Category: Policy

All hopes on Iowa’s former and current governors

All hopes on Iowa’s former and current governors

May 25, 2017 |

In Iowa, with much of the national ethanol industry’s hopes focused on the former governor-cum-new ambassador to China in order to smooth relations and open back up ethanol and DDGS trade, the state’s industry looks to the new governor to be as supportive of biofuels as his predecessor. Key policy goals include working with the […]

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Icahn’s conflict of interest becoming more apparent with $60 million RIN windfall

Icahn’s conflict of interest becoming more apparent with $60 million RIN windfall

May 24, 2017 |

In Washington, Carl Icahn’s role as special advisor to the president appears to have netted his independent oil refiner CVR $60 million in savings over last year’s Q1 RIN spend as he worked to introduce instability into the RIN market that eventually pushed down prices 19% since November’s election. It’s still not clear why the […]

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Arizona governor signs bill allowing stations to sell isobutanol blends

Arizona governor signs bill allowing stations to sell isobutanol blends

May 23, 2017 |

In Arizona, Gevo Inc. recently announced that a bill signed by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey will let gas stations sell isobutanol-blended gasoline for on-road vehicles, enabling higher performing finished fuels with renewable content for drivers in the state. Bill HB 2368 permits isobutanol to be used as an oxygenate in gasoline for on-road vehicles in […]

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Ethanol industry looking for a trade fight with China

Ethanol industry looking for a trade fight with China

May 22, 2017 |

In Washington, the head of the Renewable Fuels Association told a Commerce Department hearing last Thursday that it wants action taken against China’s moves to block imports of ethanol and DDGS which the RFA says is significantly injuring American farmers and ethanol producers. With the governor of Iowa nominated to be the ambassador to China, […]

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EPA can improve its implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 6 ways: BIO

EPA can improve its implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 6 ways: BIO

May 21, 2017 |

In Washington, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization called on the US EPA to “improve its implementation of RFS,” and noted six key improvements. issue its annual Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) under the RFS on time; interpret its general waiver authority as it did before 2013; make process improvements for RFS pathway approvals – not only to […]

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Brazil’s ethanol parity price likely hit by presidential scandal-induced Real rollercoaster

Brazil’s ethanol parity price likely hit by presidential scandal-induced Real rollercoaster

May 18, 2017 |

In Brazil, accusations against the country’s president suggesting he bribed a witness to a corruption investigation have sent the Real sliding by 8%, a move that will likely impact the ethanol parity price that mills use to determine whether they will produce ethanol or sugar. That price was recently around 15 cents per pound against […]

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County commissioners approve 12 year tax abatement for POET’s Marion expansion

County commissioners approve 12 year tax abatement for POET’s Marion expansion

May 17, 2017 |

In Ohio, Marion County commissioners approved a 80% tax abatement over 12 years for POET’s $115 million expansion project at its Marion ethanol plant. The abatement is valued at between $1.5 million and $2 million. Commissioners said they approved the deal, after getting sign off from the township’s trustees and local school board, because of […]

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E15 legislation not likely in place before the summer driving season

E15 legislation not likely in place before the summer driving season

May 16, 2017 |

In Washington, though some hoped the proposed bill to allow E15 sales year-round would be marked up and voted upon in time for retailers to sell the fuel this summer, others expect that mark up could take place before the summer recess but would not likely be passed into law before then. Simultaneously, the Environmental […]

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China and Indonesia agree on crude palm oil for B5

China and Indonesia agree on crude palm oil for B5

May 15, 2017 |

In China, Indonesia’s president has agreed with his Chinese counterpart to boost crude palm oil exports to the country in order to help supply the 5% biodiesel blending mandate. In addition, he encouraged the Chinese president to promote investment from Chinese companies into Indonesia’s CPO derivative industry in an effort to develop closer ties. The […]

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Governor Branstad signs Iowa biofuel funding, closing out challenging session for biodiesel

Governor Branstad signs Iowa biofuel funding, closing out challenging session for biodiesel

May 14, 2017 |

In Iowa, Governor Terry Branstad has signed the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund bill (HF 643), which provides $3 million to fund the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. In 2016, Iowa’s biodiesel plants produced a record 305 million gallons of biodiesel, according to the National Biodiesel Board. A study by ABF Economics shows biodiesel activity generated about 3,800 […]

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