Ethanol Week - March 13, 2018

Nominations open for 2018 Ethanol Producer Awards Ethanol Producer Magazine, in conjunction with the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, has opened nominations for the 2018 Ethanol Producer Awards, including five new award categories. Nominations are due March 30. READ MORE SHARE
Aemetis begins procurement for cellulosic ethanol plant Aemetis Inc. has announced that its engineering firm, ATSI, has completed front end loading (FEL) engineering for its 12 MMgy cellulosic ethanol plant in Riverbank, California. Aemetis will now begin procurement activities for the facility. READ MORE SHARE
	Bill aims to dismantle RFS, limit biofuel blending On March 8, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., introduced companion bills that aim to dismantle the Renewable Fuel Standard and sunset blending obligations for conventional, advanced, cellulosic, and biomass-based diesel fuels. READ MORE SHARE
EIA increases 2018, 2019 ethanol production forecasts The U.S. Energy Information Administration has published the March edition of its Short-Term Energy Outlook, increasing its ethanol production forecasts for 2018 and 2019. Ethanol consumption is also expected to grow through 2019. READ MORE SHARE
WASDE forecasts increased corn use for ethanol The USDA has released the March edition of its world Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, predicting increased corn exports and increased corn use for ethanol production in 2017-‘18. READ MORE SHARE
Biofuel plant managers ask Trump to protect RFS from Cruz On March 7, managers at more than 150 U.S. biofuel plants sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging the White House to defend the Renewable Fuel Standard from efforts by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to alter the program. READ MORE SHARE
Letter urges reauthorization of energy title in next Farm Bill On March 6, a group of more than 200 companies and trade associations sent a letter to House and Senate Agricultural Committee leaders urging them to reauthorize and fund energy title programs in the next Farm Bill. READ MORE SHARE
NCGA: Consider Corn Challenge winners named Lygos, Annikki, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Vertimass, Sasya and South Dakotas State University were recently named as winners of the National Corn Grower Association's inaugural Consider Corn Challenge. READ MORE SHARE
Pacific Ethanol to sell CO2 from its Stockton plant Pacific Ethanol Inc. has announced an agreement with Airgas USA LLC, an Air Liquide company, to sell CO2 from its Stockton, California, plant. Airgas plans to construct a liquid CO2 production plant adjacent to the Stockton facility. READ MORE SHARE
USGC welcomes IRFA as new member The U.S. Grains Council is pleased to welcome the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association as a new member. The IRFA brings together Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers to foster the development and growth of the state’s renewable fuels industry. READ MORE SHARE
Secretary Perdue administers oath of office to Bill Northey U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue administered the oath of office to Bill Northey March 7 at the Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner. Northey previously served as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, a position he had held for more than 11 years. READ MORE SHARE
Iowa adds 12 new E15 stations so far in 2018 Since the end of 2017 Iowa has added a dozen new E15 stations. Drivers can now buy the fuel at 158 fueling stations statewide. Casey’s General Store added the most new stations, including locations in Sioux Center, Akron, Cedar Rapids, and Lone Tree. READ MORE SHARE
Positive US ethanol margins are driving ethanol production growth Estimated ethanol production margins at U.S. corn ethanol plants averaged 22 cents per gallon (gal) in 2017. Last year was the fifth consecutive year that margins have averaged more than 20 cents/gal. READ MORE SHARE
Digestive ability of ancient insects may aid biofuel development The University of York has announced a study of the unusual digestive system of firebrats, an ancient group of insects, is providing new insights into future biofuel production. The insects are able to efficiently digest cellulose. READ MORE SHARE