NEC Scholarship Recipient Essay Rises Above the Rest
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF) believe it is important for students interested in the biofuels and renewable fuels industry to have an opportunity to explore what the industry has to offer them by meeting with and talking to experts and industry leaders at the National Ethanol Conference. This essay submitted by a scholarship recipient was among some of the outstanding applicants.
Posted in Education, National Ethanol Conference
Outstanding Essay from NEC Scholarship Recipient
For the third consecutive year, the RFA and RFF offered scholarships to students in higher education for a chance to receive a complementary registration at the 17th Annual National Ethanol Conference. Applicants were asked to explain how this scholarship will assist them in achieving their academic and/or career goals in 500 words or less. This year, two essays stood out above the rest.
Posted in Education, National Ethanol Conference
Another Record-Breaking Month for Ethanol Exports
U.S. exports of denatured and undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol set a new monthly record of 152.5 million gallons (mg) in November, according to government data released this morning.
Ethanol Remains a Bargain
Countless stories and editorials have noted that the tax incentive for the use of ethanol has been allowed to expire. What the majority of these stories fail to note is that ethanol remains the lowest cost transportation fuel on the market today – and thus, is saving consumers’ money.
Understanding California Court Decision and the LCFS
A federal court in California has ruled that the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard violates the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. This is a significant development for all U.S. ethanol producers. In the following post, the RFA explains the ruling and why it truly matters.
The 2012 Crystal Ball
A new year ushers in a new era for ethanol in the U.S. New markets domestically and internationally are opening up just as new technologies for ethanol production begin commercial construction at new biorefineries around the country. What 2012 will ultimately hold for American ethanol production remains to be seen, but that shouldn’t stop us from positing some guesses.
Posted in E15, Engines, Ethanol, Exports, Land Use, Production
Top 5 Ethanol Stories for 2011
2011 was a momentous year for America’s ethanol industry both domestically and internationally. From new markets to new technologies to a new policy framework, the events of 2011 will shape the future of America’s renewable fuel industry.
Ethanol growth not leading to cropland expansion, new USDA report shows
An in-depth analysis of U.S. land use patterns released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows total cropland decreased by 34 million acres from 2002 to 2007, the lowest level since USDA began collecting this data 1945. The RFA said the new report is one more addition to the mounting body of evidence that proves increased ethanol production has not resulted in expansion of total U.S. cropland or a decline in grassland and forest.
Posted in Agriculture, Land Use, Research, USDA
The Ethanol Shuffle
There’s a hot new craze called the “Ethanol Shuffle” that’s sweeping seaports from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles and Houston to Maceio. It’s not a new dance for longshoremen and ship captains; no, this is a shuffle of an entirely different sort. This shuffle is all about the confounded realignment of the global ethanol trade.
October Ethanol Exports Just Short of Monthly Record
U.S. exports of denatured and undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol totaled 121.4 million gallons (mg) in October, just shy of the record of 127.4 mg established in June, according to government data released this morning.
Posted in Ethanol
Ethanol Exports Surge in September, While Distillers Grains Exports Slide
Ethanol exports rebounded sharply in September, as shipments to Brazil hit their highest level since April. According to U.S. government data released today, a total of 105.8 million gallons (mg) of denatured and undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol were exported in September. Year-to-date exports stood at 746.5 mg at the end of September, almost double the amount exported in the entire 2010 calendar year.
Ethanol and water, hold the ice
Recent claims from some marine engine manufacturers that E15 ethanol blends will ruin marine engines are meant solely to incite fear and not meaningful discussion. A meaningful discussion would note that E15 is illegal for use in marine engines, that the testing being cited is not comprehensive, and that the ethanol industry has repeatedly extended olive branches to work on the concerns boaters and others have raised.
America Needs More “Fiascos” Like Ethanol
In a recent opinion piece, commodity broker Dave Juday attempts to argue that America’s push to use renewable fuels to weaken our dependence on foreign oil is a “fiasco.” As is often the case with the opinions of anti-ethanol critics, the argument lacks context and a complete recital of the facts. If 400,000 jobs and 445 million fewer barrels of imported oil each year are a fiasco, then America could use a few more just like it.
August Ethanol Exports Dip; DDGS Exports Surge
According to government data released today, U.S. ethanol exports went down sharply in the month of August. Exports of denatured and undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol totaled 52.1 million gallons (mg). Meanwhile, distillers grains (DDGS) exports hit their highest level of the year. DDGS exports for the month totaled 829,489 metric tons (mt).
Fowl Policy: Why Corn Stocks-to-Use Ratio Doesn’t Work as RFS Policy Foundation
Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Jim Costa (D-CA) are pushing legislation that would require the EPA to waive a portion of the annual Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) when the corn stocks-to-use ratio falls below 10 percent. But history shows the ratio is, at best, a crude and highly volatile indicator of supply-demand that is not fit to serve as a mechanism for important public policy decision-making.
Posted in Renewable Fuel Standard
A Fresh Look at Corn Stocks, Co-products, and Ethanol Production
According to the USDA quarterly grain stocks report released this morning, end stocks of corn for the 2010/2011 marketing year stand at 1.13 billion bushels. That is nearly 200 million bushels higher than many experts were predicting and an indication that the market is working to ensure sufficient supplies of corn remain available for all uses.
Posted in Agriculture, DDGS, Ethanol, Food, Production
Another record month for U.S. ethanol exports
U.S. ethanol exports in July set a new monthly record, according to government data released today. Exports of denatured and undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol totaled 127.4 million gallons in July, edging out the April total of 120.1 million gallons to set a new record. July exports were nearly double the amount exported in June.
Improvements in Ethanol Process Result in Lower GHG Emissions
America is home to the most innovative, productive and efficient ethanol and grain producers in the world. This increasing productivity and efficiency contributes directly to ethanol’s ability to lower greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline on a lifecycle basis. American farmers and ethanol producers are consciously investing in technology that dramatically lowers their carbon footprint while producing more fuel, feed, and food than ever before.
Posted in Ethanol, Energy, Environment
From farm to biorefinery: Ethanol production efficiency improves
In the second part of RFA’s series on the improving efficiencies of corn ethanol production, the focus will be specifically on input use—both on the farm and at the biorefinery.
Posted in Ethanol, Energy, Environment, Production, Water
Dear President Obama
Your scheduled tour of rural communities through the Upper Midwest this week will no doubt provide you with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities present in rural communities all across the nation. Your scheduled travel will also bring you in close proximity to many of the most successful drivers of economic opportunity today: ethanol biorefineries.
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