Randy Caviness was only one of many to testify before the EPA that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) must continue to operate was it was defined almost a decade ago. “EPA’s decision not to follow the intent of Congress in the 2007 RFS is highly disappointing to all of agriculture,” said Caviness, who also serves as a member of AFBF …
#Corn and #Soy Groups Back #RFS
Leaders for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and American Soybean Association (ASA) were among the more than 120 who testified at an EPA field hearing in Kansas City in support of statutory volume obligations for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). NCGA president Chip Bowling of Maryland urged EPA to follow the law and finalize the 2017 conventional …
New Oil Recovery Technology Featured at #CUTC16
Many ethanol plants across the U.S. are getting more out of each kernel of corn by producing corn oil as a by-product of ethanol production. However, there is a new oil recovery technology emerging that was discussed by Scott Kohl with White Energy during his presentation on the Biorefining I panel at the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC). The …
#Biofuel Supporters Rally for Higher Blends at Hearing
Over 120 biofuels advocates spoke out today at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) field hearing on proposed 2017 targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and several high profile supporters spoke at a Fuels America press conference. Among the supporters was Nebraska governor Pete Ricketts. “A strong RFS means more jobs here at home, greater energy security, and a cleaner …
#CUTC16 Addresses Future of Wet Milling Technologies
The Corn Utilization Technology Conference is covering a wide variety of topics, including new technologies from the wet milling process of corn. Members of a panel discussion met with Chuck to let him in on just what they were hoping listeners gained from their presentation. Brent Shanks, a Ph.D. with Iowa State University covered the conversion of biomes and bio-based carbon …
Nebraska Woos Biobased Companies
Nebraska is ramping up its bio-based partnerships and wooing new companies to move to the state. According to a recent Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), bioscience companies employ more than 16,000 people in the state with the industry growing at a faster pace than the national average. For instance, several global and national companies are already located in Nebraska, …
USDA Announces $21M for Bioeconomy R&D
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made $21 million available to support the development of regional systems in sustainable bioenergy and biobased products. The funds can also be allocated to train the next generation of bio-scientists. The funding is offered through the AFRI Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts challenge area designed to create or sustain jobs by improving existing food …
Novozymes Organization Restructuring
Novozymes has announced changes in the company’s organizational structure and executive leadership team with the formation of three distinct divisions – Household Care & Technical Industries, Agriculture & Bioenergy and Food & Beverages. The aim of the organizational change is to “enhance Novozymes’ ability to deliver more innovation to customers.” To lead the three divisions, Novozymes has appointed former Vice …
Bio-Oil Produced Right on the Farm
Soon farmers will be able to produce bio-oil right on their farm. The renewable fuel can be produced from agricultural and food waste using a new mobile unit. The goal of USDA project is to be able to distill this bio-oil in existing petroleum refineries. The research team, headed by Agricultural Research Services (ARS) chemical engineer Akwasi Boateng with the …
Vilsack: Farmer Greatest Job on Earth
Being a farmer is the greatest job on earth noted USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. He spent the morning back in his home state of Iowa (Vilsack is a former Iowa Governor) to kick off the 10th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. He kicked off his speech noting that he is proud of the work the USDA has done to help …