More B For Me Please

Joanna Schroeder

More B For MeMore biodiesel please. If you were on the look out for biodiesel it could definitely be seen during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference in Las Vegas. Last year was a roller coaster year for the industry but some good things happened, one of which was the $1 per gallon tax credit coming back. Another – increasing the volume of biodiesel as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Biodiesel can be a good tool in a farm business but Alicia Clancy, Manager of Corporate Affairs for the Renewable Energy Group (REG) said that biodiesel can play a bigger role than it currently is. What does she mean? Biodiesel can be used in farm equipment such as tractors and trucks and many use B2 blends. But, said Clancy, equipment and many trucks are approved to use up to B20.

Choose BiodieselIt is this fact that spurred the biodiesel promotion, More B for Me. Clancy said the goal of the promotion is to increase awareness of biodiesel use in farming equipment. As part of the campaign, farmers (or consumers) are encouraged go to their local co-op or gas station and ask them to offer higher blends of biodiesel and then use blends up to B20.

Here is how it works. Go to www.morebforme.com to register. You must be a farmer in Iowa (although everyone should ask for more biodiesel). REG, along with all the sponsors of the program including the Iowa Soybean Association and the soybean checkoff, Iowa Biodiesel Board and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, is giving away 10 – $1,000 dollar certificates at the end of March, just in time for planting season.

Listen to my interview with Alicia here: More B For Me

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Agribusiness, Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference, REG

USDA Releases Climate Change & Ag Study

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a comprehensive report that synthesize the scientific literature on climate change effects and adaptation strategies for U.S. agriculture. The report, “Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation,” was created a an input to the National Climate Assessment with scientists from the federal service, universities, non-governmental organizations, industry, tribal lands and private sectors contributing to the peer-reviewed study. It is open for public comment until

“These reports present the challenges that U.S. agriculture and forests will face in this century from global climate change,” said William Hohenstein, director of the Climate Change Program Office in USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist. “They give us a framework for understanding the implications of climate change, in order to meet our future demands for food, feed, fiber, and fuel.”

The reports indicate how climate change is affecting U.S. farms, forests, grasslands, and rural communities. The report finds that while U.S. agriculture and resource management have long histories of successful adaptation to climate variability, the accelerating pace and intensity of climate change presents new challenges to be addressed.

nbb-13-vilsack1For example, the report indicates increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, rising temperatures, and altered precipitation patterns will affect agricultural productivity. Climate change will exacerbate the stresses already occurring from weeds, insects, and disease. The report finds that increases in the incidence of extreme weather events will have a greater influence on agricultural productivity. 

In addition the report finds that over the next 25 years, the effects of climate change on agricultural production and economic outcomes for both producers and consumers in the United States are expected to be mixed, depending on regional conditions. Beyond 2050, changes are expected to include shifts in crop production areas, increases in pest control expenses, and greater disease prevalence.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack gave a few remarks about the study during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo. Listen to his remarks on climate change here: USDA Climate Change & Ag Study

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Agribusiness, Climate Change, global warming, National Biodiesel Conference

Ag Secy Vilsack Wins Nat’l Energy Leadership Award

Joanna Schroeder

nbb-13-vilsackjobeThe National Biodiesel Board praised Sec. Vilsack as one of the strongest advocates for renewable fuels in the nation, and presented him with the National Energy Leadership Award during the final day of the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

“I’ve witnessed the beginning of a rural renaissance that is remarkable, and you, sir, have presided over it,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. “You went to bat for us in the successful expansion of the RFS, and for an issue like ours to go all the way to the top is extraordinary. We can’t thank you enough for your leadership.”

Rather than a typical award, this one was embossed on a glass plate, apropos for the leader of American agriculture.

“You have the power to make us more energy secure, and still create enough food and fiber for the world. That’s an amazing opportunity worth fighting for,” said Vilsack. “You also have the ability to respond as a generation to climate change. You’ve got to keep up the fight because the stakes are extraordinarily high.”

Listen to Jobe’s and Vilsack’s remarks here: National Energy Leadership Award

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference

“Phantom Fuel” is Real

Cindy Zimmerman

nec13-brookeIt’s ironic that the “Phantom Fuels Reform Act of 2013” was introduced in the Senate on Thursday at the same time a panel discussion on “Dispelling the Myth of the Phantom Fuel” was going on at the National Ethanol Conference where four different cellulosic biofuels companies talked about how they will be making commercial quantities of the fuel this year.

The legislation, which would have an impact on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), was introduced by Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), David Vitter (R-La.) and Michael Crapo (R-Idaho), following the introduction of its House companion yesterday by Reps. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah).

“The legislation wants to make the RFS reflect the marketplace instead of push the marketplace, which is what the oil industry wants because that would short circuit the RFS,” said Brooke Coleman, executive director of the Advanced Ethanol Council.

Listen to an interview with Brooke here: AEC's Brooke Coleman

nec13-ineosOne company that expects to be producing cellulosic ethanol very soon is INEOS Bio, according to vice president Dan Cummings. “We finished construction on our first facility in Vero Beach, Florida, have commissioned it and now we’re in the final start up phase moving towards making cellulosic bio-ethanol,” said Cummings. “We’re making it out of waste – agricultural, yard waste and vegetative waste.”

Target date to be on line is this quarter, moving toward full production this year with a capacity of eight million gallons. “It’s a first of a kind technology in the world and we look to license and build other plants globally,” Cummings said.

Listen to my interview with Dan here: INEOS Bio VP Dan Cummings

Others on the “Phantom Fuel” panel included Beta Renewables CEO Guido Ghisolfi, Poul Ruben Andersen with Novozymes North America, and Martin Mitchell of Clariant.

Listen to the whole panel here: NEC Phantom Fuel Panel
2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

AEC, Audio, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

EPA Addresses E15 Issues

Cindy Zimmerman

nec13-robertThe Environmental Protection Agency has announced a solution to address specific concerns about retail sales of 15% ethanol (E15) ensuring that gasoline with up to 10 percent ethanol is available at each station when also offering the higher octane fuel E15.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Director of Market Development Robert White explains that the solution will eliminate the need for a four-gallon minimum fueling transaction when E15 is sold from the same hose as E10, E0 or both.

Advocates for motorcyclists and small engines had expressed concern that EPA’s four-gallon minimum requirement would make it difficult for those low volume customers to find fuel appropriate for their vehicles. With today’s announcement, their concerns have been eliminated. The configuration approved by EPA will recommend that retailers either sell E15 from a dedicated hose, or have at least one fueling position that does not have E15 available. This fueling position will be clearly identified, and other fueling positions will direct those seeking that option to the right place. EPA may ultimately approve more configuration options in the future.

Listen to Robert explain in this interview: RFA's Robert White
2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

Vegas is a Winner for National Ethanol Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

nec13Members of the Renewable Fuels Association are on the road home from Vegas ready to continue driving the industry forward after another uplifting National Ethanol Conference.

About 1100 ethanol industry members attended the event, despite the challenging times facing them. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm here and there’s a lot of optimism,” said RFA CEO Bob Dinneen. “They are realistic about the fights coming forth but they are ready to fight and ready to make sure that Congress does not mess with the RFS.”

“I’m excited, I’m pumped,” Dinneen added.

nec13-bob-tomDinneen was pleased that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was able to address the conference again this year and appreciated his message that the industry is under attack because it’s winning, not because it’s losing. “We are really challenging oil companies,” said Dinneen, noting that the ethanol industry is winning the “battle for barrel” and “we are going to win it for our children.”

Dinneen also commented on the “Phantom Fuels Act” introduced today by members of Congress from oil producing states. “These members should have been out here, they would have seen the phantom fuels and would have learned there is cellulosic development going on today,” he said.

Listen to my wrap up interview with Bob here: NEC Wrap up with Bob Dinneen
2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

Perspectives on the Future of the RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

nec13-rfs-panelRepresentatives from corn growers, the oil industry, advanced ethanol and the investment community addressed the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) during the 18th National Ethanol Conference.

The panel moderated by Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association included National Corn Growers Association CEO Rick Tolman, John Reese with Shell Oil Products, Advanced Ethanol Council executive director Brooke Coleman, and Mark McMinimy with Guggenheim Securities.

Listen to the discussion here: NEC Future of RFS panel

NCGA’s Tolman told the audience that the corn growers believe the RFS has been a huge success but he does believe there are implementation challenges going forward and one he noted was the language that restricts corn from being considered an advanced biofuel. “The industry has a petition at EPA right now to see if we can have a pathway approved for corn fiber from the kernel as an advanced biofuel,” said Tolman, and in the future they hope to address the arbitrary restriction on corn starch as an advanced biofuel.

Tolman says the RFS will be a topic of discussion with corn growers at the upcoming Commodity Classic in Orlando later this month.

Listen to an interview with Rick here: NCGA CEO Rick Tolman
2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

advanced biofuels, Audio, biofuels, Cellulosic, corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, NCGA, RFA

Methanol Institute Releases Biodiesel Primer

Joanna Schroeder

A Biodiesel PrimerThe Methanol Institute released a report on the worldwide use of production of biodiesel during the 10th Annual Biodiesel Conference & Expo held in Las Vegas. Methanol is one of the products used to make biodiesel. “A Biodiesel Primer: Market & Policy Development, Quality, Standards and Handling,” provides the latest information on the role of methanol in biodiesel production an global policy issues and was prepared by the Global Biofuels Center.

“The methanol and biodiesel industries are partners in a critical effort to bring safe, reliable and affordable alternative fuels to the world’s transportation market,” said Gregory Dolan, acting CEO of the Methanol Institute.

Today there are 124 biodiesel production facilities in the U.S. and another 28 that are in the development stages.

Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference

Vilsack at Biodiesel Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack went from the National Ethanol Conference to the National Biodiesel Conference today in Las Vegas.

Vilsack addressed a standing room only crowd during the final day of the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. Beginning his second term as part of the Obama Administration, prior to taking this position he was the Governor of Iowa. Vilsack has been a leader in the support of biofuels since taking office as Governor and has continued in his current role.

vilsack-nbbVilsack said that the biodiesel industry is helping the country become secure through its innovation and products and also helping to create a new biobased economy.

There is a huge fight against the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Vilsack noted that there are some who say it needs to be changed because it’s not reliable and not effective, when in fact it’s exactly the opposite. “This standard is working. It’s doing what’s its supposed to do. It’s helping to create an industry that supports jobs, improves incomes, reduces alliance on foreign oil, and gives consumers choice. It’s working,” said Vilsack.

He also noted that the reason why the biodiesel industry is being challenged is because they are winning. “Trust me,” he said. “If you were losing no one would be paying attention to you. But there is more work to do to meet these challenges.”

Vislack ended his remarks by giving the industry a couple of ideas. One of the most critical, he said, is that it is important to engage people at the state and local level to explain to them the benefits of this industry.

You have the capacity to reignite a new century of innovation and to help redefine and revitalize the American economy, said Vilsack. “And this is worth fighting for.”

Listen to Secretary Vilsack’s remarks at the biodiesel conference here: Industry Engagement Critical

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

See more coverage on the Biodiesel Conference Blog

Audio, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Conference, National Biodiesel Conference, USDA

E15 Marketer Gets Ethanol Industry Award

Cindy Zimmerman

nec13-award-1During the opening session on the second day of the Renewable Fuels Association’s (RFA) 18th annual National Ethanol Conference, Scott Zaremba, President of Zarco 66 Inc. and Zarco 66 American Fuels, received the “Industry Award” in recognition of his vision and commitment to expanding fuel choices for his customers in Kansas.

In July of 2012, Scott Zaremba became the first petroleum marketer in the United States to offer E15. Since that time, he has expanded E15 availability to seven stations throughout Kansas.

Presenting the award, RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen said, “Scott is a trailblazer. He has vision, know-how, and most important, passion. It is never easy being first-in-the-nation at anything, but it is particularly challenging when introducing an entirely new fuel. Scott is committed to offering E15 in the name of a stronger, more energy independent country.”

Zaremba explained, “I’m proud to be able to offer my customers a choice at the pump, especially when that choice helps Kansas drivers save money, clean the environment and support ethanol production jobs across the state of Kansas and throughout the Midwest. In Kansas, our state motto talks about getting to the stars through difficulties. Introducing E15 is a good example of blazing a new trail despite regulatory delays and resistance to break our addition to foreign oil. E15 is a win-win in my book. It is part of a domestic solution to energy independence.”

Listen to my interview with Scott here: Scott Zaremba at NEC 2013


2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

Audio, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, National Ethanol Conference, RFA