Ethanol Remains Top Priority for Corn Growers

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol remains a top priority for the National Corn Growers Association, as Minnesota farmer Harold Wolle, takes over as president of the organization this week.

During a press conference Tuesday, Wolle talked about his goals over the next year, including support of the Next Generation Fuels Act in the House and Senate while making ethanol a go-to biofuel in the aviation sector. “First off, we need to get year-round E15 approved,” said Wolle. “Our marketers need to have the reassurance that they’re going to be able to market that year round. We’ve seen a tremendous increase in consumer demand for E15.”

Wolle sees sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a bit farther into the future but a big opportunity for corn. “If we work to get our carbon scores for our ethanol plants and our farms down we will have ethanol with a low enough carbon score that it will be possible to do ethanol-to-jet and I think that’s a phrase you’re going to hear a lot more in the future.”

“My theme as president is ‘shaping the Future,’ and nothing shapes the future like effective advocacy,” Wolle said. “And no other group does advocacy as well as our state corn grower groups and NCGA.”

Listen to Wolle’s press conference here:
New NCGA president Harold Wolle 20:32

Audio, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA

California Continues to Stall E15 Approval

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association is urging California to catch up with the rest of the country and finally allow sales of 15% ethanol fuel (E15).

In a letter to the California Air Resources Board, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper called on the agency to expeditiously approve the use of cleaner-burning, lower-carbon E15.

“California is woefully—and inexplicably—behind the rest of the nation when it comes to adopting a simple change to liquid fuel regulations that reduces both harmful tailpipe pollutants and GHG emissions from liquid-fueled light-duty vehicles,” Cooper wrote. “While CARB has taken some initial steps toward approval of E15, the process has been impaired by numerous delays, uncertain timelines, and a general lack of emphasis or prioritization from CARB leadership. All of the required testing and analysis on E15 has been completed and submitted to CARB; yet, the agency appears to be purposely ‘slow-walking’ the approval process.”

RFA noted that California is one of only two states in the country that still do not allow the use of E15, the other being Montana, and the state’s failure to approve the fuel has caused unnecessary increases in greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe pollution linked to smog, as well as higher prices at the pump for California consumers.

Cooper also noted that CARB’s continued failure to allow the use of E15 clearly contradicts the scope and purpose of the waiver California has historically received from the Clean Air Act’s preemption provisions. California has historically received a waiver from the Clean Air Act’s preemption clause because the state’s air pollution regulations have been “at least as protective” as federal standards. RFA argued that “…CARB’s current gasoline regulations are less protective of public health and welfare than the federal standards that allow for E15 consumption in all light-duty vehicles built since 2001.”

Carbon, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

B100 Powers Vehicles With Near-Zero Emissions in California

Cindy Zimmerman

Diesel engine decarbonization company Optimus Technologies has announced that Valley Pacific Petroleum Services Inc. recently became the first fleet in California operating Optimus Technologies/B100 powered class 8 vehicles under a California Air Resources Board (CARB) executive order.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, vehicles using B100 instead of petroleum diesel reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 95%. Data from the DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory indicates that total lifecycle carbon emissions from B100 powered vehicles are considerably less than electric (BEV) and hydrogen (FCEV) solutions.

Nathan Crum, President and CEO of Valley Pacific said, “We are thrilled to be the first fleet in California using Optimus Technologies’ bolt-on advanced fuel system to run near-zero carbon emissions vehicles powered by B100. The ability to use B100 in heavy-duty vehicles will accelerate the growth of biomass-based clean fuels in California leading to fewer emissions and cleaner air. The positive experiences shared by the companies and municipalities in other states already using Optimus Technologies/B100 made our decision to upgrade part of our fleet, an easy one.”

Optimus Technologies/B100 is already in use at scale with leading private and municipal fleets.

###

Biodiesel

Trump Stresses Support for Ethanol in Iowa

Cindy Zimmerman

Former President Donald Trump spent Sunday in Iowa talking to farmers about what his administration did for them and what he hopes to do for them in a second term.

From trade deals to WOTUS to ethanol, Trump touted his support of farmers during a speech in Ottumwa. “The American farmer is a big deal,” said Trump. “I will remain the champion of American farmers with four more years in the White House.”

Trump spent a lot of time criticizing the Biden administration push for electric vehicles. “When I’m back in the White House, I will save Iowa ethanol by repealing Joe Biden’s absolutely insane, job-killing, electric vehicle mandate on day one,” he said.

After his speech, Trump stopped at a nearby farm and signed a John Deere combine.

Donald Trump speech Ottumwa, Iowa 39:53

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, politics

Nebraska Fuel the Cure Starts October 1

Cindy Zimmerman

The Nebraska Ethanol Board, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, and participating retails stations are once again teaming up in October to Fuel the Cure and fund breast cancer research.

For every gallon of higher ethanol blend sold between Oct. 1-31, nearly 50 Nebraska fuel retailers will donate 3 cents toward cancer research and services within the state. Participating retailers supporting the cause will be sporting the pink Fuel the Cure signage at the pump, on the windows, and at the counter.

Since 2018, Nebraska’s Fuel the Cure campaigns have raised over $45,000 for cancer research, primarily benefiting the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha. “This distinguished institute plays a pivotal role in shaping cancer care, research, and education in Nebraska, the region, and the world,” said Jessica Sodeke, Nebraska Ethanol Board’s communications and outreach manager.

By choosing ethanol blends at the pump, you’re not only driving cleaner but also contributing to the fight against cancer. For more information about the benefits of ethanol, participating locations, and how your fill-up supports cancer research, visit FueledbyNebraska.com/pink.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

NCGA Calls on Members to Comment on CAFE Standards

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) this week called on its members to urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide a level playing field for biofuels such as ethanol by submitting comments on the agency’s proposed increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard.

NHTSA has proposed that the CAFE standard, which regulates how much fuel a vehicle consumes per mile, would increase for small cars and light trucks from 44 to 58 miles per gallon by 2032. NCGA leaders say the proposed standard ignores solutions that are available now.

“The proposal sets an unattainable goal and a concerning precedent,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “As a result, auto manufacturers will be forced to overlook viable solutions, such as high-octane biofuels like corn ethanol, as they rush to meet these standards. This would significantly minimize the role biofuels play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving consumers money at the pump.”

Haag says this proposed rule largely mirrors the recent tailpipe emissions proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency and it is important to have a strong showing from those who understand the role biofuels can play in emissions reduction.

NHTSA will hold a hearing later this week where it will accept public comments on the proposed standard. The comment period closes October 16, 2023.

biofuels, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NCGA

ADM and Syngenta Group Partner for New Biofuels Feedstocks

Cindy Zimmerman

ADM and Syngenta Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of low carbon, next-generation oilseeds and improved varieties to help meet growing demand for biofuels fueled by sustainable aviation fuel.

ADM and Syngenta hope to leverage their existing capabilities to accelerate the research, processing, and commercialization of oilseeds such as Camelina that are typically grown in the fallow period of a crop rotation. Such feedstocks could help meet global demand for biofuels which is expected to grow by 35 billion liters per year, or 22%, over the 2022-2027 period, according to the International Energy Association.

The companies expect to sign definitive agreements by the end of the year and are already advancing important work together around growing and processing next-generation varieties.

aviation biofuels, biofuels, feedstocks, SAF

NREL Releases 6th Edition of Biodiesel Handling Guide

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released its sixth edition of the Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide, funded by Clean Fuels Alliance America to offer basic information on biodiesel’s proper and safe use to help fleets, blenders, distributors and others understand the handling and use of these fuels while highlighting environmental and performance benefits.

Under the direction of Clean Fuels and NREL, revisions to the guide are provided by leading industry researchers and subject matter experts and approved by independent reviewers and the U.S. Department of Energy. The last revision was published in November 2016.

The latest edition captures the most recent studies and standardized use for on- and off-road applications, railroad, marine, home heating oil systems and power generation applications. New data on storage stability, manufacturer approvals, and the increasing level of quality across the industry will provide greater benefits including higher expectations of performance.

“Our goal is to provide our member organizations, stakeholders and each end-user with the most accurate and up-to-date data related to blending or using biomass-based diesel fuels to ensure proper use and handling,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director for Clean Fuels. “We encourage anyone who is considering distributing biodiesel and biodiesel blends, to promote this free guide to their customers.”

The official guide resides on the NREL website and can be downloaded free of charge. Users can also access Clean Fuels’ Biodiesel Toolkit to learn more.

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance

Badger State Ethanol Selling Surplus Equipment

Cindy Zimmerman

As Badger State Ethanol of Monroe, Wisconsin is updating and expanding their grain processing facility to produce 90 million gallons per year of ethanol along with corn oil and carbon dioxide, the company is selling its surplus processing and support equipment by online auction through Maas Companies

Highlights include: 5+ Ton/Hour Animal Feed Pelletizing System by California Pellet Mill; York Chiller, 800HP Westinghouse Electric Motor, 6-Molecular Sieve Tanks, Hand Sanitizer Production Bulk Tanks- Steel and Fiberglass, Tons of Stainless Steel Tanks, Vessels, Flanges, Pipe, see Equipment Catalog for a complete listing.

Maas Companies Inc, a company specializing in the selling of animal feed processing and renewable fuel assets, of Rochester, Minnesota will oversee the sale. The auction will include over 30 lots of equipment. Bidders will have the opportunity to submit bids for two weeks with bidding for lots ending Thursday, November 2; lots start closing a 2:00pm CT via Bidspotter.com.

Potential buyers are encouraged to schedule an appointment to attend the open houses on Wednesday, October 18 or Wednesday, November 1.

Ethanol, Ethanol News

RFA Elects 2024 Board and Leadership

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association elected officers and board members this week at its annual membership meeting in Des Moines.

Erik Huschitt, CEO of Badger State Ethanol, was re-elected as chairman of the organization. “If the ethanol industry has learned anything over the past 20 years, it’s to not get complacent in the good times, and that we must stay vigilant and be prepared to fight for every inch gained,” Huschitt said. “The Inflation Reduction Act and other policies have the potential to create an enormous amount of opportunity for our industry, but we need to engage aggressively to see that implementation is science-based and technology-neutral.”

Huschitt also currently serves as president of the Wisconsin BioFuels Association.

Jeff Oestmann, CEO of Aztalan Bio, was re-elected as vice chairman of the RFA board. Oestmann was CEO of Granite Falls Energy prior becoming CEO of the former Valero ethanol plant in the town of Aztalan, Wisconsin earlier this year.

“Erik Huschitt and Jeff Oestmann have proven themselves as strategic leaders deeply committed to the role ethanol can play not just in their own communities, but also across our nation and around the world,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This is an important time for the ethanol industry and in their first year of leadership, Erik and Jeff provided true leadership and guidance as we faced many challenges and opportunities, and we’re excited to see where the board take us in 2024.”

Retaining their current positions in board leadership for 2024 are Rick Schwarck, President of Absolute Energy, as Board Secretary, and Mike Jerke, CEO of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, as Treasurer.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA