In writing this month&rsquo;s cover story, I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge about the U.S. EPA&rsquo;s inaccuracy concerns surrounding the cellulosic volume measurement methods of corn fiber-to-ethanol pathways. I learned about glucans, assays and complex analytical procedures. And it certainly cemented my childhood dream of being a scientist. But, instead, I get to write about it. As we all know, EPA hasn&rsquo;t approved a fiber-to-ethanol pathway since the end of 2017. The agency says the measurement methods aren&rsquo;t accurate and overestimate the cellulose portion from starch. What I didn&rsquo;t know was that National Renewable Energy Laboratory chemists evaluated the current method, identified the issue and came up with a solution. It was released earlier this year and its lead chemist awaits reactions from industry. It&rsquo;s about transparency, he says. A few labs say they have accurate cellulose-measuring methods, but they&rsquo;re kept close to the hip. How can a process be polished and perfected if it&rsquo;s not open to the public and thereby open to critique and improvement? That&rsquo;s probably my favorite thing about science: unwavering commitment to facts and continuous improvement. (It applies in my line of work, too, but without a lab coat.) So, sure, the method has room for improvement. But doesn&rsquo;t it come down to how EPA looks at ethanol, even from starch? Wouldn&rsquo;t an updated, true Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) model reflect the benefits and low-carbon value of this fuel, allowing relaxation of these complex approval processes? Nick Bowdish, president of two ethanol plants, says it would. I&rsquo;m inclined to agree. I am truly fascinated by the measurement methods, EPA concerns, new method pitches and outdated GREET fundamentals in this cover story. You&rsquo;ll find it on page 14. In keeping with our theme of low-carbon fuels, I looked at state-level legislation. I had the opportunity to talk to two scientists again (I think I concealed my dorky glee and admiration), this time about their work on evaluating the effects of E30 on non-flex fuel vehicles. The study partnered the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Nebraska state department for a year of comparisons in a state vehicle fleet. The research could bolster the many state bills seeking to establish clean fuel standards. Check out the map of state legislation, and each bill&rsquo;s progress, on page 28. The story itself starts on page 24. Finally, we bring you the FEW Technical Sessions Planner. I&rsquo;m looking forward to an in-person show this year, and I&rsquo;m eager to see you all. You&rsquo;ll find details about the concurrent panels, starting on page 30. This year&rsquo;s agenda is packed, featuring producers, vendors, executives, technology developers, policy experts and, yes, scientists. (Is it weird to ask for autographs?) See you there. Stay safe and be well. Author: Lisa Gibson Editor lgibson@bbiinternational.com

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Editor Lisa Gibson previews the June issue, including features about corn fiber-to-ethanol pathways, low-carbon fuels legislation and a preview of the International Fuel Workshop & Expo coming up in July. 

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