Ethanol and the Looming Blend Wall: The EPA’s Catch-22

GreenTechMedia
Research & Analysis Biofuels
Joshua Kagan 02 26 10

The forthcoming “blend wall” is forcing the EPA to show its hand.

The first-generation ethanol industry has enjoyed a rare spate of good news lately (see A Comeback for Corn Ethanol?). Low corn prices have resulted in improved margins. Companies like The Andersons and Green Plains Renewable Energy have announced blowout earnings in recent weeks. The EPA recently re-affirmed corn ethanol mandates via the Renewable Fuel Standards (see EPA Issues Renewable Fuel Standards) of 12 billion gallons in 2010 from 10.5 billion in 2009.

Read the full story