A Call for Global Cooperation in Spain

May 31, 2013

Ed Hubbard had the unique opportunity to participate in the World Biofuels Conference in Seville, but despite the beautiful location, it wasn’t all love for the European Union. Current EU tariffs are proving damaging to its own demand, and the impact would spread to the global biofuel trade. It is clear that Europe’s industry would be better served with a more cooperative approach to trade relations.

Posted in Ethanol, Environment, Exports, Tariff

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America Needs More “Fiascos” Like Ethanol

October 28, 2011

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.

Posted in DDGS, Ethanol, Food, Jobs, Tariff

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Senate Ethanol Debate:  Peeling Away the Onion

June 17, 2011

For ethanol interests, the United States Senate was a cauldron of confusion this week. As is often the case in Washington, things are not as they appear. This week's ethanol debate had little to do with ethanol and even less to do with true energy policy. It was old fashioned political theater.

Posted in Agriculture, E15, Ethanol, Energy, Jobs, OPEC, Oil, Tariff , USDA, VEETC

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Transforming Ethanol Tax Policy:  Domestic Energy Promotion Act basics

May 05, 2011

Senator Grassley and a group of 7 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Domestic Energy Security Act of 2011. For all provisions, this bill would extend them through 2016 – in essence this is a 5 year bill. The following is a humble attempt to walk through them quickly.

Posted in Congress, Ethanol, Tariff

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RFA President Addresses Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit

January 25, 2011

Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen today is addressing the gathering of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association in Des Moines, Iowa. Dinneen is joining Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Senator Rick Santorum, and others to speak on importance of ethanol and biofuels to state and the nation.

Posted in Ethanol, EPA, Production, Tariff , VEETC

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Ethanol Tax Incentives Survive in Senate Bill

December 10, 2010

As part of a final tax compromise reached in the Senate, key tax incentives for the use of ethanol will be extended for another year.

Posted in Congress, Ethanol, Jobs, Renewable Fuels, Tariff , VEETC

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What’s Up Next for Ethanol Tax Policy?

December 06, 2010

The clock is ticking down to the end of the 1111th Congress, yet big policy issues remain. Chiefly for the American ethanol industry, extending the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) is a top priority. Stage craft around votes on expiring Bush-era tax cuts took place over the weekend to the expected outcome. Now, with that bit of political messaging behind them, both the House and the Senate can get down to business and address those issues that must get done.

Posted in Ethanol, Tariff , VEETC

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Senate Anti-Ethanol Letter Ignores Key Facts

November 30, 2010

The Washington Post is reporting on a letter sent to Senate leadership from a group of senators urging an end to the ethanol tax incentive known as VEETC. Unfortunately, the letter ignores the economic and job creation that would be lost if America fails to continue its investment in ethanol and renewable fuels.

Posted in Congress, Ethanol, Jobs, Tariff , VEETC

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Brazil’s Government Funded, Government Nurtured Ethanol Industry

September 01, 2010

Those who live in glass house ought not throw stones. It is quite brazenly disingenuous for UNICA to lecture Americans on our national ethanol policy. The Brazilian government has had a far heavier hand in growing the ethanol industry in that country than this post would lead you to believe.

Posted in Brazil, Ethanol, Tariff , VEETC

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TGIF!

July 16, 2010

After a frenetic week in Washington for America's ethanol industry, all i have to say is Thank Goodness It's Friday!

Posted in Ethanol, Energy, Environment, Renewable Fuel Standard, Tariff , VEETC

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Senate to Include Ethanol Tax Incentive?

July 12, 2010

POLITICO is reporting that an extension to the ethanol tax incentive may be in the works on the Senate side as Senate Finance Chairman Baucus and his committee are putting together a package of tax provisions to include an extension of the 45-cent per gallon tax credit for ethanol. The inclusion of this tax credit is suggested to be a going-away present for Senator Grassley (R-IA), a long time supporter of biofuels, ethanol in particular. The fact that leadership is considering this inclusion is more reflective of the fact ethanol enjoys bipartisan support than the term limits imposed by the Senate GOP with respect to committees.

Posted in Ethanol, Tariff , VEETC

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