http://www.ethanolrfa.org/ en Copyright 2010 2010-09-09T15:43:39+00:00 http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-ddgs-exports-surge/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-ddgs-exports-surge/ (September 9, 2010) Washington - After sliding in three consecutive months, U.S. ethanol exports climbed substantially in July, according to government data released today. Denatured and undenatured (non-beverage) ethanol exports totaled 25.2 million gallons, up 57% from June. In particular, denatured ethanol exports surged, with large volumes being imported once again by Brazil and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). After importing U.S. ethanol early in the spring of 2010, Brazil and UAE did not import any U.S. product in May or June. A total of 22.4 million gallons of denatured ethanol was exported in July, more than double the total from June. Canada continued to serve as the top U.S. export destination for denatured ethanol, importing 9.5 million gallons of product. Finland imported its first shipment of U.S. denatured ethanol this year, totaling 4.5 million gallons. Brazil, the Netherlands, and UAE rounded out the top five denatured ethanol importers for July. Exports of undenatured, non-beverage ethanol continued to slide in July. Only 2.7 million gallons of undenatured product was exported, down from 5 million gallons in June. Nearly 90% of undenatured ethanol exports went to Mexico. Total year-to-date ethanol exports for 2010 stand at 182.7 million gallons (121.7 million gallons of denatured ethanol and 61 million gallons of undenatured), meaning exports continue at a record pace. Only once in the last 20 years has the U.S. exported more ethanol than it has through the first seven months of 2010. In 1995, the U.S. exported 197.5 million gallons of denatured and undenatured ethanol. July also marked a new monthly record for exports of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), the livestock feed co-product generated by dry mill ethanol plants. In July, 886,300 metric tons of DDGS were exported from the United States. Year-to-date DDGS exports (January-July) now stand at 4.95 million metric tons, compared to 5.65 million metric tons for all of 2009. Notably, more DDGS were exported in the month of July alone than in the entire year of 2004. The U.S. ethanol industry is on pace to export 8.5 million metric tons of DDGS this year, equivalent to about 28% of expected DDGS production. China was the top destination for U.S. DDGS exports in July, accounting for nearly 40% of the total. Mexico, Turkey, and Canada were the second, third, and fourth-leading importers, respectively.   {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-09-09T14:43:39+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-patriot-renewable-fuels-as-newest-member/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-patriot-renewable-fuels-as-newest-member/ (September 1, 2010) Washington - The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is pleased to announce Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC has joined the RFA, becoming a strong and valued member of the national trade association for the ethanol industry. Located in the heart of Illinois corn production in Annawan, IL, Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC is dedicated to promoting energy independence within their community and the nation as a whole by providing a renewable and domestically produced energy solution to our dependence on foreign oil. Recently celebrating their two year production anniversary, the plant continues to produce at their nameplate capacity of 100 million gallons of ethanol per year. “Patriot has now been in production for two years. As our project developed we have benefited from the industry leadership and the communications provided by the Renewable Fuels Association,” said Patriot Renewable Fuels President and Co-Founder, Gene Griffith. “From the time we began our development, the industry production quadrupled from 3 to 12 billion gallons annually. Simultaneously, we have seen both commodity volatility and federal policy changes that impact ethanol producers. The ethanol “blend wall” and the upcoming expiration of the “blender’s credit” are two of these issues. We are pleased to be able to join with the Renewable Fuels Association to help carry our message to both Washington and to the general public. The RFA will continue to provide information and communication resources to help Patriot and the ethanol industry to continue our growth and development.” “The ethanol industry has made tremendous progress over the past year, producing record amounts of ethanol in 2009 and a projected 13 billion gallons of fuel in 2010, supporting 400,000 jobs and displacing the need for 364 million barrels of imported oil,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “We are thrilled to have Patriot Renewable Fuels join our group and be a part of our continuing efforts in leading our country to utilize domestic, clean burning fuel and become less reliant on foreign oil.” For more information on Patriot Renewable Fuels, please visit www.patriotrenewablefuels.com. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-09-01T12:32:45+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-production-and-demand-numbers-soar-for-june-2010/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-production-and-demand-numbers-soar-for-june-2010/ (August 30, 2010) Washington - Ethanol production reached an all-time high in June 2010, according to data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Additionally, ethanol demand for June also hit a record level. According to data released today, ethanol production in June was just over 854,000 barrels per day (b/d), or 1.08 billion gallons for the month. That is up from 846,000 b/d from May and more than 160,000 b/d higher than June 2009. Based on data from the first six months of 2010, US ethanol production is running at 12.87 billion gallons on an annualized basis. As calculated by the RFA, ethanol demand also reached an all-time high of 893,000 b/d, up from 721,000 b/d one year ago. Interestingly, the monthly figures from EIA for June are higher than the weekly production averages EIA recently began reporting. According to the weekly data from EIA highlighted by RFA, June production averaged just 839,000 b/d or a difference of 15,000 b/d compared to the monthly figure released today. At 18.9 million gallons for the month, this is a rather large discrepancy. Subsequent weekly and monthly reports will be needed to determine if the discrepancy between the monthly and weekly data is a trend or just a result of the kinks being worked out of the new weekly reporting requirement. June 2010 Statistics (mg = million gallons; b/d = barrels per day)   *Source: Energy Information Administration, Renewable Fuels Association **Source: RFA calculations, does not include exports ***Source: Source: Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, USDA-FAS; Export figures represent sum of “Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength” and “Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80 percent vol. or higher.” Thus, the figures likely include ethyl alcohol exports for non-fuel industrial purposes. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-08-30T12:34:14+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-industry-veteran-says-goodbye-to-another/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-industry-veteran-says-goodbye-to-another/ The Renewable Fuels Association is honored to welcome Randy Klein as Director of Membership. Randy comes to the RFA from the Nebraska Corn Board where he served as Director of Market Development. He will be based out of the RFA’s Omaha office. “We are pleased to have someone of Randy’s experience and passion for ethanol as part of our team,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “As a member-based organization, the RFA prides itself on providing its dues-paying members all the relevant information they need to make informed decisions about our policy direction and their own individual operations. Randy will hit the ground running as the RFA’s representative to the dozens of ethanol producers all across the nation.” As the RFA welcomes Randy, it says goodbye to Jim Redding, who has served as the association’s Vice President of Industry Relations after his retirement from Aventine Renewable Energy two years ago. Jim is retiring to spend more time with his family, and to play more golf. “Jim Redding has been an industry leader for nearly three decades, and his expertise and counsel will be missed,” said Dinneen. “We wish Jim nothing but the best and hope he remains involved in the industry as it continues to grow and evolve.” {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-08-06T13:32:18+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-analysis-reveals-more-problems-with-epa-ghg-accounting/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-analysis-reveals-more-problems-with-epa-ghg-accounting/ (August 5, 2010)  Washington – Further analysis of EPA’s Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) reveals more errors in the agency’s calculation of corn ethanol and other biofuels’ carbon intensity, according to new analysis by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). In a letter to EPA sent on August 4, the RFA points out that “according to [EPA’s] own analysis, EPA grossly overestimated potential emissions from land use change (LUC) attributable to the [greenhouse gas] lifecycle of corn ethanol and other biofuels.” Correcting this error, as RFA points out in its letter, would greatly increase the greenhouse gas reduction benefits offered by ethanol under EPA’s calculations. “Correcting this miscalculation reduces net LUC emissions (international and domestic) assigned to corn ethanol by 62% from 28.4 grams of CO2-equivalent/mega joule (g/MJ) to 10.8 g/MJ. Such a reduction in LUC emissions means overall lifecycle GHG emissions for 2022 average corn ethanol would be 38% less than baseline gasoline emissions, rather than the 21% estimate finalized by EPA.” The RFA still maintains that the inclusion of LUC impacts, particularly international impacts over which the U.S. has no control, is flawed policy and that EPA misinterpreted the intent of Congress when it passed the RFS. In a blog post on the letter, RFA Vice President of Research and Analysis Geoff Cooper writes, “Despite the fact that real-world data and events have disputed the ILUC theory at every turn, EPA’s final rule for the RFS2 institutes a net LUC penalty (domestic and international) against corn ethanol of 30 kg CO2e/mmBTU (or 28.4 g CO2e/mega joule). This represents nearly 40% of the total GHG intensity of corn ethanol as estimated by EPA. When LUC emissions are excluded, EPA found corn ethanol from a natural gas dry mill reduces GHG emissions by 50% compared to gasoline. With LUC emissions, that benefit falls to around a 20% reduction.” This overestimation occurred as a result of the questionable methodological choice EPA made to isolate the LUC impacts of individual biofuels by increasing their production one at a time and holding all other biofuels at constant levels. More appropriately, the RFA notes, if EPA felt compelled by the statute to penalize biofuels for ILUC, it should have based those penalties on modeling that simultaneously increased production for all biofuels in accordance with the RFS requirements. “Attempting to isolate the potential impacts of individual biofuels results in significantly exaggerated estimates of the overall lifecycle GHG intensity of corn ethanol and other biofuels,” the RFA wrote. “Because the EISA requires increasing volumes of various biofuels simultaneously, EPA should have based its LUC estimates on the scenario results that simulated concomitant increases in the various biofuels required by the [RFS].” While the RFA letter relates specifically to EPA’s calculation of greenhouse gas emissions, the flaws in EPA’s modeling together with the inclusion of LUC impacts are symptomatic of a larger concern about attempts to limit emission from vehicles by unfairly penalizing biofuels. Again, Cooper writes in his blog post , “It should come as no surprise that the ethanol industry remains opposed to the inclusion of highly uncertain and prescriptive emissions from indirect land use change (ILUC) in the lifecycle GHG analysis of crop-based biofuels. This is particularly true when results from those lifecycle GHG analyses serve as the very foundation for state and federal regulations governing the production and use of biofuels (à la the California LCFS and Federal Renewable Fuels Standard, or RFS2). After all, there still isn’t a shred of indisputable empirical evidence that positively links increased use of grain for ethanol in the United States to conversions of grassland or forest here or in other parts of the world. But whether you believe in ILUC or not is largely irrelevant at this point—the concept has been codified and implemented as part of the RFS2 regulation and our industry is in fact being regulated today on land use decisions that might or might not be made in nations halfway around the world over the course of the next 12 years and might or might not be related to U.S. biofuels policy.” {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-08-05T14:44:22+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/registration-for-export-exchange-2010-now-available/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/registration-for-export-exchange-2010-now-available/ (August 4, 2010) Washington – Registration is now available for the Export Exchange 2010, an international trade conference focused around the export of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and coarse grains. The event—co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council and the Renewable Fuels Association—will be held Oct. 6-8, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago, Ill. Export Exchange 2010 will bring together more than 150 international buyers of U.S. DDGS and coarse grains with more than 300 U.S. producers and agribusinesses. The U.S. DDGS and coarse grains industry will have an unprecedented venue to meet their export customers and strengthen relationships that will foster future business opportunities. The conference will address critical issues facing U.S. exports and seek to educate and build awareness of U.S. DDGS and coarse grains among international buyers. An estimated 80 percent of the world’s top DDGS and coarse grains buyers will attend. Will you? To find out more information or to register for the Export Exchange 2010, click here. Contact:Marri Carrow, U.S. Grains Council, at 202-789-0789Matt Hartwig, Renewable Fuels Association, at 202-289-3835 {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-08-05T12:38:37+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/may-2010-daily-ethanol-production-demand/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/may-2010-daily-ethanol-production-demand/ (August 2, 2010) WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. ethanol production rose in May, according to information from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). May 2010 ethanol production averaged more than 846,000 barrels per day (b/d). That is up from 832,000 b/d in April. Ethanol demand, as calculated by the Renewable Fuels Association, also reached an all time high at 847,000 b/d in May, up from 713,000 b/d a year ago. EIA also reports fuel ethanol imports of 1.6 million gallons in May. According to data from the Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, and the Dept. of Agriculture Foreign Ag Service, the U.S. exported 17.1 million gallons of ethanol in May. This was a drop of 58% from April. Through May, the U.S. has exported 141.4 million gallons. It is important to note export figures represent sum of “Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength” and “Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80 percent vol. or higher.” Thus, the figures likely include ethyl alcohol exports for non-fuel industrial purposes. As such, RFA ethanol demand calculations are for domestic use only, providing a comparison to domestic ethanol production. The RFA released the following statistics: May 2010 Statistics (mg = million gallons; b/d = barrels per day) *Source: Energy Information Administration, Renewable Fuels Association **Source: RFA calculations, does not include exports ***Source: Source: Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, USDA-FAS; Export figures represent sum of “Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength” and “Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80 percent vol. or higher.” Thus, the figures likely include ethyl alcohol exports for non-fuel industrial purposes. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-08-02T20:34:37+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/world-bank-impact-of-biofuels-on-commodity-prices-not-as-large-as-originall/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/world-bank-impact-of-biofuels-on-commodity-prices-not-as-large-as-originall/ (July 30, 2010)  Washington – A newly released report from the Development Prospects Group at the World Bank, conludes that “…the effect of biofuels on food prices has not been as large as originally thought, but that the use of commodities by financial investors (the so-called "financialization of commodities”) may have been partly responsible for the 2007/08 spike.”  This is the same World Bank whose "leaked" report in 2008 erroneously blamed biofuels for 75 percent of the commodity price spike.  John Baffes and Tassos Haniotis, authors of the report entitled "Placing the 2006/08 Commodity Price Boom into Perspective", argue that energy prices, and as noted above speculation, played significant roles in the non-energy commodity price spikes seen in the recent past. “We conclude that a stronger link between energy and non‐energy commodity prices is likely to have been the dominant influence on developments in commodity, and especially food, markets. Demand by developing countries is unlikely to have put additional pressure on the prices of food commodities, although it may have created such pressure indirectly through energy prices.” The authors also conclude that it is unlikely biofuels played a significant role because they do not represent a large percentage of worldwide grain and oilseed use – a point the Renewable Fuels Association has routinely made. The authors point out: “Yet, worldwide, biofuels account for only about 1.5 percent of the area under grains/oilseeds. This raises serious doubts about claims that biofuels account for a big shift in global demand. Even though widespread perceptions about such a shift played a big role during the recent commodity price boom, it is striking that maize prices hardly moved during the first period of increase in US ethanol production, and oilseed prices dropped when the EU increased impressively its use of biodiesel. On the other hand, prices spiked while ethanol use was slowing down in the US and biodiesel use was stabilizing in the EU.” Biofuel producers, including those members of the Renewable Association, have long challenged those seeking to blame ethanol and biodiesel production for the run up in commodity prices. During the height of the debate (and in subsequent reports thereafter), the industry has always held that record oil prices had much more to do with commodity and food prices than biofuel production. “In reversing course, this World Bank report reaffirms the marginal role biofuels play in world commodity and food prices,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “The RFA has long noted that ethanol production has continued to increase while corn prices have now returned to normal levels. Volatile oil prices, speculation, and adverse weather conditions all played far more significant roles in driving commodity prices to record and near record prices. This report should silence critics in the food processing industry, the livestock industry, on Capitol Hill, and anywhere else that sought to portray ethanol as the boogeyman. With this phony food and fuel discussion put behind us, perhaps a real conversation about America’s energy future can ensue.” The report also came to some interesting conclusions about the role of energy prices and speculation in commodity prices, including: • “Fiscal expansion in many countries and lax monetary policy created an environment that favored high commodity prices. The depreciation of the US dollar—the currency of choice for most international commodity transactions— strengthened demand (and limited supply) from non‐US$ commodity consumers (and producers). Other important contributing factors include low past investment especially in extractive commodities; investment fund activity by financial institutions that chose to include commodities in their portfolios; and geopolitical concerns, especially in energy markets.” • “We conjecture that index fund activity (one type of “speculative” activity among the many that the literature refers to) played a key role during the 2008 price spike.” {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-30T16:12:33+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/largest-ffv-fleet-in-united-states-now-has-e85/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/largest-ffv-fleet-in-united-states-now-has-e85/ (July 30, 2010) Washington - The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Protec Fuel are proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Naval Station Norfolk E85 Station in Norfolk, Virginia. This station will be publically accessible as well as provide fuel to the Navy Fleet and city fleets. Norfolk is home to the largest fleet of vehicles using alternative fuels in United States. As the largest Naval complex in the world, the Norfolk Naval base has 2,585 flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) in their fleet, 1,000 of which are GSA leased and operated. With the installation of this E85 pump, these vehicles will now have the ability to fill up with the fuel they were designed to run on. The Naval Station Norfolk and Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), along with the RFA and Protec Fuel, will welcome this station with a ribbon cutting grand opening ceremony for the new E85 station today, Friday, July 30th at 10:00AM. E85 fuel will be available to FFV drivers at a discounted rate of 85 cents per gallon from 11:00AM to 1:00PM, along with live radio remote and giveaways. The station is located at CD-16 Mall Drive in Norfolk, VA in the neighborhood of the NEX shopping mall and right along the busy entrance to the base. This opening marks the second E85 fuel pump to open in the Hampton Roads area. The first pump opened in March 2009 at Naval Air Station Oceana. To help educate those driving these vehicles, the rearview mirrors will display a hanger providing FFV information after each maintenance service. Protec Fuel is responsible for the infrastructure development and supply of the E85 fuel for the Naval Station Norfolk pump. “Protec Fuel is proud to be partnered with NEXCOM and The US Navy by building and opening this new E85 station,” said Todd Garner, Managing Partner of Protec Fuel. “The Norfolk Naval E85 station, serving the largest Naval base in the world, will effectively serve the general public and the large flex-fuel fleet vehicles simultaneously. Economic and environmental benefits aside, this station and E85 will help get our troops home and strengthen our national security through domestically produced fuels.” There are more than 8 million flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) on America’s roadways today, with over 2,300 fueling stations offering blends of E85. Efforts to install more of these types of fueling stations are underway with a goal to at least triple the availability of these blends within the next few years. “When the largest fleet in the state of Virginia is fueling their vehicles with alternative fuels like ethanol, it shows the strong desire to rely more on domestic made fuel and less on foreign oil,” said RFA Director of Market Development, Robert White. “With the Navy taking this lead, we only hope that it will promote the use of America’s fuel throughout the rest of the U.S.” To help locate E85 stations, the RFA has developed a fuel locator application for Garmin and TomTom GPS devices. This application is updated quarterly, and locates the closest or most convenient E85 fueling station to the driver using the current location or final destination. In a few simple steps, FFV owners can download this application from their computer directly to their GPS device here. E85 is an ethanol blended gasoline made up of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This fuel is to be used in Flex-Fuel Vehicles only as they have been designed to operate on any level of ethanol blended gasoline. Owners should consult their owner’s manual to see if their vehicle is E85-compatable. About the RFA: Since 1981, the RFA has led the fight on behalf of American ethanol producers to open markets and create sound public policies allowing for the expanding production and use of fuel ethanol. Representing the majority of American ethanol production, the RFA believes sound analysis, credible statistics, an understanding of the industry rooted in history, and a willingness to work with other groups is the key to effective advocacy. About Protec Fuel: Protec Fuel is a fuel distribution and management company based in Boca Raton, Florida with its alternative fuel division specializing in turnkey ethanol programs for retailers, fleets and fuel distributors throughout the United States. Turnkey services include: physical ethanol supply and blending programs; financial risk management programs and; RINS management. The turnkey program also covers infrastructure needs including: E85 strategic site selection; station design; equipment supply; new station installation; conversions of existing stations; government grant funding assistance and; support with station sales and marketing. Protec also provides marketing services for advanced and cellulosic ethanol producers in addition to a full range of conventional energy risk management programs. Protec currently supplies, either directly or through distribution partners, approximately 250 E85 stations. Please visit www.protecfuel.com to learn more. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-30T14:18:41+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/u.s.-farmers-ethanol-groups-call-on-epa-to-act-on-raising-level-of-ethanol-/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/u.s.-farmers-ethanol-groups-call-on-epa-to-act-on-raising-level-of-ethanol-/ (July 26, 2010) Washington – Three major farmer and ethanol groups today called on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson to formally approve the use of E12 (12% ethanol) in the nation’s gasoline supply. The groups – American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) – in a formal letter to the EPA Administrator wrote, “based on the EPA’s delay in acting upon the full E15 waiver and on our concerns that the Agency will restrict the use of E15 to cars made in 2001 and thereafter, we encourage the EPA to formally approve the use of E12 for all motor vehicles as an immediate interim step pending any ongoing additional testing on E15.” The groups pointed to President Obama’s stated goal of reducing reliance on oil imports and reiterated that expanded use of domestically produced ethanol will help accomplish that goal. According to the letter, “Decreasing dependence on foreign oil is a key to this country’s environmental, energy and security policy, and the EPA must provide a practical and workable solution to the ethanol blend wall issue and do so soon. Allowing E12 for all motor vehicles as an interim step to a full waiver for E15 is a reasonable and defensible first step to solve the immediate problem.” The groups’ letter reviewed previous EPA findings, policy positions and research to demonstrate the reasonableness of approving E12 for use in the nation’s automobile and light truck fleet. “The EPA has a clear basis and the authority to approve E12. While we think delay on E15 is unnecessary and will slow progress on expanding the use of ethanol, we all agree that approval of E12 is a vital interim step that EPA can and should take,” the groups wrote. All three groups remain fully committed to efforts to approve the use of E15 for all vehicles. Read the letter in its entirey here. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-26T13:32:20+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/letter-to-the-editor-wall-street-journal/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/letter-to-the-editor-wall-street-journal/ To the Editor: Seeking even-handedness from the editors of The Wall Street Journal is like expecting a mama grizzly to forsake her cubs. While it is true that ethanol does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions quite as significantly as not burning oil, US ethanol production has few equals in reducing oil dependence and creating domestic economic opportunity. The CBO report on which the WSJ ties its anti-ethanol star this time provides no context. It doesn’t mention the permanent tax subsidies the oil industry receives, although a report in 2005 CBO report found, according to The New York Times, “that the oil industry investments were taxed at an effective rate of 9 percent, significantly lower than the overall rate of 25 percent for businesses in general and lower than virtually any other industry.” These and other multi-billion dollar tax breaks are permanent subsidies that rob the federal treasury of tax revenue that is ultimately, along with nearly $1 billion daily, provided to foreign governments to keep America addicted to oil. Nor does the CBO report that nearly 400,000 Americans are employed directly and indirectly by America’s ethanol industry. These jobs provide increased household incomes and new tax revenues for hundreds of small communities all over America. The well being of rural America has never been top of mind for The Wall Street Journal. This editorial is typical. Eliminating investment in ethanol and other renewable fuels will result in reducing domestic ethanol production, increase unemployment, and increase America’s dependence on imported oil from OPEC members like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela whose policies are often at odds with ours and ethanol from Brazil, where rainforest destruction happens with regularity. Sincerely,Bob DinneenPresident and CEORenewable Fuels Association  {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-26T14:07:32+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-partners-with-usgc-on-international-ddgs-and-coarse-grains-conference/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-partners-with-usgc-on-international-ddgs-and-coarse-grains-conference/ Washington - The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the U.S. Grains Council are pleased to announce the Export Exchange 2010, an international trade conference focused around the export of U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and coarse grains. This co-sponsored event will bring together more than 150 international buyers of U.S. DDGS and coarse grains with more than 300 U.S. producers and agribusinesses. The conference will be held on Oct. 6-8, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago, Ill. “The opportunity to educate foreign buyers about high quality, U.S.-produced DDGS could not come at a better time,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “At current dietary inclusion levels, distillers grains consumption is nearing saturation in the United States. Increasing U.S. exports of distillers grains will be instrumental in helping the industry avoid running into a ‘feed wall.’ Fortunately, markets around the world are rapidly opening, creating demand for approximately 15 to 20 percent of all distillers grains produced today. We look forward to fostering continued growth in export markets and we are excited to co-sponsor the premier forum for connecting international feed buyers with U.S. producers of distillers grains.” The Export Exchange 2010 is uniquely focused on connecting international buyers of DDGS and coarse grains with the U.S. market. The Council is providing sponsorship for the attendance of targeted international trade teams from more than 25 countries. These participants represent nearly 80 percent of the global export market for DDGS and coarse grains. The conference will address critical issues facing U.S. exports and seek to educate and build awareness of U.S. DDGS and coarse grains among international buyers. “We are excited to have the Renewable Fuels Association co-sponsor the Export Exchange 2010,” said USGC President and CEO Thomas C. Dorr. “The burgeoning world population is demanding more meat, milk and eggs. U.S. DDGS and coarse grains continue to play an important role in livestock and poultry feed rations globally. We have to educate and connect our buyers and sellers to continue to grow vital markets for the United States.” For more information and updates about the Export Exchange 2010: Get answers. Make contacts. Build business. visit www.grains.org. As the national trade association for the U.S. ethanol industry, the Renewable Fuels Association promotes policies, regulations and research and development initiatives that will lead to the increased production and use of fuel ethanol. RFA membership includes a broad cross-section of businesses, individuals and organizations dedicated to the expansion of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry. Organized in 1981, RFA serves as the voice of the ethanol industry, providing advocacy, authoritative analysis, and important industry data to its members, Congress, federal and state government agencies, strategic partners, the media and other opinion-leader audiences. The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and their co-products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 10 international offices and active market development programs in more than 50 countries. Financial support from the Council’s private industry members, including state checkoff’s, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the government and support from cooperating groups in other countries, producing an annual market development program valued at more than $26 million.   Contact:Marri Carrow, U.S. Grains Council 202-789-0789Matt Hartwig, Renewable Fuels Association 202-289-3835 {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-19T18:45:56+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/twin-oil-opens-two-e85-stations-in-south-florida/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/twin-oil-opens-two-e85-stations-in-south-florida/ (July 19, 2010) Washington - The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Protec Fuel are proud to announce the expanded availability of E85 in South Florida at two Twin Oil Sunoco retail stations. The Twin Oil fueling stations, each branded as Sunoco, are offering E85 at 2501 Orange Avenue in Ft. Pierce and at 2681 SW Fondura Street (Gatlin Blvd) in Port St. Lucie. The Ft. Pierce E85 site will have 1 E85 dispenser with 2 nozzles, both located under the canopy. Twin Oil will also aim to serve the Florida Department of Transportation hub near this station and the many tourists in the area. The Port St. Lucie E85 station will offer E85 at 2 dispensers (Gilbarco), both under the canopy. This station is located on a busy street offering access to I-95, FL Turnpike and will also support fleets and tourists in addition to the local FFV population. Twin Oil utilized Protec Fuel’s turnkey E85 fuel program for both stations, which included the conversion process to an E85 fueling pump, E85 supply and promotional marketing. “Twin Oil is driven to provide our customers the choices they are demanding right now. Our customers have the ability to make a difference when it comes to using domestically produced fuel,” said Matthew Bernstein of Twin Oil. Todd Garner, Managing Partner of Protec, said, “Protec is working aggressively with Twin Oil and other retailers throughout the United States to expand the availability of E85. Not only is this a new offering that will differentiate themselves from their competitors, these E85 stations will be critical for consumers who will want a choice when fueling their vehicles.” There are more than 8 million flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) on America’s roadways today, with over 2,300 fueling stations offering blends of E85. Efforts to install more of these types of fueling stations are underway with a goal to at least triple the availability of these blends within the next few years.“When customers fill up with E85, they are not only putting a cleaner burning fuel into their vehicles, they are supporting domestic made fuels and enhancing energy security for the U.S.,” said RFA Market Development Director, Robert White. “Converting these unleaded fuel pumps to E85 stations is an important element in the process of increasing the use of E85 throughout the Southeastern area of the country.”To help locate the two stations, the RFA has developed a fuel locator application for Garmin and TomTom GPS devices. This application is updated quarterly and locates the closest or most convenient E85 fueling station to the driver using the current location or final destination. In a few simple steps, FFV owners can download this application from their computer directly to their GPS device here.E85 is an ethanol blended gasoline made up of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This fuel is to be used in flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) only as they have been designed to operate on any level of ethanol blended gasoline. Owners should consult their owner’s manual to see if their vehicle is E85-compatable. About the RFA: Since 1981, the RFA has led the fight on behalf of American ethanol producers to open markets and create sound public policies allowing for the expanding production and use of fuel ethanol. Representing the majority of American ethanol production, the RFA believes sound analysis, credible statistics, an understanding of the industry rooted in history, and a willingness to work with other groups is the key to effective advocacy. About Protec Fuel: Protec Fuel is a fuel distribution and management company based in Boca Raton, Florida with its alternative fuel division specializing in turnkey ethanol programs for retailers, fleets and fuel distributors throughout the United States. Turnkey services include: physical ethanol supply and blending programs; financial risk management programs and; RINS management. The turnkey program also covers infrastructure needs including: E85 strategic site selection; station design; equipment supply; new station installation; conversions of existing stations; government grant funding assistance and; support with station sales and marketing. Protec also provides marketing services for advanced and cellulosic ethanol producers in addition to a full range of conventional energy risk management programs. Protec currently supplies, either directly or through distribution partners, approximately 250 E85 stations. Please visit www.protecfuel.com to learn more. About Twin Oil: Twin Oil Company is a wholesale distributor located in Miami, Florida for over 45 years. Twin Oil leases out branded service stations located in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties. For business opportunities, please contact Michael Goldberg or Matthew Bernstein at (305) 688-9613. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-19T16:35:49+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/veetc-support-letter-from-ace-afbf-ncga-rfa/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/veetc-support-letter-from-ace-afbf-ncga-rfa/ The following is a letter sent to Senator Conrad (D-ND), Senator Grassley (R-IA), Representative Shimkus (R-IL) and Representative Pomeroy (D-ND) from the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), expressing their continued support and appreciation for the members leadership in advocating the extension of the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) and other ethanol tax incentives outlined in the GREEN Jobs Act of 2010 and the Renewable Fuels Reinvestment Act.   Read the letter here. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-19T15:25:06+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/protecting-oil-comes-at-environmental-cost-new-report-finds/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/protecting-oil-comes-at-environmental-cost-new-report-finds/ (July 19, 2010) Washington - Surprise, surprise.  Despite the claims of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB), the production and use of petroleum fuels does generate indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions…and they are potentially large. A paper to be published tomorrow in Environment Magazine found that the military activities related to acquiring and protecting oil imports from the Middle East generate significant GHG emissions that have, so far, been unaccounted for in fuel and climate regulations such as EPA’s Renewable Fuels Standard and CARB’s Low Carbon Fuels Standard.In the paper (“Securing Foreign Oil: A Case for Including Military Operations in the Climate Change Impact of Fuels”), University of Nebraska Professors Adam Liska and Richard Perrin write, “…military activity to protect international oil trade is a direct production component for importing foreign oil—as necessary for imports as are pipelines and supertankers—and therefore the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from that military activity are relevant to U.S. fuel policies related to climate change.”Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen said the paper represents a groundbreaking development in the study of indirect GHG emissions. “This is a landmark study in that it is the first rigorously researched and published estimate of one source of indirect emissions for oil,” Dinneen said. “To date, the debate over indirect emissions has been narrowly focused only on biofuels and the concept of land use change. In recently enacted regulations, EPA and CARB have assumed petroleum and other fuels incur no indirect emissions, which this paper demonstrates is completely erroneous. This study underscores that all fuels have indirect effects, a point we have been arguing for several years now.” Using previously published estimates of the fraction of military expenditures attributable to securing oil supplies, the authors found that defense of oil imports from the Middle East incurs a significant GHG cost. The authors write, “Overall military emissions associated with gasoline from the Middle East are then found to range from 8.1 to 18.2 g CO2e per MJ, with attributional military security alone at the low end to attributional military security and the Iraq War at the high end; the consequential approach to military security emissions alone is 17.5 g CO2e per MJ. It should also be noted that as petroleum imports decline, the intensity of these emissions would increase if expenditures for military security were to remain constant.”Notably, the estimate of 8.1 to 18.2 g/MJ is similar to the most recent published estimate of theoretical indirect land use change emissions tied to corn ethanol expansion. In April, authors from Purdue University estimated corn ethanol ILUC emissions to be 13.9 g/MJ.Dinneen noted that this is just one possible indirect emissions source tied to oil. Just last week, members of CARB’s expert work group showed preliminary data suggesting indirect GHG emissions related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could be an additional 3.9 g/MJ. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-19T15:11:54+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/farmers-ethanol-industry-reaffirm-support-for-current-ethanol-tax-poli/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/farmers-ethanol-industry-reaffirm-support-for-current-ethanol-tax-poli/ (July 15, 2010) Washington – The American Coalition for Ethanol, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Sorghum Producers, and the Renewable Fuels Association today reaffirmed their support for two identical pieces of legislation that would extend current ethanol tax incentives through 2015. Current ethanol tax policies are working to build out the industry, expand infrastructure, and provide the foundation for new technologies to thrive. "If Congress fails to extend ethanol tax incentives beyond 2010, more U.S. jobs will be lost and energy independence will be reversed, two dangerous consequences that America cannot afford,” said American Coalition for Ethanol Executive Vice President Brian Jennings. “ For years ACE has supported legislation to ensure more Flexible Fuel Vehicles and blender pumps are available to help overcome the E10 blend wall. Moreover, we have examined alternatives to VEETC, some which are appealing, and we have talked to policymakers about alternatives to VEETC. The universal response we have received from our champions on Capitol Hill is that while some of those alternatives are interesting, those alternatives cannot possibly be adopted at this stage in the legislative calendar, with just about 30 days remaining until Congress adjourns for the mid-term elections. Based on that congressional feedback and in consultation with other ag and ethanol groups, we have come to the conclusion we need to support the dozens of Members of Congress in both parties who are fighting to extend the current tax incentive as long as we can. At the same time, we will continue to fight aggressively in support of FFV and blender pump policies to help break through the blend wall.” “Ethanol plays a vital role in America’s energy supply,” said Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “It is a clean, high-octane fuel that is produced in America. These bills reaffirm longstanding congressional support for this domestic energy supply while at the same time helping to maintain a vital economic engine in many rural communities. We will work closely with members on both sides of the aisle to assure that provisions extending the Volumetic Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) are incorporated in any measures considered by the Senate.” “Our grassroots membership has made it clear that extension of the VEETC and support of our champions in the Congress is vital," said National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen, a corn grower in Hurley, S.D. "As our board and voting delegates visited with members of Congress this week it was apparent that time is short and extension is in the best interests of the corn industry.” “Continuing these tax incentives will be critical to add much needed green jobs throughout the Sorghum Belt and rural America,” said Gerald Simonsen, National Sorghum Producers Chairman. “To abandon these credits at this point will have devastating effects on a young but growing ethanol industry.” “There can be no question that the current tax policies to support the evolution of America’s ethanol industry have been successful,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “Now is not the time to add uncertainty and complexity to the energy tax debate. Because the EPA has failed to act to allow higher level ethanol blends, margins in the industry are razor thin. Losing the tax incentive now will shutter plants and cost tens of thousands of jobs. This is a serious discussion with real world implications. Numerous ideas exists and due diligence must be done to ensure the right ideas are put together so as to foster the continued growth of this industry.” The bills, the Renewable Fuels Reinvestment Act (HR 4940) and the GREEN JOBS Act (S. 3231), would extend four key ethanol tax incentives through the year 2015, including the $0.45 per gallon blenders credit for ethanol use. All the groups encourage Senate leaders to include this legislation in upcoming discussions of an energy bill as outlined by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-15T14:32:47+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/americas-number-one-smartphone-locates-americas-number-one-alternative/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/americas-number-one-smartphone-locates-americas-number-one-alternative/ (July 15, 2010) Washington - E85 fuel? There’s an app for that. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is proud to announce the new iPhone application used to help flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) drivers access the latest, most accurately geo-coded E85 stations throughout the United States. Developed by Digital Laundry, a Customer Experience Consultancy, this application will also work on the iTouch and iPad. The RFA will sponsor a free download for the first 500 users. The E85 FuelFinder allows iPhone and iPad users all over the country to map out E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) stations most accessible to them, no matter their current location or destination. With the database embedded in the iPhone itself, this application is useful, even if the user is in a no-service zone. In addition, users have the ability to add a station as a “favorite” for quick and easy accessibility, view or update the price per gallon of E85 fuel at specific locations, access driving directions through Google maps, and directly contact a specific station via telephone. The cost of the application is $1.99, which you can download here, and is also available on the App Store. Similar to the E85 FuelFinder, the RFA has developed an E85 Point of Interest (POI) application for Garmin and TomTom GPS devices, using the E85 station database found on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center. Updated quarterly, these GPS applications accurately guide drivers to over 2,300 E85 fueling stations throughout the United States. Step-by-step downloading instructions are available here . There, consumers can download individual state data, a combination of states, or national data directly from their computer to the GPS device. The database for both TomTom and Garmin can be found at www.ChooseEthanol.com. “With these applications, ethanol-fuels are readily available at the fingertips of America’s consumers,” said RFA Director of Market Development, Robert White. “Improving the access and availability of E85 is an important step in educating and increasing awareness to drivers of the alternative fuel options they have available to them.”As a reminder, only flex-fuel vehicles are capable of running on gasoline-ethanol blends up to 85 percent ethanol. Drivers should check their owner’s manual or consult with their car manufacturer to see if their vehicle is E85-compatible. You can also see if your vehicle can drive on E85 here. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-15T12:48:57+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-cbo-report-doesnt-tell-the-whole-story/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-cbo-report-doesnt-tell-the-whole-story/ (July 14, 2010) Washington - A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) takes the issue of ethanol tax incentives out of context, providing no comparison to other technologies or contrasting the benefits of biofuels against the clear destruction wrought by fossil fuels, according to the Renewable Fuels Association’s initial review. “It may seem penny-wise, but would be pound-foolish to dismiss the benefits of current biofuels in light of the havoc wrought by our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “Analyzing American energy policy cannot occur in a vacuum. To effectively address the energy, environmental and economic problems caused by our addiction to oil, we need to take a holistic approach. All comprehensive analyses demonstrate that ethanol provides a real world, cost effective tool to reduce dependence on oil and create domestic jobs. Additionally, as CBO rightly notes, ethanol also reduces carbon emissions compared to gasoline.” The Renewable Fuels Association is currently analyzing the entire report and will have a detailed analysis up on its blog as soon as it is ready.Tackling the energy problems the country faces will neither happen overnight or for free. It will take time and money to transition from a pollution-intensive energy economy to one relying on clean, renewable energies like ethanol.It will also take a redirection of funds away from fossil fuels to these renewable technologies. As a recent International Energy Agency report details, the world spends more than $500 billion annually on fossil fuel subsidies. The results have led to geopolitical instability, economic havoc as seen by the spike in oil prices in 2008, and environmental destruction that is unfortunately on display today. Also lost in the CBO discussion is the constant state of evolution underway in ethanol production today. A recently published study in Biotechnology Letters found that American ethanol production has reduced water use and overall energy use by 20% and 28%, respectively, in less than a decade. Simultaneously, ethanol biorefineries are increasing ethanol yields, providing a high value livestock feed, and producing additional co-products like corn oil that can be used to further displace petroleum in products from diesel fuel to lubricants. Buttressing this report was another study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that determined advancements in farming saved the world from more drastic climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions that might have otherwise occurred. Correctly, CBO excluded the unproven theory of international indirect land use change (ILUC) in its estimates of CO2 reduction costs. This theory has been roundly refuted and there is no consensus on the best methods or tools for analyzing indirect emissions.“There is no renewable technology available today that can match ethanol’s ability to reduce oil use and create jobs, all while emitting fewer climate changing gases than gasoline,” said Dinneen. “New biofuel technologies, like cellulosic ethanol, promise to provide even greater benefits. Unfortunately, it appears CBO has chosen to take a narrow, time constrained look at the issue and has failed to consider the much larger picture.” {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-14T19:55:38+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-exports-update-exports-down-58-in-may/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ethanol-exports-update-exports-down-58-in-may/ (July 13, 2010) Washington - Total ethanol exports (denatured and undenatured, non-beverage) fell back to earth in May, plunging 58% from April's totals. U.S. producers exported just 17.1 million gallons in May, compared to 40.8 million gallons in April and 48.3 million in March. Still, May exports were well above the five-year monthly average. Further, through the first five months of 2010, the U.S. has exported 25% more product than in the entire 2009 calendar year. Additionally, at 141.4 million gallons, 2010 U.S. exports are still on track for a record year. Exports totaled 157.8 million gallons in 2008 and 150.2 million gallons in 2007. The record year is believed to have been 1995, when 197.5 million gallons of denatured and undenatured ethanol were exported. Since January 2005, the monthly average for total ethanol exports has been 10.2 million gallons. "Fluctuations in unpredictable ethanol export markets highlight the need for America to focus more attention on increasing its consumption of domestically produced ethanol," said RFA President Bob Dinneen. "America must stop dragging its feet and move aggressively to open up more domestic markets to ethanol. This starts with a full and complete waiver for the use of E15 by EPA. Bifurcating the market or limiting E15 use by vehicle model year aren't real solutions. Exports and the use of mid and higher level ethanol blends, such as E30 or E85, are important markets for ethanol, but they cannot expand fast enough to absorb increasing production and use of ethanol as called for by federal law. It is time for the Obama Administration to back up its rhetoric with action and increase the amount of ethanol American consumers can use."Denatured ethanol exports totaled 11.2 million gallons in May, down from 24.9 million gallons in April. Canada and the Netherlands were the destination for 87% of the denatured ethanol shipments. After importing significant quantities in April, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) imported virtually no U.S. denatured ethanol in May. Undenatured, non-beverage ethanol exports totaled just 5.9 million gallons in May. Top destinations were the Netherlands, UAE and Mexico. Those three nations accounted for more than 95% of U.S. exports of undenatured, non-beverage product.   Source: Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, USDA-FAS; Export figures represent sum of “Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength” and “Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80 percent vol. or higher.” Thus, the figures likely include ethyl alcohol exports for non-fuel industrial purposes. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-13T14:19:46+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/gao-report-urges-changes-to-doe-loan-guarantee-programs/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/gao-report-urges-changes-to-doe-loan-guarantee-programs/ (July 12, 2010) Washington – The Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued a report urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to make changes to its current loan guarantee program to make it more effective. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has been highly critical of the program, repeatedly urging DOE to review and adjust its program so as to more fairly evaluate applications from cellulosic and other next generation ethanol companies.Specifically, the RFA supports three recommendations made by GAO that follow closely with previous criticisms:(1) DOE develops performance goals reflecting the LGP's policy goals and activities;(2) revise the loan guarantee process to treat applicants consistently unless there are clear, compelling grounds not to do so; and,(3) develop mechanisms for administrative appeals and for systematically obtaining and addressing applicant feedback.“Access to capital is a chief hindrance to the commercial deployment of cellulosic ethanol technology,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “DOE has created a loan guarantee program that in theory is helpful, but in practice has proven difficult if not impossible for cellulosic ethanol companies to access. If the goals of the RFS are to be met, the Obama Administration must make sure loan guarantee programs are workable and accessible for qualified companies, regardless of their technology. Currently, such a scenario does not exist. Incorporating our comments with GAO recommendations would be a good place to start.“In October 2009, the RFA wrote to DOE expressing concerns raised by its cellulosic ethanol producer members. In the letter, the RFA raised a number of issues that created unfair and unnecessary challenges for cellulosic ethanol companies.Of note, the RFA highlighted the following concerns:(1) Eliminate the requirement that applicants have year-long off-take agreements in place. Existing biofuel facilities do not have such agreements, and this criteria should not be used to determine the eligibility of advanced biofuel companies for the loan guarantee program.(2) Recognize that applicants, by definition, may not have commercial scale financial data and to consider applications that “employ new or significantly improved technologies compared to commercial technologies in service in the U.S.” as outlined in the law.(3) Review applications that have been declined to determine what fixes can be made to correct perceived deficiencies. The current structure forces these applications back into the applicant queue, resulting in a delay in the progress of these companies. Allowing for a review would ensure no qualified application is overlooked and progress on the development and construction of these technologies and facilities could continue without unnecessary delay.Following up on that, the RFA met with DOE leadership in charge of the program to varying degrees of success. A follow up letter can be viewed here.Additionally, the RFA has made recommendations to the Department of Agriculture to ensure the loan guarantee program it is currently developing works for cellulosic ethanol producers.   {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-12T20:28:06+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/midtex-oil-opens-first-e85-station-in-new-braunfels-texas/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/midtex-oil-opens-first-e85-station-in-new-braunfels-texas/ (July 12, 2010) Washington - The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Protec Fuel are proud to announce the opening of the first E85 station in New Braunfels, Texas. The Midtex New Braunfels fueling station, now offering E85, is branded Shell and is located at 1015 South Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130. This station is located close to I-35 in between Austin and San Antonio and will support the local fleet and public in addition to travelers on the highway. This is Midtex Oil’s second E85 station; the first located in Spring Branch at 7765 US Highway 281 N. Midtex utilized Protec Fuel’s turnkey E85 fuel program for both stations, which included the conversion process to an E85 fueling pump, E85 supply and promotional marketing. “We are focused on providing our customers with what they want. Whether it is our one-stop shop Pit Stop Food Marts and Fischer’s Market concept stores to make their lives more convenient or giving them an alternative to gasoline derived from imported oil, Midtex is there for our customers,” said Rodney Fischer of Midtex Oil. Todd Garner, Managing Partner of Protec said, “Protec is proud to be partnered with Midtex Oil. It is because of leading and committed retailers like Midtex that the American public can now do its part to strengthen our economy, environment and national security through domestically produced fuels.” There are more than 8 million flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) on America’s roadways today, with over 2,300 fueling stations offering blends of E85. Efforts to install more of these types of fueling stations are underway with a goal to at least triple the availability of these blends within the next few years. “The increasing amount of E85 fuel station conversions in the Southern part of the country is a realization that the use and desire for alternative fuels, like ethanol, is growing,” said RFA Market Development Director, Robert White. “It is with this heightened interest in ethanol fuel that our country can become more energy dependent.” To help locate the Midtex stations, the RFA has recently updated their fuel locator application for Garmin and TomTom GPS devices. This application locates the closest and most convenient E85 fueling station to the driver using the current location or final destination. In a few simple steps, FFV owners can download this application from their computer directly to their GPS device here. E85 is an ethanol blended gasoline made up of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This fuel is to be used in Flex-Fuel Vehicles only as they have been designed to operate on any level of ethanol blended gasoline. Owners should consult their owner’s manual to see if their vehicle is E85-compatable. About Midtex Oil: With its beginnings in 1966, Midtex Oil, L.P. has grown to become one of Texas' foremost petroleum and ethanol wholesale companies. Today, Midtex Oil employs over 250 people across the South-Central and Eastern regions of Texas. A family-owned business, Midtex Oil provides quality fuel and lubricating products as well as a convenient shopping experience at its Pit Stop, Petro Pantry Food Marts and new Fischer’s Neighborhood Market. About the RFA: Since 1981, the RFA has led the fight on behalf of American ethanol producers to open markets and create sound public policies allowing for the expanding production and use of fuel ethanol. Representing the majority of American ethanol production, the RFA believes sound analysis, credible statistics, an understanding of the industry rooted in history, and a willingness to work with other groups is the key to effective advocacy. About Protec Fuel: Protec Fuel is a fuel distribution and management company based in Boca Raton, Florida with its alternative fuel division specializing in turnkey ethanol programs for retailers, fleets and fuel distributors throughout the United States. Turnkey services include: physical ethanol supply and blending programs; financial risk management programs and; RINS management. The turnkey program also covers infrastructure needs including: E85 strategic site selection; station design; equipment supply; new station installation; conversions of existing stations; government grant funding assistance and; support with station sales and marketing. Protec also provides marketing services for advanced and cellulosic ethanol producers in addition to a full range of conventional energy risk management programs. Protec currently supplies, either directly or through distribution partners, approximately 250 E85 stations. Please visit www.protecfuel.com to learn more.  {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-12T19:20:22+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-comment-on-usda-july-wasde-report/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-comment-on-usda-july-wasde-report/ (July 9, 2010) Washington - This morning USDA’s July WASDE report was released. While it made some changes to the corn supply-demand estimates, it is likely that supply will get a boost with a larger yield estimate likely next month. "This morning's report suggests corn producers are still on track for a record crop in 2010," said RFA Vice President of Research Geoff Cooper. "If the corn crop can avoid significant stress during pollination, we should be looking at another record or near-record average yield. But harvest is still several months away and nothing is certain until the crop is in the bins." Key facts related to today’s report: YIELDS:**USDA did not adjust its estimate for 2010 average corn yield in today’s report, meaning the corn supply outlook is likely to change when the August report is released. The August report will offer USDA’s first survey-based estimate of average corn yields. **Because of record planting progress and mostly favorable growing conditions, many analysts expect an average yield equal to or higher than last year’s record yield of 164.7 bu/acre. **A higher yield estimate in August could change USDA’s corn supply and carry-out estimates considerably. EXPORTS:**At 1.95 billion bushels, 2010/11 corn exports would be equal to last year (2009/10) and 5% higher than 2008/09. **Even though USDA slightly reduced export projections, 2010/11 exports would be at their fourth-highest level since 1995. U.S. CORN ENDING STOCKS:**While slightly lower than in recent years, 2010/11 corn ending stocks are projected to be plentiful at 1.4 billion bushels. Ending stocks have been lower many times (8 times in fact) in the past 20 years (06/07, 03/04, 02/03, 97/98, 96/97, 95/96, 93/94, and 91/92). The 10-year average for ending stocks is 1.57 billion bushels. **USDA is not expecting the reduced level of stocks to have much impact on corn prices; they raised corn price expectations just 15 cents/bushel. GLOBAL GRAIN STOCKS:**While down slightly from the June projection, USDA is still expecting record global grain production in 2010/11. **While global grain stocks are projected 1.4% below last year, global stocks are still strong by historical standards and 3% above 2008/09. ETHANOL USE:**USDA is projecting 4.7 billion bushels will be used for ethanol in 2010/11, which equates to about 13.1 billion gallons of production between September 2010 and August 2011. Unless EPA approves E15 for all vehicles in the near-term, this level of production seems unlikely, meaning USDA likely overestimated ethanol use. **The 4.7 billion bushels projected for ethanol use would produce 36 million metric tons of livestock feed, or the equivalent of 1.4 billion bushels. This means livestock feed use of corn (5.35 billion bu.) and corn co-products will top the equivalent of 6.7 billion bushels in 2010/11. Contact:Geoff CooperRFA VP of Researchgcooper@ethanolrfa.org(636) 594-2284 {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-09T20:38:49+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-hypoxia-fact-sheet/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-hypoxia-fact-sheet/ The following document is from the RFA regarding the facts on ethanol, corn production and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. To read this document, click here. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-07T17:58:58+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-response-to-san-francisco-chronicle-dead-zone-article/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-response-to-san-francisco-chronicle-dead-zone-article/ 7/7/2010 San Francisco ChronicleSubmitted via e-mailLetter to the Editor, After reading the article on July 6th entitled “Dead Zone in Gulf Linked to Ethanol Production”, it is clear the San Francisco Chronicle has a dead zone of its own where facts die and science is buried. Let’s start with what the scientists say. Those scientists who served on federal agency panels convened in recent years to examine hypoxia issues concluded that the hypoxia zone has many causes and it is difficult—if not impossible—to positively isolate any one cause. Interesting that a city paper wants to pick on rural agriculture yet fails to mention the urban contributions to the Gulf hypoxic zone. Southeast Missouri State University professor and soil scientist Michael Aide says that “credible evidence shows that [excess] nutrients [in the Gulf] may also be derived from atmospheric deposition, sewage and industrial discharge and fertilizer runoff from residential areas. Nutrient runoff from suburban areas roughly equals that of agriculture lands.” Why isn’t the finger of blame pointed at golf courses, lush grassy lawns, and office parks? Now let’s revisit this fictitious notion that ethanol is to blame for Gulf hypoxia. The facts dispute the very basis of the article. U.S. cropland has not expanded because of ethanol. There are fewer acres of corn today in the U.S. than there were in the 1920s-1940s. Corn acres topped 100 million acres several times in the late 1920s/early 1930s. Compare that to this year’s corn acreage of 87.9 million. In fact, corn acres have fallen 6% since 2007. As for pulling acres out of the Conversation Reserve Program, the author failed to mention that CRP lands have actually increased in the last year. Further, the amount of land currently enrolled in CRP is higher than the average CRP levels in the late 1990s/early 2000s. When discussing the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires ethanol production to triple in the next 12 years, it should have been noted that corn acres and total U.S. crop acres have fallen since the enactment of that piece of legislation. Don’t believe the other anxiety-ridden statements either about a boost in ethanol blending leading to higher prices and less conservation land. Again, somehow missing from the article is mention of a recent University of Missouri analysis that found corn acres would increase a mere 0.7 percent and corn prices would rise just 1.1 percent per bushel if 15 percent ethanol blends are approved. Hardly a painful investment for increased energy independence, a cleaner environment, and more good paying, quality jobs here at home that can’t be sent overseas. Innovation in farming is constant and rapid, often hard to appreciate without taking a step back and looking at the big picture. Since 1980, U.S. farmers are applying 41 percent less nitrogen and 53 percent less phosphate per bushel of corn produced. According to a 2006 Conservation Tillage Information Council survey, 77 percent of farmers are engaged in crop residue management practices that conserve and enhance the soil. The conservation tillage practices employed by 55 percent of farmers today reduce rainfall runoff by more than 60 percent and soil loss by more than 90 percent. The West Coast may be the center for technology innovation, but rural America is the center for agriculture and energy innovation. Make no mistake about it. And those advances are made with the environment in mind….that’s more than you can say for Big Oil which seems to have gotten a free ride in this article. And speaking of innovation, it was a mistake to print that cellulosic ethanol is a pipedream. Cellulosic ethanol is being produced today on a pilot scale; all that’s missing is the investment to scale up. As long as myths and urban legends scare off investors, the next generation of biofuels will struggle to become a reality. Fiction, not facts, are its only restraint. Sincerely,Bob DinneenPresident and CEORenwable Fuels AssociationPlease read the originial letter here.   {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-07T12:35:31+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-partners-with-a-legend-to-promote-ethanol/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-partners-with-a-legend-to-promote-ethanol/ (July 2, 2010) Washington - The Legendary Buffalo Chip will be “Fueled With Pride” once again as the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) continues their support as an honored sponsor during the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This all-American tradition will take place August 6-14th in Sturgis, South Dakota at the epicenter of the most famed motorcycle rally known today. The RFA will continue their partnership with the Legendary Buffalo Chip by promoting the use of ethanol fuel through promotional materials, banners and merchandise (t-shirts featured right) to volunteers, staff and motorcycle enthusiasts who come from all over the country to participate in this once in a lifetime experience. The Sturgis Rally offers an opportunity for attendees to be educated on ethanol-blended fuel. The Legendary Buffalo Chip staff and vehicles will show their support by sporting “Ethanol: Fueled With Pride” decals as they travel throughout the grounds. “The Legendary Buffalo Chip and the Sturgis Rally are a one of a kind experience. A celebration of American Freedom, this high-octane event is the perfect environment to let consumers know about the benefits of cleaner-burning, domestic ethanol fuel,” says Buffalo Chip Campground Sponsorship Director, Lon Nordbye. “The Chip chooses ethanol and we are proud to host the Renewable Fuels Association at the largest music festival for motorcycling in the world.”On August 9th, over 500 riders including celebrities and world-class bike builders, will join together in the Third Annual Legends Ride , and endure upon a 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, SD to the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Sponsored by the RFA, The Legends Ride is a charitable event with all proceeds benefiting two local Black Hills charities including the Black Hills Children's Home and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Within the past two years, this event has raised over $100,000 for these two local charities. (Left image courtesy of The Legendary Buffalo Chip) As the center of arts, entertainment and socializing, The Legendary Buffalo Chip will be home to Michael Lichter’s Tenth Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind . RFA is a proud sponsor of this can’t miss, internationally renowned exhibition that will showcase the works of the most influential master builders and artists in motorcycling. (Right image courtesy of The Legendary Buffalo Chip)“It is important for these riders to know that ethanol-blended fuels are a safe and effective alternative to petroleum that they can use in their motorcycle engines, along with every other vehicle they have at home,” said RFA Director of Market Development Robert White. “The addition of higher blends of ethanol in our supply of fuel is one step closer to reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil. American heritage and the American love for riding runs deep here, it only makes sense to use an American fuel.”To learn more about ethanol, visit our consumer-oriented website, www.ChooseEthanol.com. This website provides a wealth of information on what ethanol is, how it is made, ethanol-blended fuels in all different engine types, how ethanol will reduce our carbon footprint, and provides locations where you can buy the fuel.  Ride Safe. Fuel Right Contact:Robert White RFA Director of Market Developmentrwhite@ethanolrfa.org (402) 391-1930. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-07-02T14:10:06+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/usda-report-punches-another-hole-in-land-use-change-theory/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/usda-report-punches-another-hole-in-land-use-change-theory/ (June 30, 2010) Washington - The amount of land dedicated to crops in the United States has dropped for the second straight year in 2010, according to a report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The report, which shows total cropland has declined 6 million acres since 2008, is further evidence that growth in ethanol production is not leading to cropland expansion, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). While 2010 corn acres increased 1.6% from 2009, the uptick was more than offset by reductions in acreage for other coarse grains and wheat. USDA estimates total 2010 crop acres at 318.9 million, down from 319.3 million in 2009 and 325 million in 2008. For the sake of comparison, RFA noted that total planted acres averaged 327 million during the decade of the 1990s. A record corn crop of at least 13.3 billion bushels is expected in 2010, despite the fact that farmers planted nearly 6 million less acres of corn than in 2007 when the first 13 billion bushel crop was achieved. “The data clearly show that crop acres in the United States continue to trend downward,” said Bob Dinneen, RFA president and CEO. “That’s because new technology and dramatically increasing yields are allowing farmers to produce more crops on less land. Today’s report reinforces the fact that the nation’s farmers simply don’t need to expand cropland to meet global demands for food, feed, fiber, and biofuels.” RFA also noted that corn plantings were down from last year in many states with high levels of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage, which challenges the notion that grain ethanol expansion is leading to increased CRP conversion. For instance, corn acres dropped 4% in Texas, the leading CRP state in the nation. Corn acres also fell 7% in South Dakota, 4% in Nebraska, 3% in Iowa, and 1.3% in Minnesota. USDA’s Acreage Report is available here. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-06-30T13:59:38+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/april-2010-daily-ethanol-production-demand/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/april-2010-daily-ethanol-production-demand/ (June 29, 2010) WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. ethanol production fell slightly in April. According to information from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), April 2010 ethanol production averaged more than 832,000 barrels per day (b/d). That is down from 847,000 b/d in March. Ethanol demand, as calculated by the Renewable Fuels Association, reached an all time high at 834,000 b/d in April, up from 673,000 b/d a year ago. EIA also reports fuel ethanol imports of 1.5 million gallons in April. As the RFA recently reported, America is exporting ethanol at record rates. According to data from the Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, and the Dept. of Agriculture Foreign Ag Service, the U.S. exported 40.8 million gallons of ethanol in April. It is important to note export figures represent sum of “Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength” and “Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80 percent vol. or higher.” Thus, the figures likely include ethyl alcohol exports for non-fuel industrial purposes. As such, RFA ethanol demand calculations are for domestic use only, providing a comparison to domestic ethanol production. According to weekly data now being published by EIA, ethanol production for the week ending 6/18/2010 was 846,000 b/d. The RFA released the following statistics: April 2010 Statistics(mg = million gallons; b/d = barrels per day)  *Source: Energy Information Administration, Renewable Fuels Association **Source: RFA calculations, does not include exports***Source: Source: Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, USDA-FAS; Export figures represent sum of “Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength” and “Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80 percent vol. or higher.” Thus, the figures likely include ethyl alcohol exports for non-fuel industrial purposes. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-06-29T20:45:37+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ul-approves-safety-certification-for-two-e85-fueling-dispensers/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/ul-approves-safety-certification-for-two-e85-fueling-dispensers/ Today Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certified both the Gilbarco Veeder-Root Encore® E85 and the Dresser Wayne Ovation® Eco E85 fueling dispensers. “On the heels of yesterday’s release of the USDA “Biofuels Strategic Production Report” calling for transforming the existing ethanol infrastructure, this approval by UL opens a pathway for delivering more ethanol directly to the consumer. After nearly four years, this approval finally means drivers will have access to thousands of new locations offering higher level ethanol blends”, said Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. RFA and the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) have joined forces to form the Blend Your Own campaign aimed at installing 5,000 blender pumps over the course of three years. More on the program is available at www.BYOethanol.com. {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-06-24T17:59:26+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-cooperation-with-usda-to-achieve-rfs-goals/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/rfa-welcomes-cooperation-with-usda-to-achieve-rfs-goals/ (June 23, 2010) Washington – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released its “Biofuels Strategic Production Report.” The report details the challenges to ensuring the full 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel mandated by the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) are produced and used. Specifically, the report highlights the need for increased efforts to accelerate the commercialization of next generation ethanol technologies as well as expand and transform existing fueling infrastructure to optimize ethanol use. “Making the Renewable Fuels Standard successful will require cooperation between the government and private industry,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “The goals of the RFS are ambitious, but imminently achievable. Secretary Vilsack and USDA have rightfully identified the crucial areas in which the department can help accelerate the growth of the industry and ensure the RFS delivers on the goals provided when Congress passed the legislation.” Dinneen continued, “American ethanol producers are doing their part to make the RFS a success. They are developing new technologies, improving efficiencies, and partnering with fuel retailers to install the necessary infrastructure for higher level ethanol use. We look forward to working with USDA, Secretary Vilsack, and the entire Obama Administration to answer the President’s call to break America’s addiction to oil.” One particular issue of concern for those companies developing next generation biofuel technologies, such as cellulosic ethanol, is the structure of current loan guarantee programs at the Department of Energy. USDA is currently developing rules for similar programs. The RFA has urged USDA to avoid making the same mistakes as DOE and provided feedback on how the loans should be structured to provide the most benefit to next generation biofuel companies. On the issue of infrastructure, the RFA has joined with the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) on the Blend Your Own campaign aimed at installing 5,000 blender pumps over the course of three years. More on the program is available at www.BYOethanol.com. Additionally, the RFA has supported legislation that would mandate the sale of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of using any percentage of ethanol up to 85 percent. Finally, and most pressingly, the RFA continues to pressure EPA to issue a full waiver for the use of up to 15 percent ethanol in all vehicles. The RFA has also called on EPA to provide immediate market relief by approving the use of 12 percent ethanol blends as an interim step. “President Obama and Secretary Vilsack have made clear their support of America’s rapidly evolving biofuels industry,” said Dinneen. “Now is when the rubber meets the road and their plans are put into action. America’s ethanol industry welcomes the opportunity to constructively partner with the federal government to change the course of America’s energy future.” {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-06-23T20:16:54+00:00 {v_author} http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/usda-report-shows-positive-energy-benefits-of-ethanol/ http://www.ethanolrfa.org/news/entry/usda-report-shows-positive-energy-benefits-of-ethanol/ (June 21, 2010) Washington - A new report released today by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Energy Policy and New Uses clearly demonstrates the overwhelmingly positive energy benefits of ethanol. The report found, “A dry grind ethanol plant that produces and sells dry distiller’s grains and uses conventional fossil fuel power for thermal energy and electricity produces nearly two times more energy in the form of ethanol delivered to customers than it uses for corn, processing, and transportation.” Depending on the method used for co-product energy allocation, USDA has determined that 1 unit of fossil energy input used in the production of typical corn ethanol results in 1.9-2.3 units of energy output. Using up to 50 percent biomass for power, ethanol plants achieved a net energy ratio of 2.8, according to the report. These results prompted the authors, from USDA and three major land grant universities, to conclude that current ethanol plants yield “…a substantial net energy gain…” Further, according to the report, the new estimate of ethanol’s highly positive “net energy ratio” is significantly higher than USDA’s previous dry mill estimate of 1 unit of fossil energy resulting in 1.77 units of ethanol energy . If the most up-to-date dry mill energy efficiency data prepared by the University of Illinois-Chicago had been used for the USDA analysis, the average dry mill (producing dried and wet distillers grains) would produce a 2.1-2.6 net energy ratio, according to calculations performed by the Renewable Fuels Association. “If previous ethanol energy analyses have been nails in the coffin of the stale and distorted ‘negative energy balance’ myth, this report serves as the final burial,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “As better and more current data become available, there can be no doubt that ethanol offers tremendous energy benefits while greatly reducing consumption of crude oil. American ethanol producers continue to evolve, becoming more efficient and producing greater environmental benefit. This evolution stands in stark contrast to the worsening profile of oil production.” The analysis was based on USDA data on corn production for the year 2005 and a 2008 survey of dry mill ethanol plants conducted by the National Agricultural Marketing Association (NAMA). To view the full report, click here.  {assign_variable:v_author=" 2010-06-21T20:39:38+00:00 {v_author}