Category: Thought Leadership

Growing In Iowa: The Future of Food and Farming

Growing In Iowa: The Future of Food and Farming

April 10, 2023 |

Pivot Bio improves grower access to a dependable nitrogen source From his time at the University of Iowa to the first startup he founded with support from the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, Karsten Temme, Ph.D., credits much of his accomplishments as Pivot Bio CEO and co-founder to the invaluable insight he gained in Iowa. Pivot […]

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BioConnect Iowa: Empowering Iowa’s Next Wave of Entrepreneurs

BioConnect Iowa: Empowering Iowa’s Next Wave of Entrepreneurs

April 3, 2023 |

Iowa’s well-earned reputation as a bioscience powerhouse stems from the state’s unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration. Organizations such as BioConnect Iowa, in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), fuel this legacy by helping aspiring entrepreneurs transform bold ideas into successful endeavors through mentorship opportunities and access to helpful resources. With deep Iowan […]

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Biofuels M&A: 2022 Review & Outlook 2023

Biofuels M&A: 2022 Review & Outlook 2023

February 8, 2023 |

By Bruce Comer, Frank Kim, and Zak Putlak, Ocean Park Special to The Digest The market for buying and selling biofuels plants followed a historic 2021 with a transformational year in 2022, driven by one pivotal biomass-based diesel (BBD) transaction. Overall, seven mergers and acquisitions transactions took place, with 889 million gallons per year (MGPY) […]

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Update to Guidance on Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Training Requirements – With Guidance from Notice 2022-61

Update to Guidance on Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Training Requirements – With Guidance from Notice 2022-61

February 2, 2023 |

By John Kirkwood and Jason Deppen and  Virginia Speck, FaegreDrinker Special to The Digest  On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Act”), which extends and expands existing tax credits and adds several new energy tax credits to encourage the production of clean energy and reduce carbon […]

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A clearer picture: What does legislation mean for chemical recycling?

A clearer picture: What does legislation mean for chemical recycling?

January 30, 2023 |

“Plastic waste must be tackled for the sake of all life in the ocean.” – David Attenborough, biologist, natural historian, and author. Something must be done to solve the plastic problem. Not only for the good of ocean life, but to dramatically reduce the amount of waste that’s sent to landfill and incinerated, and to remove virgin […]

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Who Should Want More Ethanol In The Pool? Would you Believe Oil Refiners?

Who Should Want More Ethanol In The Pool? Would you Believe Oil Refiners?

January 26, 2023 |

By David Hallberg, President, Dakota Ag Energy Special to The Digest Sound Crazy?  Maybe so, but not so crazy when you break it down.  First of all, we are seeing the slow turn of the wheel as the buzz of EVs is starting to wear off and we may be looking at a hangover.  They […]

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The New RVOs, Not as Clear Cut as it Might Appear

The New RVOs, Not as Clear Cut as it Might Appear

January 9, 2023 |

By Bradley Schad, CEO, Missouri Corn Growers Association Special to The Digest The release of the proposed rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set volume obligations for the RFS was, on the surface, a positive development. The conventional biofuel category, which is the domain of corn ethanol, would require 15 billion gallons next […]

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What can ethanol plant owners do to thrive in the ethanol business today?  

What can ethanol plant owners do to thrive in the ethanol business today?  

December 15, 2022 |

By Mike Sticklen and Doug Rivers, Lee Enterprises Consulting Special to The Digest The US ethanol industry is faced with flat volume (Fig. 1) and mediocre returns on capital (Fig. 2).  There are several strategic opportunities available to return to revenue growth and improve returns to shareholders.   The strategies can be grouped into three categories. […]

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All Hands on Deck Needed to Fulfill Biofuels Promise   

All Hands on Deck Needed to Fulfill Biofuels Promise   

December 13, 2022 |

By David R. Rubenstein, CEO, California Ethanol + Power Special to The Digest Just after Thanksgiving, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced its proposed update for the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, a landmark clean fuels policy that has helped generate jobs, reduce oil imports and reduce air pollution. The EPA’s revised policy envisions a […]

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Hydrogen from Natural Gas without Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Hydrogen from Natural Gas without Carbon Dioxide Emissions

December 9, 2022 |

By Mark Robertson, PE., Lee Enterprises Consulting Special to The Digest Thermo-catalytic decomposition of methane (TCDM) converts methane directly into hydrogen and a useful solid carbon byproduct, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The resultant (turquoise) hydrogen can be used as a fuel in power generation, heating, transportation and for industrial hydrogen use. The solid carbon […]

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