Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
A total of $425,700 will be distributed by Iowa’s Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Board to increase access to E-85 and biodiesel in the state.
Gov. Chet Culver announced 18 new awards by the board to help 16 Iowa retailers to install pumps for E-85 ethanol and biodiesel fuel, terminals installing biodiesel blending equipment and tank wagons with dedicated compartments for E-85 and biodiesel for farm delivery.
“Iowa is America’s biofuels leader, producing more ethanol and biodiesel than any other state,” Culver said in a prepared statement. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for Iowa families to use renewable fuels for consumers, promote Iowa’s renewable energy economy and reduce our reliance on foreign oil.”
The 18 projects approved at the RFIB meeting are:
“These awards to expand access to E-85 and biodiesel demonstrate our state’s commitment to a greater use of renewable energy,” said Department of Economic Development Director Mike Tramontina.
Over a three-year period, $13 million in financial incentives will be allocated by the RFIB to expand consumer access to renewable fuels. Since July 2006, more than $2.6 million has been awarded. Owners and operators of retail motor fuel sites or biodiesel terminals should submit applications for the awards to the Department of Economic Development. The board will meet again on Nov. 20 to consider new applications.
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