Latest News From Ethanol

U.S. biofuel use has plateaued in recent years, and the industry is seeking new ways to expand use. One promising outlet is more use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the commercial aviation sector.

“These tax credits, which encourage the use of more eco-friendly fuels, could make or break the prospects of corn ethanol as a sustainable aviation fuel," says Jim Wiesemeyer, ProFarmer policy analyst.

“There’s no question of the law, science or anything. They’re simply not doing their job,” says Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director.

Under the Clean Air Act, those affected by this decision have the right to request a judicial review with the US Court of Appeals within 60 days of the notice's Federal Register publication.

There is now a dollar value assigned to grain carbon intensity scores below 29 in the form of tax credits to biofuel plants that buy grain as part of their decarbonization efforts.

"Nearly two decades of data prove that the supposed ‘cost’ to refiners is an accounting fiction, and EPA’s decision reflects those facts,” said Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO.

EPA released biofuel blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard on Tuesday. While EPA says the decision will reduce reliance on oil imports, some biofuel industry leaders do not approve.

The White House set a goal of producing 3 billion gal. of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030. Senators say outdated climate data is keeping producers from reaching the finish line, but a new bill could change that.

Analysts at Wolfstreet believe the U.S. is seeing the first hint of an EV effect on gas demand. John Phipps looks at the data and explains why a possible peak in U.S. gasoline consumption could impact ethanol demand. ​

"EPA is using decade-old analysis to measure the carbon intensity of ethanol, despite the Department of Energy’s updated data,” says Chris Bliley of Growth Energy. “This bill will ensure we capture the accuracy."

Generally, E15 is banned in summer months, but EPA flipped the script for the first time last year when it lifted the ban to lower pump prices.

The U.S. ethanol industry is lobbying the Biden administration to ensure lower-carbon aviation fuel made from ethanol will qualify for subsidies.

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, appeared before the House Ag Committee on Wednesday to discuss everything from WOTUS to the farm bill. Here are the highlights that will directly impact producers.

With the popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles growing, long-term gasoline use could drop, taking ethanol consumption with it. Will ethanol continue to be the juggernaut in the corn market?

Exports of U.S. ethanol could increase by over 80 million gallons annually, representing an additional $150-200 million in exports each year.

Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO, says the fuel industry has only “scratched the surface” of ethanol potential. She feels this act will help unleash ethanol’s capabilities.

While Iowa and Nebraska attorney generals have weighed suing EPA for its delayed ruling, members of Congress feel the matter should be dealt with through legislative process.

Finding a new path for ethanol demand could come in the form of higher-octane fuels. NCGA says the Next Generation Fuels Act would address climate goals while also driving up the domestic demand for corn.

Remember when Trump was president and he tried to find a “win-win” regarding ethanol policy? In the end, neither side was satisfied. That again is the case with EPA’s year-round E15 sale announcement on Wednesday.

"This proposal, while well-intended, still leaves the country with a patchwork of regulations that prevents the nation’s driving public from enjoying the full benefits of biofuels," said Sen. Deb Fischer.

Without the Office of Management and Budget approval, states will be unable to sell E15 fuel in the summer months.

Has U.S. gasoline demand peaked? And what will more electric vehicles mean for gasoline prices down the road? John Phipps looks into the issue in John's World.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday suspended the RFS compliance obligations for two refineries that were denied small refinery exemptions by EPA in 2021.

United Airlines is teaming up with a corn ethanol maker in a bid to ramp up production of green jet fuel to deal with carbon credits and climate change by 2028.

Vilsack said USDA believes there are more options for farmers other than “get big or get out. There’s got to be a system in which the many and most have a fair shot.”

“The funds awarded today by the DOE will undoubtedly accelerate the innovations taking place at U.S. ethanol plants, opening new opportunities for low-cost, low-carbon energy,” says Growth Energy's Emily Skor.

“A lot of people looked at the smaller landlocked crush facilities and said, ‘Does that make sense?" I think those locations will go away, and I’m not sure they should have been there to begin with," Fife says.

EPA is seeking comment on it's proposed RFS levels for 2023-2025, in addition to comments on environmental impacts from the RFS to include: assessments of air, water and soil quality, and biodiversity.

In just a few years the farm financial pendulum swung from shaky to stable, according to the 2022 Agricultural Lender Survey report by the American Bankers Association and Farmer Mac.

EPA's 479-page RFS ruling can be difficult to sift through and interpret. Jim Wiesemeyer breaks down the heavy-hitting components that will impact producers.

Proposed renewable fuel volume targets, electric vehicle's seat at the RFS table and year-round E15 odds: Here's everything you need to know about renewable fuel's big week on The Hill.

EPA is facing a Nov. 30 deadline to propose 2023 renewable fuel blending levels as part of a negotiated deal with Growth Energy, which sued EPA for failing to deliver the proposed levels by the statutory deadline.

The GAO study released on Thursday found small oil refineries pay more than larger competitors to fulfill their blending obligations, showing EPA's reason to deny refinery exemption petitions is inaccurate.

Rep. Khanna's Gasoline Export Ban Act of 2022 would grant the president authority to stop exports of gas when prices are high. Other government officials are instead looking at biofuels to mitigate rising gas prices.

EPA approved a second phase of ethanol studies in E30 as the agency weighs its 2023 biofuel blending targets ahead of the Nov. 16 deadline. Jon Doggett, NCGA president, shares his team's predictions for ethanol in 2023.

United States ethanol production has slowed the last several weeks and is now at levels not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

An executive order on biotech and biomanufacturing was signed into law by President Biden on Tuesday. The order tasks Secy. Vilsack with reporting how the initiative can best benefit ag, but some funds are spoken for.

These funds—separate from the $500 million recently enacted through the Inflation Reduction Act—will be used for facility installation, retrofitting and pump upgrades, along with new equipment and buildings.

Sen. Ernst told AgriTalk's Chip Flory that she and Sen. Klobuchar are “thankful” for the biofuel opportunities in this bill. But she’s not convinced the IRA is the answer to America’s pump inflation.

The Next Generation Fuels Act—originally introduced to the House in 2021—was unveiled in the Senate on Tuesday. If passed, manufacturers will have to release vehicles with higher blend capabilities by 2026.

The lawsuit claims the EPA failed to "fully assess" the affect increased corn for ethanol production will have on endangered species, including land conversion and increased fertilizer and pesticide use.

EPA finalized its RVO ruling on Friday, which shows the total renewable fuel level for 2022 is set at 20.63 billion gallons, down from the 20.77 billion gallons originally proposed.

2,600 pumps in 31 states now offer ethanol blends. Jon Doggett, NCGA CEO, says year-round E15 will incentivize buyers and retailers to map a clear path to more E15 pumps, saving $12.2 billion in annual fuel costs.

In early April, President Biden—ahead of EPA—formally announced the suspension of a federal rule that prohibits the sale of E15 blended biofuels during summer months in hopes of alleviating rising pump prices. 

EPA Administrator Michael Regan hints at a major uptick in renewable fuel blending obligations to be announced on June 3rd, as ethanol production is stunted by railway inefficiencies.

The war in Ukraine will dictate food prices, according to Vilsack: "We don’t really know what the impact is going to be on Ukraine’s crop this year, or what it’s going to look like in terms of exportability.”

Stakeholders applaud President Biden following months of pleading for increased biofuel availability while others set the record straight on biofuel impacts on the climate.

February import records show the U.S. did not take in any ethanol for the month, compared with 10.5 million gallons in January.

HELSINKI, March 2 (Reuters) - Finnish refiner Neste said on Tuesday its billion-dollar investment in a joint venture with U.S.

In his opening statements, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) set the tone for the meeting, saying “a better, more sustainable future won’t come from the harsh, scolding voices of the naysayers.”