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The ethanol market is dynamic. Due to the rapid growth in fuel ethanol, the market dynamics are actively changing. Key suppliers in the ethanol market include domestic and imported fermentation ethanol producers, as well as domestic and imported synthetic ethanol(industrial ethanol market) producers. Brazil is increasing ethanol exposure in the United States. MTBE Legislation is impacting ethanol demand. The proposed Energy Bill has strong support from the President, and the recent surge in oil and gasoline prices is providing a solid foundation for support from both the US House and Senate. A market analysis identifying key and critical legislative actvity is available tosubscribers.
Specific details and other ethanol news information is available with subscription. The news briefs below are short summaries and examples of the content in the EthanolMarket.com, LLC, Weekly News and Market Report.
The United States House passed the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007(H.R. 2419), commonly known as the Farm Bill, which is a $290 billion bill, with higher/increased subsidies for farmers and food stamps for the poor amid rising grocery prices while sprinkling in pet projects that lawmakers can take home to voters this election year. The 318-106 vote for the five-year bill gave supporters 28 more than they need to override a promised veto from President Bush. President Bush is on record stating that the bill is too expensive and generous to farmers, who are now enjoying record earnings. On Thursday, the United States Senate passed the bill as well, also with a veto proof margin of 81-15. The House passed the bill, 318-106, on Wednesday. To override a veto, each chamber must call a new vote and pass the bill by a two-thirds majority. The President has threatened to veto the measure, and he will get his chance as it is now on his desk but it appears that an override is eminent. President Bush feels that bill subsidizes multimillionaire farmers while Americans face higher food prices. The White House says the bill has $10 billion in hidden spending and rather than embrace reform, increases subsidy rates for wheat and soybeans...more or Click here for an Executive Summary of the entire bill
New ag direction offered by Lugar and House colleagues - U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar unveiled the Food and Agriculture Risk Management for the 21st Century Act (FARM 21) that would end the current market and trade distorting farm subsidy system and replace it with a new system of risk management accounts and insurance tools managed by farmers.
U.S. Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and Dave Riechert (R-WA) joined Lugar at a U.S. Capitol press conference today. Senate and House bills will be introduced in the next couple days.
“Current Federal Farm Programs target payments to a relatively narrow sector of American farmers and provide direct payments regardless of commodity prices. The bulk of these payments are made to growers of just five crops. Cotton, rice, corn, wheat, and soybean farmers receive about 85 percent of the annual payments provided by U.S. taxpayers,” said Lugar, an Indiana farmer and former chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.
“The current farm subsidy system is inequitable, inefficient, and disconnected from the core goal of maintaining a family farm safety net. It is also self-perpetuating, in that it stimulates over-production and stagnant prices that produce calls for greater government support.
“We need a true safety net that would embrace all farmers, avoid incentives to overproduce commodities when market signals do not exist, and lower costs for taxpayers,” Lugar said.
“The reforms proposed today would make our farm and food policies as modern and entrepreneurial as our farmers, and at the same time, provide additional resources to America’s hunger, energy, and environmental needs. These changes will also bring our farm policies into compliance with our existing global treaty obligations and jump start current multilateral trade negotiations.”
The plan would save $20 billion by 2012 and $55 billion by 2018. The savings over the next five years would be invested in: $5 billion for debt relief, $6 billion for conservation, $6 billion for nutrition programs, and $3 billion for renewable energy.
Lugar also met today with Executive Director of the World Food Program Josette Sheeran, actress Drew Barrymore and the world’s fastest marathon runner, Paul Tergat, to discuss the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (See photo link at www.lugar.senate.gov/farmbill).
Lugar’s new farm bill would increase the McGovern-Dole program by $1.1 billion over five years. The McGovern-Dole program provides food assistance in secular schools in developing nations. The program has shown success in improving attendance of children, especially girls. Participant countries are required to have in place a sustainability plan, meaning they will eventually take over the administrative and funding responsibility for the school meals program.
Four Senators, Lugar of Indiana, Harkin of Iowa, Obama of Illinois and Dorgan of North Dakota have introduced a new Biofuels Security Act. Remakably, this bill provides even more mandates and incentives for biofuels use than other ethanol legislation, or biodiesel legislation.
Specifically the act calls for automakers to increase the production of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) so that all vehicles sold in the U.S. would be FFVs within 10 years. And the bill would increase the number of filling stations that offer biofuels.
While President Bush called for a Renewable Fuels Standard of 35 billion gallons by 2017, the Biofuels Security Act would increase the RFS to 60 billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel by 2030.
The U. S. House of Representatives voted last week to shift money from oil and gas industry coffers into alternative-energy programs, but it remains unclear how the U.S. Senate will deal with the issue. H.R. 6, the energy bill, marked the completion of the Democratic House leadership’s “first 100 hours” agenda for the new Congress. H.R. 6 would change provisions in three laws, including the 2005 energy overhaul (Public Law 109-58) by rolling back approximately $14 billion in tax breaks and other subsidies for oil and gas companies and depositing that money into a fund to promote alternatives to fossil fuels. The sum includes about $4.4 billion in royalties that Democrats say would be recovered because of changes to flawed offshore drilling leases issued in 1998 and 1999.
The Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Democrat Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico, has said he supports efforts to fix flawed drilling leases, but he has stopped short of endorsing the entire House bill. Senator Bingaman has said he wants to rework the House bill to “avoid legal pitfalls” and to address funding for federal energy programs.
The House bill would require oil companies holding the flawed leases to renegotiate the deals or pay a “conservation fee” as compensation before they could big on more drilling leases. The House passed a bill last year that contained similar language, but it never cleared the Senate.
H.R. 6 would also eliminate a tax credit for oil and gas companies that was extended to those industries in 2004 (Public Law 108-357), raising $7.6 billion over 10 years. Another provision would raise more than $104 million over 10 years by altering the rate at which some exploration expenses can be deducted by major oil companies. Under the 2006 tax reconciliation package (Public Law 109-222), companies have five years to write off expenses. The House bill would lengthen it to seven years.
Senate Democrats have said they want to assemble their own energy package by the spring. The House bill normally would be referred to the Senate Finance Committee because of its tax provisions, but Senator Bingaman plans to request it be placed directly on the Senate calendar, thus avoiding putting the issue in the jurisdiction of the Finance panel and making it easier for Bingaman’s committee to take the lead on the issue.
Shares of ethanol related stocks are moving higher amid active trading ahead of President Bush's State of the Union Address tomorrow. During his speech, Bush is expected to promote fuel efficient vehicles, ethanol and new technologies to help the country ease away from its "addiction to oil." According to analysts at Prudential Equity Group, "Bush will emphasize the sheer quantity of cellulosic ethanol he thinks can be produced," and if he is really serious about cutting U.S. dependence on foreign oil, that it will the mean the production of "massive amounts of ethanol from plant fibers, which implies the newer cellulosic technology will be needed to go far beyond what is possible today from corn." The news is boosting shares of Xethanol Corp. (AMEX: XNL) and Pacific Ethanol Inc. (NASDAQ: PEIX), mirroring a run ethanol stocks had after Bush's 2006 State of the Union address where he similarly called for an end to U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The Presidents speech is tonight, Monday, Janaury 22, 2007
01.21.07 - A bipartisan coalition of U.S. Senators, including Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar, both from Indiana, today introduced legislation aimed at breaking America's dependence on foreign oil. The Drive Act, authored by Bayh, would reduce U.S. oil use by seven million barrels per day in 20 years through a variety of steps, including increased ethanol production and tax incentives to encourage the production of fuel-efficient vehicles.
"Meeting our future energy needs in one of the great challenges of this generation, and one that will impact everything from our national security to our economy," Bayh said. "With cosponsors from the right, left, and across the country, my energy plan offers a realistic solution to reducing our dependence on foreign oil."
The new legislation is a re-introduced version of the Vehicle and Fuel Choices for American Security Act from the 109th Congress, which attracted 28 Senate co-sponsors last year.
The bill proposes to increase availability of home-grown, renewable fuels like ethanol and to provide tax credits for manufacturers who retool their factories to build hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and flex-fuel vehicles among other things. The bill also calls for the government to set the example by requiring federal and state vehicle fleets to cut oil use 30 percent by 2016 and ensure that 23 percent of their fleets are advanced diesel, hybrids or plug-in hybrids.
01.10.07 - The new congress did not take long to address the biofuels industry and energy security in the United States. United States Senators Tom Harkin (Democrat-Iowa) and Richard Lugar (Republican-Indiana) introduced the Biofuels Security Act of 2007 last week. Both Senators have been long time proponents of energy independence and biofuel expansion. The bill sets new benchmarks for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), reaching 30 billion gallons per year by 2020 and 60 billion gallons per year by 2030. Also, the bill would require that all United States automobiles be flexible fuel vehicles (FFV’s) by 2017. FFV’s in the United States are capable of running on gasoline or any blend of anhydrous ethanol up to 85 percent, which is E85. Additionally, the bill would require that oil companies will have to offer E85 at 50% of their gas stations by 2017. Key ethanol industry groups support the proposed legislation, including the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). On the other side of the fence, the National Refiners Petroleum Association (NPRA) opposes the legislation
In a press release, NPRA Executive Vice President Charles T. Drevna, restated NPRA’s position of energy policy based on mandates, and now has added fuel to the Food for Fuel debate. Drevna stated “Ethanol is not without its strong points, of course. Besides extending the fuel supply, ethanol increases octane, has dilution benefits that help meet RFG specifications, and limits CO emissions. Clearly, U.S. refiners will continue to rely on ethanol as a vital gasoline blendstock. But while NPRA members are among the largest users of ethanol, we believe allowing the market to operate is the best way to address consumer needs at reasonable prices.”
“ Currently, about 700 service stations – mostly in the Midwest – provide E-85. This volume accounts for less than one percent of the total ethanol volume used in the nation’s fuel supply. That’s less than one percent of a product that altogether makes up only four percent of the total gasoline supply. Policymakers should avoid touting E-85 as a comprehensive solution to imported crude oil. In addition, no infrastructure has been built to store, transport and/or sell E-85, or that few studies of the impact of E-85 have been conducted. This legislation itself acknowledges the inadequate numbers of appropriate pumps and vehicles that, when coupled with problems in distributing ethanol, demonstrate that ethanol mandates can easily outstrip the ability of our current infrastructure to deliver.”
" Even with these drawbacks, we are not opposed to the use of ethanol, biodiesel, E-85, or other alternatives based upon market pricing. We believe that alternative fuels will be a growing part of the nation’s energy supplies as their economic viability improves and technological progress continues. We do continue to remain opposed to mandates and subsidies. And we believe that renewable fuels are not the answer to America’s supply problems nor can they deliver on the promise of energy independence. Before collectively abandoning hydrocarbons and stocking up on carbohydrates for energy, all stakeholders should fully understand the proper role of renewables as part of the nation’s transportation fuel mix.”
On the other side of the growing debate is The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE). Executive VP Brian Jennings stated that they are “very grateful to Senators Harkin and Lugar for introducing the Biofuels Security Act of 2007, a bill that contains many of ACE’s highest legislative priorities. Now is the time for boldpolicies to help increase the availability of homegrown and renewable alternatives to oil. The bipartisan leadership of these two long-time ethanol champions is setting the stage for the new Congress to confront America’s energy crisis in a direct, yet sensible way by dramatically increasing the availability of ethanol. We are hopeful that Congress will enact this bill in the near future so that America can continue to benefit from the expansion of the domestic biofuels industry.”
Both sides have valid issues and concerns. Ethanol Market strongly supports Energy Security and biofuels legislation. However, the Food for Fuel issue is something that needs to be studied and evaluated. Obviously, the Biofuels Security Act of 2007 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) of 30 billion gallons per year by 2020 and 60 billion gallons per year by 2030, would deplete the nations corn supply, assuming corn dry mill or wet mill fermentation. At 2.7 gallons per bushel, a 30 billion gallon RFS would require over 11 billion bushels of corn, and a 60 billion gallon RFS would require over 22 billion bushels of corn. The latest 2006 corn production estimate is 10.905 billion bushels. Where will the corn come from and how will the ethanol demand impact corn prices? This question is the foundation for the Food for Fuel debate.
The RFS for both the Energy Security Act of 2005 and the Biofuels Security Act of 2007 include biodiesel in the mandate totals. Also, there are strong incentives for cellulosic research and development, and have cellulosic mandates as well. Regardless, the growth curve is significant. However, the technology curve for cellulosic will have a difficult time matching the ethanol growth curve. The industry will have challenges meeting incremental demand with cellulosic ethanol. This really is a serious concern.
United States Representatives Earl Pomeroy (Democrat - North Dakota) and Kenny Hulsh (Republican - Missouri), introduced the Renewable Fuels and Energy Independence Promotion Act, last week, at the very start of the 110th Congress. The proposed legislation requires that the current federal excise tax credit for biodiesel be permanent. This would significantly impact biodiesel production and demand, because the current legislation expires in expires in 2008.
In a press release, the National Biodiesel Board Chief Executive Officer Joe Jobe stated “Introducing this legislation is a positive message to policymakers, the biodiesel industry and all Americans that biodiesel has an important role to play in U.S. energy policy. A permanent tax incentive gives confidence for continued biodiesel industry growth. Biodiesel allows Americans to use less petroleum, boost the U.S. economy and improve air quality. We must do everything we can to encourage the production of renewable fuels as our nation strives for energy independence. Making this tax credit for ethanol and biodiesel permanent is a critical component of that effort. Senator Pomeroy states “These renewable fuel tax credits are of vital importance to North Dakota's economy, which is why I've made it one of my top priorities in this Congress. North Dakota has seen first-hand the positive impact these tax credits can have in growing the ethanol and biodiesel industries.”
07.26.06 - WASHINGTON, DC - Leading House Democrats, including Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD), Rep. John Dingell (MI), Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Democrat, Rep. Jim Oberstar, Transportation Committee Ranking Democrat, Rep. Mark Udall (CO), co-chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, Rep. Stephanie Herseth (SD), co-chair of the House Democratic Rural Working Group and member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, member of the House Transportation Committee and Task Force on Livable Communities, Rep. Adam Schiff, member of the House International Relations Committee and co-chair/co-founder of the Democratic Study Group on National Security, and Rep. Rush Holt, unveiled what they term a “comprehensive energy independence bill” entitled the "PROGRESS Act" today.
According to the Democrats, the bill provides provisions that would:
— Establish a National Energy Security Commission. The Commission would bring together government, industry and academic leaders to develop consensus national goals that respect regional energy solutions. The Commission would develop recommendations to Congress that would have to be acted upon under expedited rules. The fact is, despite all the expertise on energy issues across government, the private sector and academia, there is no entity that brings such experts together in common cause.
— Establish a New Manhattan Center for High Efficiency Vehicles. This proposal would establish an advanced vehicle efficiency consortium and double the federal commitment to federal alternative fuels and vehicle technology programs in the federal government. The effort would revitalize the goals of the Partnership of New Generation of Vehicles from the 1990s to build on current hydrogen and fuel cell work with a focus on battery, advanced diesel and variable compression engines, plug-in electric hybrids, and other vehicle programs. The result would be widespread availability of technologies that can double the current average vehicle efficiency, diversify types of fuels, and continue to develop the future of fuel cells and hydrogen from sustainable and renewable resources.
— Establish a National Biofuels Infrastructure Development Program. Vehicles that run on ethanol and biodiesel are being produced. But we must develop biofuel infrastructure – not just retail pumps but also wholesale distribution and transportation infrastructure. This grant program would reimburse private-sector partners to share the costs of investing in the wholesale and retail biofuel pumps, tanks and related distribution equipment. The program would also leverage matching grants from state and local governments designed to encourage the spread of alternative fuels.
— Promote Transit Use & Develop a Rail Infrastructure Program. To get biofuels to market and secure an affordable and reliable energy supply, this legislation calls for a stimulus package of infrastructure investment that upgrades the “pipeline” for biofuels – the freight rail system. It also provides grants to promote conservation alternatives such as public transit and commuter rail.
— Ensure Federal Government Leadership in the Use of Alternatives to Oil. The federal government is one of the leading owners of vehicle fleets and consumers of petroleum products. The government must lead by example. Thus, this bill would increase the use of alternative fuels in federal fleets, spread pilot biofuel plants around the country and speed development of national standards to allow industry to build toward the same targets.
07.25.06 - Ottawa, Ontario (July 25, 2006) — The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association today unveiled a comprehensive plan to implement the federal government's commitment to require 5 percent renewable content in Canadian gasoline and diesel fuel.
"Today we are releasing a realistic roadmap to create a Made-in-Canada renewable fuels industry," said Executive Director Kory Teneycke. "This paper is the product of an unparalleled consultation process with organizations in the ethanol and biodiesel industry. Every portion of the biofuels value chain has participated in this policy process, including: farmers, agribusiness, fuel producers and consumers."
This policy is about more than ensuring a market for renewable fuels in Canada. It is about increasing ethanol and biodiesel production as well. This requires putting in place an economic and regulatory environment that is competitive with other countries and the rest of the energy industry. This will allow Canada to experience the economic as well as environmental benefits associated with increased renewable fuel use.
Recommended policies articulated in the Canadian Renewable Fuels Strategy include:
Requirement for an average of 5% renewable fuel content in Canadian fuel
Tax credits for ethanol and biodiesel production, instead of the existing excise tax exemption
Programs to encourage farmer equity investment in renewable fuels production facilities and to support emerging technologies
These policies will help to promote the creation of an efficient national Canadian biofuels industry that can compete with imported products while adhering to international trade agreements. The paper also lays out the need for clear standards for renewable fuels to ensure the quality and safety of the Canadian fuel supply is maintained.
"Renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, will lower greenhouse gas emissions, provide a hedge against rising fuel prices, and create sustainable jobs in rural Canada," added Teneycke. "We are confident that with continued consultation and input, this Made-in-Canada renewable fuels strategy will fuel change across Canada."
Founded in 1994, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote renewable fuels for transportation through consumer awareness and government liaison activities. The CRFA membership is comprised of representatives from all levels of the ethanol and biodiesel industry, including: corn and cellulose ethanol producers, biodiesel producers, fuel technology researchers, agricultural associations, and environmental organizations concerned with air quality and greenhouse gases.
07.24.06 - Press release from Missouri Governor Matt Blunt;
I recently signed House Bill 1270 requiring that gasoline sold in Missouri be blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) by 2008. This new law fulfills a commitment I made to Missourians and will help plant the seeds for our state to benefit from the growing alternative fuels industry. The Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard Act is a major step we are taking to position our state as a leader in ethanol production and utilization.
Missouri’s new E10 standard will ensure that ethanol is used in Missouri gasoline when, and only when, it is less expensive than petroleum-based gasoline. This standard will also help to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Currently we import the majority of our petroleum for foreign nations. Missouri’s utilization of cleaner burning ethanol will help reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil.
Ethanol improves our environment and the air we breathe. It contains more oxygen than petroleum-based gasoline which improves combustion and reduces emissions of harmful compounds such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens like benzene and toluene. Studies have shown that a 10 percent ethanol blend reduces particulate matter emissions by 50 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 30 percent and emissions of other toxic compounds by 13 percent. So in addition to reducing costs for consumers our new E-10 standard will help improve our health and environment.
Missouri currently has three operating ethanol plants in Macon, Malta Bend and Craig that produce about 115 million gallons of ethanol annually. A fourth ethanol plant in Laddonia will begin operations later this year. Anticipated growth in Missouri’s ethanol industry will produce more than enough blended fuel to meet this new E-10 standard.
Missouri’s first four ethanol plants will consume approximately 55 million bushels of corn annually and is expected to raise the value of Missouri’s corn by $41 million at the farm level annually. It is estimated farmers can expect a five to fifteen cent per bushel price increase for corn as the demand for ethanol increases.
I am the first governor to recommend full funding for the Ethanol Incentive Fund in my budget. Since taking office I have directed $15.6 million to this fund.
I fought for Missouri's new E10 standard because it sends a strong and important message that our state is doing our part to look for alternative fuels to help lessen America’s dependence on foreign oil. The more clean-burning, renewable fuel Missouri produces and uses, the better off we will all be in the long-term.
06.28.06 - Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco signed a bill last week that ethanol-blended gasoline and other alternative fuels be sold in Louisiana, after the state reaches certain production targets. However, due to the recent surge in the ethanol spot markets, the Louisiana House voted to pass another law that would limit the mandate. They may have gone a little too much to the other side, as the new legislation would “put off the alternative fuel requirement until Louisiana manufactured ethanol costs no more than ten cents per gallon more than the average wholesale price of gasoline in Louisiana”. This kind of defeats the purpose of supporting renewable fuels, but they are concerned over the skyrocketing ethanol prices, and they are concerned about protecting the consumers. Perhaps a better solution would be to have a graduated scale, which would require a smaller percentage of ethanol blended into the Louisiana gasoline pool as prices increase, and a larger volume as prices decrease. The lawmakers should not forget that the philosophy behind renewable fuels is to reduce the nations dependence on imported crude oil.
05.04.06 -During a CNBC interview last Friday, President George W. Bush says "it makes sense" to temporarily suspend the 54 cpg import duty on ethanol, citing Brazil as a potential increased supply source.
The President said "Dropping the tariff will enable the export of ethanol to our markets, which would particularly help on our coasts".
Legislation was recently introduced to suspend the 54 cpg tariff on imported ethanol for the balance of the year 2006, in an effort to replace the rapidly retreating MTBE supply.
Senator Shadegg, who introduced the bill, was quoted as saying "With MTBE being phased out, almost every gallon of gasoline sold in the U.S. is going to require ethanol. But right now our domestic ethanol supply is inadequate to meet this increased demand," Shadegg said. "As the cost of ethanol rises, so do gasoline prices."
TESTIMONY OF RFA PRESIDENT BOB DINEEN BEFORE THE SENATE AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE
03.27.06 - In early March, the European Commission agreed and adopted both legislative and research measures, and released the "EU Strategy for Biofuels". The objective of the initiative is to significantly increase the capacity and production of biofuels in the EU. This action includes mandates to promote the development of renewable energy, particularly energy from wind, water, solar power and biomass. The "EU Strategy for Biofuels" initiative further strengthens previous the initiative established in December 2005. The objective is to reduce Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet the tough targets established under the Kyoto Protocol. Biofuels include ethanol (bioethanol), biodiesel and biogas. In 2004, the world production of bioethanol for fuel use was around 30 million tons (over 10 billion gallons). The United States has been the fastest growing ethanol regions in the world. The European Union produced almost 0.5 million tons bioethanol in 2004, and about one million tons in 2005, and they are targeting three million tons by the end of 2007. The leading EU producers were Spain and France. The leading consumer was Sweden, with about 80% of the quantities imported, mostly from Brazil. Biodiesel is a larger, more visible market in the EU, and they are the world's leading region for the production and use of biodiesel, with almost 2 million tons in 2004, with Germany the main producer, followed by France and Italy. For mid 2006 an increase in total EU25 biodiesel production capacity to 3.8 - 4.1 million tons. Other parts of the world, including the United States and Brazil recently passed biodiesel initiatives.
02.20.06 - Federal environmental regulators are telling states with air quality problems that soon they will no longer be required to sell gasoline containing ethanol or MTBE. California was among the states objecting to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency´s mandate that urban areas with smog problems sell only gasoline containing 2 percent oxygen by weight. Ethanol and methyl tertiary butyl ether are the most common gasoline additives to boost oxygen content. While the EPA long argued the additives improved air quality, California officials argued that addition of ethanol actually worsened air pollution problems in some California areas. In announcing the policy change Feb. 15, EPA officials acknowledged the existing mandate is "burdensome" and said the new policy would give states and refiners "greater flexibility in producing clean-burning gasoline to protect and improve air quality." About 30 percent of the gasoline sold in the country is reformulated gasoline containing MTBE or ethanol. Parts of 14 states and the District of Columbia currently are required to sell reformulated gasoline. California was among several states banning MTBE from gasoline because of concerns the chemical was contaminating drinking water supplies. In addition, California is located a significant distance from ethanol producing facilities in the Midwest that make the additive, a form of alcohol derived from corn, which leads to higher gasoline prices. "This requirement was unnecessary and harmful to California´s air and water and should have been done years ago," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., long a critic of the fuel mandate. "The use of the oxygenate MTBE caused untold damage to our drinking water supplies and cost untold millions to our consumers. The use of the oxygenate ethanol in the summer months when clean-burning fuels were available was actually counter to the purpose of the Clean Air Act, which required the use of oxygenates in the first place." The EPA agreed that refiners are now able to make cleaner-burning fuel without the addition of oxygenates. While eliminating a requirement for the additives, states are free to continue allowing their sales. In fact, part of the Bush administration´s energy policy calls for refiners to boost use of ethanol, which extends fuel supplies. Dropping the reformulated gasoline mandate takes effect May 6 for most of the country. In California, it will take effect 60 days after the regulation´s publication in the Federal Register.
01.03.06 - Governor George E. Pataki recently announced a major initiative to increase the production of biofuels in New York State, part of a comprehensive plan to develop and expand markets for ethanol and other biofuels, and help reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. Under an Executive Order issued by the Governor, all State agencies and public authorities will be required to increase their purchase and use of biofuels for heating their facilities and fueling their vehicles. The proposal also is expected to provide a boost to farmers in New York State who will see an increased market for feedstocks used in biofuel production. "New York has an opportunity and an obligation to reduce our dependence on unstable foreign energy supplies, and we can begin to achieve this by boosting the production of homegrown biofuels," Governor Pataki said. "High energy prices have significantly impacted families and businesses across the Empire State, and have clearly shown our vulnerability to forenergy dollars here in New York. "The Empire State is a national leader in the promoting the use of renewable fuels, but we must continue to work to increase our use of alternative energy sources and strengthen our economy," the Governor said. "With this initiative, I am calling on State agencies and authorities to set higher standards for using renewable energy, which will help to spur investments in biofuel production and make New York a pioneer in this emerging energy industry." Under the Executive Order, state agencies and public authorities will be required to purchase and utilize biofuels for use in boilers, heating/cooling plants, and in their motor vehicle fleets. The Order mandates that by 2012, at least 5 percent of the heating fuel used in State buildings will be biodiesel, a biodegradable fuel made from agricultural products. In addition, by 2007, at least 2 percent of fuels used in the State fleet must be biodiesel, with this percentage rising to 10 percent in 2012. The Governor's Clean Fueled Vehicle Council also will develop and implement plans to increase the number and accessibility of ethanol refueling stationseign energy sources.
12.12.05 - Regular unleaded gasoline sold in Wisconsin will have 10% ethanol by late 2006 with a bill recently passed by the Wisconsin State Assembly. The Assembly's passed the legislation with a 54-38 vote, and it now goes to the Wisconsin State Senate. If/when the Senate passes the measure, it will go to Governor Jim Doyle for final apporoval.Currently 45% of the fuel sold in the state contains ethanol. Almost all of it is being sold in the southeastern corner of the state because of clean air requirements. 39 of 51 terminals that supply gasoline in Wisconsin currently have the capability of adding ethanol, and 11 can get ethanol from sources outside Wisconsin. Four ethanol facilities in Wisconsin currently have capacity for 180 million gallons per year. Approximately 9% of gasoline sold in Wisconsin is blended with ethanol. Minnesota, Montana and Hawaii also have legislation in place mandating 10% ethanol. Under the bill, all regular gasoline sold in Wisconsin would have to contain 10% ethanol by October 1, 2006.
11.17.05 - Gil Gutknecht, a Minnesota Republican in the United States House of Representives, has proposed legislation requiring 10% renewable fuel in all gasoline, by 2010. It is called the "10 x 10" plan.
10.24.05 - Wisconsin State Senator Dan Kapanke wants Wisconsin to follow the lead of Minnesota, and push for increased state ethanol production and use. Kapanke expects energy prices to reach record highs this year, and feels that an ethanol program is good common sense, and does not want Wisconsin to fall behind other states, wants to help reduce imported crude oil and gasoline. Kapanke says Wisconsin needs to start producing more ethanol, an alternative fuel made mainly from corn, to help lower energy prices as soon as possible. Democratic Governor Jim Doyle agrees with Republican lawmakers like Kapanke. Doyle says the state needs to push up its ethanol production.
08. 18.05 - Acting New Jersey Governor Richard Codey signed into law MTBE legislation banning the gasoline additive by January 2005. However, the EthanolMarket.com, LLC, North American Ethanol Market Study, a fuel and industrial ethanol multiclient study, predicts that MTBE conversion in the state will be substantially in place far before this effective date. For more information regarding this study, please contact info@ethanolmarket.com
08.08.05 - President Bush signed the Energy Bill, at the Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For a full review of the Energy Bill, subscribe to the Ethanolmarket.com, LLC Weekly News and Market Report, before the price increase October 1, 2005
08.02.05 - President Bush is scheduled to sign the Energy Bill on August 8, 2005, at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 07.30.05 - The United States Senate passed the Energy Bill, "The Energy Policy Act of 200", with a vote of 74-26. The bill contains the 7.5 billion gallon ethanol Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The bill now goes to President Bush, and he "looks forward to signing it into law". The bill does not contain MTBE liabilit protection, or a MTBE ban. However, State legislation in effect, will result in a national ban within several years.
07.28.05 - The United States House approved/passed the compromised Energy Bill with a vote of 275-156. The legislation is slated to be voted on by the US Senate on Friday, July 29, it is expected to pass, and then thats it! It will be on the President's desk as requested, before the August recess. Full details will be reviewed in this weeks issue of the EthanolMarket.com, LLC, Weekly News and Market Report. Subcribe now, and save $300 before prices increase.
07.26.05 - The joint Senate/House Conferees reached agreement on many key provisions in the Energy Bill late last night, and actually early this morning, July 26th. During the proceeding, conferees were very deliberate with the discussion, and were very focused on not allowing a Senate filibuster, which has killed the billed several times before. The Energy Bill has been one of President Bush's top priorities for his second term. His position has been further reinforced with recent surge in energy prices, and he has repeatedly emphasized his desire to have the legislation on his desk before the August recess. At the same time, President Bush understands that the Energy Bill will not impact energy prices in the immediate future. The latest draft requires refiners to double the use of corn-based ethanol in motor gasoline, to 4.0 billion gallons in 2006, 4.7 in 2007, 5.5 in 2008, 6.1 in 2009, 6.8 in 2010, 7.4 in 2011 and 7.5 billion gallons of ethanol in 2012. At this time, the Bill does not contain MTBE liability protection, or a MTBE ban. Also, the Oxygenate fuels requirement, would end 270 days after the legislation is approved. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, the conference chairman, called the legislation "the most comprehensive energy bill in the last 30 or 40 years." For a full legislative review, please subscribe to the EthanolMarket.com, LLC, Ethanol-Biofuels-Renewable Fuels Weekly News and Market Report
07.21.05 - Lawmakers in Washington are hard at work, with hopes of having a Energy Bill on President Bush's desk before the summer recess in August. Although there has been much progress during the last week, several other parts of the energy bill still in negotiation are the MTBE liability issue, and renewable energy. Sources are confident that a final bill will be submitted to President Bush within the next several weeks. EthanolMarket.com, LLC, believes that there will be a compromise with the MTBE liability issue, and the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) will settle at 8 billion gallons.
07.13.05 - The US House of Representatives voted yesterday to keep the controversial MTBE Liability Protection in the Energy Bill. The vote passed 217 to 201. The MTBE Liability issue was partially, if not fully, responsible for the Energy Bill failing to pass during attemps over the past several years. This vote, was an attempt by Democrat Lois Capps of California, to force House negotiators to keep the provision out of the Energy Bill. Also, this vote, was non-binding, as the Energy Bill is currently in conference committee, after passing through both the House and Senate, and the House and Senate are in negotiation, ironing out the differences, which includes the MTBE Liability provision.
07.07.05 - Rhode Island is the latest state to ban MTBE. On Wednesday, July 6, 2005, Rhode Island Governor Carcieri signed a bill that, as of Jan. 1, 2007, bans the sale of gasoline containing MTBE. New York and Connecticut banned MTBE effective January 1, 2004, Neew Hampshire has a ban effective January 1, 2007, and Maine recently signed a MTBE ban. New Jersey has recently introduced a bill that will ban MTBE.
06.29.05 - The United States Senate passed the comprehensive Energy Bill yesterday, with a 88-12 vote. The 88-12 margin shows the strong bipartisan support, and is unusually high for any legislation. The bill contains the 8 billion gallon Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). The legislation will now go to committee, to work on the differences between the House and Senate versions. The House version contains a 5 billion gallon RFS, and MTBE liability protection.
06.23.05 - EthanolMarket.com, LLC, predicts that the Energy Bill will be passed later this summer, and will contain the 8.0 billion gallon ethanol provision. R. Jeffrey DeReamer, President of EthanolMarket.com, LLC stated "The House and Senate versions versions differ with Renewable Fuels Standards. THe House version calls for 5 billion, and the Senate version mandates 8 billion gallons of ethanol useage by 2012 . Also, the removal of the Federal Oxygenate Standard will allow for significantly increased flexibility in the marketplace, and the removal of MTBE will eliminate future ground water contamination issues, and supports the States position, as 21 states already have banned MTBE, and many others have legislation pending. Plus, we feel that the bill has gained support with Washington, the States and the general public, as a positive step towards Energy Security and Protecting the Environment. The recent price surges with crude oil and gasoline reinforces the Energy Security aspect. Keep in mind that a 8 billion gallon RFS is just a small part of the 140 billion gallon gasoline market. With respect to the corn market, the gasoline market, the ethanol production expansion and the growing ethanol infrastructure, a 8 billion gallon ethanol RFS should fit in perfectly..."
06.18.05 - Once again, President Bush urged Congress to submit an Energy Bill to his desk before the summer recess in August. "There has been a of debate, and lot of politics, but no results...It is time for Congress to stop the debate, stop the inaction, and pass an Energy Bill...Look, I recognize, and I hope you recognize, that when I sign the bill, you gasoline prices will not drop...This problem has been long in the making. But, by addressing it now, we are going to be able to say, life is going to better for our chidlren and grandchildren..."
06.07.05 - Here we go again! One of the most controversial differences between the House and Senate versions of the Energy Bill is the MTBE liability protection. The House Bill, supported by House Majority Leader Tom Delay, contains a provision that provides liability protection for the producers of MTBS. The Senate version does not contain the MTBE liability protection provision. The provison is currently being debated. 05.23.05 - The State of New Jersey , after years of roadblocks, appears ready to pass MTBE legislation. In a bill recently introduced in the New Jersey State Assembly, the State would ban MTBE in January 2008 . As with some other recent legislation, the bill would ban MTBE, but would allow for a 0.5% level. New York and Connecticut banned MTBE, effective last year. If/when New Jersey passes the MTBE ban, the entire Northeast would effectively be MTBE free, due to the large terminal, tank, shipping and inventory base in the state.
05.18.05 - New Hampshire signs MTBE legislation, effectively banning MTBE starting January 1, 2007. New Hampshire will probably accelerate the implementation, especially with New York and Connecticut already banning MTBE, and with other states in the wings. New Jersey has been considering sunbmitting MTBE banning legislation
05.11.05 - Governor Pawlenty signs 20% ethanol bill (details below)
05.10.05 - The Minnesota State Senate voted 54-12 to pass the measure calling for 20% ethanol content is gasoline by the year 2013. The House recently passed the legislation 100-32. Governor Tim Pawlenty has firmly supported this legislation, and he is expected to sign the bill right away. The bill would require 20% ethanol in gasoline if the ethanol does not make up 20% of the gasoline sold in the state by 2013. Increased use of E85 could bring the total ethanol usage up to the 20% level of all gasoline sold in the state, with out actually requiring 20% in all gasoline. Minnesota is a pioneer with ethanol, and they were the first state to require 10% ethanol blends. The does have some provisions that would delay implementation if the automobile companies do not warranty 20% ethanol blends. The legislation is unique, because it leaves the door open for increased E85 usage, without actually mandating 20% ethanol in all gasoline, just ethanol sales equal to 20% of all gasoline sold in the state. As well as increasing ethanol use, the measure is expected to increase ethanol production in the state of Minnesota.
05.30.05 - Fuel ethanol producers and marketers are anxiously waiting for the final ruling regarding the Atlanta RFG. The state opposed the EPA decision, and the matter is pending appeal in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The original ruling mandated ethanol usage by January 1, 2005. A final ruling is expected later this summer, or early fall. Please subscribe to the EthanolMarket.com, LLC, Weekly News and Market Report for full details regarding Federal and State legislative activity.
05.26.05 - The US Senate passed an 8 billion gallon Renewable Fuels Standard, in the Energy Bill, which is significantly above the House version. Please subscribe to the EthanolMarket.com, LLC, Weekly News and Market Report for more details.
05.18.05 - United State Senator Pete Domenici, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committeee, said that they are drafting versions of the Senate energy bill that will include an ethanol mandate of between 6 and 8 billion gallons. The House version called for 5 billion gallons of ethanol usage by 2012
05.09.05 - The Governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer, signed Senate Bill 293, which mandates a 10% ethanol blend in gasoline. The law will not go into effect until the state has operating capacity to produce a minimum of 55 million gallons of ethanol per year.The bill also provides incentives for ethanol producers who use Montana grown grains for feedstock. The Governor emphasized the value of the bill, which includes investment, jobs and benefits to local economies. If Montana, Minnesota and Hawaii can do it, other states should not wait for federal legislation, and promote ethanol usage on a state by state basis.
05.05.05 - The Minnesota Senate passed the renewable fuel bill with a 57-12 vote. The legislation now goes to the Governor, who strongly support renewable fuels. The bill contains a 20% ethanol provision by 2013.
04.29.05 - President Bush urged Congress to pass an Energy Bill before the summer recess during his news conference yesterday. The House recently passed a bill that contains a 5.0 billion gallon ethanol mandate by 2012.
04.27.05 - The Minnesota House passed the renewable fuels bill with a 54-12 vote. The bill, which recently passed through the Senate, sets a goal of 20% renewable fuels by 2010 for the states liquid fuels, which can be reached through the increased usage of E85 vehicles, increased biodiesel use and other intitiatives. It is not a straight 20% ethanol in gasoline bill. Although, the bill does have a provision calling for a doubling of the states 10% ethanol mandate, to 20%, if the 20% renewable fuels target is not reached.
04.22.05 - The United States House passed the Energy Bill on Thursday, April 21, 2005, with a vote of 249-183. 41 Democrats supported the legislation. The bill included two key provisions that will meet strong resistance when the bill goes to the Senate. The two provisions are MTBE liability and oil drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
The bill also include a 5.0 billion gallon corn-based ethanol mandate by 2012; over $8 billion in tax breaks and subsidies for energy companies, mainly for oil, gas, nuclear, coal and electric companies; Drilling and exploration in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska; MTBE liability protection, MTBE phase out and $2 billion support in transition costs to help manufacturers as MTBE is phased out; In an effort to save energy, extend daylight savings time by two months, starting on the first Sunday in March, and ending on the last Sunday in November; Allow a 20% tax credit for homeowners to improves home energy efficiencies.
The bill, the "Energy Policy Act of 2005", faced fierce competition in recent days, especially with the 219-213 vote to retain the MTBE liability provision, which blocked the bill in the Senate several years ago. And the 231-200 amendment vote that failed to strip the ANWR provision from the bill. The MTBE liability protection is a key issue because MTBE has been detected in over 1,800 water systems in nearly 30 states, which is up significantly from several years ago, and opponents fear that funding for the cleanup will be stressed, not to mention limits on liability. Cleanup cost are estimated to between $20 and $30 billion. The bill does provide additional funds for storage tank clean up. Many states have banned MTBE, including most recently New York, Connecticut and California.
Meanwhile, the 5.0 billion gallon ethanol provision in the Energy Bill seems small compared to the 8.0 billion in the Fuel Security Act of 2005. As recently reported by EthanolMarket.com, LLC, Senator Richard Lugar (Republican - Indiana) and U.S Senator Tom Harkin (Democrat - Iowa) submitted the "Fuels Security Act of 2005", which calls for 8 billion gallons of ethanol use by 2012. The 2004 fuel ethanol usage totaled 3.4 billion gallons. The Act was submitted specifically to reduce the United States dependence on foreign oil by doubling the production and use of ethanol. The "Fuels Security Act of 2005" calls for 4 billion gallon of ethanol use in 2006, then increasing each year, up to 8 billion gallons by 2012. The plan is a flexible program, calling on oil refiners to use renewable fuels blends where it is most cost effective. It does not mandate ethanol usage in specific cities, States or geographic regions. Several organizations, including the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), and over 20 U.S. Senators support the proposed legislation The Senate is expected to work on a bill during the coming weeks, and then the House and Senate versions would be negotiated into a final version. The House bill is over 1,000 pages long and is strongly supported by the White House
04.17.05 - President Bush is urging Congress to have an Enrgy Bill on his desk before the summer break. As expected, the Bill contains two controversial provisions, the MTBE liability protection and the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska provision. The Energy and Commerce Committee passed the energy provisions last week by a 39-15 vote. Then, the House Resources Committee blocked and attempt by Democrats that would remove the ANWR provision, which essentially allows drilling and exploration in the Refuge. The bill contains a 5 billion gallon ethanol provision. However, Governors from 30 states have signed a letter urging consideration of a 8 billion gallon ethanol provision, with tax incentives to spur ethanol production from other sources.
3.20.05 - U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) and U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) introduced the "Fuels Security Act of 2005", which calls for 8 billion gallons of fuel ethanol usage by 2012. Click on the following link for a Illinois Department of Agriculture press release.
03.17.05 - The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a Renewable Fuels Standard legislation calling for 6 billion gallons of fuel ethanol usage by 20012, phasing out MTBE over four years and increasing the use of biofuels. The legislation now goes to the House. For a full legislative review, please subscribe to the EthanolMarket.com, LLC, Weekly News and Market Report, or the Ethanol - 2005 National and State Legislative Review study.
3.16.05 - ANWR passes through US Senate with a vote of 51-49, opening the door for review in the US House. The legislation calls for drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge. ANWR is a 19.6 million acre reserve, with over 10.2 billion barrels of crude oil reserves.
03.03.05 - Minnesota continues to push for 20% ethanol mandate.
02.15.05 - An Idaho bill requiring 10% ethanol in gasoline died in a Senate committee.
02.14.05 - The North Dakota House voted 81 to 9 to tax E85 at one cent per gallon. The fuel tax in North Dakota is 21 cents per gallon. Retailer would be required to pass the savings to consumers. The bill will now go to the North Dakota Senate for more review.
02.10.05 - The Montana State Senate passed Senate Bill 293, by a 34-6 margin. The bill would require 10% ethanol in most gasoline sold in the state. The bill now goes to the House for approval. If passed, the bill would become effective after ethanol plants are built with capacity of 55 million gallons, which is expected to meet the Montana demand.
02.09.05 - In a State Energy plan, Kentucky proposes E10 ( 10% ethanol) and 2% biodiesel for it's State fleet, wherever available, 20% biodiesel for public school bus fleet, and recommends that the state implement a policy to promote the production, consumption and availability of biodiesel and ethanol in the State of Kentucky.
02.08.05 - North Dakota ethanol fails to pass in State Senate. The bill contained a provisions for ethanol, including a servica station mandate, and a $20 million alternative fuels development program, for renewable enrgy sources like ethanol, hydrogen fuel cell, wind turbines and biodiesel. Supporter for the bill feel that it got to complicated and too big. Although, another bill containing ethanol provisions, was introduced by the North Dakota House, which contained tax credits for ethanol and biodiesel.
12.29.04 - Legislation will be introduced in Montana banning the use of MTBE. The proposed bill would also require 10% ethanol in all gasoline sold by July 1. 2007. Currently, there is not any ethanol production in the state, but several plants are planned for Montana. For a full MTBE and Ethanol legislative analysis, please contact info@ethanolmarket.com for single and multiclient studies, and subcribe to the Ethanol/Biofuels Weekly News and Market Report
12.24.04 - The Kansas Energy Council has proposed legislation requiring the removal of "ethanol labeling" requirements on gasoline pumps. The current legislation was put in place back in 1984, during the enegry and gasoline shortages. The group believes there is a negative perception with ethanol, with regard to engine performance and clean air benefits.
12.15.04 - The Idaho Farm Bureau has proposed a 10% ethanol mandate to lawmakers in Idaho. Minnesota and Hawaii currently have ethanol legislation in place. North Dakota is considering similar legislation. The Idaho group proposes phasing in the legislation through 2010.
11.29.04 - Ontario, Canada, has enacted legislation requiring an average of 5% ethanol in gasoline by 2007. The Ontario Liberal Party had previously promised 10% ethanol in gasoline by 2010. The Canadian Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have both previously enancted ethanol legislation. For a full legislative review, and the resulting impact on the Canadian and United States ethanol market, please subscribe to the Ethanol Market.com, LLC, Weekly News and Market Report.
11.05.04 - A bill has been introduced in the New Jersey State Assembly, calling for a state MTBE ban effective January 2008. New York and Connecticut already have implemented bans.
10.23.04 - President George W. Bush signed H.R . 4520 on Friday, October 22, 2004. The Bill, known as the American Jobs Creation Act, is an important tax relief legislation, and contains provisions supporting the ethanol market and biodiesel market. The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), allows for more flexibility with ethanol blending, and extends the ethanol tax incentive through December 31, 2010. The passage, which was anticipated, will help current and future ethanol plants secure financial commitments and financing. Additional provisions include increasing the ethanol plant size for the Small Ethanol Producer Tax Credit, which will also support ethanol production expansion. Additionally, the Bill includes Biodiesel Tax Credits. This Bill should not be confused with the proposed Energy Bill that includes provisions to increase the United States fuel ethanol market up to 5.0 billion gallons by 2015. Please subscribe to the EthanolMarket.com Weekly News and Market Report for an extensive analysis of this Bill, and the impact on the United States ethanol market.
10.15.04 - Congress passed the JOBS Bill (H.R. 4520). Both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the Bill in October. President Bush has indicated that he will sign/approve the Bill when it arrives on his desk. The Bill has several important parts supporting the United States ethanol market, inlcuding the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC). The VEETC extends the fuel ethanol tax credit through...More
07.12.04 - Senator Chuck Grassley will introduce legislation to stop the importion of foreign fuel ethanol into the United States. It is believed that this legislation inresponse to Cargill's recent announcement regarding the direct importation of fuel ethanol from El Salvador(via Brazil), through a loophole in the Caribbean Basin Initiative(CBI). Cargill's announcement has stirred the industry...More
06.16.04 - The US House of Representatives passed the Republican backed Energy Bill by a vote of 244 to 178. The billed is closely related to the same bill that the House passed last year. The bill provides tax breaks for oil and natural gas producers, includes liability protection for the producers of the gasoline additive MTBE, bans MTBE by 2015, and requires refiners to increase ethanol usage up to 5.0 billion gallons by 2012. Current fuel ethanol usage is in the 3.2 billion gallons per year range. The bill faces a tough fight in the Senate. Subscribe to the EthanolMarket.com newsletter for a full analysis and other details. The EthanolMarket.com newsletter subscription includes daily, or even hourly, website news updates.
05.13.04 - Arizona is added to the growing list of States that have banned the use of MTBE in motor fuels. MTBE bans have had a significant impact on the increase in fuel ethanol usage. At this time, the number of States that have banned the use of MTBE totals...More
05.11.04 - The Energy Incentives Credit passed yesterday. The measure includes credits for renewable fuels(ethanol). The ethanol provision mandating increased ethanol usage, and the MTBE liability clause were not included...Details
04.29.04 - The U.S. Senate did not reach agreement and failed to obtain the votes required to pass the Energy Bill. The Energy Bill has been stalled in the Senate for many months. Major movement is needed for this bill to have a chance to pass any time soon. Tom Daschle even tried to attach the ethanol part of the Energy Bill to an Internet Bill. The requirement mandating the increase of ethanol usage to over 5 billion gallons by 2012, and the MTBE liability protection appear to be the two main stumbling blocks. The Energy Bill...More
