Domestic Fuel

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) along with Michael Best & Friedrich LLP (Michael Best) are hosting a webinar series focused on pressing legal issues facing ethanol producers. The first webinar focused on compliance issues with federal Health Care Reform in 2013. The 30 minute webinar, says ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings, will be a valuable resource for the ethanol industry.

“With so many demands on our members’ time, we are pleased to team up with ACE member Michael Best to sponsor this series of webinars providing ethanol producers with useful and timely updates on important legal issues,” said Jennings.

Porter J. Martin, Michael Best partner, describes the webinar series as an approachable way to communicate information every ethanol producer needs in the most efficient way. “The webinars are based on our experience representing ethanol producers and other industry clients. The goal is to provide participants with a basic understanding of potential legal challenges they may face in their business and prepare them to make educated decisions in the future,” said Martin.

Future webinar topics include, long-term compliance with health care reform (2014 and beyond), intellectual property concerns, OSHA inspections, State and EPA enforcement activities, negotiating air permits, employee wage and hour matters, and others. You can access the first webinar here.

Advanced Biofuels USA is teaming up with HEAT, an environmental advocacy team based at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, to present a showing of the documentary “FREEDOM“. Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion featuring local leading advanced biofuel researchers and supporters. The event takes place on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2013 at Hodson Auditorium in Rosenstock Hall. The event is FREE to the public.

The two groups plan to bring to light the finiteness of the fossil fuel industry, the grip it has on our country’s economy, and the negative impacts on our environment. They will also inform attendees about the growing biofuel industry and how it can help to remedy America’s dependence on fossil fuels.

The documentary FREEDOM, created by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, the makers of the Sundance Film Festival Award Winning “FUEL,” takes place in the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The documentary includes insightful and inspirational interviews from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former NATO Commander Wesley Clark, Amy Smart, and more.

FREEDOM invites people, “Not to just get mad, but get motivated and calls for ‘a revolution in how we live.’ The documentary states a need for, “a shift in the types of houses and cities we live in. We must rethink the way we work and the way we treat each other and the planet. And most importantly, we must transform ourselves.” The New York Times stated that their previous movie, ‘FUEL’ “would make, “Al Gore weep all over his PowerPoint.”.

Following the showing of the documentary, the two organizations plan to hold a group panel discussion featuring local leaders in the research, use, and education of advanced biofuels. The panel will tentatively include: moderator Joanne Ivancic, the president and executive director of Advanced Biofuels USA; Robert E. Kozak, treasurer of Advanced Biofuels USA and president of Atlantic Biomass Conversions will talk about policy roadblocks currently confronting the industry; Dr. Craig Laufer, Hood College biology professor and secretary of Advanced Biofuels USA will talk about the science of advanced biofuels research.

EcoEngineers is offering a FREE webinar for renewable fuel producers to offer clear direction for successfully implementing policies currently in process by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The informational webinar on QAP A AND B and EPA’S Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is set for Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from 1-2 pm CST. During this session, EcoEngineers Partner and Chief Engineer Jim Ramm, PE, and Managing Partner Shashi Menon will discuss the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking as it currently stands, including updates from the recent public comments hearing in Washington.

In the webinar, (register here) EcoEngineers will be outlining their QAP program, making policy recommendations, collecting feedback from the producer community and recommending steps for producers to take in order to have their voice heard at the EPA.

“There remain serious questions and concerns about the path ahead regarding the requirements of a QAP and related costs. It is important that producers understand the nature of the changes and have a voice in policy formation,” said Jim Ramm.

The USEPA, in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, has outlined two Quality Assurance Programs, QAP A and B. While both programs offer significant upsides, including preferred purchase of QAP A and B RINs by marketers and Obligated Parties, there are also challenges including the potential variations in scope and costs associated with the ongoing rulemaking process.

At EPA’s request, EcoEngineers has provided input into the quality assurance process, based on conversations with many producers, and testified at the public hearing in Washington.

“To our current customers, we will continue to offer the leadership you have come to expect in effecting a smooth, seamless transition to EPA’s comprehensive approach to RIN quality assurance,” added Ramm, “To those still weighing their options, we offer our support in helping you find the best solution for your unique situation.”

UC Santa Barbara’s Institute for Energy Efficiency is hosting the 2013 Summit on Energy Efficiency on May 1-2, 2013. The forum will focus on the latest innovations in materials science and technology for energy generation, energy storage, lighting, and electronics. The event is designed to provide dialogue about how advancements in materials science and technology can meet future energy needs through efficiency improvements.

“We are all aware of the energy crisis that we as a society are facing. The goal of the Summit is to gather experts and policy leaders, discuss the latest science and technology for energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to stimulate everyone to think in new ways,” said Dr. John Bowers, Director of the Institute for Energy Efficiency.

This year’s summit, held at The Fess Parker Resort in Santa Barbara, is attracting high-profile panelists who are leading major research and development efforts in energy efficiency and materials science. This year’s Summit program emphasizes the theme of “Materials for a Sustainable Energy Future,” featuring an opening keynote on materials science innovations by Steven Chu, outgoing U.S. Secretary of Energy. Featured keynote speakers also include: Michael McQuade of United Technologies Corporation; George Crabtree, Director of the newly established DOE Battery Hub at Argonne National Laboratory; and Kateri Callahan President of the Alliance to Save Energy.

Guest panelists from Soraa, Cree, Intel, Ciena, Pellion Technologies, Southern California Edison, PG&E, U.S. Department of Energy, Ames Research Laboratory, MIT, Yale, and UC Santa Barbara will lead discussions on the following topics: Materials for Energy Technology; Innovations in Solid-State Lighting; Information and Communications Technology; Electrochemical Energy Storage Technology; Utilities discussion on Energy Efficiency; and High Efficiency Power Electronics.

Click here to register and for more information.

More than 60 ethanol advocates from more than a dozen states are in DC today meeting with members of Congress and other key influencers to talk about why the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) needs to stay intact, and about the benefits of E15.

Brian Jennings, executive vice president for ACE said one of the best parts of the day was hearing the perspectives of the different advocates about what what elements of the ethanol industry are important to them and their advice on how to talk to others about the benefits of ethanol, whether it be a neighbor, a person you meet at the pump, or a federal or state legislator.

The advocates met with nearly 50 people on Wednesday and Jennings said early reports were encouraging. While there is opposition to the RFS, he is hearing that any type of RFS repeal legislation is going to get traction. “We can’t take that to the bank, and we need to keep pressure on Congress, but the early, encouraging signs that the RFS is in a safe place is really good,” said Jennings.

He noted that there were also lots of questions about E15 and some legislators were asking about the cause of ethanol RINS (Renewable Identification Number) to spike nearly a dollar in the past month. While no one knows for sure what is behind the RIN increase, Jennings said the industry is looking into the cause.

The advocates remain on the hill and will meet with dozens more Congressman and Congresswoman tomorrow.

Learn more about what legislators are saying in my interview with Brian: Signs in DC Point to Keeping the RFS

View the ACE Biofuels Beltway March 2013 Photo Album.

Northwest Renewable Energy Institute (NW-REI) is offering a Wind Turbine Technician program and is hosting three free informational sessions on the program this month: Tuesday, March 5th at 7:00 pm; Saturday, March 9th at 10:30 am; and Saturday, March 23rd at 10:30 am. According to the U.S. Department of Energy energy map of installed wind capacity, Oregon and Washington are two of the top states in the country for wind energy use.

“This school has afforded me the chance to pursue a positive career change that fits in with my lifestyle and plans for the future. This field is growing and I can see it continuing to grow,” said Stephanie Staggs, a recent graduate of the program. “I love the accelerated program — it’s challenging, fast paced and very hands-on. The instructors are amazing and really work hard at helping you every step of the way.”

With green energy in high demand, NW-REI’s says its in-depth technical training and valuable on-the-job experience provides the tools necessary for success in this fast-growing industry. The program takes students out of a classroom and puts them 300 feet into the air on a wind turbine. Students can expect an innovative approach to wind turbine training that will include classroom-based training, computer-based training and hands-on training. The green energy training programs teach the technical skills necessary to service, repair, and maintain wind turbines.

Click here for additional information regarding NW-REI.

DYI Solar may be good option for residential homeowners who believe that a traditional solar PV system is outside of their budget or living in a state with little incentives. The on-going program Solar Citizen, launched earlier this year, is highlighting consumers who have successfully installed Do-It-Yourself solar projects.

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) says DIYing a solar system can be a chance to learn more about how the technology works, experiment with a new design, or go solar for a fraction of the cost. There are hundreds of DIY solar project options, ranging from putting together a simple DIY solar charger to installing a complete system, or even building a solar panel from scratch.

There are also groups of solar enthusiasts all over the country that are building their own solar systems and they have been sending in photos to ASES. For example, New Vision Renewable Energy in Philippi, West Virginia is helping community members build panels for their homes using a timebank approach. Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative uses a barn-raising model where members help each other with the installation process. Other groups partner with solar installers, offer discounts on materials, and loans on tools and equipment for members to use while installing their systems.

ASES says DIY projects are also a great way to build an organization, educate students, and engage your neighbors about solar. It is a great tool for building the renewable energy movement from the ground up. Several of these projects along with other Solar Citizens will be featured during ASES’s upcoming conference, Solar 2013, taking place in Baltimore from April 16-20.

You can never have too much education even if you’ve been working in the ethanol industry for many years – especially since technologies and practices continue to improve. A great tool is the 9th Ethanol Short Course, an ongoing effort to develop, train educate both new and experienced biofuel professionals. The course is sponsored by Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits and provides participants with in-depth training, conducted by industry experts and incorporates the entire fuel ethanol process. This year’s Ethanol Short Course takes place March 19-21 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Anyone interested in pursuing a practical or more technical understanding of the fuel ethanol production process should attend. Attendees should include plant operators, plant managers, lab technicians, lab managers and maintenance staff.

Topics and discussions will include: grain handling and starch conversion; fermentation technology; water treatment; evaporation and drying; safety; yeasts, enzymes and antimicrobials; chlorine dioxide chemistry; cellulosic ethanol research; DDGs and centrifugation. Click here for the full agenda and click here to register.

A new face at the National Ethanol Conference this year is Wade Hunt, student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was the winner of this year’s NEC scholarship award, sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF), which offers college students the opportunity to attend the conference each year.

“I’m definitely using this conference to learn more about the opportunities in the industry,” said Hunt, who will be graduating this May with a degree in chemical engineering. “Alternative energy and renewable fuels have always been big interests of mine.” His senior project is to develop a packed bed reactor for the production of biodiesel.

Hunt is pictured here with Mike Jerke, chairman of the RFF and general manager of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company in Minnesota. “What we look for is somebody who has a passion, an interest for some facet of the industry,” said Jerke, who says that includes a variety of areas such as research, management and communications. “It’s just a reflection of the broad array of career possibilities in our industry.”

The Renewable Fuels Foundation was created in 1981 as the education and research arm of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). This is the fourth consecutive year the scholarship has been available to students in higher education with a focus on renewable fuels and intending to pursue a career in the industry.

Listen to my interviews with Wade and Mike below:

RFF Chairman Mike Jerke

2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album

There are 16 college students who are attending the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Conference that kicks off today in Las Vegas. One student is Jeremy Ferrell, a Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, who sees great potential for biodiesel to help revitalize rural areas once dominated by tobacco. Today, Ferrell conducts biodiesel research at an industrial ecology project in North Carolina.

“What fascinates me about biodiesel is its diversity across numerous sectors,” said Ferrell. “The opportunity for biodiesel to enhance rural economies is one of the things that drives my career.”

The students are able to attend the conference through a scholarship program offered to members of Next Generation Scientists for biodiesel, an NBB program with the goal of educating and collaborating with young scientists. The United Soybean Board also supports the program through the soybean checkoff.

“They are often called ‘student scientists,’ but the reality is that these are full-fledged scientists, contributing to the large body of work that makes up biofuels research in this country,” said Kyle Anderson, NBB technical project manager. “There is tremendous potential for this NBB program to have a lasting impact on biodiesel research.  It’s a great investment to share solid information and build relationships with tomorrow’s scientific thought leaders.”

Another student who will be attending the event is Nina De la Rosa, an Environmental Studies student at Florida International University in  Miami. She, along with the other students, will present posters on their research during the event.

“I believe the conference will present engaging information and activities that will allow me to solidify my knowledge, and strengthen research and career interests that I hope to pursue in my professional life,” said De la Rosa. “The knowledge and professional network I gain from this conference will only allow my passion for biofuels to grow and strengthen my commitment to continue in a field that will remain of high importance in our quest for global sustainability.”

January 16, 2013 was Iowa Wind Energy Day, and dozens of companies showcased their wind energy technologies to Iowa Governor Terry Branstad along with state legislators. The second annual event was hosted by the Iowa Wind Energy Association (IWEA). Branstad gave remarks as part of the program, and congratulated IWEA for its fifth year of continuous operations. “You sure have done a lot to make Iowa a better place these last five years,” said Brandstad who was recently the chairman of the Governor’s Wind Energy Coalition. “And you have build an impressive membership of nearly 200 members representing all aspects of wind energy.”

“As governor way back in 1983, my first in office, I had the honor of signing the first renewable generation portfolio. And as a result of that, we now have over 20 other states that have copied Iowa’s law,” noted Branstad.

Branstad said that Iowa remains a “real leader” in installation and capacity. Iowa is number one in its electricity produced by wind exceeding 20 percent, more than any other state. “Something we can be very proud of,” he said. “We’re first in the number of wind energy related manufacturing facilities and wind related businesses as well. Perhaps the most important impact wind has had on our state is high quality, good paying jobs and also been a good source of rental income for our farmers,” continued Branstad.

He said he was pleased to see the wind Production Tax Credit was passed as part of the fiscal cliff legislation that passed on New Year’s day. “Now don’t get me wrong, the fiscal cliff package was a mixed bag, but at least we got this important piece of legislation passed as part of the package,” he said. “While the deal is certianly not perfect, I’m happy to have played a leadership role on behalf of the industry and how important this is to the Iowa economy.”

Listen to Iowa Governor Terry Brandstad’s full remarks here: Iowa Wind Energy Day

See the 2013 Iowa Wind Energy Day Photo Album.

Wade Hunt, a native of Sterling, Nebraska, has been awarded the National Ethanol Conference (NEC) Scholarship. Wade began his university academic career at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a chemical engineering student. From there, he was accepted as a research internship for the Undergraduate Creative Academic Research Experience (UCARE) program. He also selected to participate in NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory program, where he worked on proof of concept research for an extractor system. While in this position, he was able to perform analogous tests to degrade a common, large protein in aqueous solution. His senior project is to develop a packed bed reactor for the production of biodiesel. Wade is a firm supporter of renewable fuel resources and believes great strides need to be taken to further develop current and future processes to secure the world’s energy needs.

The opportunity to attend the NEC Conference: Driving Forward, in Las Vegas February 5-7, 2013 was made available by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the Renewable Fuels Foundation (RFF).  The focus of the foundation is toward academia, industry and public policy makers as the industry addresses issues related to new users, new feedstocks and new technologies that will impact the future of ethanol. This is the fourth consecutive year the scholarship has been available to students in higher education with a focus on renewable fuels and intending to pursue a career in the industry. Wade will receive complimentary registration to the conference, providing him an invaluable experience and opportunity to connect with hundreds of ethanol leaders, policy makers and experts in the renewable fuels industry.

“The NEC presents an extraordinary opportunity to those eager to learn about the industry, and we are proud to present another commendable student the chance to join us this year,” said Mike Jerke, RFF Chairman and General Manager of Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company. “Ethanol’s best will be on hand to showcase the bright future that lies ahead of the industry, and we hope Wade will leave even more encouraged by what our speakers have to offer.”

This year’s NEC program will highlight critical regulatory, marketing and policy issues facing the ethanol industry. Experts will speak to the current market situation, and address how we as an industry can continue to grow through innovation, new technologies and feedstocks, and by developing more diverse and global markets. Keynote speakers include USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Linda DiVall, President and CEO of American Viewpoint, RFA President and CEO Bob Dineen will give the state of ethanol report, among others.

January 15, 2013 is Iowa Wind Day at the Capitol, in Des Moines, Iowa. Iowa Governor Terry Brandstad will be a featured speaker during the event and other speakers include Kathleen Law, the Iowa Wind Energy Association’s (IWEA) Board of Directors President, and Harold D. Prior, IWEA’s executive director.

The free event will feature more than 20 exhibitors representing many aspects of Iowa’s wind energy industry. Exhibits are open from 8 a.m. until 12 noon for legislators and renewable energy enthusiasts to learn more about the wide diversity of opportunity in the wind energy industry.

Iowa leads the nation in the number of wind manufacturers and wind related businesses and was the first state to exceed 20 percent of its electrical generation from wind. The state also leads the nation in the number of wind jobs and its ranked third nationally behind Texas and California in installed capacity. According to IWEA, Iowa is one of four states that would benefit the most from increased wind investment and has outstanding wind resources. Iowa’s central location, access to two navigable rivers and the U.S. Interstate Highway system are also distinct advantages leading to further growth of the wind energy industry in Iowa. Lastly, Iowa has many planned electrical transmission projects that will help move wind power (aka all power) to Iowans living throughout the state.

What’s it mean to be “green,” “non-toxic” and “renewable”? You’ll will be able to answer these questions after participating in the upcoming webinar: FTC ‘Green Guides’: Implications for biodiesel and biobased communications being held on January 17, 2013 at 1:00 CST.

During the webinar, participants will learn what the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) revised “Green Guides” mean for biodiesel and biobased products manufacturers and marketers.  FTC has recently updated its “Green Guides,” which are designed to help marketers ensure that the claims they make about the environmental attributes of their products are truthful and non-deceptive.

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is offering this webinar to NBB members and biobased products manufacturers. The featured speaker is FTC Senior Attorney Laura Koss. In addition to her extensive work on the “Green Guides,” Koss has worked on a variety of matters, including investigations involving the advertising and promotion of dietary supplement products and country-of-origin claims. Prior to working at the FTC, Ms. Koss was an Associate at the international law firm Crowell & Moring in Washington, D.C.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Click here to learn more about the webinar and to register.

One of the key topics for discussion during the free, 7th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show being held in Altoona, Iowa on January 30, 2013 is future trends for U.S. agriculture and fuels. The “Market Outlook for 2013 and Beyond” panel will include Robert Gough, Director of Renewable Fuels for the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), who will provide an analysis of crude oil and renewable fuels price trends through the next decade.  Also joining the panel will be Nathan Kauffman, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, who will discuss his recent publication which highlights the role of markets in determining the scale of ethanol production and its use of corn in the future.  The final panelist and moderator, John Urbanchuk of Cardno ENTRIX, will highlight the impact of renewable fuels on Iowa’s economy.

“This panel will provide the Summit audience with a glimpse of what to expect for renewable fuels and gasoline production, demand and pricing and its impact on farm commodities now and in the future,” said Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s (IRFA) executive director. “This panel will be an excellent compliment to announced speakers like Gov. Terry Branstad and Growth Energy’s Tom Buis.  Additional speakers will be announced soon.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit provides a great opportunity to hear experts address state and national issues facing the future of renewable fuels, as well as network with biofuels professionals and business leaders throughout the Midwest. Registration for this free summit is currently open and you can register online here. Can’t make it to Des Moines? The DomesticFuel team will be onsite to bring you live and post event coverage.