In the News
Mar 21, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Home Front Energy Independence Act, which would expand the production and availability of American biofuels. In an effort to lower energy costs for working families and support economic growth in rural communities, Craig and Feenstra introduced the legislation following last week’s vote to ban imports of Russian energy products.
Specifically, the Home Front Energy Independence Act would:
- Make E15 available year-round
- Establish an E15 Tax Credit and Extend the Tax Credit for Biodiesel
- Direct the EPA to finalize their E15 labeling rule
- Provide for biofuel infrastructure and compatibility with retailers
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate last week.
“E15 and higher blend biofuels can serve as a cheaper alternative for working families while helping to expand markets for family farmers, support economic growth in rural America and cut down on dangerous pollutants released into the air we breathe,” said Representative Craig. “Especially as we work to lessen our dependence on foreign energy producers and hold Russia accountable for its unjustified invasion of Ukraine, our bipartisan legislation to prioritize home-grown domestic biofuels should be taken up without delay.”
“Iowans are paying the highest prices for gas in more than a decade, and there is no indication that the cost of fuel will decrease any time soon,” said Representative Feenstra. “Fortunately, higher blend biofuels and E15 can lower fuel prices and end our reliance on foreign energy, but we can only achieve these goals by making E-15 available year-round. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with my House colleagues to do just that and thank Senator Ernst and Senator Klobuchar for introducing this bill in the Senate. By cutting red tape and unleashing American energy production, we can lower gas prices, bolster biofuels production, and make our country energy independent once again.”
“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has brought to light the importance of energy independence and the value of domestic energy production here the United States. With the cost of this war hitting Americans at the gas pump, it’s time to bolster our fuel supply with home-grown biofuels,” said Representative Bustos. “Not only would this cut gas prices for consumers, but it would also reduce emissions and support our family farmers. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the bipartisan, bicameral Homefront Energy Independence Act to make E-15 available year-round.”
“The solution to the current energy affordability crisis that is squeezing working families across the country shouldn’t come from Russia, Iran, or Venezuela—it has to come from America,” said Representative Hinson. “The bipartisan Homefront Energy Independence Act will finally unleash the abundant domestic energy resources that we’ve been sitting on, including Iowa biofuels and allow the sale of E-15 year-round. This bipartisan solution will lower costs at the pump, bolster our fuel supply, and improve our national security.”
The bipartisan legislation will also codify into law full restrictions on U.S. purchases of Russian oil until the president determines Russia recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The current excess ethanol capacity domestically is nearly the same as the amount of Russian gas the U.S. had been importing – roughly 83 million barrels versus 87 million barrels.
The Home Front Energy Independence Act is supported by Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America and the National Corn Growers Association.
“We have an opportunity to lower prices at the pump today for American drivers by increasing access to E15 fuel,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “As gas prices across the country hit historic highs, higher blends like E15 have been selling for, in some instances, more than 50 cents cheaper per gallon. The Home Front Energy Independence Act would increase access to these cost savings across the country and all year long. The war in Ukraine has also thrown America’s reliance on foreign oil, and the market uncertainty it creates, into the spotlight. The Home Front Energy Independence Act would boost U.S. energy security by increasing the supply of lower-cost, homegrown biofuels available to drivers.”
“The fastest way to put a lid on record-high gas prices is to empower greater use of low-cost renewable fuels, and that’s exactly what this bill would do. This commonsense legislation would bring immediate economic relief to American families who are experiencing unprecedented pain at the pump, while simultaneously reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe pollutants linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “Not only would the bill eliminate dependence on Russian oil imports, but it would also ensure that those imports are replaced by more affordable renewable fuels produced right here in America’s heartland. We applaud these House members for offering this smart solution.”
"The more than 65,000 U.S. workers in the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry stand ready to meet the nation’s need for cleaner, better transportation fuels,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs at Clean Fuels Alliance America. “Over the past two years, biodiesel and renewable diesel producers worked hard to maintain fuel supplies and provide value to consumers. Clean Fuels and its members applaud the strong, bipartisan action that Representatives Craig, Feenstra, Bustos and Hinson are proposing to boost America’s energy independence.”
“Corn farmers appreciate the leadership of Representatives Craig, Feenstra, Bustos and Hinson, calling for expanded use of biofuels to lower fuel costs and improve our energy security,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington. “Blending more ethanol is an immediate step to help lower fuel prices, and ensure drivers continue to have access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15. Renewable ethanol adds billions of gallons to our fuel supply every year, lowering demand for high-cost oil while increasing total fuel available to consumers.”
Read the original press release here.
Mar 16, 2022
As the United States continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation is on the rise, and consumers everywhere are looking to stretch their dollars as far as possible.
That’s especially true in fuel markets, where turmoil in Ukraine offers another reminder why U.S. energy security is a pocketbook issue for American families. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to help diversify energy supplies, including the use of newer biofuel blends on offer by select retailers in the state of Minnesota.
In fact, the latest state Department of Commerce report shows that Minnesota outpaces every other state – including Iowa – in the sales of higher biofuel blends like Unleaded 88, containing 15 percent homegrown ethanol. Not only does Unleaded 88 offer greater octane, but it also allows drivers to save an extra 15 cents or more per gallon. And while lawmakers in St. Paul cannot control U.S. energy policy, they are actively considering legislation to help make E15 available statewide.
Those efforts would not only protect drivers by diversifying our fuel supply, but they could also support significant economic growth in Greater Minnesota, which is home to 19 ethanol plants. Currently, ethanol supports approximately 22,810 jobs Minnesota jobs and contributes $6.1 billion annually to our state’s economy.
Access to new markets for biofuel blends like E15 would expand that footprint. A recent study from ABF Economics found that statewide E15 would add $313 million in GDP to Minnesota’s economy and generate an added $27 million in tax revenues. Wider access to E15 also would greatly benefit our state’s corn farmers, resulting in demand for an additional 43 million bushels of corn annually.
At the same time, higher biofuel blends are a great option for motorists looking for a simple, affordable way to help reduce emissions. In fact, recent estimates show that statewide sales of E15 would reduce greenhouse emissions by 332,000 metric tons – equivalent to taking more than 72,600 vehicles off Minnesota roads each year.
That’s a win for everyone – from farmers to the environment – and the retail data shows that consumers are excited to make the switch. As Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council Chair Brandon Fast recently noted, “We have known for years that Unleaded 88 and other higher-blend biofuels are better for air quality, boost octane and cost less. It’s gratifying to see consumers responding by making that choice at the pump.”
Due to United States Supreme Court reversing year-round sales of E15/Unl 88, Minnesota retailers cannot even sell E15 from June 1 through Sept. 15. Hoping Governor Tim Walz and members of Congress can assist Minnesota fuel retailers, farmers and consumers this coming summer save money at the pump and sell a homegrown fuel from hometown fuel retailers.
Read the original story here.
Mar 17, 2022
More than 1,000 farmers, workers in the ethanol industry, and other biofuel supporters sent a clear message to President Biden today: The solution to record-high gas prices is to immediately allow broader use of lower-cost ethanol blends like E15.
“Simply allowing gasoline blenders to sell E15 year-round would instantly help moderate prices at the pump and deliver relief to American families,” the letter states. “Today, E15 is selling for 10-25 cents per gallon less than standard gasoline, meaning year-round use of the fuel would save the average American household at least $125-200 on its annual gasoline bill. Those savings would accrue immediately while also providing energy, environmental and economic benefits for the long-term.”
The letter, signed by farmers and biofuel supporters from 30 states, stated “Biofuels like ethanol are underutilized in today’s fuel market, largely because outdated government regulations handcuff market access and deny consumers choice at the pump.” The signers of the letter specifically urged President Biden to take emergency action to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15 throughout the upcoming summer.
“We stand ready to unleash the power of American agriculture to enhance our nation’s energy and environmental security,” the letter concluded.
The letter, which was delivered to the White House today, is available here.
Read the original presss release here.
National Association of Convenience Stores
Mar 11, 2022
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—NACS asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to authorize the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15) to reduce the U.S.’s reliance on foreign energy sources.
“This common-sense step would provide much-needed price relief at the pump while enhancing America’s energy security and improving gasoline’s emissions characteristics,” wrote NACS, along with SIGMA, in a letter to the EPA.
Congress has given the EPA the authority to allow E15 fuel to be sold year-round when there are extreme or unusual fuel or fuel additive supply circumstances. Oil prices are spiking in large part due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, and in February ahead of the invasion, inflation rose to its highest level in 40 years. Neither of these trends is likely to dissipate in the coming months, according to NACS.
If there are additional, unforeseen developments, these challenges may be hard to overcome, says NACS.
“Fuel marketers and retailers could not have planned for these events. Allowing the year-round sale of E15 in all parts of the country would help enhance supply and lower prices for all American fuel consumers,” writes NACS. “This is a unique situation where the administration’s energy security and geopolitical objectives are fully aligned with its environmental priorities. Allowing year-round E15 would make the U.S. more energy secure, enhancing the nation’s geopolitical leverage, all the while improving gasoline’s emissions characteristics.”
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) are leading a bipartisan congressional group in urging President Biden to permit retailers to sell E15 fuel all year.
“As the United States joins global partners in seeking to hold accountable and isolate the Russian Federation for its unprovoked assault on Ukraine, we must deny Russia’s economic lifeblood of energy dominance,” the senators wrote in letter to the president. “This will require tapping every accessible contribution of American energy technology. As you know, American biofuels are one such readily available energy solution that offer consumers affordable and cleaner options at the pump.”
Read the original story here.
Mar 9, 2022
U.S. fuel ethanol production expanded by more than 3 percent the week ending March 4, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on March 9. Ending stocks of fuel ethanol were up more than 1 percent.
U.S. ethanol production averaged 1.028 million barrels per day the week ending March 4, up 31,000 barrels per day when compared to the 997,000 barrels per day of production reported for the previous week. When compared to the same week of last year, production was up 90,000 barrels per day.
Weekly ending stocks for fuel ethanol expanded to 25.271 million barrels the week ending March 4, up 338,000 barrels when compared to the 24.933 million barrels of stocks reported for the previous week. When compared to the same week of last year, stocks for the week ending March 4 were up 3.201 million barrels.
Read the original story here.
Mar 9, 2022
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Home Front Energy Independence Act to expand the availability and production of American biofuel, following President Biden’s ban on importing Russian oil.
“This legislation will help hold Putin accountable for Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine while investing in affordable, readily-available biofuels produced in the U.S. I have long pushed for pro-biofuel policies because they are good for drivers, farmers, and the environment. It’s time for Congress to take action by passing this bill immediately,” said Klobuchar.
Specifically, the Home Front Energy Independence Act will:
- Make E15 available year round
- Establish an E15 Tax Credit and Extend the Tax Credit for Biodiesel
- Direct EPA to finalize their E15 labeling rule
- Provide for biofuel infrastructure and compatibility with retailers.
The bipartisan legislation will also codify into law full restrictions on U.S. purchases of Russian oil until the president determines Russia recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The current excess ethanol capacity domestically is nearly the same as the amount of Russian gas the U.S. had been importing: roughly 83 million barrels versus 87 million barrels.
The bill combines elements from the following pieces of bipartisan legislation that Klobuchar leads:
- Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which permits the year-round sale of E15.
- Low Carbon and Biofuel Credit Act, which creates a tax credit for selling and/or blending E15.
- Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, which expands the availability of low-carbon renewable fuels by providing grants for the installation of biofuel infrastructure.
In addition to Klobuchar and Ernst, the legislation was co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Deb Fischer (R-NE).
Klobuchar has been a strong advocate for investing in renewable fuel infrastructure and upholding the Clean Air Act’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
In February, she and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led a bipartisan letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prioritize the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by maintaining the blending requirements for 2022; denying all pending Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs); eliminating proposed retroactive cuts to the renewable volume obligations (RVOs); and setting 2021 RFS volumes at the statutory levels.
Klobuchar and Grassley also introduced bipartisan legislation in December to provide certainty to biofuel producers by preventing the EPA from retroactively reducing RVO levels once finalized.
Last June, Klobuchar led a letter with 15 colleagues to the EPA and National Economic Council (NEC) expressing concern about reports that the Biden administration was considering options to exempt oil refiners from their obligations under the RFS.
Read the original press release here.
Mar 8, 2022
American exports of U.S. ethanol picked up at the start of 2022 with shipments of 123.8 million gallons (mg), reflecting a 5% increase over December volumes. However, January exports were 25% lower than the record-high volumes in Jan. 2021. Canada remained the top destination for U.S. ethanol for the tenth consecutive month with imports of 36.4 mg, reflecting a slight uptick (+0.3%) from December. Trade fluctuations were mixed among our larger partners with exports expanding in India (19.0 mg, +19%), Mexico (11.6 mg, +76% to a 21-month high), and the Philippines (10.5 mg, up from essentially zero to the largest volume in a year) but scaling back in South Korea (11.7 mg, -18%), Brazil (8.9 mg, -31%), and the Netherlands (6.2 mg, -22%). Substantial and improved volumes of U.S. ethanol exports also landed in the United Kingdom, Peru, Jamaica, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. China remained essentially absent from our export market for the eighth consecutive month.
The U.S. logged its first significant imports of foreign ethanol in three months with 10.5 mg of Brazilian undenatured ethanol entering our borders in January.
U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS)—the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants—shifted 16% higher in January to 1.09 million metric tons (mt). This marked the largest volume of DDGS exports recorded in the month of January. Market distribution was more varied than in recent months, with our larger customers accounting for smaller shares of the total volume shipped. U.S. DDGS exports to Mexico perked up by 19% to 197,972 mt. While equivalent to just 18% of the American export market, this was sufficient to secure a foothold as our top customer, a position Mexico has maintained since Oct. 2020. Shipments eased to South Korea (127,844 mt, -2%), Canada (87,977 mt, -5%), Indonesia (71,754 mt, -14%), Vietnam (67,773 mt, -35%), and China (65,543 mt, -4%) but expanded to Turkey (80,846 mt, nearly twice the December volume), Spain (78,254 mt, up from zero), and Morocco (45,145 mt, +251%). The remaining quarter of U.S. DDGS exports were dispersed among another 28 countries.
In February, RFA released trade summaries for the U.S. ethanol industry in 2021. You can find these publications in our online library.
Read the original story here.
Mar 3, 2022
As part of ongoing market development efforts in Chile, Guatemala and Mexico, and to increase ethanol use in Colombia, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) hosted a delegation comprised of key government and industry representatives last week. The group attended the National Ethanol Conference in New Orleans before visiting the Denver area on a trade mission.
The time the delegation spent in the United States was meant to facilitate technical conversations to allow the team to learn about the economic benefits and best practices for blending ethanol. Additionally, this interaction allowed the group to familiarize themselves with the U.S. ethanol industry and make connections with counterparts in the U.S. as they seek to establish blend policies in their own countries.
The Council hosted a private educational session for the delegation while in New Orleans, providing an overview of the U.S. ethanol industry and a look at the operations of ethanol blending. The session offered an opportunity for participants to interact with Volkswagen (VW) Latin America and discuss VW’s vision for how ethanol can help achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. In addition, the group learned how low carbon ethanol plays a role in the transport sector decarbonization process.
In Denver, the group heard from Bob McCormick, a senior research fellow at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, on the lab’s recent Global Ethanol-Blended-Fuel Vehicle Compatibility Study, that demonstrates vehicle compatibility with higher-level ethanol blends. The participants were able to visit a local ethanol plant, as well as a fuel terminal, giving participants a first-hand experience of the U.S. ethanol industry and demonstrating the industry’s reliability as a trade partner.
“This mission was instrumental in showcasing the U.S. ethanol industry – how it has evolved, and what has contributed to its success. For producer delegates, it was critical for building trust and an understanding that will facilitate partnerships to complement local production in their various countries,” said Carlos Suarez, USGC regional ethanol consultant for Latin America.
As the Council looks to further develop these markets for U.S. ethanol, trade education is just one of the ways the organization helps fulfill its mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives.
Read the original story here.
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Mar 4, 2022
To provide relief at the pump in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector, six farm and biofuel organizations wrote to President Biden urging his administration to use existing authority to allow for the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15).
In a letter to the White House, the Renewable Fuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union and National Sorghum Producers explained that an immediate move to restore year-round sales of E15 can ease the impact of oil market disruptions and surging gas prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“As American families continue to confront skyrocketing gas prices, we write today to urge the Administration to take a simple action that can provide immediate relief at the pump while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector,” wrote the organizations. “Specifically, we request that the Administration use its authority to authorize the year-round sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) in response to surging oil prices and expected fuel supply disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“As Russia’s harmful actions in Ukraine continue and further sanctions are potentially imposed against Russia, oil prices will likely continue to rise, creating still higher consumer costs and threatening U.S. energy and economic security. Expanding the volume of American-made ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply can help alleviate these issues, as ethanol is currently priced 70-80 cents per gallon lower than gasoline. And, by displacing imported petroleum, increased ethanol use will enhance U.S. energy security and independence, while reducing emissions and supporting America’s farmers and rural economies.”
The full letter is available here.
Read the original press release here.
Mar 1, 2022
Data released Monday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that ethanol comprised a record share of America’s gasoline in 2021, averaging 10.34 percent of every gallon sold. The final EIA data for 2021 also confirmed a significant rebound in both ethanol production and consumption after COVID-related shutdowns ravaged the fuel market in 2020. The Renewable Fuels Association said the EIA data also underscore ethanol’s ability to diversify the domestic fuel supply and keep pump prices in check.
EIA’s data show that the U.S. ethanol industry produced 15.02 billion gallons (bg) in 2021, an 8 percent increase over 2020 and the largest annual volume growth since 2010. Domestic ethanol consumption grew even faster, jumping 1.26 bg over 2020 levels—a 10 percent increase. Meanwhile, U.S. ethanol exports dipped slightly from 2020 levels, but still registered as the fifth highest on record.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the data underscore the resilience of the U.S. ethanol industry and highlight the fact that the so-called “E10 blend wall” continues to crumble.
“Ethanol’s share of our nation’s gasoline continues to rise, as consumers are increasingly drawn to lower-cost, lower-carbon options like E15 and E85,” Cooper said. “Based on the EIA data, we estimate that 600-700 million gallons of ethanol were consumed in blends other than E10, proving that the oil industry’s so-called ‘blend wall’ is nothing but a figment of their imagination. As war in eastern Europe destabilizes global petroleum markets and crude oil prices continue to rise, our nation’s leaders should be taking steps to increase the use of cleaner-burning, homegrown ethanol. We have enough unused production capacity in the ethanol industry to entirely replace U.S. crude oil imports from Russia.”
Cooper touched on many of these themes in his State of the Industry address at last week’s National Ethanol Conference.
Read the original press release here.
Feb 24, 2022
U.S. fuel ethanol production expanded by nearly 2 percent the week ending Feb. 18, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Feb. 24. Stocks of fuel ethanol were up slightly.
Ethanol production averaged 1.024 million barrels per day the week ending Feb. 18, up 15,000 barrels per day when compared to the 1.009 million barrels per day of production reported for the previous week. When compared to the same week of last year, production for the week ending Feb. 18 was up 366,000 barrels per day.
Ending stocks of fuel ethanol expanded to 25.507 million barrels the week ending Feb. 18, up 24,000 barrels when compared to the 25.483 million barrels of stocks reported for the previous week. When compared to the same week of last year, stocks for the week ending Feb. 18 were up 2.722 million barrels.
Read the original story here.
Feb 23, 2022
The U.S. secretary of agriculture on Wednesday touted the importance lower-carbon biofuels will have in meeting the Biden administration's targets for reducing carbon emissions.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke of the administration's support for biofuels -- including lower-carbon aviation fuel, which can be made from plant oils and animal fat.
His speech, at the National Ethanol Conference in New Orleans, took place as the industry eagerly awaits final rulemakings from the Biden administration around the nation's biofuel blending law, the Renewable Fuel Standard.
The administration has taken a number of steps to support renewable fuels, Vilsack said in a video message at the conference.
One of those is a program that authorizes Vilsack to make payments to U.S. biofuel producers to offset unexpected market losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to $700 million in payments to eligible biofuel producers is available, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.
Read the original story here.
Feb 21, 2022
Following a pledge by members of the Renewable Fuels Association to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, on average, by 2050 or sooner, a new report released today shows that new and emerging technologies and practices could help the industry achieve this vision well before mid-century.
“Last summer, RFA’s member companies adopted a bold vision to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint for ethanol by 2050 or sooner. This new study shows that, with the right policy and investment signals in place, we can reach that objective sooner than 2050 and could even be producing carbon-negative ethanol by mid-century,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The ethanol industry is already halfway down the road to net-zero emissions, as today’s corn ethanol cuts GHG emissions by about 50 percent compared to gasoline. This study provides the roadmap for completing the second half our journey to carbon neutrality.”
The new report, Pathways to Net-Zero Ethanol: Scenarios for Ethanol Producers to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050, was prepared by lifecycle analysis expert Isaac Emery, Ph.D., of Informed Sustainability Consulting LLC.
“By surveying over two dozen potential emissions reduction actions throughout the corn ethanol supply chain and prioritizing them by technical feasibility, scale of emissions reduction, and cost, this study presents a series of pathways to net-zero CI [carbon intensity] corn ethanol by 2050,” Emery writes. “Updated lifecycle emissions forecasts of corn ethanol from 2020 through 2050 show that the industry can achieve net-negative CI ethanol by adopting near-term technologies and expanding best practices in corn farming.”
The report identified several actions that would constitute a “core pathway” to net-zero emissions:
- Renewable energy use by corn and ethanol producers;
- Expanded adoption of corn kernel fiber fermentation at dry mills;
- ‘Better-than-business-as-usual’ industry-wide efficiency improvements and ethanol yields;
- Carbon capture and sequestration by ethanol facilities; and
- Expansion of conservation tillage and other low-carbon practices by corn growers.
Altogether, the study identifies five distinct pathways to net-zero corn ethanol by 2050, based on a set of 28 emissions reduction actions that were considered. The roadmap will be featured and discussed by Emery and others at this week’s National Ethanol Conference, taking place Feb. 21-23 in New Orleans.
The new study can be accessed here.
Read the original story here.
Feb 16, 2022
WASHINGTON—With the Biden administration continuing to go back on its word with a biofuel agenda amounting to ‘promises made, promises broken,’ U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a relentless and longtime defender of biofuel, this morning stuck up for Iowa farmers and laid out the facts as to why the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is critical to America’s national security and for consumer access to affordable, homegrown, clean-burning biofuel today and in the future.
At today’s Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing, Ernst began her portion by asking the witnesses about the high cost of fuel and whether the RFS is the cause, to which one witness, Emily Skor of Growth Energy, clarified that it is not the cause. Ernst agreed the RFS is not the cause of high fuel costs, saying “I reject that.” Ernst set the record straight when it comes to liquid fuel and how important it continues to be for American families and businesses and why biofuel needs to be a part of the conversation, stating: “As much as the Biden administration dreams of an all-electric world, the reality is liquid fuels are here to stay.”
She also pointed out the fact that the RFS was created in part “to help reduce America’s dependence on foreign nations.” She emphasized: “I firmly believe energy security is national security. And while President Biden claims to support America’s clean energy economy, he is turning his back on the RFS in favor of electric vehicles, which will only make us more dependent on China.”
Ernst then laid out the facts that show biofuel is a cleaner solution for today and the future, stating: “Science is on our side here too.” She went on: “The latest research shows corn ethanol is 46% less carbon intensive than petroleum-based gasoline and biodiesel is 74% less carbon intensive than petroleum-based diesel. […] So, let’s follow the science and use biofuel as part of clean energy policy.”
Below are Ernst’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:
“As we look to 2023 and beyond, America’s farmers and biofuel sector are best positioned to work with the administration to put the Renewable Fuel Standard back on track and be part of the solution to secure a clean energy future.
“As much as the Biden administration dreams of an all-electric world, the reality is liquid fuels are here to stay. With 98 percent of cars and trucks today, and nearly 80 percent of new vehicle sales projected in 2050 running on gasoline or flex fuel, biofuel is the key pathway to decarbonizing the transportation sector – and the RFS is the policy engine that makes this possible.
“Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which mandated the RFS, in part, to help reduce America’s dependence on foreign nations.
“I firmly believe energy security is national security.
“And while President Biden claims to support America’s clean energy economy, he is turning his back on the RFS in favor of electric vehicles, which will only make us more dependent on China.
“Science is on our side here too.
“Biofuel has enabled the U.S. to cut emissions from the transportation sector for over a decade. Between 2008 and 2020, the RFS saved nearly 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions and it’s only getting cleaner.
“The latest research shows corn ethanol is 46% less carbon intensive than petroleum-based gasoline and biodiesel is 74% less carbon intensive than petroleum-based diesel.
“Biofuel can further reduce greenhouse gas emissions with carbon capture and sequestration technologies and on farm conservation practices, which many Iowa farmers are already doing.
“So, let’s follow the science and use biofuel as part of clean energy policy.
“But it’s not only a clean energy source, biofuel is great for our economy and pocketbooks.
“Iowa corn and soybean farmers had record high crop yields in 2021. The biofuel industry accounts for over $5 billion of GDP, generates $2.6 billion of income for households, and supports nearly 46,000 jobs in Iowa.
“Ethanol is also the cheapest form of fuel for consumers right now—by about 50 cents—and certainly with record-high inflation it only makes sense to make this fuel source more readily available. That’s why I continue to urge the administration allow summertime sales of E15 as soon as possible. It will not only support our consumers, it’ll also support the nearly 300 retail stations in Iowa who want to provide a cleaner choice at the pump.
“Folks, the RFS is the law, and refiners have had over 15 years to come into compliance. Blend renewable fuels or buy RINs – it’s your choice. Any claim that RIN prices are increasing gas prices, is a bunch of hogwash.
“Refiners claim they need exemptions because RINs cost them money, but the last 3 administrations have said RIN prices do not cause harm to refiners. Small refinery exemptions go against congressional intent, and the Supreme Court reinforced this.
“A strong RFS supports rural America and increases consumer access to affordable, homegrown, clean-burning biofuel today, tomorrow, and for years to come.”
Read the original press release here.
Feb 14, 2022
By Geoff Cooper
RFA President and CEO
A new report published today in theProceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, funded in part by the National Wildlife Federation, purports to examine the “environmental outcomes” of the Renewable Fuel Standard. In keeping with their previous “research” on biofuels and the RFS, the authors of this new paper precariously string together a series of worst-case assumptions, cherry-picked data, and disparate results from previously debunked studies to create a completely fictional and erroneous account of the environmental impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard.
The claims in this report simply don’t align with reality and the facts on the ground, and the paper reads more like a fantasy novel than a genuine piece of academic literature. It should not be taken seriously.
In fact, when related research from some of the same authors was released several years ago, representatives from RFA and corn grower organizations met with this study’s lead author, Tyler Lark, at the University of Wisconsin, in an attempt to begin a constructive conversation about today’s ethanol industry and the real impacts of biofuels policy.
At that time, we shared data and information with Lark and his colleagues and asked how we could collaborate on research. We asked how we could work together to ensure their error-ridden satellite analysis of land-use changes was grounded in reality. We never heard back from them.
RFA is always open to having an honest, fact-based discussion about the impacts of ethanol and the RFS on the environment and economy. We have a great story to tell, and the data to back it up. Ethanol already reduced GHG emissions by roughly half compared to gasoline, and we are on a trajectory to achieve a net-zero emissions carbon footprint for ethanol by 2050 or sooner. Unfortunately, the authors appear more interested in slandering farmers and getting salacious headlines than examining the facts.
Click here for a more detailed rebuttal from RFA that offers key facts about ethanol’s environmental impacts that were purposely omitted from the paper.
Read the original story here.
The U.S. exported 117.93 million gallons of ethanol and 933,882 metric tons of distillers grains in December according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on Feb. 8. Exports of both products were up when compared to December 2020.
The 117.93 million gallons of U.S. ethanol exported in December was down from 149.44 million gallons exported in November, but up when compared to the 112.87 million gallons exported in December 2020.
The U.S. exported ethanol to 40 countries in December. Canada was the top destination for U.S. ethanol at 36.33 million gallons, followed by India at 15.94 million gallons and South Korea at 14.3 million gallons.
The value of U.S. ethanol exports was at $334.91 million in December, down from $391.95 million the previous month, but up from $190.06 million in December 2020.
The U.S. exported a total of 1.24 billion gallons of ethanol last year at a value of $2.77 billion, compared to 1.31 billion gallons exported in 2020 at a value of $2.29 billion.
The 933,882 metric tons of distillers grains exported in December was down from 1.02 million metric tons in November, but up when compared to the 864,059 metric tons exported in December 2020.
The U.S. exported distllers grains to more than 30 countries in December. Mexico was the top destination at 166,756 metric tons, followed by South Korea at 130,754 metric tons and Vietnam at 103,518 metric tons.
The value of U.S. distillers grains exports increased to $248.85 million in December, up from $247.4 million the previous month and $202.7 million in December 2020.
Total U.S. distillers grains exports for 2021 reached 11.6 million metric tons at a value of nearly $3 billion, compared to 10.93 million metric tons exported in 2020 at a value of $2.33 billion.
Additional data is available on the USDA FAS website.
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