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by Ilana Marcus (Washington Post) … Silicon Valley start-up called ZeroAvia, envisions a future of passenger planes that fly on hydrogen-powered electricity, not jet fuel. … Miftakhov’s Piper was powered by batteries, but his company is working on integrating a hydrogen fuel cell for aviation. … Think about the hydrogen
Federal Agency
August 7, 2020
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(BioCycle Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) released a new report, “An Overview Of Renewable Natural Gas From Biogas,” in July to provide biogas stakeholders and other interested parties with a resource to promote and potentially assist in the development of renewable natural gas (RNG) projects. The document
August 6, 2020
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(Renewable Fuels Association) Commemorating the 15th anniversary of President George W. Bush’s signing of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which created the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Renewable Fuels Association today released a report detailing how the industry has benefited the nation over the past decade and a half. “As you’ll see in
August 6, 2020
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(Standford University/EurekAlert!) Generations of political support for sugar cultivation have helped India become the second-largest producer of sugar worldwide. Now, the country’s commitment to renewable energy could create additional benefits, like conserving natural resources and providing better nutrition to the poor. Stanford researchers conducted the first comprehensive analysis of India’s sugar
August 6, 2020
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by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 30, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its staff report, Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America. The report is informed by over a year and
August 5, 2020
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(U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources) U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing focused on the development of carbon removal technologies in the United States. Murkowski also highlighted the introduction of the CREATE Act, a new bill she is cosponsoring to establish an executive committee at the National Science and Technology Council to
August 5, 2020
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by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Ethanol is undoubtedly playing a role in 2020 politics in Iowa, including the presidential race. Getting the word “ethanol” into the next aid package also might become a tipping scale in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. The airwaves in Iowa are filled with a constant barrage
August 5, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bale analysis, probes, core samples – measuring and analysis of bioenergy feedstocks is key. In this illuminating slide guide from ABLC Digital, the Idaho National Laboratory, Antares Group, ASDI, and B Hames Consulting share how bale probes are a novel sensor for in-field, real-time analysis of
August 5, 2020
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by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Energy has recommended that some of the oil refiners that applied for retroactive exemptions from the nation’s biofuel blending law be granted partial relief, two sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The move could help bring those refining companies into compliance
August 5, 2020
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by Rachel Hatch (News Illinois State University) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a $13 million grant to a nationwide project led by Illinois State University. Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook will head up the project aimed to genetically strengthen a plant for use in sustainable energy efforts. “We’re
August 4, 2020
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by Coral Davenport and Lisa Friedman (New York Times) The Environmental Protection Agency’s internal watchdog said Monday it had opened an investigation into the agency’s weakening of Obama-era regulations that would have limited automobile emissions by significantly raising fuel economy standards. The inspector general demanded that top E.P.A. officials turn over briefing materials
August 4, 2020
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by Doug Sombke and Jim Seurer (South Dakota Farmers Union/Glacial Lakes Energy/Argus Leader) During President Trump’s Fourth of July visit to Mount Rushmore, our organizations sponsored an ad in the Rapid City Journal that urged the President to “tear down the wall” that his Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unlawfully erected to
August 3, 2020
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(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association this week responded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request for comment on its Agriculture Innovation Agenda (AIA). Regarding renewable fuels, the agenda calls for Increased biofuel feedstock production and biofuel production efficiency and competitiveness to achieve market-driven blend rates of E15 in 2030 and E30
August 3, 2020
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by Tsvetana Paraskova (OilPrice.com)The U.S. Department of Labor – which has recently proposed a rule that would limit retirement funds’ investments based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria – is unlikely to incentivize more funds to invest in oil and gas companies, Bloomberg Green Columnist Kate Mackenzie says. At the
July 31, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) … The Federal Activities Report on the Bioeconomy: Algae is a follow on report to the BR&D Board’s Federal Activities Report on the Bioeconomy that summarizes Bioeconomy Initiative activities for the algae stakeholder community. Download the report Federal Activities Report on the Bioeconomy: Algae READ
July 31, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $97 million in funding for 33 projects that will support high-impact technology research and development to accelerate the bioeconomy. These projects will improve the performance and lower the cost and risk of technologies that can be used
July 31, 2020
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by Micheal Clements (NAFB News Service/NewsDakota) Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to make E15 available at every U.S. gas pump. Specifically, Ernst calls on EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to certify biofuel infrastructure for E15 and remove unnecessary labeling which will increase consumer access
July 31, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Carbon is the talk of the town, but what’s the difference between a low-carbon economy and a renewable “new” carbon economy? What’s the role of carbon management in the bioeconomy? What is carbon optimized bioconversion? David Babson, Program Director at the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency
July 31, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) The Plastics for a Circular Economy Workshop, coordinated by the Bioenergy Technologies Office, the Advanced Manufacturing Office, and Mars, Inc., brought together stakeholders from industry, academia, and National Laboratories to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the development of new technologies to address plastic waste. This workshop
July 30, 2020
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(U.S. Gain) U.S. Gain, a leader in development, procurement and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG), proudly announces that after only eight months their digester at S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is now transforming animal waste to clean, low carbon fuel for the transportation market. “We’re pleased to add
July 30, 2020
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(Solutions from the Land) An analysis of data released by the DOE’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) that measures the amount of power generated by various resources shows more than 25 percent of the nation’s net electrical generation came from renewable sources during the month of May. The percentage is a gratifying number for many involved
July 30, 2020
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by Patty Judge (The Gazette) Rural voters are growing tired of Donald Trump. Recently, the Iowa Poll put Vice President Biden one point ahead of President Trump and Iowa moved from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican” on the Cook Political Report. Even Fox News polls show Trump and Biden in a
July 30, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The American Carbon Registry has opened a public comment period on Version 2.0 of its methodology for the generation of carbon offsets from landfill gas destruction and beneficial use projects. According to the ACR, the original version of the methodology was developed by ACR with technology
July 29, 2020
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(OptiFuel) OptiFuel Systems, a system integrator of Cummins and BAE Systems hybrid power products for decarbonizing the rail, marine, and microgrid power market, is in the process of finalizing a $2.6 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant to demonstrate a pre-production near-zero emission renewable natural gas hybrid 4,300 hp
July 29, 2020
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by Zhichao Wang and Jim Ramm (EcoEngineers) Iowa’s fertile farmland could be a soil-based Fort Knox that — instead of gold — stores a wealth of carbon within its underground vaults. How farmers can tap into the potential riches of carbon capture and sequestration and how biofuels producers can benefit from forming
July 29, 2020
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Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Biofuels International) As policymakers and public health experts dig deeper into the human costs of air pollution, including heightened risk from COVID-19 among vulnerable communities, a rapidly growing body of research is raising awareness of the threat posed by toxic fuel additives, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and
July 29, 2020
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(Urban Air Initiative) This is a conversation related to ethanol and octane. The Urban Air Initiative presents its perspective on a 95 RON Octane Standard and the value it can bring to the corn ethanol industry. Urban Air President Dave VanderGriend and General Motors Biofuel Expert Coleman Jones presented and
July 29, 2020
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(Department of Energy) Studies Will Focus on Improving Crop Productivity and Resiliencen — Today (July 28, 2020) the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $68 million in funding over five years for basic research aimed at making bioenergy feedstock crops more productive and resilient. “One key requirement for sustainable bioenergy
July 29, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on July 28 urging him to initiate a rulemaking to certify biofuel infrastructure for E15 and remove unnecessary labeling requirements for the fuel blend. “Two years ago, I worked successfully with
July 29, 2020
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by Sarah Spicer (Wichita Eagle) To preserve the environment, mitigate climate change and stabilize the U.S. food system, Midwest farmers should diversify their crops and move away from raising corn and soybeans, researchers say. The current crop system, which was founded after the 1930s Dust Bowl, is causing environmental and economic
July 29, 2020
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by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. biofuel industry may have to depend on Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for aid, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Tuesday, after Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package without specific appropriations for the industry. A provision of the $1 trillion HEALS Act, introduced
July 29, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is seeking nominations for members of its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. Nominations are due July 31. The committee advises the secretary of commerce regarding the development and administration of programs and policies to expand
July 28, 2020
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“Incorporating biofuels into our nation’s fuel supply has been one of our most successful energy policies to date, benefitting both the environment and the consumer,” wrote Emily Skor in Growth Energy‘s comments submitted to US Department of Agriculture. “With many states and localities increasingly exploring public policy options to lower
July 28, 2020
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(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 24, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted comments to the USDA in response to a request for input on the agency’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda, a new initiative to promote conservation and boost productivity in American agriculture. In her comments, Skor applauded the agency’s focus on expanding the use of low-carbon
July 28, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There was always going to be a point when the advanced bioeconomy reached the end of the “R&D years” and transitioned into “the years of deployment”, and if you read the Biden plan here or the latest pushback from the bioeconomy here against the alleged misdeeds of the Trump Administration,
July 28, 2020
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by Eric Pfeiffer (Hoosier Ag Today) … Indiana Corn Marketing Council is trying to help with ethanol demand by talking to fuel retailers about adding Unleaded 88 or E85 to their offerings. Helena Jette, director of biofuels for ICMC, says they offer some matching funds to retailers for things like, “Pump
July 27, 2020
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by Linda Qiu (New York Times) … Likewise, Mr. Trump has sought to curry favor with corn farmers in Iowa and the Midwest by claiming to have “kept our promise on ethanol” and falsely charging Democrats with wanting to “wipe out, totally, Iowa ethanol.” Mr. Trump did lift a summertime ban on the
July 27, 2020
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by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual municipal solid waste (MSW) “Facts and Figures” report has been a reference for tracking how MSW is managed in the United States for more than 30 years. Rebranded “Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures” several years ago, the report
July 24, 2020
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by Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) … The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their carbon footprint and become a vital partner to the biofuel
July 24, 2020
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by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, a new USDA GAIN report says the COVID-19 pandemic will slash European bioethanol and biodiesel use by approximately ten and six percent, respectively. EU biofuel demand is driven by the Renewable Energy Directives I and II, the former of which demand 10% renewable
July 24, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking feedback to launch a new program to help create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies. Under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program, USDA intends to
July 23, 2020
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by Maya Earls (Bloomberg Law) The Environmental Protection Agency is failing to act exempting Pennsylvania-based United Refining Co. from the Clean Air Act’s renewable fuel standards, the company says in a D.C. federal court lawsuit. The act mandates that fuel sold in the U.S. contain a certain amount of renewable fuel,
July 23, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) EPA proposed setting fuel efficiency standards for aircraft engines to bring the U.S. in line with rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organization to reduce carbon dioxide, although green groups have long decried the ICAO standards as inadequate to driving down emissions from the aircraft
July 23, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) … A challenge for algal biofuel development is finding strains of algae best suited for producing copious amounts of oil quickly and under industrial-scale conditions. Maintaining pond health is also challenging—deteriorating health in a small fraction of algal cells within a pond can quickly lead to the
July 22, 2020
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(Penn State News) Transdisciplinary research team aims to create new value chains on U.S. farms, with emphasis on the generation of renewable natural gas, improved rural economic outcomes and protection of the environment. — A new federal grant will allow a research team led by Iowa State University, Penn State and
July 22, 2020
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by Andy Hecht (Investing.com) … The biofuel may see lots of volatility in the run-up to the 2020 US election — The US election in early November will determine the path of energy policy in the world’s leading oil and gas producing nation. President Trump favors energy independence and a continuation
July 21, 2020
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by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) … Once again, the Environmental Protection Agency has turned the RFS into a political football. In June, the agency disclosed it is considering 52 newly filed small refinery exemptions petitions, covering compliance years from 2018 all the way back to 2011. This month, refiners
July 21, 2020
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(Fairfield Sun Times/NAFB) … (U.S. Energy Secretary Dan) Brouillette argued there were differing legal opinions on the ruling’s impact on ‘gap-year’ waivers, but conceded DOE’s method for analyzing and recommending EPA reject the same waivers in earlier years hasn’t changed. Which gave (Dave) Loebsack (D-IA 2nd District) an opening. “Well,
July 20, 2020
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by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. lawmakers from Iowa are trying to add aid for the biofuels industry into a pending coronavirus relief package in the Senate, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley said on Friday. Grassley and his Iowa colleague, Senator Joni Ernst, hope to include a subsidy for feedstock for the ethanol industry
July 20, 2020
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by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) When the U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for corn-fiber-to-ethanol production this spring—qualifying the facility to generate D3 RINs—it was not just another project milestone, but a critical validation and definitive green light to go. “Securing that D3 approval was never in
July 17, 2020
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(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Phys.org) A new single-phase catalyst that enables the conversion of renewable and waste carbon into sustainable diesel fuels has been developed through a unique collaboration between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) consortia, Chemical Catalysis for Bioenergy (ChemCatBio) and the Co-Optimization
July 17, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects to receive approximately $1 million in funding to leverage the unique computational capabilities at DOE’s National Laboratories. The projects will address technical challenges in bioenergy feedstock handling and logistics, as well as catalyst design and development.
July 17, 2020
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(Kansas Ag Connection/US AgNet) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to allow businesses that have received grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to use grant funds to cover project costs incurred any time in
July 17, 2020
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(DTN’s Washington Insider) At least 58 retroactive small refinery exemption (SRE) requests have been received by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to the latest update from the agency. The push by refiners for the retroactive “gap-year” exemptions stems from a 10th Circuit Court ruling that held they are only eligible for
July 17, 2020
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(TechLink Center) … But scientists at the Naval Air Warfare Center’s Weapons Division have developed and secured a newly issued patent on a unique form of biofuel that is derived from more sustainable crops while providing higher quality ratings than comparable diesel fuels. Dr. Ben Harvey and Heather Meylemans at the
July 17, 2020
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(Renewable Fuels Association) The COVID-19 crisis has already led to more than $3.4 billion in lost revenues for the U.S. ethanol industry, according to an economic analysis released today by the Renewable Fuels Association. Based on the latest projections from the Energy Information Administration and the Food and Agriculture Policy Research
July 17, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Michael McAdams from Advanced Biofuels Association shared this short but illuminating slide guide at ABLC Digital last week to look at the big 2020 issues to watch affecting the biofuels industry. From tax credits, regulatory issues, COVID-19 legislation and responses, and the big fork in
July 17, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What companies are investing and working in algae today? What about algae’s biomass production? The big players and partner industries? Initiatives for growing the algae industry? How does the 2018 farm bill dramatically expand support for algae agriculture? Check out Rebecca White from Algae Biomass Organization’s
July 16, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on July 13 issued a final rule that aims to increase private investment in rural communities by making it easier for lenders to access four guaranteed loan programs, including the Rural Energy for America Program. The rule is scheduled to take effect Oct.
July 15, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) G20 nations — which account for 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions — have committed a total of at least $150 billion to support fossil fuels since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, according to data released today as part of the Energy
July 15, 2020
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(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (July 13, 2020), Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley offered testimony during a virtual public hearing on the U.S. EPA’s test protocols for U.S. fuels. The agency is currently updating Tier 3 Motor Vehicle Emission and Fuel Standards to reflect the modern transition to
July 14, 2020
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by Laís Forti Thomaz and Tullo Vigevani* (AULA Blog/National Institute of Science and Technology for Studies on the United States) New priorities in Brazil-U.S. bilateral relations since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January 2019 have shifted the country away from its longstanding diplomatic values. In his eagerness to demonstrate
July 14, 2020
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by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) South Dakota ethanol promoter Orrie D. Swayze likes to hear promotions for 30% ethanol blends in gasoline but thinks 50% would be better for the environment and human health. — … Swazey, 76, … became worried about Middle Eastern oil imports, and thought ethanol made from
July 13, 2020
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(Office of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL)) Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) helped pass a comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development funding bill out of the powerful House Appropriations Committee that would deliver more than $152 billion in agriculture and rural support. “Democrats are building up our rural communities, and this package reflects the critical
July 13, 2020
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by Helena Taveras Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., the Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium released their revamped website which features renovated content describing the FCIC’s eight main research areas. Each research area will enable the consortium to help biorefinery developers understand and mitigate biomass feedstock and process variability. The FCIC develops science-based knowledge
July 13, 2020
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The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) just released a new report that outlines five specific, yet broadly applicable, areas of focus to reduce costs in an integrated biorefinery. This analysis builds upon ongoing R&D strategies to lower the minimum fuel selling price of biofuels to approach $2
July 13, 2020
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by David Kruse (The CommStock Report/Spencer Daily Reporter) President Donald Trump has had the worst biofuel and trade policies that I have ever seen and came with the most farm subsidies ever because of it. When elected I thought “well at least his ethanol policy would be better.” I was
July 10, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) The Trump administration on Thursday asked a court to block Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW from becoming directly involved with litigation over the SAFE Vehicles rule (Reg. 2060-AU09). The automakers, which struck a voluntary emissions deal with California, last week moved to join the
July 10, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of eight projects totaling over $5 million to conduct research and development (R&D) needed to accelerate the US biomanufacturing sector. Part of the Agile BioFoundry (ABF) consortium, these projects will leverage National Laboratory capabilities to address challenges in biomanufacturing. DOE
July 10, 2020
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(Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) produced the first diagrams illustrating U.S. national commodity use in the mid-1970s. The most widely recognized of these charts is the U.S. energy flow chart. LLNL has also published charts depicting carbon (or carbon dioxide potential) flow and water flow at the national level as well
July 10, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) funds research and development (R&D) on technologies necessary for the deployment and production of costcompetitive bioenergy, primarily biofuels. Results of experimental efforts are periodically compiled and compared with benchmark technology designs to assess overall progress. This report
July 10, 2020
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by Amy Harder (Axios) Four of America’s biggest banks are backing a new nonprofit initiative to leverage the financial sector toward achieving climate-change goals. Driving the news: The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is launching a center focused on climate that will be supported by Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and JPMorgan
July 10, 2020
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by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A new biodiesel fuel quality report by National Renewable Energy Laboratory surveying U.S. and Canadian BQ-9000 producers suggests the North American biodiesel industry has learned the lessons of its past. — U.S. biodiesel fuel quality has been on an ever-increasing trajectory upward since the darkest days
July 10, 2020
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by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has launched a series of short fuel marketer-focused videos, along with a broader digital advertising campaign, to help fuel retailers understand and navigate the application process for USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The series on flexfuelforward.com is hosted by ACE Senior Vice President Ron
July 9, 2020
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by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) Researchers at the US-based Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have used neutron scattering and supercomputing to better understand how an organic solvent and water work together to break down plant biomass, creating a pathway to significantly improve the production of renewable biofuels and
July 9, 2020
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(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Renewable Fuels Association expressed support for the Agency’s proposal to determine that no additional measures are necessary to mitigate “potential adverse air quality impacts” associated with the Renewable Fuel Standard. However, RFA’s comments also challenged the flawed air
July 9, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) This website provides researchers interested in bioenergy and bioeconomy analysis with an inventory of bioenergy and bioproducts models and tools, key information about each model, and an interactive display of relationships among models. This bioenergy models collection highlights models and tools developed by U.S. Department of Energy
July 8, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of former EPA and Transportation Department chiefs filed a friend-of-the-court brief this week criticizing the Trump administration’s revocation of California’s fuel economy waiver as having no “no valid legal, factual, or logical basis,” Alex also reports for Pros. The Trump administration
July 8, 2020
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(Neste/Yahoo! Finance/PR Newswire) From production through delivery, Neste’s sustainable aviation fuel created benefits for U.S. businesses and will enable the aviation industry to combat climate change. — Neste, the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from waste and residue raw materials, successfully delivered its
July 8, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What the delegates were saying about CNG, fuel cells, and hydrogen, biogas as a platform, new markets, including EVs and succinic acid, policy, methane, emissions, novel crops, and renewable diesel. In Florida, ABLC Digital opened for 583 registered delegates — and 774 additional viewers taking in the four hours of
July 8, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Key takeways from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2020 include a prediction that U.S. energy consumption will grow more slowly than gross domestic product throughout the projection period (2050) as U.S. energy efficiency continues to increase, and after falling during the first half
July 7, 2020
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by Jennifer M. Latzke (High Plains Journal) … And still, shortly after Trump’s visit, the EPA granted 31 small refinery waivers from the Renewable Fuels Standard in the fall that would have wiped out any traction that year-round E15 approval had gained the industry. Looking back, that was one bump
July 6, 2020
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by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has put on hold indefinitely a proposal for the amount of biofuels refiners must blend into their fuel next year, two sources familiar with the matter said. Many anticipated the proposal would come out in late June or early July. The EPA
July 6, 2020
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by Mikkel Pates (Ag Week) Ethanol proponents try to make some political hay with President Donald Trump when he visits Rapid City. They ask that he “tear down that wall” of 10% ethanol blends, and allow ethanol to climb to 30% blends. They say the Environmental Protection Agency should do
July 3, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)The Biomass Research and Development Board published a report that looks at how to address the constraints surrounding availability of biomass feedstocks for biofuels. Four questions guide the analysis: What feedstocks and at what price? What is the regional distribution of feedstock production? What are the
July 3, 2020
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(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biomass Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel, which include biodiesel and renewable diesel, grew 26 percent in 2019 to more than 27,000 barrels per day (b/d), reversing three years of decline. Imports of biomass-based diesel increased in 2019 because of the increase in renewable diesel imports from
July 2, 2020
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(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (July 2, 2020), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of seven projects totaling $1.94 million to conduct research and development to accelerate the adoption of performance-advantaged biofuel blendstocks. These fuels are derived from renewable feedstocks, and can deliver exceptional efficiency with low emissions.
July 2, 2020
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by Elaine Kub (DTN Progressive Farmer) … During the eight weeks through March and April, while everyone in the economy was grappling with how best to limit human contact to slow the spread of a deadly disease, American ethanol production was steadily dropping at an average pace of 9% each week.
July 2, 2020
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by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Believe it or not, we’re already at the halfway point in the 90-day application window for the USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or “HBIIP.” Fittingly, this seemed like a good time to catch our breath and take stock of what we’ve learned
July 2, 2020
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by Pamela Gregg (University of Dayton Research Institute) … ASTM International has approved the use of a synthetic oil derived from municipal waste in the manufacture of jet fuel at petroleum refineries. The co-processing of “syncrude” with petroleum at the refinery level is the second new specification for jet fuel approved
July 2, 2020
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(Missouri Soybean Association) Applicants may receive up to 25 percent of the required cash match for federal funding. — Missouri soybean farmers are investing in the future for soy in Missouri through biodiesel with a new infrastructure grant program. A new commitment from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Missouri
July 2, 2020
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(Office of Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the nomination of Doug Benevento to be Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “The price of RINs has more than quadrupled since the beginning of the year, and now sits around
July 2, 2020
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by Robert Kozak* (Atlantic Biomass/Advanced Biofuels USA) I was sad to see an obituary today for the great engineer John J. Mooney. Who was John J. Mooney you ask? He was the co-inventor of both the 2-way and the 3-way motor vehicle catalytic converter. The “3-way cat,” as it is referred
July 1, 2020
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(Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) Strengthening U.S. air quality standards for fine particulate pollution to be in compliance with current World Health Association (WHO) guidelines could save more than 140,000 lives over the course of a decade, according to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study,
July 1, 2020
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(Urban Air Initiative) On behalf of the Urban Air Initiative (UAI), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the above Proposed Rulemaking (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0072). UAI is a not for profit technical organization with a particular focus on automotive emissions and fuel composition. We are disappointed that EPA fails
July 1, 2020
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by Amena H. Saiyid with assistance from Sylvia Carignan and Christina Brady (Bloomberg Law) Some who normally use mass transit seek safer commute option; State, local officials watch data for air quality impact — … More cars on the roads in congested urban centers like New York City—the virus epicenter
July 1, 2020
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South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke points out that Title II of the Clean Air Act requires EPA to reduce toxics in gasoline to the greatest extent possible as new technologies become available. “Higher ethanol blends are that technology, and they are available today. We know that widespread implementation of
June 30, 2020
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(Morning Ag Clips/South Dakota Farmers Union) Broad coalition challenges the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficiency Vehicle Rule; In response to EPA’s failure to credibly consider and advance mid-level ethanol fuel blends as an alternative to conventional fuels, the groups filed a petition for review in the Superior Court of the District
June 30, 2020
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by Jordan Godwin (OPIS/Governors Biofuels Coalition)EPA is expected to propose as early as next month a 250-million-gal increase in the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) and another 250-million-gal boost in the 2022 RVO to comply with a remand order the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
June 30, 2020
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(GKN Aerospace) Contract award for continuation of RM12 engine testing with 50/50 mix of jet fuel and biofuel; Test will demonstrate and support the potential of biofuel for military aerospace, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of advanced aviation — FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) has contracted GKN Aerospace Sweden to
June 30, 2020
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(House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis) Plan Would Put Americans Back To Work, Save Lives, And Help the United States Reach Net Zero By 2050 — On Tuesday, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chair Kathy Castor (D-FL), members of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis unveiled a comprehensive plan titled “Solving the
June 30, 2020
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by Michael Bates (NGT News) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has revealed its intention to invest up to $100 million over five years in two new DOE National Laboratory-led consortia to advance hydrogen and fuel cell technologies research and development (R&D). This funding is subject to appropriations. “Hydrogen and fuel cell
June 30, 2020
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(Mankato Free Press) … Here’s what rural Minnesota does need: It needs clean water and subsidized wastewater systems. It needs good government that gets state and federal subsidies to provide a life that provides a solid base of services but few luxuries. It needs good roads that can support more traffic and
June 29, 2020
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(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Hydrogen has the greatest potential among technologies for seasonal energy storage in the future, according to an analysis conducted by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Seasonal energy storage can facilitate the deployment of high and ultra-high shares of wind and solar energy sources, according
June 29, 2020
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by Ricardo Della Coletta (Folha de Sao Paulo (Google Translation)) With sector in crisis due to coronavirus, Americans want to end barriers to sell more fuel to the country READ MORE
June 26, 2020
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by Glenn Minnis (The Center Square) … The president was there to help industry executives celebrate his administration’s removal of a regulation that up until then prohibited companies from selling gasoline containing 15% ethanol year-round. “It was a terrific event for my company and the renewable fuels industry, drawing nearly
June 25, 2020
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(Renewable Energy Group) Optimus Systems, Paired with 100% Biodiesel from REG, Allows the Department to Easily Achieve Sustainability Goals — The D.C. Department of Public Works (DPW) increased the number of heavy-duty fleet vehicles capable of running on renewable pure biodiesel (B100) by installing Optimus Technologies’ Vector System onto 17
June 25, 2020
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(RFD TV) As producers worry that China is not fulfilling its phase one promise to buy nearly $40 billion dollars in U.S. exports, ethanol groups say that the country could easily make those numbers if they bought more renewable fuels. China is the second largest gasoline market in the world
June 24, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Japanese government has opened a public comment period on a proposal that will affect Japan’s policy on transportation biofuels by increasing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission value for gasoline and expanding the list of conditions under which an unfulfilled ethanol target can be carried
June 24, 2020
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by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) Biofuels groups are tired of ethanol being excluded from China’s phase one purchases.vGrowth Energy senior vice president of global markets Craig Willis says it’s been two years since the Chinese imported ethanol from the U.S. “It was our third-largest export market, so there’s a ton
June 22, 2020
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by Julie Chao (Joint BioEnergy Institute) Farmers have enough worries – between bad weather, rising costs, and shifting market demands – without having to stress about the carbon footprint of their operations. But now a new set of projects by scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), including scientists at the
June 22, 2020
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by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) House Democrats unveiled a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan Thursday that calls for a huge increase in funding to repair roads and bridges while expanding broadband access in rural areas. Democrats described the bill as the biggest legislative effort to fight climate change, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) saying
June 19, 2020
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(Renewable Fuels Association/National Biodiesel Board/Farm Progress) Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board critical of these petitions, say refiners are trying to circumvent court ruling. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today disclosed that 52 new petitions have been received from small refineries seeking retroactive exemptions from their Renewable Fuel Standard requirements
June 19, 2020
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by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Sen. John Thune (R-SD) has introduced legislation, together with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), to approve some advanced biofuel pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard, which have been delayed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under the legislation, EPA would also be required to render a decision within 90 days on
June 18, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several biofuel producers and trade groups are among the nearly 200 organizations that sent a letter to President Trump on June 16 calling on him to ensure the continued implementation of the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement. The letter notes the agreement is critical to
June 18, 2020
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(RFD TV) … Both the oil and ethanol sectors are asking the federal government to step in as each one sees a sharp decline in prices and production. Oil groups say that the pandemic pushed the industry over the edge, while it was battling an already downward demand trend. …
June 18, 2020
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by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Members of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus held a virtual town hall Wednesday to discuss the challenges currently facing the ethanol industry and what can be done to help. Participating in the meeting were caucus members including Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), and Rodney Davis
June 18, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on Sept. 25 in a case that could determine whether EPA must deeply curtail its program of exemptions from the RFS. The case mirrors a 10th Circuit case in which the court found that
June 18, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you haven’t heard of Co-Optima, you should! This U.S. DOE initiative is tackling fuel and engine research and development to maximize vehicle fuel economy – key for biofuels! From mapping lower-cost pathways to reduce emissions while developing knowledge that can be used to leverage diverse
June 18, 2020
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by Russ Freeman (Modern Rotating Impact Mill Production Company, llc./Biofuels Digest) So how do we choose a GOOD PATH from many alternatives carbon sources? Repurposing carbon in Municipal Solid Wastes could be exceptionally attractive to local government facing a pandemic-driven loss of both income and property tax revenue while also facing a dramatic
June 18, 2020
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(Solutions from the Land) In response to a call for input from the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis for input on tools, programs, and support useful to address the impacts of severe weather and climate change on their community and business, we have constructed a response …
June 17, 2020
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by Marc Heller (E&E News) If the politics around ethanol seem charged today, just wait two years — that’s when Congress may really step into the fray. READ MORE Grassley discusses SRE gap filings, future of RFS program (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Excerpt from Ethanol Producer Magazine: In the legislation that
June 17, 2020
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by Jordan Godwin (OPIS) EPA is expected to propose as early as next month a 250-million-gal increase in the 2021 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) and another 250-million-gal boost in the 2022 RVO to comply with a remand order the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued
June 17, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ways2H shows us a third pathway towards energy decarbonization via waste to hydrogen. Check out this illuminating slide guide that looks at the need for hydrogen, renewable hydrogen production pathways, how biomass including municipal solid waste can be a third pathway to hydrogen, and more.
June 17, 2020
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by Steve VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Initiative) While much of the industry’s energy has been focused on issues like Reid vapor pressure relief, a new technical paper demonstrates the need to focus on aromatics, and the fact that ethanol can reduce the need for other carcinogenic octane enhancers. …
June 17, 2020
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by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting Inc./Biofuels Digest) … The focus was on renewable fuels in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RINs) and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS credits). Stakeholders came from all corners of the market, from the refining industry, power utilities and renewable energy sectors, as well as the
June 16, 2020
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(Environmental Protection Agency) Today (June 4, 2020), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal to improve the rulemaking process under the Clean Air Act by establishing requirements to ensure consistent, high-quality analyses of benefits and costs are provided to the public for significant rules. This proposal, when finalized, will
June 16, 2020
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by Josh Siegel & Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) ELECTRIC CARS’ EQUITY PROBLEM: Top energy officials from New York and Massachusetts are raising the fear that requiring increasing use of electric cars could impose financial hardships on poor people. That is especially if utilities bear the cost of building out charging infrastructure and
June 15, 2020
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by Rachel Hatch (Illinois State University News) … An ISU professor of genetics, (John) Sedbrook is devoted to integrated plant biology and bioenergy, meaning his research focuses on bringing out positive genetic traits in plants. “We’re making mutations that are good,” he said. “That is the whole story behind domestication,
June 15, 2020
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) REFINERS LATEST ETHANOL BLENDING BID: Small oil refiners — still reeling from the pandemic-driven collapse in fuel demand — have petitioned EPA to grant them economic hardship status dating back to 2013 in an apparent move to pave the way for the agency to free
June 15, 2020
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by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy may be just a block or two apart on Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C., but they are miles apart on their long-term outlook for ethanol. Seemingly disparate objectives make E30s future less clear. The good: The
June 12, 2020
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(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation that would extend for two years The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency.” Extending the FDA’s guidance will grant additional certainty for ethanol operations
June 12, 2020
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by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) A leading U.S. biofuel trade group said on Thursday it had started conversations with the campaigns of both Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and incumbent Donald Trump to discuss potential policy fixes for the ailing industry. The discussions come as the coronavirus pandemic crushes demand for ethanol
June 12, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Part 1 of today’s Hot Hydrogen slide guides, Frontier Energy shares their H2@Scale vision, progress in Texas and why Texas is actually a pretty ideal location to lead H2 production for a sustainable energy system, the recent U.S. Department of Energy award for a
June 11, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Part 2 of today’s Hot Hydrogen slide guides, Exelon shares this illuminating presentation that digs deep into their project to evaluate technical and economic feasibility of integrated nuclear-renewable-hydrogen plant operation, assess hydrogen market in region of an Exelon nuclear plant, complete preliminary engineering design of
June 11, 2020
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Part 3 of today’s Hot Hydrogen slide guides, Southern Company’s Noah Meeks takes a look at how hydrogen mitigates multiple issues in a low-carbon transition, the valuation of hydrogen energy storage in a high marginal cost scenario, the value of energy storage in a
June 11, 2020
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(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel, which include biodiesel and renewable diesel, grew 26 percent in 2019 to more than 27,000 barrels per day (more than 413.9 MMgy), ending two years in a row of decline. Imports of biomass-based diesel increased in 2019 because of the
June 10, 2020
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by Steve Vander Griend (Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In a world intent on lowering carbon emissions, any positive steps lowering CO2 should receive credit. Instead, a recent Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) issued by EPA actually proposes to penalize low carbon ethanol in a convoluted approach that would add
June 10, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A 30-day public comment period is now open on the U.S. EPA’s proposal to determine that no additional fuel control measures are necessary to mitigate air quality impacts of required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The EPA released a pre-publication version of the
June 10, 2020
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(Growth Energy) Growth Energy today said the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new “anti-backsliding” report on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) side-steps the wide body of evidence supporting a clear scientific consensus around the clean air benefits of homegrown ethanol. The study, required by the Clean Air Act and released as part of
June 9, 2020
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by Sal Gilbertie (Forbes) The relationship between gasoline and ethanol returns towards normal as huge unemployment decline foretells of a back to work, commuter driven increase in gasoline demand Gasoline prices are sending a clear signal that workers will return to workplaces very soon, and they’ll get there in their
June 9, 2020
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by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 44 members of Congress sent a letter to President Trump on June 8 urging him to deny requests filed with the U.S. EPA by several governors seeking a waiver of 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements. “We write to express our concern
June 9, 2020
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(Agri-Pulse/Governors’ Biofuels Coalition) Biofuel advocates are asking EPA today to provide more information on requests for retroactive exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard. Citing an appeals court ruling, the Renewable Fuels Association and several other organizations argue in a letter that EPA can’t extend exemptions to any small refineries whose earlier,
June 9, 2020
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Growth Energy to IRS: Ethanol Plants Ready to Capture More Carbon
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted written comments on the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) proposed regulations under section 45Q, a performance-based tax credit for carbon capture projects. In her letter, Skor called on the agency to offer credit for carbon dioxide captured for food and beverage purposes, which would promote investment in new