Category: Policy

EPA to finalize 2020 blending mandate with no changes despite farmer outcry

EPA to finalize 2020 blending mandate with no changes despite farmer outcry

December 18, 2019 |

In Iowa, despite expectations to the contrary, Reuters reports that White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow who was charged with finding a middle ground on ethanol blending has told the Iowa Corn Growers Association that the plans already released by the Environmental Protection Agency that drew the ire of farmers across the Midwest will go […]

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Senator Grassley reaches deal on biodiesel tax extenders

Senator Grassley reaches deal on biodiesel tax extenders

December 17, 2019 |

In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) made the following comments on the deal reached by lawmakers regarding temporary tax code provisions also known as “extenders.” “After years of uncertainty for many Americans, we’ve finally come to an agreement on the future of these temporary tax policies. Many people in my state, farmers […]

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Indonesia sends request for consultations to WTO over EU biodiesel policy

Indonesia sends request for consultations to WTO over EU biodiesel policy

December 16, 2019 |

In Indonesia, following warnings that it wouldn’t take the European Union’s policy against palm oil in biofuels sitting down, Reuters reports that Indonesia has officially sent a request for consultations to the World Trade Organization, the first step in a complaint, on December 9. The consultation process lasts 60 days and if no resolution is […]

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Zambia looks to Brazil for sugarcane and ethanol energy opportunities

Zambia looks to Brazil for sugarcane and ethanol energy opportunities

December 15, 2019 |

In Zambia, Lusaka Times reports that Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dr. Alfreda Kansembe has held bilateral talks with Brazil’s sugar, ethanol and energy companies in an effort to find partners to help establish the biofuel industry in Zambia. Dr. Kansembe toured energy plants in and around the city of Pirajuba and talked with companies like […]

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World Bioenergy Association says EU Green Deal opportunity for RED rethink

World Bioenergy Association says EU Green Deal opportunity for RED rethink

December 12, 2019 |

In Spain, Euractiv reports that the head of the World Bioenergy Association says that the European Green Deal is an opportunity for the European Union to rethink its Renewable Energy Directive in order to truly support biofuels rather than implement policies that end of with more fossil fuels in the mix. With renewables having a […]

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European Commission beats US to the punch with EU Green Deal

European Commission beats US to the punch with EU Green Deal

December 11, 2019 |

In Belgium, the European Commission presented The European Green Deal – a roadmap for making the EU’s economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas and making the transition just and inclusive for all. The European Green Deal covers all sectors of the economy, notably transport, energy, agriculture, buildings, and […]

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Indonesia preparing legal strategy to fight EU over biodiesel AD duties

Indonesia preparing legal strategy to fight EU over biodiesel AD duties

December 10, 2019 |

In Indonesia, Antara news agency reports that following the European Union’s publication of a five-year extension of anti-dumping duties on Indonesian biodiesel imports of between 8% and 18%, the Indonesian government confirmed it is working on a lawsuit against the European Commission to battle the decision. The secretary general of the trade ministry declined to […]

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European Commission extends biodiesel AD duties on Indonesia for five years

European Commission extends biodiesel AD duties on Indonesia for five years

December 9, 2019 |

In Belgium, Bloomberg reports that the European Commission is published in its Official Journal the five year extension on anti-dumping duties for Indonesia biodiesel imports, a move that is wide expected to create further trade tension between the bloc and the Southeast Asian country who is fighting against Europe’s pushback on palm oil for biodiesel. […]

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Iowa Governor Directs Agencies to Buy Diesel Vehicles with B20 Support

Iowa Governor Directs Agencies to Buy Diesel Vehicles with B20 Support

December 8, 2019 |

In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds issued an Executive Order requiring state agencies to purchase diesel engines and vehicles with manufacturer support for at least a 20 percent blend of biodiesel (B20). The move is hailed as a potential driver of increased support for B20 and higher blends with diesel equipment and engine companies in the […]

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US-Japan trade agreement to promote increased ethanol, DDGS and corn exports

US-Japan trade agreement to promote increased ethanol, DDGS and corn exports

December 5, 2019 |

In Japan, the final US-Japan Trade Agreement solidifies trade with Japan by maintaining a zero duty on imports of corn for feed and eliminating a three percent tariff for corn other than feed. Japan will also eliminate U.S. sorghum tariffs, which are as high as three percent, and reduce a mark-up on barley for feed. […]

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