A Senate committee will consider legislation next week that would put in place a permanent waiver to Reid vapor pressure (RVP) requirements to allow E-15 sales year-round. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee announced the hearing set for Wednesday, June 14th. The hearing focuses on the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, introduced in March by Nebraska Republican Senator …
USDA Announces $6 Million for Sustainable Energy Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced up to $6 million in available funding for research to support the next generation of sustainable biofuels and biomaterials. Funding is made through USDA’s Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI), a joint initiative with the Department of Energy. “Renewable energy is an important contributor to our …
EPA E15 Volatility Restriction Among Regulations Requiring Reform
Eliminating the unnecessary regulatory barrier to year-round sales of E15 is among a dozen recommended reforms the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should immediately undertake to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens on the U.S. ethanol industry and American consumers, according to comments submitted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The comments responded to EPA’s request for input on burdensome, conflicting, or unnecessary …
Corn Prices May Not Improve, Even with Less Production
As farmers plant fewer acres to corn, will smaller supplies bring on better prices? This story from Gary Crawford answers that question. Seth Meyer, USDA Outlook Board Chairman, gives reasons for the USDA forecast for a 50 million bushel increase in the use of corn for ethanol in the coming marketing year…new projection, 5.5 million bushels. …
Methane Vote Agreement Offers path for E15 Bill
An agreement between Senators regarding a vote to reject the Obama-era methane rule has paved a path forward for year-round E15 sales. The agreement between Senators Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican, means the E15 bill will head to the committee for markup within the next week or …
EPA Send RFS Volume Obligations to OMB
The Environmental Protection Agency has sent Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations to the White House Office of Management and Budget. The White House is expected to complete its review of the proposed rule within the next 90 days for the 2018 RVO’s and the Biomass Based Diesel Volume for 2019, according to DTN-Progressive Farmer. The deadline for the final rule …
First Loans Awarded in the Rural Energy Savings Program
Acting Deputy Under Secretary Roger Glendenning announced that USDA is providing zero-interest loan website to two rural energy providers to help business and residential customers lower energy use and costs. “Funding commercial, farm and residential energy efficiency investments supports rural economies,” Glendenning said. “These investments save money for consumers, create jobs in the community and help energy providers better manage …
Canada Offers Potential U.S. Ethanol Export Growth
With Canada seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 megatons by 2030, the U.S. ethanol industry is eager to help Canada reach the goal. The U.S. Grains Council says the U.S. ethanol industry last month visited Canada to tout U.S. ethanol. The industry also commented on the proposed Canadian Clean Fuel Standard. Canada has an existing national blending mandate …
Response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s paper on Clean Fuel Standard
Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) joined the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in submitting comments in response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Discussion Paper on a Federal Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). Representatives of the three organizations just completed a visit to Canada to discuss that country’s newest environmental initiative with regulators and industry and share details …
Brazil Looking at Tariffs on U.S. Ethanol Imports
Reuters says the Brazilian Ag Minister is asking the country’s Foreign Trade Council to impose tariffs on U.S. ethanol imports after a recent surge in shipments coming in from America. The article says a move like that could potentially stir up trouble with the Trump administration, which is already looking at renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement. Brazil is …