Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the RFS

Joanna Schroeder

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds are leading a group of senior state officials from Iowa and the Midwest to organize and host a public hearing allowing citizens outside of Washington, D.C., the opportunity to testify about the importance of the Renewable Protect the RFSFuel Standard (RFS). “Hearing the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard,” will be held at Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust Street in Des Moines, Iowa, on January, 23, 2014, with comments beginning at 8:30 am CST.

The Governor notes that the RFS has proven an important policy framework for empowering consumers with additional and lower-cost choices at the pump, diversifying our nation’s energy portfolio, reducing harmful transportation emissions, supporting the growth of the Midwest economy, and reducing our dependence on overseas oil. Governor Branstad also announced this week he is running for a historic 6th term as Iowa’s Governor. He is also behind the Protect the RFS campaign that was launched during an RFS rally held in Nevada, Iowa on November 22, 2013.

In December, Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey along with the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a letter to President Obama, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack on December 20, 2013, encouraging Federal officials to host a public hearing in Iowa or the Midwest to give more citizens the opportunity to provide perspective and data on the EPA’s proposal to reduce volume obligation levels for 2014 in the RFS. The White House, Administrator McCarthy and Secretary Vilsack each declined the invitation and the opportunity to host a hearing.

“Iowans, and Midwesterners, deserve the opportunity to make the case for their futures and I was disappointed to hear that the Federal Government has declined our invitation to host a hearing in the Midwest,” said Governor Branstad. “We believe it is necessary to host this public hearing for Iowans and other Midwesterners to enable them to more easily provide comments on the EPA’s proposal, which could cost nearly 45,000 jobs, have a negative ripple effect through the U.S. economy and would hinder consumer choice at the pump.”Read More

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, EPA, Ethanol, RFS

RFS Road Show Kicks Off in Iowa

Joanna Schroeder

Northey, 2014A Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) road show is kicking off in Iowa on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 to highlight the importance of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will be encouraging Iowans to comment on a proposal by the EPA that would significantly lower the levels of ethanol and biodiesel that are mandated to be blended in the country’s fuel supply.

Northey will speak to a group of farmers in Cedar Falls, visit a gas station offering customers a variety of renewable fuels options in Waterloo and then tour a biodiesel plant in Farley.

In November, the EPA proposed lowering the 2014 renewable fuel standard, which would dramatically impact Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel industries. The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposal until Jan. 28. Comments can be submitted online at www.regulations.gov or via email at a-and-r-docket@epa.gov. All comments should reference Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479.

On the evening of Jan. 21 Northey will speak to Maquoketa State Bank’s annual dinner in Maquoketa. The details of Northey’s visits follow here:

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014
Black Hawk County – 10:30 a.m., speak to farmer group, Pipac Center, 1521 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls
Black Hawk County – 12:00 p.m., Visit Jim Lind Service Station, 230 E. Ridgeway Ave., Waterloo
Dubuque County – 2:30 p.m., tour Western Dubuque Biodiesel, 904 Jamesmeier Road, Farley
Jackson County – 5:30 p.m., speak to Maquoketa State Bank annual dinner, Centerstone Inn, 1910 Nairn Dr., Maquoketa

In addition, on Thursday, January 23, 2014 Iowa Governor Branstad along with several senior state officials are hosting a public hearing to allowing Midwesterners to testify about the RFS. The event begins at 8:30 am CST and is being held at the Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust Street in Des Moines, IA.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, RFS

BioEnergy Bytes

Joanna Schroeder

  • BioEnergyBytesDFIowa Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, the Iowa Senate, and the Iowa House of Representatives along with Iowa’s entire Congressional Delegation are unanimously standing together to pass a resolution in support of a strong, robust federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
  • EcoEngineers has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with McGladrey LLP, a leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, which includes biofuel producers and petroleum refiners. This partnership between EcoEngineers and McGladrey lays the groundwork for a streamlined delivery of energy compliance, tax consulting and auditing services to the renewable fuels industry. McGladrey will provide general oversight of EcoEngineers auditing procedures and also perform independent attest engagements for all of EcoEngineers QAP clients. These added levels of due diligence will further bolster EcoEngineers’ robust RIN QAP verification system.
  • Tesla has announced its sales in the fourth quarter of 2013 were the highest in company history by a significant margin. With almost 6,900 vehicles sold and delivered, Tesla exceeded prior guidance by approximately 20%. A higher than expected number of cars was manufactured as a result of an excellent effort by the Tesla production team and key suppliers, particularly Panasonic. The two key drivers of demand were the superlative safety record of the Model S and great performance under extremely cold conditions.
  • Solar Power Minnesota is taking place in Saint Paul, Minnesota on March 7, 2014. The keynote speaker is Minh Le the Solar Program Manager with the U.S. Department of Energy and works closely with the SunShot Initiative. Conference tracks include Minnesota Policy and Programs, Minnesota Energy Studies, Project Finance Track and Solar-Ready Communities. Click here for more information and to register.
Bioenergy Bytes

VoteVets Expands RFS Ad Campaign

Joanna Schroeder

VoteVets has expanded its television campaign in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The ads began in Iowa earlier this month and have now expanded into Nebraska. The ads are also airing in Washington, D.C.

The ad airing in Nebraska features Iraq War Veteran, Michael Connolly, making the case that gutting the Renewable Fuel Standard would allow for a greater flow of oil dollars to our enemies, who use that money for weaponry that has targeted our troops.  Connolly, who served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008, lived in Glenwood, Iowa from 2010 to 2012, and now lives just across the border, in Nebraska.

The ad in Omaha opens with a massive explosion in front of a military convoy. Connolly says, “War is dangerous. I know. I was there.  Now, people ask me all the time how they can support the troops.”  Holding a yellow ribbon, Connolly says, “By putting one of these on your car?  Sure…”  And then in front of an ethanol gas pump, “By putting this in your tank?  Even better… More renewable fuels, like the kind grown here in Nebraska, means we use less foreign oil. And that means less money for our enemies.  But the oil companies are trying to kill renewable fuels.”

The ad in Iowa also features Connolly and begins with a massive explosion in front of a military convoy.  Connolly says, “I did two tours in the Middle-East…and let me tell you, I saw a heck of a lot, like how billions in oil profits found their way to some of the same terrorists we were fighting against. Investing in renewable energy like the kind here in Iowa can help stop that.  It means more American jobs and less oil money going to enemies who threaten our national security. Tell the EPA to stand up to Big Oil…don’t cut the Renewable Fuel Standard.”

biofuels, Ethanol, RFS, Video

Virginia City Greenlights Biodiesel, Ethanol Terminal

John Davis

lincolnenergyOfficials in a central Virginia city have unanimously approved the conversion of an old petroleum site into a storage and distribution facility for gas, biodiesel and ethanol. This article from the Fredericksburg (VA) Free Lance-Star says they’re allowing the Lincoln Terminal Co. to make the conversion to the Quarles Petroleum site.

During a public hearing before the vote, two people expressed concerns about the proposal, including former Councilman Hashmel Turner.

However, Councilwoman Bea Paolucci said each of his concerns had been addressed during the review process. Those concerns included safety and evacuation procedures. Paolucci noted that the fire department and fire marshal are satisfied with safety plans in place and have said no one evacuation plan can satisfy all scenarios.

Lincoln Terminal, owned by Lincoln Energy Solutions Inc. of Greenville, S.C., plans to invest $7 million to convert the Quarles site, including installing six additional tanks and adding landscaping.

The plan got preliminary approval more than a month ago, and residents have had time to voice any safety concerns they might have had.

Biodiesel, Ethanol

Imperium Gets Canola Deal for Biodiesel

John Davis

legumaxwalkerBiodiesel maker Imperium Renewables has inked a six-month deal to keep its Washington State plant in canola oil as a feedstock for the green fuel. Legumex Walker Inc.’s Pacific Coast Canola (PCC) subsidiary will deliver by truck its super degummed canola oil.

“We are proud to partner with Imperium, one of our local Washington State customers benefitting from our close proximity and load-out capabilities which allows us to ship multiple types of oil to our customers’ specifications,” said Matt Upmeyer, Chief Operations Officer at PCC. “Coupled with the strong demand for canola oil and meal from our core food processing customers, the Imperium contract is another big step as we bring our facility to full capacity, which is great news for local canola farmers.”

“The biofuel industry is an important complementary market for our canola oil, and crush margins for oil produced for that market are currently in line with oil produced for our core food processing market, ” said Joel Horn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Legumex Walker Inc. “Importantly, the Imperium business, because it is delivered by truck, helps relieve the outbound logistical challenges we are facing due to the North America-wide rail congestion problem.”

“This milestone agreement with Pacific Coast Canola will help us fully realize the potential of renewable biofuels in Washington,” said Imperium CEO John Plaza. “Canola grown by Pacific Northwest farmers will be processed by PCC, and that oil will be made into biodiesel by Imperium at our refinery in Hoquiam, WA and shipped to consumers in the region and around the world.”

Imperium officials went on to laud the fact they are able to get a locally grown source of canola oil for their operation. Legumax Walker is using trucks because of the large amount of rail traffic in that part of western Canada.

Biodiesel

Farm Bureau Lends Support to Keeping RFS

John Davis

afbf-logoAs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers its proposal that would, in effect, slash the amount of ethanol and biodiesel to be blended into the Nation’s fuel supply, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is telling the government to leave the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) alone. During their policy session at the recent AFBF annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, delegates voted to reaffirm “their support for the renewable fuels standard and approved a policy supporting renewable fuels tax incentives for the production of biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol and installation of blender pumps.”

ilfb-guebertAs we reported earlier this week, the new president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, Richard Guebert, told us RFS remains the top priority for farmers in his state and the region.

“Midwest farmers have worked so hard and so long to get those standards where they are today,” he told Chuck right before heading into a policy session at the meeting. Richard added they have even overcome some of the price spikes for commodities that go into the green fuel, so other sectors aren’t hurt by high prices for someone else’s feedstocks. “It’s just difficult for us to understand why we’re being forced to rollback those standards.”

The EPA has proposed to set the cellulosic biofuel category at 17 million gallons, biomass-based diesel at 1.28 billion gallons, advanced biofuel at 2.20 billion gallons and renewable fuel at 15.21 billion. The comment period on the proposal ends in the next two weeks.

Biodiesel, biofuels, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Farm Bureau, Government, Legislation

New Study: Corn Ethanol Reduces GHG Emissions

Joanna Schroeder

According to a new study, that compared the greenhouse gas emission reductions of corn ethanol and those of crude oil production and fracking, corn ethanol’s carbon intensity is declining while the carbon intensity of petroleum is increasing. The study was conducted by Life Cycle Associates and found that the carbon impacts associated with Canadian_tar_sandscrude oil production continue to worsen as more marginal sources of fuel are introduced into the fuel supply.

According to the report, “As the average carbon intensity of petroleum is gradually increasing, the carbon intensity of corn ethanol is declining. Corn ethanol producers are motivated by economics to reduce the energy inputs and improve product yields.”

The study, commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), found that average corn ethanol reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 32 percent compared to average petroleum in 2012. This estimate includes prospective emissions from indirect land use change (ILUC) for corn ethanol. When compared to marginal petroleum sources like tight oil from fracking and oil sands, average corn ethanol reduces GHG emissions by 37-40 percent.

As more unconventional crude oil sources enter the U.S. oil supply, and as corn ethanol production processes become even more efficient, the carbon impacts of ethanol and crude oil will continue to diverge. The study predicts that by 2022, average corn ethanol reduces GHG emissions by 43-60 percent compared to petroleum.

“The majority of unconventional fuel sources emit significantly more GHG emissions than both biofuels and conventional fossil fuel sources,” according to the study. “The biggest future impacts on the U.S. oil slate are expected to come from oil sands and fracking production.” In the absence of biofuels, “…significant quantities of marginal oil would be fed into U.S. refineries, generating corresponding emissions penalties that would be further aggravated in the absence of renewable fuel alternatives.”

The study also reveals several fundamental flaws with the GHG analysis conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) regulations. Read More

biofuels, Environment, Ethanol, Oil, Research, RFA

And the Experts Keep On A Comin

Joanna Schroeder

The 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show is just around the corner (January 28, 2014) and the list of experts keeps on a comin. The event’s host, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA), has announced a new panel, “The Future Engine Technology Enhanced by Ethanol and Biodiesel” that will feature two experts on future engine designs and auto manufacturing. Registration is still open.

IowaRFAlogoThe panel includes Thomas Apostolos, who is President of Ricardo, Inc., a world-leading engine design, technology, and innovation company. Joining Apostolos will be Reginald Modlin, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Chrysler Group LLC, a leading automobile manufacturer.

“Summit attendees will hear how higher blends of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel will shape the engine designs of the future with the potential to maximize performance while lowering environmental impacts,” said IRFA Managing Director Lucy Norton. “This panel will be an excellent compliment to previously announced speakers including Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and representatives of the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Renewable Energy Lab, and Love’s Travel Stops.”

Attend the 2014 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show and enter to win a new John Deere Flex-Fuel Lawnmower capable of running on E85. You must be a registered attendee and submit a “Don’t Mess With the RFS” comment to the EPA at the Summit and be present to win.

automotive, Biodiesel, biofuels, conferences, Ethanol, Iowa RFA

Iowa Renewable Fuel Awards Go To…

Joanna Schroeder

DanielsenThis years Biodiesel and Ethanol Marketing Awards went to Russ and Barb Danielsen from Southern Iowa Oil and Jason Stauffer from STAR Energy. The 2014 winners were announced by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

“Both winners have gone to great lengths to make biodiesel and ethanol more available to Iowa drivers and I appreciate the effort and investment they have made to promote these home-grown fuels,” Northey said. “Iowa is fortunate many retailers like STAR Energy and Southern Iowa Oil that make it a priority to make the fuels we produce in this state available to customers.”

The Secretary’s Ethanol and Biodiesel Marketing Awards were designed to recognize businesses that market the renewable fuels they have available through creative efforts including, but not limited to: hosting special events highlighting their renewable fuels, development of creative signage, initiation of new advertisements or marketing efforts, and dramatically increase renewable fuel availability.

StaufferThe winners were announced and recognized during the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa Annual Meeting in Des Moines, Iowa on January 14, 2014.  The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa (PMCI) is a non-profit state trade association serving the needs of independent petroleum marketers and convenience store owners throughout the state of Iowa.

Russ and Barb Danielsen own Southern Iowa Oil and are the winners of the 2014 Secretary’s Biodiesel Marketing Award winner.  Southern Iowa Oil is a family business serving the surrounding areas of Albia and Centerville and they have their own retail locations in Chariton, and Corydon.

The Danielsen’s are long-time supporters of the renewable fuels industry and have made it a priority to offer biodiesel options to all of their customers.  Their retail locations proudly sell biodiesel blends and work to promote this home-grown environmentally friendly fuel.

Jason Stauffer, Manager of Retail Fuels Marketing and Business Development for STAR Energy in Manson, is the 2014 Secretary’s Ethanol Marketing Award winner.  STAR Energy provides customers with a variety of renewable fuel options and is committed to the biofuels industry.

STAR Energy’s Fort Dodge location began offering E15 to customers in December and also offers E20, E30 and E85 fuel options to customers. Jason has been instrumental in the establishment and promotion of this site and making additional renewable fuels available to customers.

Biodiesel, biofuels, E15, Education, Ethanol