The delay in proposed renewable fuel minimums by the Environmental Protection Agency may have hindered the future of advanced biofuels, the kind of cellulosic ethanol formulas made from tall grasses and stalks. Although researchers tout advanced biofuels’ environmental benefits, the uncertain policy has caused some in the agriculture industry to shy away from them.
Posted inAgribusiness
Corn ethanol production to stay strong despite federal cuts
Industry experts expect corn ethanol production to stay strong despite a proposal to reduce federal renewable fuel requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed to reduce renewable fuel mandates for 2014 through 2016, lessening what it initially slated in 2005.
Posted inUncategorized
China slashes U.S. corn imports
China has been increasing its ties in global markets and reducing its dependency on the U.S. food supply.
As the Wall Street Journal recently reported: “Five years ago, the U.S. supplied 97% of China’s corn import needs. In the first half of this year, it accounted for 3.8%.”
Posted inEnvironment
Farmers, advocates rally against renewable fuel cuts
Hundreds of farmers and industry advocates used a Kansas hearing in late June to rally against recent cuts in ethanol mandates. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed to cut billions of gallons from renewable fuel mandates for 2014 through 2016. Corn ethanol cuts alone total nearly 4 billion gallons.
Posted inUncategorized
Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards anger many
The recently proposed Renewable Fuel Standards sparked a flurry of angry comments from U.S. policymakers, representatives and industry leaders. All renewable fuels face cuts. The Environmental Protection Agency proposed to cut 3.75 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol from original 2014 through 2016 Clean Air Act standards.
Posted inGovernment
Country of origin labels set to go away
Meat sold in the United States could soon lack a label that maps its origins. In 2009, Congress mandated that all livestock must include a country-of-origin labeling throughout what is commonly referred to as the COOL law. Under the requirements, the label must show where livestock was born, raised and slaughtered.
Posted inGovernment
Increased protection needed for foreign workers, report says
Withholding pay, stealing documents and under-reporting hours are all common examples of employe abuses when it comes to migrant labor. A recent Government Accountability Office report highlighted areas where the U.S. visa system can be improved. It mainly focused on better keeping tabs on employer information, as the multiple federal departments that monitor migrant labor and visas do not work together.
Posted inDatabases, IowaWatch
Landfill Tonnage In Iowa Counties
Green colors on map denote intensity of tonnage in fiscal year 2012. Red denotes unavailable data. Interactive map by Emily Hoerner
Posted inDatabases, IowaWatch
Iowa Legislators’ Responses to State Tuition Freeze
IowaWatch, The Daily Iowan, and The Iowa State Daily called Iowa Legislators throughout the state and asked their opinions on a proposed tuition freeze for state universities.
Posted inDatabases, IowaWatch
Iowa Counties Presidential Vote Choice 2012
A number of Iowa counties changed from Democrat to Republican in the 2012 general election.
