Ricketts Promotes Flex Fuel Fairness in Nebraska

Cindy Zimmerman

A bill just introduced in the Senate would level the playing field for vehicles running on low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol by properly recognizing the emissions benefits associated with using E85 flex fuels (which contain 51-83 percent ethanol).

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan Flex Fuel Fairness Act last week along with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Ricketts participated in a roundtable Monday in Lincoln with members of the Nebraska Ethanol Board and other biofuels stakeholders, including the Renewable Fuels Association, which had its Flex Fuel PHEV project car on display.

“This legislation helps unlock the potential of renewable fuels and puts more tools in the toolbox for automakers who must comply with increasingly stringent vehicle emissions standards. By leveling the playing field for the production of all clean vehicle technologies, this bill allows low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol to work alongside clean electricity, electric vehicles, and other technologies to reduce emissions from transportation,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

The legislation is designed to create more equitable incentives and market signals for the production of a broader portfolio of clean vehicle technologies. Under current EPA emissions regulations, battery electric vehicles (EVs) benefit from an assumption that there are zero carbon emissions associated with operating the vehicle. EPA announced plans to make the “zero emissions” assumption permanent for EVs in its recent proposed rule for 2027-2032 emissions standards. In essence, EPA’s regulations assume a battery EV will always operate on zero-carbon electricity over its entire lifetime.

To create an equitable incentive for the continued production of FFVs, today’s legislation creates a similar assumption that FFVs always operate on E85—a fuel that reduces lifecycle GHG emissions by 31 percent compared to gasoline. Thus, for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with vehicle emissions standards, the legislation allows automakers to use an emissions value for an FFV that is 31 percent lower than the emissions value for the corresponding non-FFV model.

Read more from RFA.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Flex Fuel Vehicles, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Bill Aims To Define Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Cindy Zimmerman

Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) this week introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023, a bipartisan bill to bring integrity to the standards required to meet the definition of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The legislation enjoys broad support among SAF stakeholders, including farm and biofuels organizations. “Recognizing the importance of using the most robust and accurate lifecycle GHG model, this legislation would ensure America’s farmers and renewable fuel producers are able to contribute to the future growth of domestic SAF production,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We thank Reps. Flood and Budzinski for working together on this important legislation that is critical to the advancement of SAF production and use.”

The bill specifies that the Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model is an allowable methodology for determining SAF lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. A companion Senate bill was introduced in June. RFA has long argued that the Argonne GREET model is scientifically superior to other lifecycle GHG methodologies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) model. RFA remains concerned that the ICAO model relies on outdated and inaccurate information that could result in severely constraining the supply of qualifying feedstocks for SAF.

The legislation has a Senate companion bill led by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

aviation biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, SAF

ACE Releases Conference Agenda for 36th Annual Event

Cindy Zimmerman

The agenda for the 36th annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) conference is now available for the event taking place August 23-25, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.

“Our conference agenda is packed with dynamic sessions, insightful speakers, and countless networking opportunities, making it the premier destination for anyone passionate about advancing the biofuels industry,” said Katie Muckenhirn, Vice President of Public Affairs. “You’ll see our conference theme ‘Everything Counts’ carried throughout the agenda – from the myriad of pursuits to help drive down ethanol’s carbon intensity to how each individual’s contribution to moving this industry forward makes a difference.”

Participants can expect to delve into cutting-edge technologies, policy developments and market trends that are shaping the biofuels sector. The lineup of experts and thought leaders will explore innovative strategies to boost production, enhance efficiency and maximize policies that support biofuels.

Keynote speaker for the conference will be Tom Kloza, Global Head of Energy Analysis, OPIS, who will give his “Ethanol Outlook in a Changing Energy Market Landscape.”

Session topics include:
Untangling and Maximizing IRA Biofuel Incentives
Cultivating Progress: Climate-Smart Farming for Carbon Markets
Real Time CI Scoring for Ethanol Producers
Unlocking Corn Oil Extraction and Utilization Advancements
Workforce Evolution: Harnessing the Power of your Current Workforce and the Future Role of AI Technology
The Journey to Capture, Store, and Utilize Carbon
Outlook for Exports

Learn more about what’s in store in this interview with Katie.
2023 ACE Conference preview interview with Katie Muckenhirn, ACE 6:34

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News

RFA Safety Programs Win National Awards

Cindy Zimmerman

RFA Director of Safety and Technical Programs Missy Ruff receives RFA’s 2022 National Achievement Award from TRANSCAER Chairman Paul Holt, of Union Pacific

The Renewable Fuels Association has been honored for the 11th consecutive year with the National Achievement Award from TRANSCAER, a national hazardous materials safety coalition, for its outstanding safety programs. In addition, TRANSCAER honored Missy Ruff, RFA’s Director of Safety and Technical Programs, with an Individual Recognition Award for her efforts administering the programs.

In 2022, more than 1,200 attendees were trained via 37 training opportunities supported by RFA. Since its inception in 2010, RFA’s safety program has been responsible for training over 15,000 individuals and conducting over 400 training sessions and events. RFA has trained individuals from all 50 U.S. states and 40 other countries. In addition, RFA so far in 2023 has held training sessions in Sioux City, IA; Edmond, Okla.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Independence, Mo.; Lincoln, Neb.; and Cheyenne Wyo., as well as a series of “Train the Trainer” webinars. In April, RFA updated its award-winning Emergency Response website, which is a go-to resource for the first responder community.

“Training emergency responders is not just a responsibility, but a crucial investment in ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Erica Bernstein Fischer, Director, Training & Community Outreach, CHEMTREC/TRANSCAER. “The Renewable Fuels Association’s commitment to providing comprehensive training programs for emergency responders demonstrates their dedication to preparedness. Being recognized with a National TRANSCAER Achievement Award shows their exceptional efforts in equipping responders with the knowledge and skills needed to handle renewable fuels incidents safely and effectively.”

RFA’s Ruff has served on the TRANSCAER executive committee and as chair of the National TRANSCAER Task Group, the managing body for initiatives undertaken by the organization. The TRANSCAER initiative is focused on assisting communities prepare for and respond to possible hazardous material transportation incidents. Its members include volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distribution, hazardous material storage and handling, emergency response and preparedness, and related service industries as well as the government.

RFA currently offers online ethanol safety training programs and “train the trainer” sessions. For more information on the programs overall, visit www.ethanolresponse.com.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, safety

Ethanol Report on DC Meetings

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association held a board meeting in Washington D.C. this past week where members from around the country had the opportunity to discuss issues important to ethanol with lawmakers and administration officials.

In this edition of the Ethanol Report, we hear from RFA board chairman Erik Huschitt, CEO and General Manager of Badger State Ethanol, who talks about the issues facing the industry and what he heard from ethanol champions in the nation’s Capitol.

Ethanol Report 7-21-23 19:22

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Everything Counts at the 2023 ACE Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

The theme for the 36th annual American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) conference coming up next month in Minneapolis is “Everything Counts” for an industry focused on improving its carbon footprint.

“Every little improvement, from climate smart farming to carbon capture and efficiency improvements, they all count toward improving ethanol’s carbon score,” said Katie Muckenhirn, ACE Vice President of Public Affairs.

The conference provides two days of general sessions, including updates from ACE leadership, and topics like new uses and markets for ethanol producers, the retail marketplace for E15 and E85, farm-to-biofuel carbon market opportunities, and trade developments. The conference also offers breakout sessions with subjects covering the latest in technology updates, strategic planning advice, as well as ways for ethanol plants to lower their carbon score and raise profitability.

This year’s event also includes the option to attend the Minnesota Twins versus Texas Rangers game on the evening of August 24, which Muckenhirn says they hope will be a fun time for all. “Registration rates rise here August first and we encourage everyone to lock in those rates and register as soon as they can,” she said.

The ACE Conference will be held August 23-25, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. Click here for more information and registration.

Learn more about what’s in store in this interview with Katie.
2023 ACE Conference preview interview with Katie Muckenhirn, ACE 6:34

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Ethanol

EPA Denies Small Refinery Petitions

Cindy Zimmerman

On Friday, EPA announced its decision denying 26 petitions seeking small refinery exemptions (SREs) from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for one or more of the compliance years between 2016 and 2023.

Consistent with the April and July 2022 Denials of Petitions for RFS Small Refinery Exemptions, the action announced today applies EPA’s current interpretation of the Clean Air Act SRE provisions, consistent with a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit holding in Renewable Fuels Association et al. v. EPA. The Tenth Circuit held that SREs may only be granted when a small refinery’s hardship is caused by compliance with the RFS program. After reviewing more than a decade of RFS market data and confidential information submitted by petitioning small refineries, EPA concluded that none of the 26 SRE petitions demonstrated disproportionate economic hardship caused by compliance with the RFS program.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper thanked the Biden Administration for keeping its promises to restore integrity and certainty to the RFS program. “Under their leadership, the RFS is finally working as intended to drive increased production and use of low-carbon renewable fuels. Today’s action is consistent with the Tenth Circuit Court’s landmark decision and honors the administration’s longstanding commitment to implementing the RFS in a way that is fair, transparent, and focused on growth. As a result of today’s announcement, drivers will enjoy greater access to cleaner, American-made, lower-cost renewable fuels.”

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings also welcomed the decision. “ACE members are grateful the Biden EPA is fulfilling its commitment to apply the law with respect to Small Refinery Exemptions, consistent with the Agency’s previous actions in April and June of 2022 and the Tenth Circuit Court’s ruling that small refinery exemptions may only be granted when a small refinery’s hardship is caused by the RFS program itself. Upholding the RFS in this way helps the program serve as an effective tool to maximize the use of cleaner biofuels available here and now.”

ACE, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Ethanol Supply Strong, Exports Decline

Cindy Zimmerman

U.S. ethanol production declined slightly the week of July 7, but was still 2.7% more than the same week last year and 1.0% above the five-year average for the week, according to the latest analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association. Ethanol stocks were reported at 22.658 million barrels, a jump of 398,000 from the week before, but a drop of 948,000 barrels on the year.

While there were zero ethanol imports recorded for the 31st consecutive, U.S. ethanol exports declined to an estimated 51,000 b/d (15.0 million gallons for the week), the lowest volume in nearly 2 years.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA

Clean Fuels Foundation Highlights Biodiesel Benchmarks

Cindy Zimmerman

The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation commemorated significant developments for biodiesel during the recent board meeting held in Washington, D.C. last month, including successful implementation of B100 EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grants and advancements in modeling techniques that have led to lower land use scores for biodiesel feedstocks and other advanced biofuels.

The Foundation has played a pivotal role in elevating national awareness of B100 (100% biodiesel use in vehicles) through its groundbreaking efforts in securing the first B100 EPA DERA grants in 2020, collaborating with the Iowa Department of Transportation and the District of Columbia. As a result, over 130 B100-powered vehicles, ranging from snowplows to trash haulers, now form an integral part of these fleets.

The impactful DERA projects showcase the immense potential of B100 as a carbon reduction strategy garnering attention from major fleets while prompting adoption of the technology in several national locations. Such achievements underscore the Foundation’s commitment to driving sustainable advancements in the biofuel industry and transforming transportation with cleaner alternatives.

According to Veronica Bradley, Director of Environmental Science for Clean Fuels, the Foundation’s research modeling projects have helped lower the indirect land use change carbon intensity of soybean oil for biodiesel from 62 g CO2e/MJ to 9 g. “I believe it has room for even further improvement as the agricultural industry lowers its carbon footprint. These accomplishments are a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the biofuel industry.”

The Foundation offers educational tours for Congressional staff and members, with recent tours held in Maryland and Louisiana and another scheduled for September in California.

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance

USDA Expands Crop Insurance for Camelina

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the expansion of crop insurance for camelina in direct response to the anticipated increase in demand for the crop for biofuel production.

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding crop insurance for camelina by allowing written agreements in select counties in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. In addition, the fall planted practice was expanded to Harper County, Kansas, which paved the way for the expansion in the Great Plains. RMA collaborated with stakeholders to make this expansion possible.

The camelina crop insurance policy offers Actual Production History coverage, which insures a producer’s historical yield. Only camelina grown under contract with a processor is eligible for coverage, and the price in the contract is used to establish the insurance coverage. Producers that are interested in planting and insuring camelina should speak to their crop insurance agent about additional details, including upcoming sales closing dates for their area and the written agreement process.

The changes to the camelina crop insurance pilot program are now available on the USDA Risk Management Agency website.

aviation biofuels, biofuels, feedstocks, SAF