E15 at the Pump with Kum & Go

Kum & Go stores launched E15 about two years ago because of the growing demand for higher octane and a lower cost fuel option for customers. We met up with Jim Pirolli, Vice President of Fuels at Kum and Go, during the recent NASCAR American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen to learn more about those blue pumps.

“We found E15 to be a fuel that 9 out of 10 cars on the road can use. It provides a great pathway for us to differentiate ourselves and another choice at the pump,” Pirolli said.

This is Kum & Go’s second year on board with Richard Childress Racing and their first year sponsoring #62 Brendan Gaughn. “We’re excited just to be affiliated with NASCAR and their green initiatives and American Ethanol.”

Pirolli reminds us that E15 is a great way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and said Kum & Go has a strong focus towards sustainability overall. They have over 100 LEAD certified stores and offer recycling at the pump.

Listen to my complete interview with Pirolli here: Interview with Jim Pirolli, Kum & Go

View and download photos from the race here: American Ethanol E15 250 Presented by Enogen Syngenta Photo Album

Agribusiness, AgWired Energy, Audio, biofuels, Ethanol, NASCAR

RFA Leader Talks Trade During UNICA Ethanol Summit

Cindy Zimmerman

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen addressed participants of the 2017 Ethanol Summit this week in São Paulo, Brazil.

Dinneen’s remarks focused on trade, President Trump, and the environment. “The president has repeatedly expressed his support for biofuels, ethanol and for the Renewable Fuel Standard and we are extraordinarily confident that President Trump understands what we are trying to do and will help this industry grow,” said Dinneen. “His agenda, which includes dramatically removing and repealing regulations that only thwart the development of business, is much needed for our industry and we look forward to his regulatory reform agenda and helping us open up new market opportunities across the country.”

Dinneen expressed his concerns about Brazil’s recent trade decision regarding ethanol. “I was surprised when UNICA and the Brazilian government proposed a new tariff on U.S. ethanol – that does not help anybody. It hurts Brazilian consumers who will be denied access to the lowest cost octane on the planet. I implore you to continue to support free trade and the free flow of ethanol across the globe,” said Dinneen.

The event, hosted every two years by Brazil’s sugarcane organization UNICA, brings together major stakeholders in the ethanol, sugarcane and renewable fuels sectors from across the world to discuss a variety of topics that are important to their industries.

Brazil, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Engine Smart. Earth Kind.

The story of biofuels seems pretty simple when you hear the words, “Engine smart and earth kind,” from Growth Energy’s CEO Emily Skor. The Iowa Speedway is smack-dab in the middle of corn country. You can’t find a better location for the NASCAR Xfinity American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen Syngenta.

“E15 is a win, win fuel for consumers. It’s the 21-century fuel for the 21-century consumer and for their 21-century car,” said Skor. The clean burning fuel boosts performance and is better for the environment using fewer greenhouse emissions leading to cleaner air for us all to breath. Skor said savings at the pump is just icing on the cake when it comes to E15.

As a consumer, even NASCAR at first had questions. But after seeing it in action, they were quick adopters. “If it’s good enough for the most demanding road conditions, then it’s good for driving your kids to soccer practice too,” said Skor.

Listen to my complete interview with Emily Skor here: Interview with Emily Skor, Growth Energy

View and download photos from the race here: American Ethanol E15 250 Presented by Enogen Syngenta Photo Album

Agribusiness, AgWired Energy, Audio, Ethanol, Growth Energy, NASCAR, Syngenta

Enogen Presents American Ethanol E15 250

The NASCAR Xfinity American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen was held Saturday at the Iowa Speedway to help promote ethanol in one of the top producing states. The race marked the fifth year of partnership between Syngenta and Growth Energy to demonstrate the value of E15, which has been powering NASCAR for 10 million miles of competitive racing since 2011.

“The American Ethanol E15 250 is an excellent opportunity for sharing the story and benefits of Earth-friendly American ethanol with consumers. Syngenta is pleased to once again be working with Iowa Speedway, Growth Energy and the FFA in supporting the ethanol industry through our sponsorship of this signature event,” said Ron Wulfkuhle, head of Enogen at Syngenta. “With E15, drivers across the country have a great and more affordable choice at the pump.

Enogen® corn enzyme technology helps to enhance ethanol production and make ethanol even more sustainable. Syngenta is working with a growing number of ethanol plants to expand the opportunity for growers. By the end of 2017, Syngenta anticipates more than 200 million bushels of Enogen corn will have been grown on more than 1 million acres, contributed to nearly 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol produced, and resulted in approximately $60 million in premiums paid to growers.

Earlier this year, Syngenta announced a $340,000 donation to the Prime the Pump Fund. Prime the Pump is helping high-volume, progressive-minded and industry-leading fuel retailers, who will demonstrate the performance, cost savings and profit opportunity of marketing higher ethanol blends, such as E15.

Enogen and Growth Energy held a press conference at the track with Wulfkuhle; Chris Tingle with Enogen; Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor; Jim Pirolli with Kum and Go, and NASCAR driver Brendan Gaughan. Listen to it here: Syngenta, Growth Engery Press Conference

American Ethanol E15 250 Presented by Enogen Syngenta Photo Album

AgWired Energy, Audio, corn, Ethanol, NASCAR, Syngenta

E15 Awareness Through Prime the Pump

Members of the Twin Cedars FFA Chapter in Bussey, Iowa, canvassed Iowa Speedway racegoers prior to the American Ethanol E15 250 presented by Enogen on June 24. Their goal was to increase awareness of the benefits of E15 and raise money to support Prime the Pump. Funds raised will be matched by Syngenta, and Twin Cedars members will earn money for their local chapter.

“Engaging the public about ethanol and renewable fuels is a good opportunity for my students,” said Miranda Johnson, advisor of the Twin Cedars FFA Chapter. “They are the future and they understand the importance of conservation and preservation of our land and resources – and the vital role farmers play in feeding and fueling our country.”

Mrs. Johnson said her students learn about ethanol production and its benefits through their classroom curriculum and the race provides additional hands-on application as they see E15 at work. Over the years, Twin Cedars have used the matched funds for a number of things including greenhouse updates.

Listen to my complete chat with Mrs. Johnson and her class here: Interview with Twin Cedars Advisor, Miranda Johnson

View and download photos from the race here: American Ethanol E15 250 Presented by Enogen Syngenta Photo Album

Agribusiness, AgWired Energy, Audio, Ethanol, NASCAR, Syngenta

Ethanol Report from FEW

Cindy Zimmerman

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen was the keynote speaker at the 33rd annual Fuel Ethanol Workshop in Minneapolis, MN this week where he shared his eternal optimism for the industry with the people who “make the juice.”

In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, Dinneen talks about the need to grow markets for ethanol and the atmosphere this summer in DC: Ethanol Report from FEW

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Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, FEW, RFA

Downstate New York Ready for Bioheat

Cindy Zimmerman

Counties in Downstate New York are set to join New York City in increasing the use of biodiesel in home heating oil, a product called Bioheat® fuel.

Legislation passed this week by Assemblyman Steve Englebright (A.6954-A) and Senator Phil Boyle (S.B5422-A) would expand the state’s commitment to renewable energy by requiring heating oil sold in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties to contain at least five percent biodiesel (B5) by July 1, 2018. The bill now awaits action by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“This legislation builds on New York City’s continued commitment to clean energy and biodiesel while supporting local jobs and better choices for consumers,” said National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen.

New York City, the largest municipal consumer of heating oil in the country, instituted a two percent biodiesel requirement in October of 2012 that increases to 5 percent later this year. This legislation would ensure the entire New York City Metropolitan Area, representing approximately 70 percent of the state’s heating oil market, would have a 5 percent biodiesel blending requirement.

Biodiesel, Bioheat, NBB

E15 Bill Faces Uphill Battle in Senate

Cindy Zimmerman

Tim Portz, BBI, moderates panel with Emily Skor of Growth Energy and Brian Jennings with ACE

The quickest way to immediately grow ethanol demand in this country is a simple two word fix to a section of the Clean Air Act, but nothing in Washington can ever be that easy.

American Coalition for Ethanol Executive Vice President Brian Jennings talked about the “Industry’s Best Opportunities to Grow Ethanol Demand Here at Home” during a session at the 2017 Fuel Ethanol Workshop this week, the easiest of which would be allowing the sale of 15% ethanol in all markets year round. The Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act would make that happen by extending the ethanol Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver to E15 but as last week’s hearing in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee illustrated, the bill faces a challenge just getting out of that committee.

“We have to convince probably at least six senators on that committee to go our way,” said Jennings. “We’re just going to work with (Senators) Fischer and Ernst and just see if we can build momentum between now and the August recess.”

Jennings notes that there are other ways the E15 summer penalty can be addressed. “We also have a new administration, a new EPA, that has said they are going to revisit this issue, so I like the double barrel approach,” Jennings added.

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Brian Jennings, ACE

2017 Fuel Ethanol Workshop Photos

Coverage of the Fuel Ethanol Conference is sponsored by

Coverage of the Fuel Ethanol Conference is sponsored by Syngenta Enogen

ACE, Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, FEW

Iowa Biodiesel on Capitol Hill for Tax Incentive Reform

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa biodiesel supporters meet with Rep. Dave Young (D-CO)

Biodiesel advocates from Iowa were on Capitol Hill this week to talk with members of Congress about the need for a reformed biodiesel tax incentive.

Bills have been introduced in Congress to reinstate the biodiesel tax credit, and reform it from a blenders credit to a producers credit and fix a loophole where foreign biodiesel producers can take advantage of the credit at the expense of U.S. taxpayers. The group also asked Iowa’s representatives to stand strong on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and oppose any efforts to undermine the statute.

“Both the tax incentive and RFS are examples of successful bipartisan policies that make sense, and we’re grateful to our state’s delegation for their leadership on them,” said Iowa Biodiesel Board Executive Director Grant Kimberley. “Extending and reforming the tax credit will help realign it to work as Congress intended, supporting American jobs and products, while reducing reliance on other countries for our vital fuel supply.”

Reforming the biodiesel tax credit to a producers’ credit is estimated by LMC International to support nearly 82,000 U.S. jobs and $14.7 billion in economic activity.

Biodiesel, Government

Trump’s Comments Please Ethanol Industry

Cindy Zimmerman

Trump surrounded by ag and ethanol industry people in Iowa
(photo from Iowa RFA)

The ethanol industry was thrilled with President Donald Trump’s visit to Iowa this week where he put agriculture and biofuels in the spotlight.

“We’re here today to talk about how we’re going to empower America’s farmers and protect our nation’s proud farming legacy, and that includes ethanol, which I’ve done,” said Trump.

The president met with industry leaders prior to his rally in Cedar Rapids to discuss issues vital to the future of ag and renewable fuels, including Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) President Eamonn Byrne and Executive Director Monte Shaw.

“We want to thank President Trump for coming to Iowa and taking time to discuss renewable fuels and agriculture. Moving the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) forward, breaking down barriers to E15, and opening up key export markets like China are vital to Iowa’s future,” said Shaw.

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen also thanked President Trump for continuing to support biofuels generally, and ethanol specifically. “The president clearly understands the benefits of a healthy and robust ethanol industry, and recognizes the importance of both first-generation corn ethanol and emerging advanced biofuel technologies,” said Dinneen.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA, RFA