India Achieves Ethanol Blending Target Early

Cindy Zimmerman

India recently achieved its ethanol fuel blending target of 10 percent five months ahead of schedule and the phased rollout of 20 per cent ethanol blending in India will begin this April, according to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, advancing its target to achieve 20 per cent from earlier 2030 to now 2025-26.

The Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy offered congratulations to the country for this progress. “Ethanol presents an immediate solution to tackling two of the world’s greatest modern challenges: it represents an efficient alternative to petrol without infrastructure change and is a preeminent solution to mitigating the impending climate crisis,” the groups said. “India’s decision will provide economic benefits to domestic producers, facilitating new cycles of innovation and investment.”

The three groups issued the statement ahead of India’s upcoming Auto Expo 2023, one of Asia’s largest automotive trade shows that’s expected to welcome more than 115,000 visitors to New Delhi next week. Representatives from RFA, the U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy will all be on-site at the trade show.

“We are delighted to be so warmly welcomed here in India at the Auto Expo 2023 and fully support India’s bright and ambitious goal of transitioning toward higher blends. We look forward to working together with Indian businesses on the path toward net zero.”

Ethanol, Ethanol News, International, RFA

Clean Fuels Hires New Communications Director

Cindy Zimmerman

Clean Fuels Alliance America has announced the appointment of Heather Buechter as director of communications.
 
Most recently, Buechter served as Director of Communications for the Missouri Catholic Conference at its headquarters in Jefferson City where she focused on promoting the organization’s mission through social media, the website and podcasts. Prior to that, she spent 12 years as a broadcast journalist serving as the evening news anchor at KOLR-TV – the CBS affiliate in Springfield, Mo. There, she earned notable awards for her work, including the regional Edward R. Murrow Award in 2021 for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. An Arkansas native, Buechter earned a B.A. in Communication from the University of Arkansas.
 
Buechter joins the association ahead of the annual Clean Fuels Conference, to be held January 23-26 in Tampa, Florida.

Clean Fuels Alliance

Clean Fuels Conference United as One

Cindy Zimmerman

“United as One” is the theme of the inaugural Clean Fuels Conference, January 23-26, 2023 in Tampa, Florida where the role of biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel in the national commitment to decarbonization will take center stage

Formerly the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, the event’s rebranding reflects the founding organization’s name change last year from the National Biodiesel Board to Clean Fuels Alliance America, recognizing the evolution and expansion of the clean fuels offerings for heavy-duty transportation and new markets like rail, shipping and aviation. “We look forward to this show because we have a lot of new stakeholders,” said Brad Shimmens, Clean Fuels’ Director of Operations and Membership. “So we have a very exciting line up of speakers and sessions to include the whole industry that we represent.”

Shimmens says highlights of the conference include the return of the popular diesel vehicle Ride-and-Drive and a mainstage session putting the spotlight on the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program. Event organizers are hoping to attract more sustainability and environmental social governance professionals this year who as well as representatives from new clean fuels markets including marine, rail and airline industry professionals.

Learn more in this preview interview with Shimmens.
Clean Fuels Conference preview interview, Brad Shimmens (5:00)

Audio, aviation biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance

Biofuels Groups Provide Comments on RFS Proposal

Cindy Zimmerman

Biofuels groups offered testimony to the Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday during a virtual public hearing for the proposed rule to establish required Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes and percentage standards for 2023-25.

“Overall, we believe the proposed ‘Set’ rule establishes a firm foundation for the future of the RFS and creates a pathway for sustainable growth in the production and use of low-carbon renewable fuels,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper in verbal testimony.

Cooper also stated that RFA strongly supports EPA’s approach to small refinery exemptions, including its assumption that zero exemptions will be granted in 2023-2025, and he agreed with EPA’s recent response to a fundamentally flawed GAO report on RFS compliance costs. When it comes to the idea of expanding the RFS to include renewable electricity made from biomass, Cooper said that EPA should maintain a level playing field and consistent approach to RIN generation for all renewable fuel pathways under the RFS.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings testified in support of EPA setting an effective conventional biofuel requirement of 15.25 billion gallons for 2023 through 2025, projecting no small refinery exemptions (SREs) for 2023 through 2025 and reiterating refineries are able to pass on RIN costs to their customers, and conceding its antiquated greenhouse gas (GHG) model needs to be updated.

The ACE testimony highlighted concern over EPA’s proposed inadequate advanced biofuel blending targets and “alternative approach” to reduce conventional biofuel blending below 14 billion gallons for 2024 and 2025. Jennings encouraged the Agency to “increase [advanced] volumes consistent with new production capacity scheduled to come online” and “clarify it does not intend to issue retroactive waivers of volumes or reduce conventional biofuel requirements in the final rule.”

Meanwhile, Clean Fuels Alliance America and its members expressed frustration with the proposed volumes for biomass-based diesel because they do not match the volumes that are already in the market and do not account for expected growth in capacity and feedstocks.

“The proposed rule significantly undercounts existing biomass-based diesel production and fails to provide growth for investments the industry has already made in additional capacity, including for sustainable aviation fuel,” Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen stated in testimony to EPA.

Clean Fuels Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik stated at the hearing, “Clean Fuels is once again frustrated that EPA has the wherewithal needed to determine current production, the knowledge of the investments being made, and the resources to accurately determine feedstock availability yet proposes a no growth scenario.” Clean Fuels members also highlighted investments that have been made to increase biodiesel and renewable diesel production and distribution capacity, pointing to the successful USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program as one source of investment.

ACE, Biodiesel, biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, EPA, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, RFS

New Poll Shows Support for Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

A new survey of registered voters conducted for the Renewable Fuels Association by Morning Consult shows more support for ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard compared to policies that ban liquid fuels or mandate electric vehicles.

“As the new Congress settles in and begins to consider the future of our nation’s energy policy, these polling results demonstrate that Americans strongly support expanded use of lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Voters clearly want greater access to fuel blends containing more ethanol—like E15, E30, and E85—and they want to see more flex fuel vehicles made available.”

Almost two-thirds of survey respondents (65 percent) said they support the Renewable Fuel Standard, while only 15 percent expressed opposition to the program, while 64 percent of respondents have a favorable opinion of ethanol, compared to just 18 percent unfavorable.Regarding higher blends, 68 percent support increasing the availability of E15 to help lower fuel prices and bolster energy independence, and 66 percent said it is important for the federal government to promote the production and sale of flex fuel vehicles (capable of running on up to 85% ethanol) in the United States.

Notably, Cooper said, support for ethanol and renewable fuels policy crossed party lines and includes majorities of both Republican and Democrat respondents.

Additional survey results regarding electric vehicles and banning liquid fuels found that 66 percent oppose policies that ban the sale of new cars with traditional liquid-fueled engines, with only 23 percent supporting such policies, with 69 percent opposed to EV mandates, with 54 percent expressing “strong” opposition.

Read the poll results.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

ACE Plans DC Fly-in for March

Cindy Zimmerman


For the first time since 2019, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is excited to be planning its 12th annual Washington, DC Fly-in and Government Affairs Summit to take place March 29-30, 2023. Event registration and sponsorship opportunities are available at ethanol.org/events/fly-in.

“We encourage ethanol supporters to mark their calendars for the ACE fly-in March 29-30,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “Nearly 100 new Members of Congress recently took their oaths of office, and it is up to us to make sure they understand the importance and value of a strong U.S. ethanol industry.”

For more than a decade, nearly 300 unique individuals representing 30 states have participated in ACE fly-ins, meeting with Members of Congress and top Administration officials. Past participants include ethanol company investors and management; corn farmers; scientists; and fuel marketers and gas station owners.

“In ACE’s 12 years of hosting DC fly-ins, the most successful ones strike a balance between Hill visits with our champions and those with Members of Congress who may be new, opponents of our policy priorities, or live outside the Corn Belt,” said Katie Muckenhirn, Vice President of Government Affairs. “Members of Congress and their staff hear from lobbyists and association staff regularly, but a deeply personal perspective of how the ethanol industry has directly benefitted a participant may help them view a topic with fresh eyes. We’re looking forward to bringing advocates back to DC because certain aspects of face-to-face interactions can’t be replicated in a virtual setting.”

Priorities for ACE advocates this year include a nationwide and permanent solution for year-round E15 market access, supporting technology-neutral clean fuel policy which recognizes farmers’ and ethanol producers’ contribution to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and promoting the Next Generation Fuels Act, as well as the Farm Bill, ensuring the Renewable Fuel Standard is getting back on track, and implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act.

The meetings will take place on Capitol Hill and at the YOTEL Washington, DC hotel (formerly the Liaison). For more information about the event, please contact Katie Muckenhirn at kmuckenhirn@ethanol.org or visit ethanol.org/events/fly-in.

ACE, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Ethanol and DDGS Exports Declined in November

Cindy Zimmerman

Exports of both U.S. ethanol and dried distillers grains (DDGS) were lower in November according to the latest analysis by Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) analyst Ann Lewis.

Ethanol exports declined 3% to a three-month low of 81.4 million gallons (mg), approximately 40% less than the volume shipped a year ago, but year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports total 1.28 billion gallons, 15% ahead of last year at the same time.

Essentially all exported U.S. ethanol landed in just ten countries in November. Our northern neighbor secured its place as our top customer for the twentieth consecutive month as shipments to Canada increased 8% to 47.9 mg—an unprecedented 59% of all exports. U.S. ethanol exports also expanded to South Korea, up 54% to 7.8 mg. Other larger markets included Mexico (5.1 mg, -21%), the European Union (4.6 mg, -33% to a 14-month low)—primarily led by the Netherlands—Peru (4.5 mg, -1%), and the United Kingdom (3.3 mg, -5%). India, Brazil, and China were principally absent from our export market in November.

Exports of the animal feed co-product DDGS were down nine percent in November to the lowest volume since May 2020. Mexico, our top customer for the fifth consecutive month, imported 205,769 mt (up 33% to a 4-month high). Shipments to South Korea scaled back 30% (91,838 mt), while exports to Vietnam were half of October’s volume (68,223 mt, a 9-month low).

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

MN Bio-Fuels Releases 2022 Annual Report

Cindy Zimmerman

Jeff Oestmann, Board vice-president of MN Bio-Fuels, and Brian Werner, executive director

The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) recently released its 2022 Annual Report to its members.

“As the critical need to decarbonize transportation, reduce dependence on imported oil, and save consumers money at the pump grows, the leadership opportunities for biofuels grow, too. That’s why I was glad to join with our members and supporters at our annual report event to talk about what MN Bio-Fuels has accomplished in 2022 but, more importantly, to talk about the path forward in 2023,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.

The 2022 Annual Report highlights include securing $6 million for a biofuel infrastructure grant program and assisting retailers in securing the grant funding and urging Gov. Tim Walz to remain committed to a regulatory solution that will ensure year-round E15 availability. 2022 also saw record E15 sales in Minnesota with October sales at 9.58 million gallons. Werner said E15 sales exceeded the 9-million-gallon mark for the first time ever in July and has remained at that level since.

Read the report here.

biofuels, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Get Ready, Set and Go to 2023 NEC

Cindy Zimmerman

The agenda is now set for the Renewable Fuels Association’s 2023 National Ethanol Conference with the theme “Ready. Set. Go!” The annual conference will be held in Orlando from February 28 to March 2 and will again showcase well-known speakers and experts, reflecting on the industry’s growth and successes of 2022, and providing their outlook on the future of renewable fuels.

As the theme suggests, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the industry is set up for success in 2023 and ready to go. “Let’s take a minute and reflect on all of the successes of 2022 and examine the solid foundation that was built through the Inflation Reduction Act, strong RFS volumes, and the work we did on E15,” said Cooper. “And then let’s look forward and look at the ways we’re going to build on that.”

RFA CEO Geoff Cooper - NEC 2023 (1:31)

Among the topics to be explored at the 2023 NEC are: Carbon capture and sequestration, new uses, consumer perceptions of ethanol, implementing the Inflation Reduction Act, and the market for ethanol in India.

Find out more at NationalEthanolConference.com and register before the end of January to receive a $100 discount.

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

Clean Fuels Welcomes Eight New Members

Cindy Zimmerman

As interest in low carbon fuels gains momentum, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomes eight new companies that joined the association in the last year.

“It’s an incredible time for the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industry as we accelerate toward our vision of 6 billion gallons by 2030,” said Donnell Rehagen, Clean Fuels CEO. “With the growth in demand, we see broader and growing interest in the success of the industry. The addition of these members demonstrates the value they see in being part of our trade association and the ongoing expansion of this industry.”

Clean Fuels new members include:
DSM – a global company specializing in solutions for human and animal health and nutrition.
National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) – authorized by Congress in 2000 to provide funding for more efficient and reliable heat and hot water.
PSC Group, LLC – provides product handling services, logistics, railcar repair, and sustainability solutions for the chemical, refining, and marine transportation industries.
ROC 1954 – providing fuel, renewable bio fuels, lubricants, logistics services, and more.
Third Coast Commodities – with the combined goals of bringing transparency to the world of physical derivative commodities and reducing risk.
Magellan Midstream Partners – a publicly traded partnership based in Tulsa, Okla., that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil.
Green Plains Inc. – a leading ag-tech company using innovative processes to transform annually renewable crops into sustainable, high-value ingredients.
Iveco Group – a company with a strong presence across the full range of commercial and specialty vehicles, complete powertrain offering, and focus on advanced sustainable solutions.

Clean Fuels Alliance America, formerly known as the National Biodiesel Board, will be holding its annual conference January 23-26 in Tampa, Florida. Registration

Biodiesel, Clean Fuels Alliance