http://www.ethanolrfa.org/ en Copyright 2013 2013-05-21T16:18:11+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-receives-award-for-emergency-readiness-training/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-receives-award-for-emergency-readiness-training/ (May 21, 2013) WASHINGTON — Today, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) accepted the “2012 TRANSCAER® National Achievement Award,” at the Association of American Railroads/Bureau of Explosives HazMat Seminar in Addison, Texas. RFA received the award for its commitment to the goals of TRANSCAER® and for its role in educating communities on how to handle chemical transportation emergencies. TRANSCAER® (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) is a voluntary outreach initiative that works to keep communities safe and prepares them for possible hazardous transportation emergencies. RFA’s Kristy Moore was on hand to accept the award saying, “I have worked with TRANSCAER® for many years and am honored to receive this award on behalf of the Renewable Fuels Association. I have been involved in planning safety seminars and know that the value of a coordinated response can be the difference between a fire and full out disaster.” RFA’s President and CEO Bob Dinneen stated, “The ethanol industry takes safety extremely seriously. We do everything we can to make sure local communities have safety and emergency plans in place to handle anything that comes their way. We hope they never have to use the training, but safety comes first and we are proud to be a leader by promoting safety education.”   The RFA partners with railroad companies and local industry associates to hold safety seminars on how to handle ethanol related emergencies. The seminars examine everything from how to handle tank farm and bulk storage fire incidents to the transportation and transfer of ethanol blended fuels. The RFA began safety seminars in 2010 and continues to host sessions throughout the United States. To date, the RFA has hosted 69 safety seminars in 20 different states, including Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Tennessee. Ten more seminars are planned this year and the RFA intends to continue this important program next year. The free seminars are open to everyone, including first responders, emergency planners and the general public. More information on ethanol safety can be found at www.ethanolresponse.com. 2013-05-21T16:18:11+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/advanced-ethanol-council-congratulates-secretary-moniz/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/advanced-ethanol-council-congratulates-secretary-moniz/ (May 16, 2013) WASHINGTON — Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Ethanol Council, released the following statement today congratulating Secretary Moniz on his unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. “The advanced ethanol industry congratulates Secretary Moniz on his new appointment. Secretary Moniz has just the right combination of technical expertise and political experience to be very effective as the new Secretary of Energy. He clearly understands what it takes to commercialize new energy technologies, and we look forward to working with the Secretary and his colleagues going forward as the advanced ethanol industry deploys commercially in the United States and abroad.” Advanced Ethanol Council, News, Press Release 2013-05-16T19:01:22+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-energy-secretary-moniz/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-energy-secretary-moniz/ (May 16, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) welcomes newly confirmed Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz. RFA’s President and CEO, Bob Dinneen, congratulated Secretary Moniz on his appointment, saying: “Ethanol producers across this country congratulate Secretary Moniz on his appointment. President Obama, Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack and others in the Obama Administration have been enthusiastically supportive of ethanol and other biofuels over the years so we look forward to working with the Obama Administration’s newest team member. Given his background and expertise in energy, we look forward to the Secretary’s first visit to an ethanol plant. We are eager for him to see firsthand the positive economic impact the Renewable Fuel Standard has had in creating new jobs and revitalizing rural economies. We are anxious to introduce him to drivers who appreciate having fuel choices at the pump that save money and protect the environment. We believe Secretary Moniz, like the President, will recognize the power of ethanol to help make this nation more energy independent and less beholden to the whims of foreign governments in oil-rich countries. Again, welcome to Washington and to the Heartland of America, Secretary Moniz.” 2013-05-16T17:44:51+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-and-growth-file-a-complaint-with-court-of-justice-to-end-duty/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-and-growth-file-a-complaint-with-court-of-justice-to-end-duty/ (May 16, 2013) WASHINGTON — Today, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy filed a complaint with the General Court in Luxembourg challenging the European Union’s (EU) decision to impose a 9.6 percent antidumping duty on all ethanol imported from the United States. The complaint outlines 10 specific violations of one established trade law committed by the European Commission in its investigation of anti-dumping claims, and the imposition of a country-wide anti-dumping penalty, against all U.S. ethanol. These include errors in the assessment of relevant facts in determining injury and dumping margins as well as violations of the EU’s own rules regarding the implementation of anti-dumping penalties, such as their refusal to calculate individual dumping margins and assign individual dumping duties, their incomplete and inaccurate calculation of an alleged injury margin, and their overstatement of the volume of imports from the U.S. The complaint from RFA and Growth Energy requests the complete and total end of the duty. “We believe the implementation of an EU duty on imported ethanol violates EU law and we are proactively taking our case to the General Court in Luxembourg,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. RFA and Growth Energy are trying to remedy the situation through other avenues as well. EU’s determination to impose the duty violates various requirements put in place by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Consequently, RFA and Growth Energy are working with appropriate officials in the United States to pursue a challenge before the WTO. Earlier this month, 14 Senators signed a bipartisan letter to Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank and Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis demanding that the Administration carefully evaluate the EU’s decision to impose a duty on imported ethanol and consider challenging the WTO requirements. “We believe this duty violates well established international anti-dumping law, and we are going to pursue every challenge available to us.  Whether it is a private challenge in Luxembourg or a challenge at the World Trade Organization, we are going to fight this illegal ruling to the end, and we are going to win,” said Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.     About the Renewable Fuels Association The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visit www.EthanolRFA.org. About Growth Energy Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America's economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org. ### Press contact: Michael Frohlich at (202) 545-4000 or mfrohlich@growthenergy.org. 2013-05-16T15:02:28+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/dawn-moore-joins-rfa-as-communications-director/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/dawn-moore-joins-rfa-as-communications-director/ (May 13, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today announced that Dawn Schueller Moore has joined the staff as Communications Director. Moore served as Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin for nearly three years. She has publicized issues and events ranging from agriculture, rural development, Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Kagan’s nomination hearings and Senator Kohl’s “No Oil Producing & Exporting Cartels Act” antitrust legislation to help decrease the cost of gasoline. Moore holds a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She also served as an intern to Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. Moore rounds out RFA’s communications team led by Christina Martin, Executive Vice President. Moore will be the point person for day-to-day press activities including media inquiries, interviews, and press conferences. She will be actively participating in social media. Look for Dawn Moore on Twitter at @RFADawn. Commenting on RFA’s new hire, Bob Dinneen, President and CEO, said, “Dawn is a great addition to our team. With her Midwestern roots and Washington political experience, she has rural America in her blood and politically savvy instincts. Besides her valuable Senate experience, she is high energy and enthusiastic about the value-proposition that U.S. ethanol brings to agriculture, economic development, and our country as a stronger, more energy independent nation.” Moore explained the appeal of RFA and its member companies this way, “What’s not to love about this job? I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact ethanol has had in my home state and I know all too well the fight that ethanol has ahead of it in Congress as oil interests bear down to desperately protect their monopoly. I’m anxious to put my press and social media skills to work telling the amazing story of this industry and the Renewable Fuel Standard.” 2013-05-13T15:45:37+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/aec-asks-white-house-for-faster-resolution-of-advanced-biofuel-pathways/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/aec-asks-white-house-for-faster-resolution-of-advanced-biofuel-pathways/ (May 9, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) sent a letter to the White House today expressing concern about ongoing delays in the approval process for advanced biofuel pathways pursuant to the implementation of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The letter calls for the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to prioritize and approve a number of these pathways to facilitate the program. “While we understand that the White House and U.S. EPA must be thorough in their analysis when it comes to which advanced biofuels qualify for the RFS, we have gotten to the point where administrative delays are causing project developers to look to other countries to build their facilities,” said AEC Executive Director Brooke Coleman. “The private sector has stepped up to the plate when it comes to advanced biofuels and the RFS, but developers rightly expect resolution on the pathways to start construction on these projects. There is a point where too much delay and uncertainty drives these innovative projects to Brazil and China, and that’s where we are for some of the more critical pathways.” The AEC points out that some pathway deliberations have been ongoing for three years without any clear timeframe for resolution. “It is absolutely critical for the private investment marketplace to have a transparent, expeditious and predictable resolution process for all proposed pathways, or we face the prospect of losing these projects to other countries, ” the letter states. Advanced Ethanol Council, News, Press Release 2013-05-09T15:57:47+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/e15-now-available-in-wisconsin/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/e15-now-available-in-wisconsin/ (May 7, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) cheered RFA member Badger State Ethanol and the Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition for their efforts to bring E15 to Wisconsin. As of today, the SmartStation at 1290 Business Highway 151 in Platteville, Wisconsin began offering E15 from eight pumps. Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO, marked the occasion saying, “Today is an exciting day for drivers in Wisconsin. They now have a choice at the pump. They have the opportunity to choose a new renewable fuel mix that provides cost savings as well as engine and environmental benefits. A Wisconsin driver can now choose a fuel that supports jobs in their state and helps strengthen this country economically. The additional use of ethanol will in fact increase our energy security and further reduce our dependence upon foreign oil. Three cheers for Badger State and the Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition for their hard work.” SmartStation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Badger State Ethanol. 2013-05-07T21:17:26+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-safety-informational-seminar-to-be-held-in-troy-mich/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-safety-informational-seminar-to-be-held-in-troy-mich/ (May 2, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and CN Railway will co-host a free Ethanol Safety Seminar on Thursday, May 9 at the Troy Fire and Police Training Center in Troy, Mich. To accommodate all schedules, there will be a morning session from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an evening session from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Registration is limited to the first 60 people per seminar. Lunch and dinner will be provided. While primarily targeting first responders, hazmat teams, safety managers, and local emergency planning committees, it is also open to the general public. The goal of this seminar is for attendees to gain full ethanol emergency response training experience that they can put to use immediately in the field and pass along to other first response teams. A majority of this training is based on the Complete Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response, a training package created by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) that has been distributed throughout the United States and to several countries worldwide. “As a commitment to TRANSCAER® (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response), CN is happy to partner with the Renewable Fuels Association to conduct this series of Ethanol Safety Seminars for first responders, including firefighters, local emergency planning officials and police agencies,” said Scott McLeod, Sr. Dangerous Goods Officer at CN Railway. “With a focus on ethanol, this seminar demonstrates the importance of preplanning and a continued partnership between responders, the producers and transportation.” “Safety remains a priority in the ethanol industry. Educating and preparing those who may face an ethanol related emergency is important for their own safety and for the communities they protect,” said Kristy Moore, RFA Vice President of Technical Services. “We are thrilled to continue these partnerships with companies like CN Railway so we are able to provide this valuable ethanol response information at no cost.” The Ethanol Safety Seminar focuses on numerous important areas of ethanol safety including an introduction to ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, chemical and physical characteristics of ethanol and hydrocarbon fuels, transportation and transfer of ethanol-blended fuels, storage and dispensing locations, firefighting foam principles and ethanol-blended fuel, health and safety considerations for ethanol-blended fuel emergencies and tank farm and bulk storage fire incidents. Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the course. To register for this seminar, go to www.rfa.traincaster.com. The RFA will be co-hosting Ethanol Safety Seminars throughout 2013. Scheduled seminar locations include: Grand Island, Neb., on June 12; Columbus, Neb., on June 13; Salem, Ore., on June 18 and 19; and a state-wide tour of California starting July 8. For more information on ethanol emergency response, visit the EERC website at www.EthanolResponse.com.   About the Renewable Fuels Association The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. Visit www.EthanolRFA.org. About CN Railway The Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries, spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn., Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. Visit www.CN.ca. 2013-05-02T13:40:45+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-to-house-committee-rfs-is-single-most-important-economic-market-for-ag/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-to-house-committee-rfs-is-single-most-important-economic-market-for-ag/ (April 30, 2013) WASHINGTON — In seventeen pages of comments, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) answered questions put forth in the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Assessment on Agricultural Sector Impacts.  Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO, reminded the committee, “…it is important to remember that a central objective in developing a vibrant and robust ethanol industry was to increase demand for agricultural products and enhance farm income. Girded by the RFS, ethanol has become the single most important value-added market for American grain farmers, stimulating investment in agricultural technology and enhancing economic opportunities for rural communities across the country. The emergence of the ethanol industry over the past decade has served as an incredibly important economic catalyst, transforming the grain sector from a stagnating, surplus-driven marketplace to one that is vibrant, high-tech, and demand-driven. As a result, the net impacts of the RFS and ethanol production on the agriculture sector have been decidedly positive, and U.S. meat output and retail food prices have not been adversely affected.” Before answering in detail nine questions on topics ranging from commodity prices, job creation, inherent RFS flexibility, food prices, future cellulosic benefits, and impact on global agriculture production and land use, Dinneen framed the larger discussion and conclusion.  “…[T]he RFS is absolutely essential for stimulating future demand and driving investment in the next generation of feedstocks and biofuels. Without the RFS to drive future growth in renewable fuels, production and use of renewable fuels would stagnate or regress due to 1) the resistance of refiners to produce and sell gasoline blends with greater than 10% ethanol, and 2) abandonment of investments in advanced and cellulosic biofuels due to the lack of market certainty. As a result, consumers would be denied the additional economic and environmental benefits associated with greater ethanol use. “Moreover, while we understand the Committee is interested in specifically examining the impacts of the RFS, it is somewhat counterproductive to examine only the potential impacts of a single transportation energy option (i.e., renewable fuels) in isolation of other competing energy options (i.e., unconventional petroleum). That is, petroleum demand and prices also have important effects on U.S. agricultural and food markets. Every step of the food supply chain is reliant on petroleum products—from the use of diesel fuel in farm machinery, to the use of natural gas in food processing plants, to the use of plastics in food packaging, to the use of gasoline and diesel fuel to transport food to the grocery store or restaurant. The correlation coefficient between global food prices and global oil prices since 2000 has been 0.92, which indicates a near-perfect relationship (1.0 is a perfect correlation).We understand that the economic effects of petroleum dependence are outside of the scope of the Committee’s current initiative, but biofuels should not be considered in a vacuum.” There is no credible evidence whatsoever to support the notion that the RFS is adversely affecting consumer food prices. Indeed, food price inflation has been falling since the RFS was enacted, and Americans are spending less on food than any time in history. The following chart clearly demonstrates that there is NO correlation between rising ethanol production and food prices, and the falling percentage of disposable income Americans spend on food. Click to enlarge. Read the RFA comments in full.   About the Renewable Fuels Association The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visit www.EthanolRFA.org. 2013-04-30T14:16:09+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/group-of-senators-call-on-ustr-to-investigate-eu-anti-dumping/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/group-of-senators-call-on-ustr-to-investigate-eu-anti-dumping/ (April 30, 2013) WASHINGTON — Fourteen Democratic and Republican Senators have joined together to sign a letter sent to the Acting United States Trade Representative (USTR), Demetrios Manatos and Acting Secretary of Commerce, Rebecca Blank, calling on them to review and consider a World Trade Organization (WTO) challenge to the European Union’s  controversial and unprecedented anti-dumping duty recently imposed on U.S. ethanol producers.  The letter was co-authored by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and cosponsored by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Al Franken (D-MN), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tim Johnson (D-SD), John Hoeven (R-ND), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Roy Blunt (R-MO).   Commenting on the rare bipartisan agreement generated by this outrageous anti-dumping duty, Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, and Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following joint statement: “We are pleased to see that members of the United States Senate have taken action against this outrageous claim by the European Union and have asked the USTR to further investigate the matter. “The EU Commission failed to make any particular finding of dumping by any producer or marketer investigated in connection with the case. If allowed to stand, this rule would set a dangerous precedent for trade and trade remedies in advance of important trade talks between the U.S. and the EU, and furthermore will dramatically change the boundaries and limits of international anti-dumping law.  “The EU’s recent actions are unprecedented and we believe that the World Trade Organization (WTO) will nullify this blatantly protectionist country-wide anti-dumping duty on exports of ethanol from the United States.”   About the Renewable Fuels Association The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visit www.EthanolRFA.org. About Growth Energy Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America's economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org. ### Press contact: Michael Frohlich at (202) 545-4000 or mfrohlich@growthenergy.org. 2013-04-30T13:27:03+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-production-continues-to-reduce-its-footprint/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-production-continues-to-reduce-its-footprint/ (April 29, 2013) WASHINGTON — A new study released today entitled “2012 Corn Ethanol: Emerging Plant Energy and Environmental Technologies” found that recent innovations in corn ethanol production have resulted in increased yield per bushel even as less energy is required for production. Thermal energy use at a typical dry mill ethanol plant has fallen 9% since 2008, the study found, meaning the carbon footprint of corn ethanol continues to shrink. The authors, Steffen Mueller, PhD, of the University of Illinois at Chicago Energy Resources Center and John Kwik, PE, of Dominion Energy Services, LLC wrote in summary, “Our work includes an assessment of over 50% of operating dry grind corn ethanol plants. On average, 2012 dry grind plants produce ethanol at higher yields with lower energy inputs than 2008 corn ethanol.” They continue, “Furthermore, significantly more corn oil is separated at the plants now, which combined with the higher ethanol yields results in a slight reduction in DDG production and a negligible increase in electricity consumption.” The table below summarizes the 2012 survey results and contrasts them with 2008 operating efficiencies. 2012 Corn Ethanol 2008 Corn Ethanol Yield (anhydrous/undenatured, gallon/bushel) 2.82 2.78 Thermal Energy (Btu/gallon, LHV) 23,862 26,206 Electricity Use (kWh/gallon) 0.75 0.73 DDG Yield (dry basis) including corn oil (lbs/bu) 15.73 15.81 Corn Oil Separated (lbs/bushel) 0.53 0.11 Water Use (gallon/gallon) 2.70 2.72   Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), commented on the new findings. “Once again, the innovation and dedication of this industry is borne out in the science and data. Ethanol producers are constantly evolving, innovating, and improving the production process. As a result, today’s ethanol industry is using less energy and water than ever before and greatly reducing GHG emissions associated with the corn ethanol lifecycle. Today’s ethanol producers are conscientious stewards of this country’s precious resources and this country’s energy future. The ethanol industry is a classic example of American ingenuity driving success.” The study also summarizes several new technologies being adopted by ethanol producers and feedstock providers. Read the study in full. 2013-04-29T19:59:02+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/florida-senate-vote-is-meaningless-gesture-federal-rfs-still-applies/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/florida-senate-vote-is-meaningless-gesture-federal-rfs-still-applies/ (April 24, 2013) WASHINGTON — Today, the Florida Legislature passed HB4001, a bill that repeals the state Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a joint statement, Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, and Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, commented on final passage: “Today’s Senate vote was a pyrrhic victory for ethanol detractors. It substantively changes nothing because the state mandate was redundant. The federal Renewable Fuel Standard will still apply and, thankfully for consumers who will continue to see savings at the pump, ethanol and other renewable fuels will be sold in Florida. “All this bill has done is put politics and oil industry profits ahead of economic opportunity and jobs in the state. The only result of this legislation will be a loss of jobs and economic opportunity in Florida. Florida has made it clear — biofuels and the valuable jobs that are created in the renewable fuels industry are no longer welcome in Florida.”   About the Renewable Fuels Association The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visit www.EthanolRFA.org. About Growth Energy Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America's economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org. ### Press contact: Michael Frohlich at (202) 545-4000 or mfrohlich@growthenergy.org. 2013-04-24T19:23:20+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-announces-third-new-member-this-month-welcome-redfield-energy-llc/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-announces-third-new-member-this-month-welcome-redfield-energy-llc/ (April 19, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today welcomed its third new member this month: Redfield Energy, LLC of Redfield, South Dakota. Dana Siefkes-Lewis, Chief Administrative Officer for Redfield Energy, explained the appeal of the RFA. “RFA’s success is driven by the deep engagement of its members. Regardless of size — large or small, publicly-traded or farmer-owned — every company has a vote and voice. We look forward to our involvement, in particular, with RFA’s technical, co-products, safety and environmental committees. We are excited to be part of an open dialogue within the industry about the expanding, innovative, diverse future of renewable fuels.” “We will have a seat at the table and warm welcome ready for Redfield Energy at our next Board meeting. It will be helpful to hear firsthand their production experiences and innovative ideas. Today, the chorus supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard and E15 just got a little stronger and a little louder. RFA welcomes Redfield Energy”, said Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO. Redfield Energy, LLC (RE) is a 55 million gallon per year ethanol production facility located two miles north of Redfield, S.D. It employs 43 full-time employees. It is a dry mill plant that became operational in April of 2007. On Feb. 3, 2013, RE produced its 300 millionth gallon of ethanol.  RE is a South Dakota LLC comprised of 850 members. It processes approximately 20 million bushels of corn into ethanol a year and produces approximately 162,000 tons of modified wet and dried distillers grain, which is sold to the local and West Coast markets.   About the Renewable Fuels Association The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. RFA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of one representative of each ethanol producing company. All Board Members get a vote in setting association policy. Visit www.EthanolRFA.org.  2013-04-19T14:39:34+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-safety-seminars-coming-to-ohio/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-safety-seminars-coming-to-ohio/ (April 18, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway will co-host two Ethanol Safety Seminars in Ohio under a Federal Railroad Administration grant that the RFA received last fall. The first seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 24th at the American Red Cross in Akron. The second seminar will be held in Canton on Thursday, April 25th in the auditorium of the Canton Township Training Center. Both seminars are free and feature a morning session from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an evening session from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided. The seminars are designed for individuals who will respond to ethanol-related emergencies as well as those who work at fixed-facilities and transport fuel. The goal of these seminars is for attendees to gain full ethanol emergency response training experience that they can put to use immediately in the field as well as pass along to other first response teams. A majority of this training is based on the Complete Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response, a training package created by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) that has been distributed throughout the United States and to several countries worldwide. “The Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway takes pride in its commitment to safety; not only to its employees but also to the folks of the cities and towns that we travel through,” said John Vergis, Assistant Environmental Officer at Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway. “Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway is a big supporter of Emergency Responder training events, and as a transporter of ethanol, would like to reach out to as many first responders as possible so that they can better prepare themselves in the event of an incident involving ethanol. The Wheeling & Lake Erie would like to thank the Renewable Fuels Association, the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition, the Federal Railroad Administration and TRANSCAER® for helping make this event possible.” Attendees will receive in-depth information on proper training techniques that first responders and hazmat personnel need to effectively respond to an ethanol-related emergency. While primarily targeting first responders, hazmat teams, safety managers, and local emergency planning committees, it is also open to the general public. “Ethanol accounts for 10 percent of our nation’s fuel supply, blended into 97 percent of gasoline across the country,” said Kristy Moore, RFA Vice President of Technical Services. “With this high volume of blended fuel traveling through communities, it is essential that first responders are as fully prepared as possible to act immediately in the unfortunate event of an ethanol emergency. Safety will always be a priority in the ethanol industry and we are thrilled to be able to offer this type of training.” The Ethanol Safety Seminar focuses on numerous important areas of ethanol safety including an introduction to ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, chemical and physical characteristics of ethanol and hydrocarbon fuels, transportation and transfer of ethanol-blended fuels, storage and dispensing locations, firefighting foam principles and ethanol-blended fuel, health and safety considerations for ethanol-blended fuel emergencies and tank farm and bulk storage fire incidents. Certificates will be awarded by the Ohio Fire Academy at the completion of the course. To register for this seminar, go to www.rfa.traincaster.com. The RFA will be co-hosting Ethanol Safety Seminars throughout 2013. Scheduled seminar locations include: Troy, Mich., on May 9th; Grand Island, Neb., on June 12th; Columbus, Neb., on June 13th; Salem, Ore., on June 18th and 19th; and a state-wide tour of California throughout July. For more information on ethanol emergency response, visit the EERC website at www.EthanolResponse.com. 2013-04-18T13:53:14+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/iea-calls-for-major-scale-up-in-global-biofuels-production/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/iea-calls-for-major-scale-up-in-global-biofuels-production/ (April 17, 2013) TORONTO, Canada – Today, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released their Tracking Clean Energy Progress report in New Delhi, which detailed the increased role that biofuels will need to play in reducing Green House Gases (GHG) as part of their Climate Change Scenario by 2020. The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance applauded this finding, stating that biofuels are already significantly reducing global GHG emissions. According to the report we are currently not on track to meet the IEA’s goal of holding global climate change to a 2°C rise by 2020. According to the IEA’s Energy Sector Carbon Intensity Index (ESCII) our average CO2 emissions have only improved by 0.02 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of oil equivalent in the last 20 years. In order to reach the 2020 target the IEA recommended that annual biofuels production needs to more than double and advanced biofuels capacity must increase six-fold. “Biofuels are the only real viable option available today to reduce emissions in the transportation sector,” stated Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the GRFA. “We agree with the IEA that biofuels offer real GHG emissions reductions today and that we must increase biofuel usage if we want to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” added Baker. In order to facilitate this major scale up in global biofuels production, the IEA released some specific recommendations for governments in their report: Lessen the risks for early investors through mechanisms such as loan guarantees, guaranteed premiums for advanced biofuels, or direct financial support for first-of-a-kind investments. Targeted policy support for advanced biofuels is required to ensure large-scale deployment. Monitor sustainability in feedstock production. “Frankly, the GRFA is not surprised by these findings, despite the commitments from world leaders we are clearly struggling to reduce emissions in the transportation sector,” concluded Baker. Figures from the GRFA and (S&T)2 Consultants Inc. reveal that world ethanol production in 2012 reduced global GHG emissions by over 100 million tonnes. This equates to taking over 20 million cars off the road.   The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting biofuel friendly policies internationally. Alliance members represent over 65% of the global biofuels production from 44 countries. Through the development of new technologies and best practices, the Alliance members are committed to producing renewable fuels with the smallest possible footprint. For More Information Please Contact:Bliss BakerGlobal Renewable Fuels AlliancePhone: (Country Code “1”) 647-309-0058Email: info@globalrfa.orghttp://www.globalrfa.org 2013-04-17T17:57:31+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words-rfa-busts-big-oils-blend-wall-myth/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words-rfa-busts-big-oils-blend-wall-myth/ (April 15, 2013) WASHINGTON — If a picture is worth a thousand words, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today busted Big Oil’s blend wall myth in one illustration. Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO, commented on the graphic, saying, “This graphic perfectly captures the ridiculous myth that an insurmountable blend wall exists. The blend wall is a false façade built by the oil companies to protect their oil monopoly. The real walls are the ones they are building to keep legitimate, well-tested, cost-saving renewable fuel alternatives, like E85 and E15, out of the marketplace. They are building walls between consumers, gas stations, and the freedom to choose. Denial is the mortar holding these walls together — the denial that the Renewable Fuel Standard is a proven success and a powerful energy policy that needs to continue unchanged well into the future if the gains we have made in reducing our dependence on foreign oil, creating valuable jobs domestically, and improving our environment are to be sustained.” Dinneen continued, “You could say oil companies are building a wall between America’s future and America’s petroleum-dependent past... but given recent events in Arkansas and New Hampshire, perhaps it is more of a moat of toxic ground water and spilled oil.” A brief explanation of each brick in the wall blocking proper implementation by the oil industry of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and E15 are available at www.EthanolRFA.org. 2013-04-15T15:14:54+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-on-sensenbrenner-bill-american-drivers-have-a-right-to-choose-e15/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-on-sensenbrenner-bill-american-drivers-have-a-right-to-choose-e15/ (April 11, 2013) WASHINGTON — Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), commented today for the umpteenth time on the latest attempt by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) to stop E15 in its tracks. “This legislation is a tribute to stubbornness. Congressman Sensenbrenner refuses to acknowledge that E15 is a thoroughly tested and approved fuel option that gives consumers a cost-saving, environment-enhancing, domestic renewable choice at the pump. E15 has been test driven the equivalent of 4,700 round trips from Washington, D.C. to Milwaukee. If he doesn’t want to use it, fine, but American drivers have a right to choose. Stop throwing bad paid-for ‘science’ and scary warnings around in the name of oil monopoly protectionism.” 2013-04-11T16:36:21+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/reckless-statement-and-jury-verdict-are-proof/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/reckless-statement-and-jury-verdict-are-proof/ (April 11, 2013) WASHINGTON — Following a reckless, revisionist statement by the American Fuel and Petroleum Manufacturers Association (AFPM) attempting to compare the recent New Hampshire MTBE lawsuit loss by the oil industry to E15, Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, emphatically responded: “AFPM and the oil companies are living in a fantasy parallel universe if they think they can revise history to tarnish E15 and the RFS.  MTBE did not go through the same 211F waiver process that E15 did.  MTBE did not undergo six million miles of testing like E15 did.  The oil companies pushed 15 percent MTBE approval under a much less rigorous waiver process that did not require the robust emissions and drivability testing that E15 has successfully completed.  Oil companies also did not conduct extensive 211(b) health effects testing prior to the registration of MTBE for commercial use.  Oil companies chose MTBE over biodegradable ethanol because it was a product they produced and it increased their profits.  In fact, they used MTBE to keep ethanol out of the market because the two fuels could not be used together.  Unfortunately, MTBE was not compatible with the fuel distribution system.  It leaked from tanks and quickly migrated to drinking water supplies.  MTBE is toxic.  Oil companies losing the court case in New Hampshire screams a dire warning that oil companies should not be trusted with our energy future.  Oil companies have a disturbing track record of putting their monopoly ahead of innovation and progress, and their profits ahead of consumer pocketbooks.  AFPM’s pernicious campaign against ethanol and the RFS, as reflected in this latest attempt to blame EPA for the oil company’s investment in toxic MTBE to be used as another rock to throw at America’s most successful biofuel and energy policy is just the latest, sad, desperate example.” 2013-04-11T14:55:55+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfs-reform-act-proposes-to-gut-rather-than-reform-the-rfs/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfs-reform-act-proposes-to-gut-rather-than-reform-the-rfs/ (April 10, 2013) WASHINGTON — Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Ethanol Council, released the following statement today in response to legislation introduced by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR), and Peter Welch (D-VT): “Congressman Goodlatte (R-VA) gets points for being creative. Disguised as a reform effort supportive of advanced biofuels, the RFS Reform Act actually guts the RFS by eliminating key provisions that require oil companies to actually change their behavior and buy renewable fuels. It is not a coincidence that the American Petroleum Institute (API) has been asking for these modifications to the RFS for years. But the RFS Reform Act is even more disingenuous than that. While stating that he merely wants ethanol to compete in a free market, in the same breath Congressman Goodlatte proposes to ban ethanol from 90 percent of the market. If there ever was a definition of free market fit for the oil industry, this is it. It is doubtful that the sponsors of this legislation truly believe that the best way to promote second generation biofuel is to kill first generation biofuel and provide Congressional protections for the oil industry’s monopoly over the fuel blend in the process. This is just a smokescreen for going after the one alternative fuel and the one policy that has fundamentally disrupted oil industry control of the marketplace while saving consumers money at the pump.” Advanced Ethanol Council, News, Press Release 2013-04-10T17:29:02+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-calls-rfs-reform-bill-backwards-silly-circular-logic/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-calls-rfs-reform-bill-backwards-silly-circular-logic/ (April 10, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) forcefully responded to new legislation, the RFS Reform Act, introduced today by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR), and Peter Welch (D-VT) that would effectively end the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO, fired back at the legislation: “The motivation behind this bill is backwards, silly, circular logic. The authors insist they're not anti-biofuels, but the bill guts the only program that has successfully opened the market to these new technologies, lowering our dependence on imported oil and reducing the consumer price of gasoline. The authors state they want a 'free market' for energy, but they do nothing to end the billions in subsidies to Big Oil and they deny market access to E15. The authors portend to retain the mandate for new cellulosic and advanced biofuels, but the bill handcuffs the commercialization of these fuels by removing the forward-looking, market-driving provisions of the original legislation. It would be more direct and intellectually honest to simply say ‘this bill restores Big Oil’s monopoly.’”  Dinneen continued, “You can’t legitimately say ‘we support biofuels’ and then pull the rug out from underneath companies that relied upon government policy and are now building biorefineries that create hundreds of construction jobs at each location or are hitting milestones in new production. This legislation should have been introduced on Halloween because it will scare away investors. Nothing undermines next generation innovation like uncertainty.” 2013-04-10T17:26:13+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/badger-state-ethanol-joins-rfa/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/badger-state-ethanol-joins-rfa/ (April 9, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today welcomed another new member:  Badger State Ethanol (BSE) of Monroe, Wisconsin. Erik Huschitt, BSE General Manager, explained RFA’s appeal this way, “RFA has repeatedly impressed us over the years.  RFA’s technical expertise is second to none.  We are working hard in Wisconsin to provide the first E15 retail pump and have relied heavily on RFA’s staff.  RFA cares about our company and our future. We all need to work together to move our ethanol industry forward.” In welcoming BSE, Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO, commented, “BSE will be a valuable member and voice at the Board of Directors table. BSE’s track record of success and constant innovation will provide helpful guidance and creative approaches as we continue to lay the ground work for a strong, expanding, and diverse ethanol industry.  Working with companies like BSE, I know this industry will continue to strengthen this nation’s energy independence, improve the environment, and create jobs and opportunity in rural America.  Ethanol produced by companies like BSE and policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard are making this country stronger each and every day.” BSE produces over 57 million gallons of ethanol a year in addition to 128,000 tons of livestock feed (Dried Distillers Grains),  50 percent corn protein (Dry Matter Basis) feed and corn oil. Carbon dioxide is also captured for use in the food industry.  BSE employs 47 people and has nearly 500 investors. BSE also leads the industry with its innovative SmartStation®, a wholly owned subsidiary of Badger State Ethanol. SmartStation was founded in 2005 with the intention of making locally produced ethanol available directly to consumers through the use of blender pumps. BSE was fully two to three years ahead of other companies with the concept of blending at the pump. The system utilizes two in-ground tanks, one with ethanol and one with gasoline. The stations are open 24/7 and there is no attendant. Customers can use major credit cards or their Smart Card.  Current blends are 10 percent, 25 percent, and 85 percent; with much work being done to add E15.  Smart Station is currently located in Monroe and Platteville, Wis.  The Monroe location is looking to upgrade to the new blender pumps. 2013-04-09T13:42:26+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/aec-comments-on-rfs-white-paper-regarding-blend-wall-and-compatibility/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/aec-comments-on-rfs-white-paper-regarding-blend-wall-and-compatibility/ (April 8, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) reacted to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee’s plans to review the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a letter sent to Representatives Henry Waxman and Fred Upton, who chairs the committee, AEC Executive Director Brooke Coleman defended the RFS by outlining its necessity in the marketplace and as a solution for the ‘blend wall’. “If you investigate the history of ethanol use in the United States, it becomes evident that the U.S. liquid fuels industry is not price driven, open or competitive,” states Coleman. “…it is important to emphasize that one of the primary problems with a non-competitive marketplace is its failure to properly reward innovation…. This is one of the primary reasons why the United States remains largely dependent on petroleum to meet consumer demand for liquid fuels. It is also the overarching reason why the RFS is necessary. The RFS provides innovators with a predictable (and flexible) expectation for demand in a marketplace that does not properly reward innovation. “While the consumer expense of remaining dependent on oil is immense, the solutions to the blend wall are not. For example, there would be no blend wall if the majority of vehicles in the United States were flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs),” continues Coleman. “The most efficient way to deploy FFVs is to require them, as proposed by various Open Fuel Standard (OFS) proposals. Requiring FFVs would cost automakers very little – especially given that about 50% of new vehicles are already FFVs – but would have far reaching positive effects on the consumer marketplace (e.g. increased competition, consumer choice, cheaper fuel, low carbon fuels, etc.).” Coleman goes on to answer other questions asked in the Congressional white paper, including questions on the benefits of E15, E85 as a viable solution to the blend wall, how environmental standards for cars might change implementation of the RFS, and if the blend wall has any impact on gas prices. “…some members of the oil industry have suggested that the blend wall has led to an increase in the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), which in turn increases gas prices. This argument is extraordinarily divorced from the realities of how the RFS works,” says Coleman. “While it is true that RIN prices (for grain ethanol) have increased over the last 60 days, it is the obligated parties (i.e. oil companies) that are selling and trading RINs amongst themselves. In other words, oil companies get the RIN for free when they acquire the gallon of renewable fuel…. it is categorically absurd to claim that this is an extra cost on the oil industry.” Read Coleman’s statements in full. Advanced Ethanol Council 2013-04-08T20:11:09+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-comments-to-epa-on-proposed-2013-rfs2-volume-requirements/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-comments-to-epa-on-proposed-2013-rfs2-volume-requirements/ (April 8, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has submitted comments in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) notice of proposed rulemaking regarding 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) required volumes. RFA’s comments can be read in full here. The four key points of the comments are: EPA should revise its proposed 2013 cellulosic biofuel standard to better correspond with current expectations of actual 2013 cellulosic biofuel production volumes. EPA should partially reduce the 2013 advanced biofuel standard, as sugarcane ethanol imports are unlikely to be available in sufficient volumes to meet the requirement. Because there are legal and economical options available for surmounting the “blend wall”, the E10 saturation point should not be a factor in EPA’s decision-making process for 2013 RVO levels. EPA should propose 2014 RFS standards as expeditiously as possible and ensure the 2014 RVOs are established no later than Nov. 30, 2013. Summarizing RFA’s comments, Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the RFA said, “The RFS is a flexible program that is a proven success.  It is lowering this country’s dependence on foreign oil, creating American jobs, and stimulating investment in the next generation of biofuels.  To ensure the RFS continues to be implemented in the most effective way, we are calling on EPA to exercise its discretion to adjust the 2013 advanced biofuel standard. We do not believe the levels of sugarcane ethanol imports assumed by EPA are reasonable given current market conditions. Further, our comments request that EPA publish the 2014 proposed RFS standards as soon as possible so stakeholders can engage with the Agency to ensure the program is implemented as efficiently as possible next year.”  2013-04-08T15:11:22+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-to-house-energy-commerce-committee-let-rfs-work/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-to-house-energy-commerce-committee-let-rfs-work/ (April 5, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today responded to the questions posed by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce in a white paper entitled, “Examining ‘Blend Wall’ Challenges”.  The Committee is preparing to review the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In 10 pages of comments submitted to Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Ranking Member Henry Waxman (D-CA), RFA’s President and CEO, Bob Dinneen, responded to 11 questions put forth in the white paper, which spanned topics such as the blend wall, expanding use of E15 and E85, gasoline prices, CAFE standards, RINs, and possible impacts on the renewable fuel industry should the RFS be revised. In opening, Dinneen wrote, “In short, the RFA believes the ‘blend wall’ is a creation of the oil companies’ failure to respond appropriately to the very clear market signal given upon passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), a bill they vehemently opposed and are seeking to re-litigate today. By refusing to make (or allow their franchisees to make) the investments necessary to provide market access to increasing volumes of renewable fuels, they hope to create a self-fulfilling prophecy that the RFS targets cannot be met. One, Congress should not reward such blatant disregard for the law. Two, there is nothing wrong with the RFS that cannot be fixed with what is right with the RFS, and that includes the blend wall.” He continued, “It is important to note at the outset that overcoming the ‘blend wall’ issue is most critical to the success of cellulosic and advanced biofuels just now beginning their journey toward commercialization. Those next generation fuels need the assurance of market demand beyond the E10 blend market to attract investors. Leaving the market artificially constrained further limits market opportunities for next generation biofuels, missing an opportunity to meaningfully increase America’s use of renewable fuels and reduce our dependence on imported oil.” Throughout the comments Dinneen explains ethanol’s ability to improve car performance and lower gas prices, E15’s thorough and successful testing by both the U.S. government and globally respected automotive engineering experts at Ricardo, Inc., in addition to repeatedly demonstrating the oil industry’s intentional refusal to invest in the infrastructure required to fulfill the intention of the RFS to increase energy independence and environmental quality. Read the RFA comments in full. 2013-04-05T15:51:00+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-safety-seminars-scheduled-for-two-wisconsin-towns/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-safety-seminars-scheduled-for-two-wisconsin-towns/ (April 4, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and CN Railway will co-host two Ethanol Safety Seminars in Wisconsin. The Stanley seminar will be held on Tuesday, April 16th at the Stanley Fire Department, also co-hosted by ACE Ethanol, LLC. The Wisconsin Rapids seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 17th in the auditorium of Mid-State Technical College, also co-hosted by Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC. Both seminars are free and feature a morning session from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an evening session from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided. The goal of these seminars is for attendees to gain full ethanol emergency response training experience that they can put to use immediately in the field as well as pass along to other first response teams. A majority of this training is based on the Complete Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response, a training package created by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) that has been distributed throughout the United States and to several countries worldwide. “As a commitment to TRANSCAER® (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response), CN is happy to partner with the Renewable Fuels Association to conduct this series of Ethanol Safety Seminars for first responders, including firefighters, local emergency planning officials and police agencies,” said Scott McLeod, Sr. Dangerous Goods Officer at CN Railway. “With a focus on ethanol, this seminar demonstrates the importance of preplanning and a continued partnership between responders, the producers and transportation.” Attendees will receive in-depth information on proper training techniques that first responders and hazmat personnel need to effectively respond to an ethanol-related emergency. While primarily targeting first responders, hazmat teams, safety managers, and local emergency planning committees, it is also open to the general public. “At Big River, safety is our first order of business,” said Jim Leiting, General Manager at Big River Resources. “Taking care of people; our employee team, service providers and customers is a value held above and beyond other priorities.” “Safety remains a priority in the ethanol industry. It is important that those responsible for the safety of their communities are aware of the use and transportation of ethanol in their towns,” said Kristy Moore, Vice President of Technical Services for the Renewable Fuels Association. “The training information and materials attendees leave with are valuable resources that will aide in responding to an ethanol related incident should it occur.” The Ethanol Safety Seminar focuses on numerous important areas of ethanol safety including an introduction to ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, chemical and physical characteristics of ethanol and hydrocarbon fuels, transportation of ethanol-blended fuels, storage and dispensing locations, firefighting foam principles and ethanol, ethanol-blended fuel emergencies, and incidents at tank farm and bulk storage locations. Certificates will be awarded at the completion of the course. To register for this seminar, go to www.rfa.traincaster.com. The RFA will be co-hosting Ethanol Safety Seminars throughout 2013. Upcoming seminar locations include: Akron, Ohio on April 24th, and Canton, Ohio on April 25th, co-sponsored by Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway; Troy, Mich., on May 9th; Grand Island, Neb., on June 12th and Columbus, Neb., on June 13th. For more information on ethanol emergency response, visit the EERC website at www.ethanolresponse.com. 2013-04-04T16:25:39+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/usda-accepting-reap-fund-apps/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/usda-accepting-reap-fund-apps/ (April 5, 2013) WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for federal REAP funds to help gasoline retailers install blender pumps designed to give consumers flexibility and choice in the ethanol blends they use. This is the third year that blender pumps have been authorized as part of the REAP program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced in 2011 that USDA had plans to install 10,000 blender pumps over the next five years. That announcement and this year’s opening of the application process is welcomed news to the Blend Your Own (BYO) Ethanol campaign, a joint educational effort by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The campaign will again offer free grant writing services to those interested in applying. “This program provided funding for hundreds of blender pumps the past two years, providing many consumers with the choice and flexibility they deserve to pick the ethanol blends that work for them based on their vehicle, their beliefs, and their budget,” said RFA Director of Market Development Robert White. “Through the BYO Ethanol Campaign, we have the ability to assist retailers in applying for these funds and help USDA and the Obama Administration achieve the renewable fuel goals they have put forward. This year retailers have more options than ever with E15; these blender pumps will help spread this new blend across the country.” “We can continue to break the stranglehold oil has over our nation’s economy and energy future by giving consumers more options at the pump,” said ACE Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty. “The USDA’s announcement together with the efforts of the BYO ethanol campaign will go a long way toward making that happen.” The BYO Ethanol Campaign is designed to inform gasoline marketers and retailers about the opportunities blender pumps offer. Blender pump technologies allow retailers and consumers to choose the blend of ethanol they want from no ethanol content to 85 percent ethanol by volume. Increasing the number of blender pumps in operation in conjunction with expanding the size of the America’s flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) fleet capable of using high level ethanol blends is critical to achieving our nation’s energy goals, including commercializing advanced ethanol technologies. According to information released by USDA, this program is designed to help spur rural development. This program offers funding for grants, and loan guarantees, but certain restrictions will apply on the size of the local communities and the businesses applying for the funds. Applications for the grant program are due on April 30, 2013. For more information on the REAP Program, free grant writing services or blender pumps, please visit www.BYOEthanol.com or contact the following: Robert White Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) rwhite@ethanolrfa.org (402) 391-1930 Ron Lamberty American Coalition for Ethanol rlamberty@ethanol.org (605) 334-3381 2013-04-04T13:04:44+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-new-member-husker-ag/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-new-member-husker-ag/ (April 2, 2013) WASHINGTON — The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is pleased to announce the addition of Husker Ag to its membership and Board of Directors.  Husker Ag is a farmer-owned cooperative with over 600 members located in Plainview, Nebraska.  The plant processes over 25 million bushels of corn into 70 million gallons of ethanol and 450,000 tons of modified wet distillers grains used by local cattle feeders.  Husker Ag employs 50 full-time employees from Plainview and surrounding communities including: Norfolk, Pierce, Randolph, Osmond, Plainview, Creighton, Bloomfield, Brunswick, Elgin, and Tilden. “We welcome Husker Ag to the association.  Husker Ag joins our Board of Directors at a pivotal time for the industry,” commented Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO. “As the Renewable Fuel Standard comes under heavy attack and attempts to roll out E15 are blocked at every turn, it is important that the U.S. ethanol industry proudly stands together to maintain its strength and champion its success.  Companies like Husker Ag are making America a better, stronger country each day by creating jobs and producing enough ethanol to significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil while also helping drivers save money at the fuel pump.  Husker Ag will bring valuable experience and knowledge to our efforts.” Seth Harder, Husker Ag’s General Manager, marked the occasion by saying, “Politics aside, our industry needs a credible advocate to work with the government and the private sector to help facilitate the long term inclusion of ethanol in America’s transportation fuel portfolio. Husker Ag feels that the Renewable Fuels Association is that advocate.” 2013-04-02T15:23:14+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/new-study-rin-credits-not-a-factor-in-higher-gas-prices/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/new-study-rin-credits-not-a-factor-in-higher-gas-prices/ (March 27, 2013) WASHINGTON — Contrary to the recent wave of hyperbole coming from the oil industry, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and its associated “RIN credits” have not been a factor in this spring’s higher retail gasoline prices, according to new analysis conducted by Informa Economics, Inc. In fact, the study found ethanol costs significantly less than gasoline at the wholesale level and is reducing pump prices for consumers across the country. “A fact-based review of developments in the gasoline, ethanol and RIN [Renewable Identification Number] markets indicates that the Renewable Fuel Standard in general and RINs in particular have not been a demonstrable factor in the rise in retail gasoline prices that has occurred in early 2013,” the report concluded. Responding to the independent study’s findings, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen said, “Not surprisingly, opponents of the RFS have absurdly suggested RINs are a reason for this spring’s higher gas prices. This report puts that silly notion to rest and clearly confirms that RINs are not having any noticeable impact on gasoline prices. In fact, as the Informa analysis plainly shows, increased ethanol use leads to lower—not higher—prices at the pump for American consumers. The facts and data speak for themselves. Drivers could realize even greater savings at the pump if refiners and blenders would break down their self-inflected blend wall and give up their stubborn resistance to offering E15 and E85.” The analysis, commissioned by RFA, found RINs are likely contributing no more than $0.004 (four-tenths of one cent) to the retail price of a gallon of gasoline. Meanwhile, ethanol’s wholesale discount to gasoline in 2013 has reduced the pump price for blended gasoline by an average of $0.044 per gallon. Thus, when the net impact of both RIN costs and ethanol’s discount to gasoline are considered, ethanol-blended gasoline is saving consumers an average of $0.04 per gallon based on straight blending economics. “Considering both the ethanol price advantage and the direct cost of RIN prices, the net benefit to consumers from the usage of ethanol is $0.04 per gallon of gasoline…” the report found. According to the authors, this savings doesn’t take into account either the indirect benefit that ethanol has on gasoline prices by effectively lowering demand for crude oil and clear gasoline or the enhanced octane value of ethanol over gasoline. High gasoline prices in early 2013 can be explained by several factors unrelated to the RFS, RINs, or ethanol use, the report found. “There is a distinct seasonal pattern to gasoline prices and crack spreads,” the analysis notes, adding that “[t]he increase in gasoline prices and crack spreads during the first quarter of 2013 has been generally consistent with increases experienced in 2011 and 2012, despite the fact that conventional ethanol RIN prices averaged $0.03 during the first quarter of 2011 and $0.02 during the first quarter of 2012.” Citing a Department of Energy analysis, the Informa report also notes that higher gasoline prices have stemmed from planned and unplanned refinery maintenance; the low starting level for gasoline crack spreads going into 2013; preparation for seasonal fuel specification changes; and developments in global product demand. The Informa analysis is available here. 2013-03-27T16:52:32+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-requests-multi-agency-investigation/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-requests-multi-agency-investigation/ (March 19, 2013) WASHINGTON — In a letter sent today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) requested a multi-agency investigation into “the oil industry’s highly discriminatory and unlawful conduct — conduct that is impeding the delivery of renewable fuels to the American marketplace.” The focus of this letter is a recounting of recent events at Zarco 66, the first marketer in the United States to offer E15. “The story of a Lawrence, Kansas, fuel station illustrates just how far Big Oil will go to obstruct congressional purposes in enacting the RFS, limit the availability of renewable fuels in the American marketplace, and, not coincidentally, bolster their campaign to repeal the RFS altogether.  For many years, a ConocoPhillips franchisee, Zarco 66 Inc. (“Zarco 66”), offered E85 at its fueling station.  One of the station’s fuel tanks contained “regular” gasoline and a second tank contained straight ethanol—a tank that might have otherwise been reserved for “premium” gasoline at a more antiquated station.  Zarco 66 offered customers E85 by blending the appropriate mixture of gasoline and ethanol straight at the pump—using “blender” pumps that it obtained through a grant administered by the Department of Energy.  Because only certain vehicles can use E85, the oil industry likely viewed this alternative fuel as a gimmick—one that posed no real threat to the industry’s monopoly.  But shortly after Zarco 66 became the first fueling station in the nation to offer E15—a fuel that can be used in any light-duty vehicle manufactured over the last decade—the oil industry suddenly changed its tune.  ConocoPhillips quickly threatened to terminate Zarco 66’s franchise agreement and charge Zarco 66 hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties unless Zarco 66 started offering “premium” gasoline—gasoline that would replace the ethanol housed in one of Zarco 66’s fueling tanks, and a gasoline that is likely to result in far fewer sales than the ethanol blends that would be available if Zarco 66 maintained the current ethanol contents. “For franchisees like Zarco 66, the message that the oil industry is delivering is loud and clear:  Stop selling renewable fuels, or face the consequences.” There are several concrete examples of Big Oil running afoul of U.S. laws.  For instance, in the Zarco 66 situation, the oil industry is enforcing the unlawful act of “tying” agreements which violate Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.  “Here, the oil industry is forcing fuel stations to purchase and carry a product that they otherwise do not wish to carry (premium gasoline) as a condition for purchasing and carrying the tying product (regular gasoline).  Because franchisees are locked into franchise agreements (and such a lock-in effect is magnified when, as in the case of Zarco 66, the oil franchisor changes the terms of the relationship midstream), an oil franchisor holds appreciable economic power over the franchisee, which it is using to force franchisees to purchase premium fuel that they might not otherwise wish to carry.  Moreover, because  premium gasoline requires a separate tank that would otherwise hold the ethanol necessary to offer gasoline-ethanol blends (and the oil industry is well-aware that most fuel stations have only two tanks devoted to gasoline), the oil industry is effectively eliminating ethanol competition by tying the sale of premium to regular  gasoline.  “In addition, the oil industry’s conduct is contrary to the Gasohol Competition Act of 1980.  That legislation makes it unlawful to “unreasonably discriminate[] against or unreasonably limit[] the sale, resale, or transfer of gasohol or other synthetic motor fuel of equivalent usability.”  15 U.S.C. § 26a(a)(2).  By enforcing a premium requirement to the exclusion of ethanol blends, the oil industry is unreasonably limiting the sale of E15,… “Similarly, the oil industry’s actions violate the policies that underlie the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act.  By forcing franchisees to purchase premium gasoline, franchisors are acting to preclude franchisees from ‘converting an existing tank or pump on the marketing premises of the franchisee for renewable fuel” in violation of that legislation.  See 15 U.S.C. § 2807(b)(1)(B).  What is more, the Act was intended to allow franchisees to sell “a renewable fuel in lieu of 1 . . . grade of gasoline.’  Id. § 2807(c).  As a result, the oil industry is directly subverting this legislation by making it impossible for franchisees to offer gasoline-ethanol blends higher than E10, such as E85 and biodiesel.” When Big Oil isn’t busy violating laws, it is busy mocking the intent of others, such as the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and expanded in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which details the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  “The oil industry has claimed that it cannot meet these standards—in part, because few stations are offering E15 or greater gasoline.  But the oil industry need only look in the mirror to determine why that is the case.  It is the industry’s own behavior that is limiting E15’s availability.  Like a child who breaks all of his pencils and then tells his parents he can’t do his homework, the oil industry should not be permitted to claim the RFS is not achievable when it is deliberately taking steps to stifle the introduction of E15.”  In closing, Bob Dinneen, RFA’s President and CEO, wrote, “Americans want choice at the pump.  For all of these reasons, we respectfully request that each of you direct your agencies to investigate and put an end to the oil industry’s highly discriminatory and unlawful conduct—conduct that is impeding the delivery of renewable fuels to the American marketplace.  Otherwise, Zarco 66 will simply represent the first casualty in the oil industry’s war against the marketing and delivery of cheaper, more sustainable renewable fuels.” Read the letter in full. 2013-03-19T18:08:04+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/zeachem-begins-production-of-cellulosic-chemicals-and-ethanol-advances-towa/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/zeachem-begins-production-of-cellulosic-chemicals-and-ethanol-advances-towa/ (March 12, 2013) LAKEWOOD, Colo. — ZeaChem Inc., developer of highly-efficient biorefineries, today announced that it has produced commercial-grade cellulosic chemicals and ethanol at its 250,000 gallons per year (GPY) biorefinery in Boardman, Ore. Among the first operational cellulosic biorefineries in the world, this demonstration facility showcases the scalability of ZeaChem’s biorefining process and serves as a key stepping-stone toward large-scale commercial production. “ZeaChem is developing the first truly-integrated biorefineries for the production of a broad portfolio of economical and sustainable biofuels and bio-based chemicals,” said Jim Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem. “The demonstration plant is fully integrated and operating as we ramp up to full capacity. The start of cellulosic production is a significant milestone for ZeaChem as we demonstrate our highly efficient biorefining technology, develop the first commercial biorefinery project, and expand global development opportunities.” Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC), commended ZeaChem on the accomplishment. “The production of cellulosic ethanol from ZeaChem’s biorefinery in Oregon demonstrates the significant progress being made by the advanced ethanol industry. Jobs are being created, capital is being spent, and production is coming online. The advanced biofuels industry is growing rapidly and is a critical component to an all-of-the above national energy strategy.” Products Similar to a petrochemical refinery that makes multiple fuels and chemicals, ZeaChem’s demonstration facility is employing its C2 (two-carbon atom) platform to produce cellulose-based ethanol and intermediate chemicals such as acetic acid and ethyl acetate. The commercial market potential for all C2 products is $485 billion. Through relatively simple processing adjustments, the ZeaChem platform technology can create C3 chemicals (three-carbon structure) including propionic acid, ethyl propionate, propanol and propylene. Together, ZeaChem’s C2 and C3 products address a collection of end markets of more $1 trillion. Technology and Feedstock Unlike conventional biorefineries, ZeaChem can convert nearly any non-food biomass into fuels and chemicals. This provides ZeaChem with the opportunity to source feedstock locally and inexpensively. The demonstration facility will receive its feedstock from nearby-GreenWood Resources’ tree farms and other local agricultural residue processors. Partnerships As a supplier of competitively-priced products with significant environmental benefits, ZeaChem has formed strategic partnerships with companies that include GreenWood Resources, Valero and Chrysler. • “The resource supply agreement with ZeaChem provides GreenWood Resources with an important new market for our sustainable wood products,” said Jeff Nuss, president and chief executive officer of GreenWood Resources, Inc. “The ability to sustainably produce dedicated wood biomass as the primary feedstock for biofuels is a strategy that we believe can be replicated globally.” • “Ethanol that is produced from non-food sources at an efficiency rate that ultimately makes it competitive with oil makes business sense,” said Jim Gillingham, senior vice president of alternative fuels and project development at Valero. • “Chrysler Group has long been committed to promoting the consumption of advanced biofuels and to delivering flex-fuel vehicles to our customers,” said Reg Modlin, director of regulatory affairs at Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler looks forward to continuing to work with ZeaChem to accelerate the development of commercial production facilities.” Commercialization Development of ZeaChem’s first commercial biorefinery is currently underway. Backed by a conditional loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the state-of-the-art facility will have capacity to produce 25 million GPY or more of ethanol and chemicals from woody biomass and agricultural residues. It will be located at the Port of Morrow in Boardman, Ore., adjacent to ZeaChem’s 250,000 GPY integrated demonstration biorefinery. These partnerships and the support of the USDA loan guarantee will help accelerate commercialization of ZeaChem’s C2 product platform in Boardman. Other partnerships, including Procter & Gamble, will drive development of ZeaChem's product platform beyond C2. About ZeaChem Inc. ZeaChem Inc. has developed a cellulose-based biorefinery platform capable of producing advanced fuels and intermediate chemicals. ZeaChem's indirect approach leapfrogs the yield and carbon dioxide (CO2) problems associated with traditional and cellulosic based biorefinery processes. In addition, ZeaChem has a significant capital cost advantage compared to other cellulosic technologies. By efficiently extracting the most energy possible from biomass feedstocks, ZeaChem significantly increases output while reducing both production costs and environmental impacts. Incorporated in 2002, ZeaChem is headquartered in Lakewood, Colo. and operates a research and development laboratory facility in Menlo Park, Calif., and a demonstration biorefinery in Boardman, Ore. Please visit www.zeachem.com for more information. View ZeaChem’s corporate video here and virtual tour of the demonstration biorefinery here. Press Contact: Tony Morain (530) 574-5707 Tony.Morain@ogilvy.com Advanced Ethanol Council, News, Press Release 2013-03-12T19:44:01+00:00