As feedstock growers look to the sky for the future of biofuels, some are looking to the sea. However, outfitting a ship to run on biomass diesel is easier said than done.
“Most folks know, or maybe don’t know, these vessels have enormous diesel engines. They probably have a lifespan of 40 or 50 years, and they’re not something that are easily swapped out. So, you’re not going to see a cargo vessel or a cruise line switch out their diesel locomotion for any other alternative fuel, like BV or compressed natural gas or something like that,” said Kurt Kovarik, vice president of federal affairs with Clean Fuels Alliance America.
Biofuel groups are backing the Renewable Fuel for Ocean Going Vessels Act, as it would allow companies using renewable fuels on their ships to claim credits under the RFS. The Clean Fuels Alliance calls it common sense legislation and says it would remove regulatory roadblocks.
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
March 05, 2026 02:04 PM
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Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
March 05, 2026 01:16 PM
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Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
March 05, 2026 12:09 PM
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Bipartisan momentum builds, but final farm policy remains unsettled.
March 05, 2026 10:14 AM
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Valley Irrigation’s Darren Siekman explains the advantages of their new pivots for growers managing acreages of up to 60 acres.
March 04, 2026 04:40 PM
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Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
March 04, 2026 12:04 PM
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