With gasoline prices falling, ethanol producers across Iowa are seeing their profits fall, too, and industry leaders say the timing couldn't be worse. Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says international trade feuds and reduced travel due to coronavirus are … [Read more...]
Ethanol backer says court decision on waivers is a victory
A federal court decision last week may reduce the number of small refinery waivers the Environmental Protection Agency issues for blending ethanol. The 10th circuit court of appeals found the agency over-stepped its reach in the case of three refineries. American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian … [Read more...]
IRFA seeks 66% boost in grants for E15 pump installation
Just ten percent of gas stations in Iowa have pumps that will dispense the higher blend of ethanol that's now cleared nationally for sale year-round. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is asking state officials for a 66 percent increase in the total amount of state "cost-share" grant money that's … [Read more...]
Iowans made last-ditch RFS pitch at White House
A northwest Iowa farmer who was at the White House earlier this week says he's disappointed President Trump has failed to uphold the renewable fuels deal he agreed to in September. "It is pretty upsetting to American farmers and rural America," said Kelly Nieuwenhuis, a farmer from … [Read more...]
Uproar from Iowa over EPA’s Renewable Fuels announcement
There's strong, negative reaction from Iowa politicians and the state's biofuels industry to today's EPA decision on the Renewable Fuels Standard. "Unfortunately, President Trump turned his back on providing certainty for farmers and instead granted EPA the leeway to do what they want in the … [Read more...]
Iowa cellulosic ethanol plant to shift to research and development
The ethanol plant in northwest Iowa which makes the fuel from corn cobs and corn stalks is downsizing and 30 employees will be laid off in early 2020. The POET-DSM’s Project Liberty cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg broke new ground in the industry according to Hugh Welsh, the company's … [Read more...]
Ernst says President Trump is upset by EPA’s biofuels rules
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst today said she's talked directly with President Trump about the furor over proposed EPA rules which Ernst says do not fulfill the deal Trump struck in September on the renewable fuels standard. "I did visit with the president actually, again, two nights ago on this issue … [Read more...]
Buttigieg says there’s real cost to Trump’s broken RFS promises
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg says President Trump isn't keeping his promises to Iowa's agricultural community when it comes to the Renewable Fuels Standard. "Actions speak louder than words and the president says he cares about farmers, but if you look what he's done with the … [Read more...]
Biden questions President Trump’s deal-making skills
Former Vice President Joe Biden started a campaign swing through eastern Iowa today, offering a critique of President Trump's trade policies. "He's great at the 'Art of the Deal' isn't he?" Biden asked rhetorically, mentioning the title of one of Trump's books. "Every farmer who thinks they're … [Read more...]
Idled Sioux Center ethanol plant back at 50% production
A northwest Iowa ethanol plant that was idled in mid-September has resumed production, due to action in California. Kelly Nieuwenhuis, a farmer from Primghar, is president of farmer-owned Siouxland Energy in Sioux Center. "The State of California is using a significant amount of ethanol to … [Read more...]