ACE Conference 2026

Eye on Biodiesel Industry Partnership Award

Chuck Zimmerman

Kirk LeedsThe Eye on Biodiesel Award for Industry Partnership was presented to Kirk Leeds, Iowa Soybean Association this morning.

Kirk is Chief Executive Officer of the Association and has been a leader among soybean organizations in supporting biodiesel efforts since the industry’s inception. ISA’s support of the National Biodiesel Board over the years has allowed the industry to prepare and face the challenges of being a billion-plus-gallon Advanced Biofuel. His visionary leadership has helped to maintain a mutually-beneficial, strong connection between the soybean and biodiesel industries. Kirk and ISA have been at the forefront of improving agriculture’s environmental performance. Through partnerships with farmers, environmental groups, agri-business and academia, ISA is helping lead efforts to identify practical solutions for complex environmental issues.

You can listen to Kirk’s remarks here: Kirk Leeds Remarks

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference, NBB, Soybeans

CARB Receives Eye on Biodiesel Award

Chuck Zimmerman

Richard CoreyReceiving the National Biodiesel Board’s Eye on Biodiesel Impact Award for the California Clean Air Resources Board was Richard Corey, Executive Officer.

The State of California continues to serve as a national and world leader in regulations related to environmental sustainability, and the California Air Resources Board is at the heart of those efforts. In January of 2010, Air Resources Board staff successfully implemented the first ever market-oriented carbon reduction policy for transportation fuels, a policy known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Since that time, use and production of biodiesel and other renewable fuels has increased significantly. Californians have since enjoyed the benefits of cleaner air, growth in green jobs, and increased fuel diversity.

You can listen to Richard’s remarks here: Richard Corey Remarks

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, Environment, Government, National Biodiesel Conference, NBB

NBB Lifetime Achievement Award

Chuck Zimmerman

Don Borgman AwardA very special award was presented to John Deere’s Don Borgman today at the National Biodiesel Conference. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the industry.

Later this year Borgman will be retiring from John Deere after over 40 years of service. Most recently he served as the Director of Agricultural Industry Relations for John Deere’s North American operations. He has been involved in the promotion and expansion of demand for agricultural products since the late 1970’s, and his work was instrumental in John Deere’s acceptance, support, and promotion of biodiesel.

You can listen to Don’s remarks here: Don Borgman Remarks

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, John Deere, National Biodiesel Conference, NBB

NBB Chair Calls for Industry Unity

Chuck Zimmerman

NBB Chair Steven LevyThe Chair of the National Biodiesel Board is Steven J. Levy, Sprague Operating Resources LLC. This is his first conference as the Chair so when he spoke at today’s general session he told a little bit about himself and his background. He’s the first NBB Chair who is not a farmer, producer or from the Midwest.

Steven spoke about the work of the National Biodiesel Board and the challenges that it will overcome by being a unified voice for the industry.

You can listen to Steven’s remarks here: Steven Levy Remarks

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference, NBB

Appeals Court Denies California LCFS Appeal

Cindy Zimmerman

rfagrowthThe Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied rehearing en banc a ruling last year which upheld California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), leaving the ethanol industry and others challenging the law to consider the next move.

In a joint statement, ethanol producer groups Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) called the decision “a blow to California consumers” and said they will continue to evaluate all options moving forward “to assure that sound science and fair play ultimately prevail in this case.”

The two groups were pleased to note that seven judges strongly dissented from the Court’s decision believing it merited further review, stating that the majority opinion “upholds a regulatory scheme that, on its face, promotes California industry at the expense of out-of-state interests.”

Challenging the law with the ethanol industry is the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and General Counsel Richard Moskowitz says the decision will “have adverse consequences throughout the nation’s fuel supply chain far beyond California’s borders, and ultimately a negative impact on consumers.”

The ruling could be appealed to the US Supreme Court.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Growth Energy, RFA

How did the ‘Polar Vortex’ affect you?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How did the ‘Polar Vortex’ affect you?”

Old man winter hasn’t left and chances are won’t anytime soon. This winter’s buzz word has been polar vortex. Has your winter been different then others? If so, has it been caused by this new buzz word. Or has winter at your house been about normal? Well, in this week’s ZimmPoll the majority said it made work more difficult. Farmers and ranchers around the country are among many other’s who don’t get a day off when the weather gets bad. I was surprised to see the number of people who weren’t really affected. Maybe they live in the deep South or maybe they are used to brutal weather and adapt.

Our poll results:

  • Not at all – 26%
  • Somewhat – 26%
  • Made work more difficult – 33%
  • Couldn’t work – 14%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What’s your opinion of state HSUS Ag Councils?”

HSUS has been organizing state Agriculture Councils with the intention to unite farmers. These councils are made up of farmers, ranchers and conservationists and HSUS says the goal is to foster better animal welfare and environmental stewardship. Councils have been established in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina and Ohio. Most recently they have created one in Missouri. Many question the legitimacy of these councils and claim they are front groups for HSUS. What do you think? Do you trust HSUS?

ZimmPoll

Biodiesel Ride & Drive

Chuck Zimmerman

Chevy CruzeYou can ride or drive a brand new diesel vehicle at the 2014 National Biodiesel Conference today. Not only conference attendees but the general public.

There are four vehicles outside the San Diego Convention Center from Hino, Ford, General Motors and Jeep. I chose the Chevy Cruze and rode along and made a little video clip with my Google Glass. It will give you an idea of what the experience is like.

There are lots of new photos in our online album now too:
2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference, Video

Lowering RFS Impact on Advanced Biofuels

Cindy Zimmerman

Cellulosic and advanced biofuels producers are very concerned that the EPA proposal to lower 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) targets will have a chilling effect on investment in the next generation of renewable fuels.

mess-rfs“Frankly, we have decided that we are placing a hold on our evaluations of future investment in bioenergy in the United States until we see what the final rule is and what impact it does have on the market,” said Chris Standlee with Abengoa Bioenergy during a media call today organized by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). Standlee added that the proposal has forced them to reconsider their business plan to license technology to other producers and look for “potential investments in other countries.”

Iogen Corporation president and CEO Brian Foody said RFS is the single most important driver of investment in advanced biofuels. “Cellulosic biofuel has the promise to deliver tens of billions of gallons of ethanol to the United States, but there needs to be a market for that,” he said. Iogen is building a cellulosic plant in Brazil using sugarcane bagasse and they are “actively seeking to develop projects in America” but that will depend on the future of the RFS.

Delayne Johnson, General Manager of the farmer-owned Quad County Corn Processors ethanol plant which broke ground in July on a bolt-on cellulosic ethanol technology, said that changing the RFS at this point is “going to create uncertainty” for other plants looking at adopting that technology. “We’re hopeful the EPA will consider getting back on course,” he said.

Listen to comments from Standlee, Foody, and Johnson, as well as RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen and Advanced Ethanol Council Executive Director Brooke Coleman. RFS impact on Advanced Biofuels media call Media questions and answers

advanced biofuels, AEC, Audio, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, RFS

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFThe UI GreenMetric World University Ranking has ranked the University of California, Davis in the top 10 for campus sustainability and environment-friendly management. In Universitas Indonesia’s fourth annual GreenMetric rankings, for 2013, UC Davis is ninth overall (up from 17th a year earlier) and fourth in the U.S. The rankings comprise 301 universities. The University of Nottingham, England, claimed the top spot in the new rankings.
  • Novozymes, the world’s largest producer of industrial enzymes, has announced its 2013 financial results. Organic sales growth was 7% (5% DKK, 8% LCY), EBIT grew by 6% and net profit by 9%, and the EBIT margin increased by 0.3 percentage point to 24.7% compared with 2012. According to Novozymes, 2014 is expected to show a continuation of trends seen in 2013. As a result, the outlook for 2014 is positive with good underlying sales and EBIT growth.
  • Real Goods Solar, Inc. has changed its brand identity to RGS Energy. Reflecting the brand change, the company’s NASDAQ stock symbol will change from “RSOL” to “RGSE,” effective at the start of trading on Monday, February 24, 2014.
  • Registration is now open for the Ethanol 2014: Emerging Issues Forum taking place in Omaha, Nebraska April 10-11, 2014. The keynote speaker is Doug Durante, executive director of Clean Fuels Development Coalition. Other speakers include Alvaro Cordero, with the U.S. Grains Council and Argus Media will be presenting on ethanol demand trends.
Bioenergy Bytes

Led Zeppelin 2 to Perform at NEC

Joanna Schroeder

led-zep-2 Photo Barry BrechiesenLed Zepplin 2 will be performing at the 19th Annual Ethanol Conference (NEC) on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 in Orlando Florida. The cover band includes Paul Kamp, an active participant in the biofuels industry. The band recently toured in New York and Boston with upcoming performances in Texas and Florida.

“Led Zeppelin was one of the best rock and roll bands of all time,” said Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) who hosts the NEC. “Much like the titles of legendary Led Zeppelin songs, there will always be ‘Good Times, Bad Times’ but no matter what the Renewable Fuels Association will continue to ‘Ramble On’ fighting for consumer choice and access to low-cost, renewable fuel.”

Dinneen continued, “Big Oil’s attempts to thwart our efforts to increase America’s energy independence and send us ‘Over the Hills and Far Away’ leaves me ‘Sick Again’ and at times it feels like we are being ‘Trampled Underfoot’ by the petroleum industry. But mark my words Big Oil, ‘Your Time is Gonna Come’ because the value-added benefits of ethanol are paving the ‘Stairway to Heaven.’ ‘The Song Remains the Same’ don’t mess with the RFS!”

Led Zeppelin 2 received wide praise for their first rate performances.

Jim Derogatis of NPR and the Chicago Sun-Times raved, “As good a Zep as Zep ever did back in the day.” While The Dallas Observer praised, “The closest thing to seeing the real Led Zeppelin.”

biofuels, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, RFA