Senator Dorgan: We Must Be Relentless

Joanna Schroeder

Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan is truly an advocate for biofuels. While in office, Dorgan authored the first renewable fuel bill, requiring 8 billion gallons of biofuels. When President Bush took office, he asked Dorgan to help write nbb-13-byronthe bill that today is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Dorgan gave an inspiring and funny presentation during the National Biodiesel Board’s 10th Annual Conference in Las Vegas. While he may have regaled the large crowd with funny stories, what he does not find funny is the attack on biodiesel and the RFS. He has dedicated himself to continuing the fight. He said, “It is very important we be relentless with this success story.”

After retiring from the Senate, Dorgan joined the Bipartisan Policy Center, where he along with several others, are continuing to focus on the role of renewable energy and that includes increasing the use of biodiesel.

Dorgan left the audience with three “lessons”. First, bad news travels half way around the world before good news gets its shoes on; the success of a rain dance depends a lot on the timing; and when you hit someone on the head with a book and get a hollow sound, it doesn’t mean the book is empty. The lesson behind the quotes? We have facts on our side. Don’t give up and continue to fight the good fight.

2013 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

We must be relentless
Audio, Biodiesel, biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference

RIN Fraud Not an Issue

Joanna Schroeder

According to RINAlliance, RIN fraud is not an issue for clients due to a long-standing strategic partnership with EcoEngineers. Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) are used to track each gallon of a biofuel as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released proposed rules as part of the 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard that addresses potential RIN Fraud.  EcoEngineers, is one company, of several, that validates and audits biofuels production facilities through a comprehensive quality insurance program developed by the company.

RINAlliance logo“While some industry stakeholders have incurred liability and liquidity problems due to the unfortunate production of fraudulent RINs, RINAlliance avoided such issues by moving swiftly to prevent risks through a partnership with EcoEngineers which audits production facilities,” said Dawn Carlson, president of RINAlliance and the not-for-profit association, Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa. “The Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) originally developed by EcoEngineers has become a foundation for the Environmental Protection Agency’s rulemaking efforts to address integrity in biodiesel RIN markets.”

As part of EcoEngineers program, the company validated RINs through in person, on-site audits and ongoing monitoring of feedstock, production, fuel quality, and overall mass-balance of facilities. RINAlliance, says it then utilizes this information to document RIN validity to obligated parties allowing RIN owners to receive top-tier pricing of RINs generated by small to medium sized biodiesel producers. With EPA’s current rulemaking, production facilities utilizing third party RIN QAP services are expected to provide blenders, and ultimately, obligated parties an affirmative defense against EPA presumptive liability policies if the RINs transacted come in question.

More importantly, says RINAlliance, the steps above have created a broad supply of biodiesel and advanced renewable fuels from small to large facilities. This process yields increased competition that, in turn, keeps costs down for consumers and incentives high for those blending with biofuels.

biofuels, RFS

President Calls for More Sustainable Energy

Cindy Zimmerman

sotu-2013Citing a need for increasing jobs and combating climate change, President Obama pledged to do more to “speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy” during his 2013 State of the Union address.

Four years ago, other countries dominated the clean energy market and the jobs that came with it. And we’ve begun to change that. Last year, wind energy added nearly half of all new power capacity in America. So let’s generate even more. Solar energy gets cheaper by the year — let’s drive down costs even further. As long as countries like China keep going all in on clean energy, so must we.

Now, in the meantime, the natural gas boom has led to cleaner power and greater energy independence. We need to encourage that. And that’s why my administration will keep cutting red tape and speeding up new oil and gas permits. That’s got to be part of an all-of-the-above plan. But I also want to work with this Congress to encourage the research and technology that helps natural gas burn even cleaner and protects our air and our water.

Although there was no mention of biofuels in the speech, both ethanol and biodiesel organizations issued statements stressing their importance for the nation in achieving the president’s goals. “Biofuels can provide the eco-boost the U.S. economy needs,” said Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen. ““I am pleased that President Obama will continue to pursue policies that increase the use of cleaner, renewable energy, which is better for our environment and the air we breathe,” Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis said. Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board, added that the biodiesel industry is poised to play a growing role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. “Biodiesel is a practical, cost-effective and bipartisan solution that’s here today to address this problem,” Steckel said.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, Growth Energy, NBB, RFA

Most Entertaining Panels at Ethanol Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

As always, the Global Perspectives and Washington Insiders panels at the National Ethanol Conference were as entertaining as ever. The panels routinely feature representatives from other organizations that may not share the same viewpoint of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), allowing the opportunity for some interesting dialogue.

nec13-global-panelGlobal Renewable Fuels Alliance spokesperson Bliss Baker served as the moderator/referee for the global panel which featured RFA CEO Bob Dinneen; Canadian Renewable Fuels Association president Scott Thurlow; Rob Vierhout, Secretary General of ePURE; UNICA CEO Elizabeth Farina; and Poul Ruben Andersen with Novozymes A/S.

Noting the panel placement of Canadian Thurlow between Dinneen and Vierhout, Baker commented, “Some of you may be familiar with Canada’s tradition of peacekeeping,” he said. “Scott may have to assume that role of peacekeeper when we talk about our first issue” which was Europe’s trade challenge to U.S. ethanol imports. “I find it a little bizarre that we are in this spat that we are in today, attacking one another,” Baker said, throwing the floor open to Veirhout to explain “what were you thinking?”

Listen to the panel here: NEC 13 Global Panel

nec13-insdersThis year’s Washington Insiders panel included (L to R) – Marty Durbin, Executive Vice President, American Petroleum Institute; Shane Karr, Vice President, Federal Government Affairs, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; Louis Finkel, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, Grocery Manufacturers Association; and James Massie, Principal, The Alpine Group (the “insider’s insider”).

Interesting exchange on the panel came between Dinneen and GMA’s Finkel regarding the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Challenging Finkel’s claim that the production of corn ethanol under the RFS has had a “significant” impact on food costs, Dinneen asked if he would say that oil prices also have a significant impact on the price of food. “I don’t think it has a significant impact,” Finkel replied. “I think it has an impact on the cost of transporting our food.”

“You’re a good advocate for your industry,” Dinneen responded.

Listen to the whole panel here: NEC 13 Insiders Panel
2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, food and fuel, Food prices, International, National Ethanol Conference, Oil, RFA

GM Adds B20 Chevy Cruze to Lineup

Joanna Schroeder

The 2013 National Automobile Dealers Association and American Truck Dealers convention kicks off this week in Orlando, Florida and heading into the event General Motors has announced it new 2014 Chevy Cruze light-duty diesel passenger car is approved for use with B20 (20 percent biodiesel).

2014-cruze-clean-turbo-diesel“We applaud General Motors for its foresight in approving the new diesel Chevy Cruze for use with B20 biodiesel blends,” said Steve Howell, Technical Director for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).  “Many people do not realize that today’s new technology diesel engines powered by ultra-low sulfur biodiesel blends provide tailpipe emissions as clean or cleaner than natural gas or gasoline, while providing superior fuel economy, horsepower, and durability.”

“In addition,” said Howell, “when you combine the increased efficiency diesel engines with the low carbon nature of an Advanced Biofuel like biodiesel, new technology diesel engines are positioned to become the clean-and green-technology of the future, and we’re proud to see GM leading the way with its support for B20.”

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel features an advanced 2.0L clean diesel engine that will offer an estimated 42 mpg highway with an automatic transmission and based on GM testing. According to NBB, clean diesels using modern diesel exhaust technology and ultra low sulfur fuel are over 90 percent cleaner than older models, and the Chevy Cruze is the cleanest diesel passenger car model ever produced by General Motors.

Other automakers are adding biodiesel-approved vehicles to their line-up as well including Ford and Chrysler.

advanced biofuels, Biodiesel, Car Makers, NBB

Abengoa to Use ICM Oil Separation System

Cindy Zimmerman

ICMThe ICM Advanced Oil Separation™ System (AOS™) will be deployed at Abengoa Bioenegy plants Madison, Illinois and Mt. Vernon, Indiana.

The AOS™ is a specially-designed combination of equipment that utilizes an ICM-proprietary, patented process to maximize the recovery of non-food-grade bio-oil from emulsion concentrate after the centrifugal separation of mid-stillage (syrup). Installation of the two corn oil extraction systems is expected to occur later this year.

abengoa logoICM’s AOS™ will enable the recovery of a significant quantity of corn oil per bushel of corn processed, enabling the Madison and Mt. Vernon facilities to generate additional sources of revenue.

ICM Director of Sales & Product Management Brock Beach said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Abengoa Bioenergy to deliver corn oil extraction technology and support corn oil’s expansion into higher-value co-products. The investment in our AOS™ technology affirms the shared vision of pursuing sustainable development efforts for the global renewable energy industry.”

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, technology

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