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Industry leaders at the National Advanced Biofuel Conference & Expo had an adamant, clear-cut message for attendees: if there was ever a time to unite and work together as one force, that time is now. During the kickoff general session, Advanced Biofuel Association President Michael McAdams urged biofuel industry members—whether biodiesel, renewable diesel, cellulosic or first-generation ethanol producers—to protect what they have built over the past 30 years. Specifically, the renewable fuel standard (RFS).  “During the next several weeks, we’ll be in the throes [of the RFS’s fate],” he said. McAdams discussed a key July RFS hearing on Capitol Hill, which he described as “a bit theatrical,” and “tilted against higher blends of ethanol.”  During the hearing, which played out seemingly well for the industry, both stakeholders and non-industry members in opposition of the RFS were intensely questioned. As for the ultimate fate of the RFS, McAdams said indications suggest the RFS will not be repealed, but it also won’t be left as status quo. “Everybody in this room has a lot at stake between now and October…for three years I’ve been saying ‘it’s coming, it’s coming,’….and now it’s here. When your industry associations ask you to write a letter or make a call, you need to do it this time.” Additional speakers during the general session included  Wayne Simmons, ABFA chairman and CEO of Sundrop Biofuels; Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO; Gary Haer, Renewable Energy Group vice president of sales and marketing, and Tim Burns, president and CEO of BioProcess Algae. Continue reading →