February 24, 2022
BY Erin Krueger
Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., on Feb. 24 sent a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Environmental and Public Works urging the committee to consider legislation introduced last summer that aims to make corn ethanol ineligible for meeting Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (ROVs).
The two senators partnered with Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Bob Menendez, D-N.J., to introduce The Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act, or S. 2385, on July 20, 2021. The legislation aims to make corn ethanol ineligible to meet the requirements of the RFS by eliminating the RVO for conventional biofuel. The bill, however, would maintain statutory RFS targets for advanced biofuel, cellulosic biofuel and biomass-based diesel.
The bill was referred to the EPW committee following its introduction. To date, no other action has been taken with regard to the legislation.
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In their letter, Feinstein and Toomey cite a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that claims ethanol is more carbon-intensive than gasoline. Representatives of the biofuels industry have spoken out to slam that study, claiming that it includes several misrepresentations of the environmental outcomes of the RFS.
A full copy of the letter can be downloaded from Feinstein’s website.
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The U.S. Energy Information Administration maintained its forecast for 2025 and 2026 biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 8.
XCF Global Inc. on July 10 shared its strategic plan to invest close to $1 billion in developing a network of SAF production facilities, expanding its U.S. footprint, and advancing its international growth strategy.
U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.
XCF Global Inc. on July 8 provided a production update on its flagship New Rise Reno facility, underscoring that the plant has successfully produced SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha during its initial ramp-up.
The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.