Category: Policy

Embattled RFA CEO answers critics: “RFA’s only objective is to expand market opportunities for ethanol.”

Embattled RFA CEO answers critics: “RFA’s only objective is to expand market opportunities for ethanol.”

March 1, 2017 |

In Washington, after the Fuels America coalition severed ties with the Renewable Fuels Association over reports of discussions between  the Trump Administration and the RFA over reforms to the Renewable Fuel Standard, RFA CEO Bob Dinneen released a statement: “I continue to have great respect for the Fuels America coalition and  its members, and I believe deeply […]

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Trump to force point of obligation shift via Executive Order…or not

Trump to force point of obligation shift via Executive Order…or not

February 28, 2017 |

In Washington, a representative of the Trump Administration told the head of the Renewable Fuels Association that a non-negotiable executive order shifting the point of obligation under the Renewable Fuels Standard was in the works, so the RFA responded that it would go along with the “deal” if E15 would be allowed for sale nationwide, […]

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Indians 2G biofuel policy to promote flex-fuel cars as well

Indians 2G biofuel policy to promote flex-fuel cars as well

February 27, 2017 |

In India, the much talked about biofuel policy that would promote second-generation biofuels from crop waste in hopes of reaching 22.5% ethanol blending will also encourage automobile companies like Toyota to commercialize their flex-fuel vehicles in the country, the road transport minister revealed. The plan aims to increase farm production by 2.5 times that will […]

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35 groups urge EPA to maintain RFS point of obligation

35 groups urge EPA to maintain RFS point of obligation

February 26, 2017 |

In Washington, a diverse group of more than 35 organizations and companies representing downstream blenders, fuel retailers, marketers and end users at the federal and state levels expressed support to keep the current compliance structure under the RFS. “NATSO is heartened by the overwhelming number of stakeholders who are urging the EPA to keep the […]

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Oklahoma releases 7,564 pages of new EPA Administrator’s emails showing deep oil links

Oklahoma releases 7,564 pages of new EPA Administrator’s emails showing deep oil links

February 23, 2017 |

In Washington, 7,564 pages of emails by then-Oklahoma Attorney General, now-Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, following a freedom of information request and a court order to release them by the Center for Media and Democracy show the administrator’s very tight relationship with several key players in the oil and gas industry who went so […]

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Trump assures ethanol industry it remains key to national energy strategy

Trump assures ethanol industry it remains key to national energy strategy

February 22, 2017 |

In California, through a letter, President Donald Trump assured participants at the National Ethanol Conference in San Diego this week that ethanol remains an important part of the national energy strategy despite the appointment and confirmation of an EPA administrator who in the past has been a legal opponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard and […]

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Five Senators ask Pruitt to address EPA’s volatility regulation inhibiting E15 sales

Five Senators ask Pruitt to address EPA’s volatility regulation inhibiting E15 sales

February 21, 2017 |

In Washington, five Senators, led by Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), sent a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, asking him to address EPA’s volatility regulation that makes it more difficult to sell ethanol blends above 10% year-round. The senators asked the administrator to extend the 1-psi RVP waiver to E15 and other higher ethanol blends, “to […]

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Singapore shifts diesel taxes to volumetric as lead in to carbon tax

Singapore shifts diesel taxes to volumetric as lead in to carbon tax

February 20, 2017 |

In Singapore, in an effort to tax carbon emissions, the government has implemented a S$0.10 per liter duty on all diesel, both automotive and industrial, in an effort to promote a switch toward cleaner fuels. The tax on diesel vehicles is currently a lump annual sum but will switch to a volumetric tax in an […]

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EU headed for imported oil dependency via backtrack on conventional biofuels

EU headed for imported oil dependency via backtrack on conventional biofuels

February 19, 2017 |

In the EU, Emmanuel Desplechin,  Secretary-General, ePure wrote in Politico Europe that “Europe needs more ambition if it wants to decarbonize transport. Europe needs a realistic mix of renewable energy solutions — including low-emission fuels such as sustainably produced and renewable European ethanol — if it wants to achieve its goal of decarbonizing EU transport.” Desplechin adds that “the […]

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Shadow Scottish Environment Secretary calls for more action on circular economy

Shadow Scottish Environment Secretary calls for more action on circular economy

February 19, 2017 |

In Scotland, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Environment Maurice Golden called for the Scottish Government to take more action on the circular economy at the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association’s (ADBA’s) inaugural Scottish National Conference in Glasgow. Golden, who led the Circular Economy Program for Zero Waste Scotland prior to being elected to the Scottish […]

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