”