Farmers’ loyalty to Trump tested over new corn-ethanol rules
When President Donald Trump levied tariffs on China that scrambled global markets, farmer Randy Miller was willing to absorb the financial hit. Even as the soybeans in his fields about an hour south of Des Moines became less valuable, Miller saw long-term promise in Trump’s efforts to rebalance America’s trade relationship with Beijing.
Trump escapes blame for ethanol policy hurting corn farmers
Midwest farmers and their Republican elected officials rarely miss a chance to shower President Donald Trump with praise when he takes actions they believe help agriculture, but they’re now parsing their words over the administration’s policies dealing with ethanol.
Latest proposal for ethanol could have political fallout
The Obama administration’s latest plan on ethanol, the corn-based renewable fuel, probably will not have a major effect on pump prices, but could have political reverberations in Iowa and other farm states in the 2016 presidential campaign.
Pontotoc ethanol plant no closer to being built
Five years have passed and a planned $100 million ethanol plant is no closer to being built.
Little has changed from a year ago, when company officials said they were committed to the project and were working to “move the project forward.”
Ethanol’s rise can mean loss of hunting lands
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Pheasants once drew hundreds of weekend hunters to Fairbury, Neb., each fall, filling the 45 rooms at Randy Brown’s Capri Motel
Iowans worry about ethanol’s lost political clout
ALTOONA, Iowa — For decades, presidential candidates’ chances in Iowa were wounded if not doomed unless they backed federal support for ethanol, a boon to
EPA proposes reducing biofuel mandate
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Friday proposed to reduce the amount of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply for the first time, acknowledging that
The secret, dirty cost of Obama’s green power push
CORYDON, Iowa — The hills of southern Iowa bear the scars of America’s push for green energy: The brown gashes where rain has washed away
Boost for cars or bust? Ethanol debate heats up
It’s a dilemma for drivers: Do they choose a gasoline that’s cheaper and cleaner even if, as opponents say, it could damage older cars and motorcycles?
That’s the peril and promise of a high-ethanol blend of gasoline known as E15. The fuel contains 15 percent ethanol, well above the current 10 percent norm sold at most U.S. gas stations.
Ethanol industry turns to plant residue, scraps
Ethanol producers have talked for decades about using plant residue, wood scraps and even garbage to produce the fuel additive, but now companies finally are building full-scale refineries.
EPA turns down requests for ethanol waiver
The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday denied requests from several governors to waive production requirements for corn-based ethanol.
Is giant reed a ‘miracle plant’ or the next kudzu?
It’s fast-growing and drought-tolerant, producing tons of biomass per acre. It thrives even in poor soil and is a self-propagating perennial, so it requires little investment once established.
Livestock farmers seek pause in ethanol production
WASHINGTON — Livestock farmers and ranchers seeing their feed costs rise because of the worst drought in a quarter-century are demanding that the Environmental Protection
10% trouble? Seventy-five percent of U.S. gasoline is blended with ethanol
Near 100-degree heat. Engines roaring through the stoplight. The possibility of a call coming over the scanner. The buzz-hum-bang of men working on cars. There were a thousand things for Willie Jones to focus his attention on Wednesday afternoon, as he filled his sheriff’s cruiser at a Columbus Chevron station.