CARB Internship Focuses on Cellulosic Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF), Pacific Ethanol, and Aemetis co-sponsored a new internship this year at the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for a college student to learn more about low-carbon cellulosic biofuels and their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The RFF is the research and educational arm of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Diamond Coleman, a senior biology major at Occidental College in Los Angeles, was chosen for the internship this summer and focused her work primarily on cellulosic ethanol made from corn kernel fiber. “Previously, I have been consumed in laboratory research studies and this gave me a chance to get out of that box and expand my horizons,” Coleman said. “I was a sponge and absorbed as much information as I could about cellulosic ethanol production and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.”

While at CARB, Coleman conducted and extensive literature review regarding cellulosic ethanol and compiled her findings into a comprehensive report that was shared with CARB staff and other industry experts. Through this work, Coleman said she developed a deep appreciation for the role that cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber and other feedstocks can play in reducing GHG emissions.

“Thanks to this internship, I learned about the numerous clean energy benefits of cellulosic ethanol,” said Coleman. “I am passionate about efforts to help clean the air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and believe cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber can play a significant role. I greatly appreciate the opportunity afforded to me and want to thank the Renewable Fuels Foundation, Pacific Ethanol, and Aemetis for co-sponsoring my internship.”

Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is an advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals company focused on the production of advanced fuels and chemicals. Pacific Ethanol is the leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels and high-quality alcohol products in the United States, headquartered in Sacramento.

advanced biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

USDA Expands Crop Forecast from Last Month

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2018 corn, soybean, and cotton crops are all forecast to be two percent larger than USDA predicted in August, in the latest crop production report issued Wednesday.

Corn production is now forecast at 14.8 billion bushels, up 2 percent from August and up 2 percent from last year. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 181.3 bushels per acre, up 2.9 bushels from the August forecast and up 4.7 bushels from 2017. If realized, this will be
the highest yield on record for the United States.

Soybean production is forecast at a record 4.69 billion bushels, up 2 percent from August and up 7 percent from last year. Based on September 1 conditions, yields are expected to average a record high 52.8 bushels per acre, up 1.2 bushels from last month and up 3.7 bushels from last year.

All cotton production is forecast at 19.7 million 480-pound bales, up 2 percent from August but down 6 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 895 pounds per harvested acre, down 16 pounds from last month and down 10 pounds from last year.

The new World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates also calls for larger production, increased domestic use, greater exports, and higher ending stocks for corn.

Feed and residual use and export demand projections were raised by 50 million bushels, with ethanol demand estimates raised by 25 million bushels. “As the increase to production projections more than offset these demand increases, the average farm price was decreased by 10 cents, with the new price range projected as $3.00 to $4.00 per bushel,” noted the National Corn Growers Association.

“Corn was the biggest surprise in this report,” said Brian Basting of Advance Trading, Inc., in his analysis during the MGEX Crop Conference call, adding that the “trade was actually looking for a decrease” in corn yield compared to August.

Listen to some of Basting’s analysis here: MGEX crop call comments from Brian Basting, Advance Trading

Audio, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA, USDA

Ethanol and Farm Groups Getting Impatient for Answers

Cindy Zimmerman

In the wake of repeated promises and assurances from the Trump Administration, but no actions, ethanol stakeholder groups are running out of patience.

In a joint letter to President Trump today, the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Sorghum Producers, American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, and Renewable Fuels Association urged the administration to act immediately to restore the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and allow year-round sales of E15 and other mid-level ethanol blends. The groups also expressed concern that any benefit from year-round E15 sales and proper implementation of the RFS could be nullified if refiners are given further regulatory bailouts that undercut the spirit and intent of the law.

The letter follows comments made by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Aug. 29 that President Trump was anxious to get an answer on the RFS and E15 to announce.

“He said…we need to get this RFS straightened out and get E15 twelve months,” said Perdue. “He wants something done quickly. He said, ‘you get with that EPA Administrator and bring me something next week that I can announce.'”

Perdue comments at FPS18 RFS Rally

The day before, in an exclusive interview with RFD-TV on August 28, President Trump said “I’m going to be making some statements on that very soon. We’re working very hard on the ethanol situation.” He also said it was “complex because as you take care of ethanol, someone else gets hurt.”

RFD-TV Interview with Pres. Trump comments on ethanol

Last week, which was the week Secretary Perdue said the president wanted something to announce, the secretary told reporters,”We’re working feverishly to resolve the RFS issue…I think we can resolve it to the satisfaction of both our ethanol industry as well as our refinery industry,” Perdue said.

Audio from USDA – Secretary Perdue comments on RFS issue progress

But the farm and ethanol groups say time is running out for rural America, as corn prices are below the cost of production, while ethanol prices, RIN credit prices, and ethanol profit margins are falling.

“Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt already gave refiners far more than their end of a deal in the form of 2.25 billion gallons of biofuels demand destruction, and they are reaping the rewards of that windfall today,” the letter continued. “Now, with the corn and ethanol industries hurting, it’s rural America’s turn to get its end of the deal.”

ACE, AFBF, Audio, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, NCGA, NFU, RFA, RFS

National Biodiesel Celebrates Ten Green Years

Cindy Zimmerman

NBB celebrates 10th anniversary of green headquarters

On Monday, September 10th, the National Biodiesel Board celebrated 10 green years in their Jefferson City office biulding.

“The National Biodiesel Board was started here in Jefferson City 25 years ago,” said Chief Executive Officer Donnell Rehagen. “This building has served NBB for the last ten years, allowing us to grow our industry across the nation.”

In 2008, NBB moved into their home in Jefferson City after remodeling a previously vacant building on the East side of town. The office itself was designed with sustainability in mind, with energy efficient indoor lighting, recycled carpet, and solar powered outdoor lights. NBB wanted to follow biodiesel’s lead with clean, green energy. Since moving into their celebrated space, the biodiesel industry has made significant strides and continues to see progress each year.

NBB cuts ribbon on new building – 9/10/08

AgWired reporter John Davis was there when the building was opened in 2008 and did a nice job documenting the event, complete with the ribbon cutting, a tour of the building, and comments from dignitaries.

Get a blast from the past and listen to some opening day 2008 comments from Missouri’s governor at the time, Matt Blunt, and (now former) Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-MO), who remains active in the biodiesel industry.

Missouri Gov Matt Blunt, 9/10/08

Rep. Kenny Hulshof, 9/10/08
Biodiesel, NBB

Growth Energy Hosting 9th Biofuels Summit

Cindy Zimmerman

Growth Energy is holding its 9th Annual Biofuels Summit in Washington, D.C., this week to visit with lawmakers on behalf of the ethanol industry for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard, year-round sales of E15, and access to more international markets.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from a number of exciting guest speakers, including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Chief Agricultural Trade Negotiator Ambassador Gregg Doud, and U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). Additionally, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor will give a keynote address in which she outlines the challenges the ethanol industry faces, but also the victories from this past year.

“Growth Energy’s members are the voices that policymakers need to hear because they are in the field, creating jobs, lifting up the heartland, and revolutionizing the fuel industry in the U.S. and around the world,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This week, we will take our victories and the challenges still ahead to Capitol Hill to find a path forward for our goal of bringing cleaner, more affordable, high-performance fuel to consumers nationwide and around the globe.”

Follow the hashtag #BiofuelsSummit for updates and photos from the event this week.

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Growth Energy

Ethanol Report on Helping Refiners and Hurting Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

The actions and inaction of the Trump Administration continue to hurt the ethanol industry and farmers, despite words and promises.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) notes that an updated analysis from the Food and Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) shows the U.S. ethanol industry could lose 4.6 billion gallons of domestic demand and nearly $20 billion in sales revenue over the next six years if EPA continues its current practice of refinery exemptions. Meanwhile, President Trump and even the Secretary of Agriculture are still saying they need to give something to the oil industry to help out ethanol producers and farmers.

In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, RFA Executive Vice President Geoff Cooper discusses the latest on the two key issues that have dominated biofuels policy this year – refinery exemptions that have impacted demand under the Renewable Fuel Standard, and allowing year-round sales of 15% ethanol.

Ethanol Report on Helping Refiners and Hurting Ethanol

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS
Subscribe via iTunes

Audio, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, RFA, RFS

2nd RFA ‘Ethanol Days of Summer’ Contest a Success

Cindy Zimmerman

Labor Day signaled both the unofficial end of summer and the official conclusion of the Renewable Fuels Association’s second annual “Ethanol Days of Summer” contest.

More than 3,600 new users of www.E85prices.com registered and helped report prices for higher ethanol blends and conventional fuels during the three-month contest, which offered consumers the chance to win $50 in free fuel per day. Overall, there were 58 winners who collectively received $4,950 in free fuel. www.E85prices.com is crowdsourced and provides pricing and locations for thousands of stations selling ethanol blends across the country.

“We are thrilled that our second annual ‘Ethanol Days of Summer’ contest was a success,” said RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. “We want to make sure consumers are aware of a lower priced, homegrown fuel option. E85prices.com provides drivers with data at their fingertips, tracking the locations and prices of those ethanol stations closest to them. We will continue to build out our data collection capabilities and look forward to providing consumers with even more information on ethanol blend pricing.”

The market for higher ethanol blends continues to grow. All model year 2001 and later light duty vehicles can use 15% ethanol (E15), accounting for more than 90% of the vehicles on the road today. Additionally, more than 22 million flex fuel vehicles can use 85% ethanol (E85). However, many consumers aren’t aware about either ethanol blend as an option for their vehicle.

For more information on this year’s contest and to see a list of winners, visit www.ChooseEthanol.com/summer.

E15, E85, Education, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Export Exchange Announces Keynote Speaker

Cindy Zimmerman

Roger Watchorn, group leader at Cargill Agriculture Supply Chain North America (CASCNA), will be the keynote speaker for Export Exchange 2018 Oct. 22-24 in Minneapolis.

Watchorn and his team are responsible for setting the culture and strategic direction for the domestic and export grain, oilseed processing, crop inputs, biodiesel, and Cargill Marine & Terminals businesses in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. His remarks will focus on the achievements and challenges of the supply chain for U.S. coarse grains and co-products in today’s trade environment.

“Mr. Watchorn will bring a fresh perspective to Export Exchange, on the burgeoning international grains market and the trends and future of it from the supply chain perspective,” said U.S. Grains Council Chairman Jim Stitzlein. “We look forward to hosting him and getting his unique insight into the industry.”

Held every other year and sponsored by U.S. Grains Council (USGC), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), and now Growth Energy, Export Exchange brings together international buyers and U.S. sellers of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), as well as other feed grain products. The conference in Minneapolis is expected to attract nearly 500 attendees, including 200 from 30 countries participating as part of USGC trade teams.

Click for more information about #ExEx18, including registration details

biofuels, corn, Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Export Exchange, Exports, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, USGC

New NCGA Officer Talks Top Issues at #FPS18

The National Corn Growers Association leadership team was out in full force last week at the Farm Progress Show, including the new kid on the board, Kevin Ross of Iowa.

Ross was elected this summer to become the organization’s first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, and he is jumping right into the issues head first – and there is definitely a lot talk about.

In our 10 minute sit down at FPS, Ross covered everything from the latest trade and tariff developments, to ethanol and the RFS, the 2018 Farm Bill and zombie WOTUS. Since we will be hearing a lot from him in the next few years as an NCGA officer, listen here and get to know Kevin Ross a little better. FPS18 Interview with Iowa farmer Kevin Ross, NCGA vice president

2018 Farm Progress Show

Content Creation at the Farm Progress Show brought to you by Farm Progress Show content creation courtesy of John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
AgWired Energy, Audio, corn, Ethanol, farm bill, Farm Progress Show, NCGA, Trade

RFS Issues Being Worked on “Feverishly”

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary Sonny Perdue, Smokey Bear, and Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Jim Hubbard

Speaking with reporters at the swearing-in ceremony for new USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Jim Hubbard, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue provided an update on what is being done to resolve issues surrounding the Renewable Fuels Standard.

“We’re working feverishly to resolve the RFS issue,” said Perdue, who added that he has been working with EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler on a proposal to present to President Trump, who is “very, very anxious to get this resolved.”

“I think we can resolve it to the satisfaction of both our ethanol industry as well as our refinery industry,” Perdue said confidently.

Audio from USDA – Secretary Perdue comments on RFS issue progress

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFS, USDA