Latest news with #E10
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Biofuel plant workers take concerns to Westminster
Workers from the UK's largest bioethanol plant have visited Westminster to raise concerns the facility could close within days without government support. Bosses of Vivergo Fuels in Saltend, near Hull, said the plant's future was "hanging in the balance" after the removal of a 19% tariff on US ethanol imports, which was part of the recent UK-US trade deal. The firm said that without urgent action, the plant, which employs more than 160 people, would no longer be viable. The government said it was working closely with the industry to understand the impacts of the trade deal and it was open to discussions over potential support. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, about 35 workers made the trip to London. Ben Hackett, managing director of Vivergo Fuels, said: "With the future of the Vivergo plant hanging in the balance, our workers felt compelled to speak directly to their MPs about what is at stake. "This isn't just about one site. It's about protecting thousands of skilled jobs, supporting British farming and preserving a vital part of our green energy infrastructure." MP for Hull East Karl Turner said: "The fact that dozens of workers had to travel from East Yorkshire to Westminster today shows just how serious this situation is. "Vivergo is not only a major employer in our region - it's a key player in our green economy and food security." The new mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell, urged the government to "rethink" the trade deal with the US to protect British job. In April, Associated British Foods (ABF) said it was in talks with the government to help save its Saltend plant after the company was forced to cut production levels due to low bioethanol prices. Vivergo Fuels produces bioethanol which is used in E10 petrol. E10, which was introduced in 2021 to help cut carbon emissions, contains up to 10% bioethanol. The plant also produces animal feed, which is a by-product of the bioethanol production process. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Biofuel plant 'faces closure after US trade deal' Biofuel plant could close with loss of 150 jobs Local Democracy Reporting Service Vivergo Fuels
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Biofuel plant could close with loss of 150 jobs
The company behind Primark has announced it could close a bioethanol plant in East Yorkshire, putting about 150 jobs at risk. Associated British Foods (ABF), a multinational food, ingredients and retail group, said it was in talks with the government to help preserve its Vivergo fuels site at Saltend, near Hull. The plant has recorded a loss in recent months after cutting production levels due to low bioethanol prices. ABF said the site could be closed or mothballed until conditions in the sector improved. The plant produces bioethanol, which is used in a type of petrol called E10. The fuel, which was introduced in 2021 to help cut carbon emissions, contains up to 10% bioethanol. Vivergo also produces animal feed, which is a by-product of the bioethanol production process. ABF told investors that the way in which regulations were being applied to bioethanol was undermining the commercial viability of the business. The consumer giant said it was having "constructive discussions" with the government, but added there was no guarantee these would be successful. "We will either mothball or close the Vivergo plant if necessary," a spokesperson added. George Weston, chief executive of ABF, said the government "subsidised" international competitors for their supply of bioethanol. "If the government wants to subsidise imported bioethanol then we can't compete against that," he said. However, he added that the government was "engaging with us on this". The plant opened in 2012, but was mothballed between 2018 and 2021. ABF's pre-tax profits slid by 21% to £692m for the 24 weeks to 1 March, with revenues 2% lower at £9.5bn for the period, shareholders were told. In addition to Primark, the group owns brands including Kingsmill, Ryvita and Twinings. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Primark boss quits after complaint about behaviour Biofuels plant announces reopening Hydrogen energy site given the green light Associated British Foods Sign in to access your portfolio
Epoch Times
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Epoch Times
EPA Issues Emergency Waiver Allowing Sale of Cheaper E15 Gas
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency waiver on Monday allowing for the sale of gasoline that contains higher levels of ethanol during the summer months and signaled that it will allow for the 'year-round' sale of the fuel nationwide. In a While the release's headline said that the EPA will allow for the 'nationwide year-round E15' sale, it only included information about the sale of E15 over the summer. The emergency waiver, issued by the EPA on April 28, prevents retailers in most states from having to stop selling E15 gasoline on May 1. While the waiver remains in effect only through May 20, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said he plans to keep issuing waivers through Sept. 15, when the federal government typically would again allow E15 sales in all states. 'President Trump's commitment to farmers and the Renewable Fuels Standard has been a cornerstone to his leadership. In my confirmation hearing, I pledged to establish certainty when it came to the sale of E15 year-round. Promises made, promises kept,' Zeldin said in a statement. The Epoch Times contacted the EPA for additional comment on Tuesday. Related Stories 4/29/2025 4/29/2025 Usually, the sale of E15 is restricted during the summer months due to concerns that the fuel, which is made from corn, can produce more smog. However, Most gasoline sold across the United States is blended with 10 percent ethanol, but 15 percent blends are becoming increasingly common, particularly in the Midwest, where most of the nation's corn is grown. E15 gasoline generally costs at least 10 cents less a gallon than E10 gasoline. Monday's announcement from the EPA noted that the agency can temporarily waive fuel requirements to deal with gasoline shortages and that 'ongoing issues with gasoline supplies' warrant the E15 order. Zeldin had determined that 'extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available,' the release said. 'Currently, in about half of the country, E15 cannot be sold from terminals starting on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1,' the agency said. Monday's order will allow the fuel waiver to go into effect on May 1 until at least May 20, which is the maximum number of days allotted under the Clean Air Act. However, the EPA said it 'expects to issue new waivers effectively extending the emergency fuel waiver until such time as the extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances are no longer present.' The Department of Energy E10 also should be used in motorcycles, boats, lawnmowers, and other 'non-road and small engines and vehicles,' according to the agency. In 2021, the American Motorcyclist Association filed a lawsuit against the EPA over its policies regarding E15, arguing 'that fuel blends containing more than the standard 10 percent ethanol' have 'damaged engines and exhaust systems,' On July 2, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit struck down a 2019 rule that allowed selling E15 during the summer months, saying the waiver was beyond the Trump administration's legal jurisdiction. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EPA to allow summer sale of E15 nationwide
EPA issued a waiver for the sale of E15 through the summer months. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch ) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted an emergency waiver permitting the nationwide sale of a fuel blend with higher amounts of ethanol through the summer months, which Iowa fuel and farm leaders say will help farmers, fuel producers and Iowans at the pumps. Midwestern states, including Iowa, already had waivers in place to allow for summer sales of fuel blended with 15% ethanol, also known as E15. EPA's decision Monday waives the agency's summer restrictions on the fuel for the rest of the country and follows guidance from the president's executive order from January, declaring a national energy emergency. The press release from EPA said the move will 'provide families with relief' by providing more options at the pump with lower prices per gallon. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig applauded the decision and said Iowa drivers saved more than $38 million by choosing E15 over E10, a lower blend of ethanol fuel, in 2024. 'Today's E15 announcement by the Trump Administration is a win for consumers across the U.S. and farmers here in Iowa,' Naig said in a statement. 'This decision is a big step toward making our country more energy dominant, independent, and secure.' Iowa Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley both applauded the measure, noting it was an example of 'promises made, promises kept' by the president and would be a 'big' boost for corn farmers. 'It's clear (President Trump) is making our farmers, producers, and all of rural America a priority, and I look forward to working alongside him to secure permanent, nationwide access to this cleaner, cheaper choice at the pump,' Ernst said in a statement. According to National Corn Growers Association, year-round E15 sales throughout the country would lead to an increased demand of more than 2 billion bushels of corn annually, which is why the group has pushed for increased ethanol demand. Brent Johnson, president of Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, applauded the EPA decision, but noted EPA has consistently issued similar waivers, and urged for a permanent change to the rule. 'Clearly, there is strong consumer demand for a lower-cost fuel option at the pump, and Iowa farmers stand by readily able to meet the growing demand for biofuels,' Johnson said in a statement. Naig similarly noted the need for a permanent regulation allowing the sale of the fuel. He, along with Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and industry groups have all sent letters to congressional leaders urging the passage of such a law. 'We are tired of waiting,' Monte Shaw, executive director of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association said in a statement. 'Consumers and retailers are tired of waiting. E15 could provide a market for 5 to 7 billion gallons of additional ethanol demand at a time when American farmers and rural communities are hurting.' The EPA waiver is in place from May 1 through May 20, as the Clean Air Act only allows a 20-day waiver, but considering trends from the past several summers, industry leaders expect the waiver will be extended through the other summer months. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trump administration allows temporary sales of summertime higher-ethanol fuel
By Stephanie Kelly NEW YORK (Reuters) -The Trump administration on Monday issued an emergency waiver to allow the sale of a higher-ethanol gasoline blend to be sold this summer nationwide, saying it will add to fuel supply during the peak U.S. driving season and bring down costs. The move likely will benefit biofuel producers and corn farmers, as it is expected to expand the market for their products. Both industries have pushed for nationwide year-round sales of the higher-ethanol blend, which is called E15, as it is made up of 15% ethanol. "This move to allow the summer sale of E15 will provide immediate relief to consumers, provide more choices at the pump, and drive demand for corn grown, processed, and used right here in America," U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said. The government currently restricts sales of E15 gasoline in summer months due to environmental concerns over smog, which the biofuel industry says are unfounded. The emergency waiver will go into effect on May 1. The Environmental Protection Agency, which issued the waiver, said it expects to extend the waiver until it no longer deems it necessary. The EPA has issued similar waivers for the summer in recent years. "With geopolitical conflict roiling energy markets worldwide, we applaud President Trump and Administrator (Lee) Zeldin for acting quickly to combat potential fuel shortages and help keep a lid on gas prices this summer," said Geoff Cooper, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, a biofuels trade group. Earlier this year, the EPA said it would uphold an April 28 implementation date for a request from governors in Midwestern states to allow year-round sales of E15. In Monday's action, the EPA said it waived provisions that would have otherwise made E10 gasoline sold in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin meet a more stringent standard than conventional gasoline in other areas of the country. Sign in to access your portfolio
