
Erin Voegele currently serves as an Associate Editor for Ethanol Producer Magazine, Biomass Magazine, SAF Magazine and Pellet Mill Magazine, and has written for several other BBI International publications in the past. She aims to provide members of the biorefining industry with accurate, timely, and relevant information that is vital to operating their businesses. Voegele has been with BBI International since 2008. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from North Dakota State University.
The U.S. EPA currently expects to issue a final rule setting 2026 and 2027 Renewable Fuel Standard RVOs during the first quarter of 2026, according to a notice filed with the U.S Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Dec. 15.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., on Dec. 2 introduced the Consumer Relief and Opportunities for Producers Act, which aims to temporarily reinstate the $1 per gallon biodiesel blenders tax credit for six months, through May 31, 2026.
The U.S. exported 830,468.7 metric tons of wood pellets in September, down from 894,320.3 metric tons in August and 898,133.7 metric tons in September 2024, according to data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on Dec. 11.
Drax Group plc on Dec. 11 announced the company has no near-term or medium-term plans to expand wood pellet production capacity. Work on the proposed 450,000-metric-ton-per-year pellet plant in Longview, Washington, will remain paused.
Renewables are expected to account for more than 24% of U.S. electricity generation in 2025, expanding to 26% in 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Dec. 9.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reduced its 2026 production forecast for renewable diesel in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Dec. 9. The production forecast for other biofuels, including SAF, was maintained.
A group of five oil state senators on Dec. 8 sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin asking the agency to scrap plans to reallocate RFS renewable volume obligations (RVOs) waived via the small refinery exemption (SRE) program.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Dec. 8 ordered the U.S. EPA to provide an update regarding the current status of its proposal to set 2026 RFS RVOs. The update must be filed with the court within seven days.
Reps. Sharice Davids, D-Kan.; Mike Flood, R-Neb.; Troy Carter, D-La.; and Tracey Mann, R-Kan., on Dec. 9 introduced legislation that aims to reinstate the 45Z clean fuel production credit premium for SAF and extend the 45Z credit through 2033.
The USDA maintained its outlook for 2025-’26 soybean oil use in biofuel production in its latest WASDE report, released Dec. 9. The estimate for 2024-’25 soybean oil use in biofuel production was revised down.