The 2019 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo returned to San Diego for a record fifth visit in the Golden State January 21-24. The conference includes a diesel vehicle ride-and-drive opportunity and dozens of demonstrations and presentations on the latest in public policy under the Trump Administration and a new Congress; the environmental and commercial benefits of biodiesel use; and more …
EPA Finalizes RFS Renewable Fuel Volumes
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the finalized rule for required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2019, and biomass-based diesel for 2020. The key elements of the final rule include maintaining the “conventional” renewable fuel volumes, primarily met by corn ethanol, at the current 15-billion gallon level set by Congress for 2019; increasing …
Manito Transit acquires Baucom Truck Service
Manito Transit is continuing its expansion effort with the acquisition of Baucom Truck Service, a trucking company based in Camp Point, Illinois. Baucom has 27 drivers (a combination of company drivers and owner/operators) that haul propane and anhydrous ammonia, adding to the current Manito Transit fleet of nearly 150 trucks serving customers in 13 states. The company distributes fuel oil, …
2018 Ag Media Summit
The 20th annual Agricultural Media Summit is being held August 4-8 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is the largest gathering of agriculture’s top writers, editors, photographers, publishers and communication specialists in the U.S. This year the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Life and Human Sciences will join the American Agricultural Editors’ Association, Livestock Publications Council and …
#SubEnvironment Holds Hearing on RINs
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment took a deep dive into the complex world of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) during a hearing on Wednesday. The committee, chaired by Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), heard from a panel of independent witnesses to provide background on RINs and how the market for them works. The panel included: Brent Yacobucci – Energy …
EPA Approves Sorghum Oil as Biofuels Pathway
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler yesterday announced the approval of sorghum oil as an eligible feedstock under the Renewable Fuel Standard during a signing event at EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., with sorghum farmers and other stakeholders. In addition to the nine ethanol producers already extracting oil from sorghum, several other facilities will now be able to purchase and …
Biofuels Advocates Testify at EPA Hearing
Biofuels advocates brought their concerns about damage to the industry caused by former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to a hearing on the proposed 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Wednesday in Michigan. In its proposed rule, the agency declined to accept comments on the controversial waiver program or Reid Vapor Pressure restrictions on E15, but …
House Subcommittee Hearing on Advanced Biofuels
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held its fourth hearing this year aimed at addressing issues related to fuels and vehicles, this time focusing on advanced biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Listen to opening comments from subcommittee chairman Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) and statements from these four witnesses.
Biodiesel and 2nd Gen Biofuels Need Stable Tax Policy
The House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy heard from representatives of the biodiesel and advanced biofuels industries Wednesday on the need for “Post Tax Reform of Recently Expired Tax Provisions” that are helping move the nation toward more diverse renewable fuels. Listen to Hubbard’s opening statement here: Listen to part of Meyer’s opening statement: Listen to Michael McAdams …
Iowa Biofuels Groups Spotlight Oil Industry Study
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw and Iowa Biodiesel Board Executive Director Grant Kimberley held a joint press conference Friday to discuss an oil industry study make public by Reuters that shows putting a cap on prices for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINS) would not be the “win-win” that Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has repeatedly said he wants for both the oil and …
Ethanol Report from #RFANEC18
The Renewable Fuels Association 23rd National Ethanol Conference with the theme “Ethanol Strong” was held February 12-14 in San Antonio, Texas. The event featured the annual “State of the Industry” address by RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen, as well as panels and speakers on a number of important topics, from electric vehicles to RINs to the expanding export market. …
ZimmCast 572 – Biodiesel and More
This week has been about all things biodiesel in Ft. Worth at the National Biodiesel Conference. It marks the 13th year we have produced the biodiesel conference blog and the 25th anniversary of the National Biodiesel Board, so our ZimmCast this week celebrates all things biodiesel. We start with an interview on biodiesel with Willie Nelson in 2006, and also …
2018 National Biodiesel Conference
The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo held at the Fort Worth Convention Center January 22-24. The event included a vehicle showcase and ride-and-drive opportunity alongside demonstrations and presentations on the latest in the industry. This conference also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the National Biodiesel Board. This virtual ag newsroom, courtesy of NBB, includes links to photos and audio content …
National Biodiesel Conference to Celebrate 25 Years
The biodiesel industry is heading to Fort Worth January 22 – 25 for the silver anniversary of the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo. “Every conference we’ve sponsored has been an exciting event for our industry,” said National Biodiesel Board (NBB) CEO Donnell Rehagan. “But this one is obviously going to be special as we take the opportunity to not only …
ZimmCast with MN Soybean
Tom Slunecka is one of the first people ever to be featured in a ZimmCast, back in 2005 when he was executive director for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC). That organization became Growth Energy in 2008, and Tom has been executive director for Minnesota Soybean, which includes both the state Growers Association (MSGA) and the Research & Promotion …