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April 2013 Newsletter
Executive Director's Report :
We Recognize the Problem and We Have a Solution: E15 

Shortly before Earth Day, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report about the progress, or lack thereof, for clean energy production.  The substance of the 154 page report is reflected in these words from the IEA Executive Director:  "Despite much talk by world leaders, and despite a boom in renewable energy over the last decade, the average unit of energy produced today is basically as dirty as it was 20 years ago."  What factors form the basis for this statement?  How is the IEA report relevant to biofuel producers and consumers in the U.S. Midwest?  Are there any actions we can take to improve the situation?

The IEA is an autonomous entity that was formed in response to the oil crises in the early 1970's.  It is comprised of 28 member nations, including the United States, and provides reports to the Clean Energy Ministerial which consists of 23 governments whose nations account for approximately 80% of the total global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.  Among the IEA's key initiatives is its work to ensure clean energy supplies for its members as well as other nations.  

 

Recent  News Available Through the MBA Homepage 
1. Murkowski Sees Wider Support for Clean Energy Tax Break
2. International Energy Agency (IEA): Need Major Scale Up in Global Biofuels Production
3. RFA to House Energy & Commerce Committee: Let RFS Work and Solutions to Blend Wall Will Be Found!
4. RFS Reform Act Proposes to Gut Rather Than Reform the RFS
5. Corn Prices Fall Responding to Inventory Report, Spring Prospects
6. DOE Study: RFS Boosts US Economy
7. USDA, DuPont Pair Up on Corn Stover Guidelines
8. Franchise Agreement for Nation's First E15 Retailer in Jeopardy

Additional Recent  News  
Blender Pump Funding Enhanced & Extended   
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Energy for America (REAP) Program has announced that funds available for REAP during FY 2013 have increased from $20 million to $60 million. To facilitate the use of the additional funds the application window for requesting grants, including feasibility study grants, and combination loan and grant was extended from April 30, 2013 to May 31, 2013.

Blender pumps, those fuel dispensers that can blend and offer E15, mid-level blends and E85, remain among the list of renewable energy projects which are eligible for REAP Funding. Eligible applicants include rural small businesses and agricultural producers. Grant requests can be made for up to 25% of total eligible project costs.
  • Grant/guaranteed loan combination requests can be made for up to 75% of total eligible project costs, typically 25% grant, 50% loan guarantee request.
  • Guaranteed loan only requests can be made for up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
  • Feasibility study requests can be made for up to 25% of total feasibility study costs up to a maximum of a $50,000 request. An independent third party must perform the feasibility study.

The BYO Ethanol Campaign offers FREE grant writing services for those who qualify and are installing blender pumps for offering mid-level ethanol blends including E85. For more information on the UDSA REAP grant and the FREE grant writing services go to www.byoethanol.com/incentives.

The Blend Your Own (BYO) Ethanol Campaign is a joint effort of the American Coalition for Ethanol (www.ethanol.org ) and the Renewable Fuels Association (www.ethanolrfa.org ). We have come together to bring you complete and timely information on ethanol blending, mid-level ethanol blends, E85, E15, blender pumps and infrastructure incentives

Vote for Minnesota's Alden-Conger High School 
After competing in the Shell Eco-marathon race, the team from Alden-Conger High School is entered in a National Geographic contest where people can vote for their favorite fuel-efficient car. The winning team earns up to $1,000 in grants from National Geographic for their school. The team is utilizing locally produced ethanol in their vehicle! Voting is happening through May 10th. Vote NOW.
Short Course: New Technologies in Ethanol Production 
The Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Illinois is offering a short course, "New Technologies in Ethanol Production" on May 20-21, 2013 at the University of Illinois, ACES Library in Urbana, IL. A brochure and registration information is available HERE. For more information, contact Vijay Singh. 
Minnesota Producer Spotlight  
In March, MBA highlighted Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company as the Producer Spotlight with comments from General Manager, Mike Jerke. Please find the spotlight HERE if you missed it! Stay tuned later this month for our next Producer Spotlight!
WANTED: Potential E15 Retailers
MBA is seeking potential E15 fuel retailers in Minnesota. If you or someone you know are a current fuel retailer and are interested in increasing your profitability with E-15 sales, please contact info@mnbiofuels.org. Please read the E-15 page on our website or view the E-15 Retailer Handbook for more information. In addition MBA is planning to hold an informational meeting on E15 in early 2013 - stay tuned!
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