by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) U.S. Agriculture Secretary and former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack may be on Hillary Clinton's short-list for a vice presidential running mate. Several national media outlets have reported that while Vilsack has not confirmed he's
(Agri-News) Sixteen ethanol blender pumps soon will be available at gas stations in Allen and LaPorte counties thanks in part to funding from Indiana Corn Marketing Council. ICMC and the Indiana Office of Energy Development announced more than $331,000 will be
(University of Connecticut) ... The research team is led by professor emerita Carol Auer and supported by a grant from the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grant Program, an initiative of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Auer and her research
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce that the Power Energy Corp. has been awarded a $1.44 million grant from Illinois to offer higher ethanol blends at 20 retail stations in the state. The grant,
by Stephen Davies (Agri-Pulse) USDA is providing nearly $55 million in grants and loan guarantees to help 821 small businesses in rural areas save on energy costs. The latest round of grants awarded under the Rural Energy for America Program total
(SoyBiobased.org) When Lewis Bainbridge learned to fly helicopters for the U.S. military in the 1970s, the fuel crises limited his flight time and he had to wait an hour to get 10 gallons of gasoline. In recent years, Ian Macwan
(Public.org/U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its domestic partners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy, traveled to Colombia last week to cultivate relationships with the
(Platts) India's ethanol blending is projected to rise marginally from 1.9% this year to 2% in 2017, according to an annual report recently released by the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, as more domestically produced product will be
by Dirck Steimel (Iowa Farm Bureau) While political battles over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) continue to grab headlines, Iowa’s ethanol plants are quietly pushing ahead and becoming more and more efficient. The 43 corn-based and cellulosic ethanol plants in the
by Gollany HT, Titus BD, Scott DA, Asbjornsen H, Resh SC, Chimner RA, Kaczmarek DJ, Leite LF, Ferreira AC, Rod KA, Hilbert J, Galdos MV, Cisz ME (Biogeochemical Research) Rapid expansion in biomass production for biofuels and bioenergy in the
(US Department of Agriculture) Insurance Changes Expand Farm Safety Net for Double Cropping -- Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse today announced that the federal crop insurance program will provide additional flexibility to farmers. The modifications center on the
(POET) POET is expanding its cover crop research as part of soil sustainability work in Emmetsburg, Iowa for cellulosic ethanol development. The work is part of an ongoing commitment to helping farmers make sound management decisions around harvesting crop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In California, Greenyug said it will build an industrial-scale ethyl acetate manufacturing facility adjacent to Archer Daniels Midland Company’s wet mill corn processing facilities in Columbus, Nebraska. Greenyug has formed a subsidiary, Prairie Catalytic
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (re:chem/Biofuels Digest) A Billion Ton Bioeconomy. For those of us who have worked in this space for the last decade, the US government’s aspiration to grow the sector to such size and scope is music
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This analysis was presented by Jonny Rogers at ABLC Feedstocks 2016, and is the result of is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy, Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), National Laboratories, and various Agency
(Sorghum Checkoff/Biomass Magazine) The Sorghum Checkoff recently announced a $500,000 investment in sorghum research, made at the inaugural Transportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture (TERRA) program field day at the University of Arizona's Maricopa Agricultural Center in Maricopa, Arizona. This investment follows the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Blundermeisters of Media Misinformation are at it again. The world’s favorite advanced biofuel, biodiesel, gets another hit job from mainstream media. The Digest investigates. -- AFP, the major international news service, reported last week that
(Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee/Federal Register) Deadline for Technical Advisory Committee member nominations is June 30, 2016. The Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 (Biomass Act) [Pub. L. 106-224] requires cooperation and coordination in biomass research and development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The signals coming out of Washington DC are so confusing, you might be wondering if there’s going to be a budget for the US Department of Energy for the fiscal year starting this October. ... Meanwhile, the DOE’s
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that incentives resume this month for farmers and foresters who grow and harvest biomass for renewable energy and biobased products. The funds
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) We are proud to announce the 10th Anniversary of the initiation of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) as of May 24, 2016, and more importantly, to reflect on the success we’ve achieved to date,
by David Biello (Scientific American) ... Burning cellulosic ethanol as a fuel could result in just 10 percent of the CO2 emissions produced by burning gasoline. One big secret to making it all work is the advanced biofuel refinery's location right next
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its industry partners sought to dispel myths about U.S. ethanol and open the door for the renewable fuel in the Japanese market this week at a workshop held in Tokyo for
(US Department of Agriculture/EurekAlert!) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (May 18, 2016) announced the availability of $21 million to support the development of regional systems in sustainable bioenergy and biobased products, as well as education and training for the
by Deepika (FundsForNGOs.org) The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), an agency of United States Department of Agriculture is seeking applications from organisations for Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Sustainable Bioenergy and Bioproducts (SBEBP) Challenge Area Program with an
(KMALand/Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed into law H.F. 2464, a multifaceted bill that secures funding for the state’s highly successful biodiesel and ethanol blender pump program, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, through June 30, 2017.
(National Biodiesel Board/PR NewsWire) World's experts advance the science of quantifying transportation emissions -- Scientific experts agree that America's Advanced Biofuel, biodiesel, holds significant promise in the effort to reduce carbon emissions. Last year, biodiesel use in the U.S. cut
by Michael McIntire (Northwest Indiana Times) ... Family Express, a favorite local company, is installing new fuel pumps across eight counties with help from the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Drivers will have the option to fuel
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) "Don’t come to listen, come to act." That's what the invitation from the Rural Maryland Council, USDA Rural Development office and Maryland Broadband Cooperative said. We were invited to connect for a day with other
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To explain the Navy’s marine and aviation biofuels program, Chris Tindal gave the following presentation at ABLC 2016 in February. As we described it earlier this year, “They’re here. $2.05 per gallon, at-scale, domestically produced advanced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The Def Con 2 alert from the biofuels educational and advocacy group (Advanced Biofuels USA) noted a House Subcommittee draft for defense appropriations, which had this language in Section 8132: None of the funds made available
by Sarah Nightingale (University of California Riverside) Charles Wyman, Distinguished Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering and holder of the Ford Motor Company Chair in Environmental Engineering at the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), and Charles Cai, research engineer
(Office of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) 25 Percent of Soybean Oil Processed in U.S. is used for Biodiesel and Bioheat. Ohio Ranks Sixth in the Nation for Soybean Production. -- Today (May 11, 2016), U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) )
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack shared the first results of USDA's Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry, one year after he unveiled the plan at Michigan State University. In addition to providing specific goals
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews) Legislation that supporters say will enhance consumer choices and increase demand for Illinois corn was unanimously approved in the Illinois Senate. The bill allows the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to receive nearly $11.98 million from
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 29, the USDA announced changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program, which provides low-interest financing so agricultural producers can build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities. Renewable biomass is among
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the joint investment of $10 million towards research that will drive more efficient biofuels production
by Rosalie Marion Bliss (US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) ... Now, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have advanced a process to produce crude liquid fuel called “bio-oil” from agricultural waste. The bio-oil is produced by a process called
(Renewable Fuels Association) Convenience store and fuel retailer Family Express is receiving more than $789,000 through an Indiana blender pump program to bring online 45 dispensers at 37 stations in the state, it was announced Monday. The Hoosier Homegrown Fuels Blender
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... In the sweeping measure that was overall non-controversial, one provision in particular has some environmental groups in apoplexy – the categorization of biomass as carbon neutral. ... Passed by voice vote in February and advanced by
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Second Round Funding Now Available--ALL GRANT PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY: FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016 AT 12:00 PM CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME Submit completed applications via email to seo@wisconsin.gov. Questions? Submit to seo@wisconsin.gov and answers will be posted at the bottom. On October 28,
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) How do low-oil, low-fiber, high-protein coproducts successfully find their best markets? -- An array of distillers grains coproducts are entering the market—low oil, low fiber, high protein—with great potential. But animal nutritionists caution
(U.S. Grains Council) The growing interest for ethanol in the Asia-Pacific region is driven in part by ever-growing environmental concerns, especially those related to rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and deteriorating air quality, the direct results of rapidly-rising fossil fuel consumption
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This month, we held a well-attended webinar on USDA Biomass programs. Here below is a slide deck presented on the day, by the USDA’s Mark Brodziski. The recorded version of the USDA Biomass Programs webinar can
by Jan Suszkiw (US Department of Agriculture) ... At the Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) plant pathologist Lisa Keith has spent the past 5 years fine-tuning conditions under which Chlorella
(Growth Energy) This week, Jim Miller, Vice President and Chief Economist of Growth Energy will travel with Steve Bleyl, Executive Vice President of Green Plains Inc., and Doug Berven, Vice President of Corporate Affairs of POET to Chinese Taipei to
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biofuel number crunchers in the know are finding their jobs easier because of a website hosted by the USDA Economic Research Service where the Interagency Council on Agricultural & Rural Statistics pulls together links
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. "America's farmers, ranchers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (W)hen you compare them to homogenized, uniform, high-yield, purpose-grown energy crops. residues may be queer, but they are here. Not only available, but reliable, you can count on the fact that they will not
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on “Boom times in Renewable Diesel” Here below is the first slide deck presented on the day, from The Digest. The recorded version of the webinar can be accessed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia formed a partnership to investigate options for locally produced aviation biofuel. The trans-Tasman alliance partners are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to the market to explore the opportunity
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Congress changed mandatory funding for two key bioenergy programs – despite their tangible successes – through its Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Omnibus spending bill. USDA’s Section 9003 Loan Guarantee Program and the Biomass
(US Department of Agriculture/Ag Professional) Ethanol production in the United States is based almost entirely on corn as a feedstock. Corn‑based ethanol production is projected to fall over the next 10 years. This reflects declining overall gasoline consumption in the United
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The 2005 report, Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply (generally referred to as the Billion-Ton Study) was an estimate of potential biomass available within the contiguous United
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Prospective Plantings report provides the first official, survey based estimates of U.S. farmers’ 2016 planting intentions. U.S. corn growers expect to plant 93.6 million acres to corn this year, according to the Prospective Plantings report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In grains, the big news has been the USDA prospective plantings report, which has corn up to 93 million acres in 2016, up 5 million over last year, and it was an unexpected gain given
by Margaret M. Zeigler (The Hill/Global Harvest Initiative) ... Held each year since 1973, National AG Day helps consumers, the administration and Congress understand how farmers grow safe and affordable food, and underscores the essential role of agriculture in maintaining both a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several representatives of the biofuel industry are participating in a USDA trade mission to Peru and Chile March 14-18. The mission, led by Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack, aims to expand export opportunities for U.S.
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The funding
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) An analysis conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association and released March 7 finds the net energy balance of corn-based ethanol at U.S. dry mill biorefineries averages 2.6–2.8, an improvement over previous estimates, reflecting efficiency gains. The figures build
(Industrial Biotechnology) ... My current assessment is that there exists an unlimited sense of opportunity in the biobased products and bioenergy sector. I look at the work being done at the USDA, which is extensive and has been helpful in getting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Institute of Bioenergy, Climate, and Environment (IBCE) and the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Golden Field Office, Bioenergy Technologies Office jointly operate the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA recently published a fact sheet highlighting its investments in rural America, including several related to sparking innovation in America’s bioeconomy to support the development of biomanufacturing and advanced biofuels. According to fact sheet, USDA
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Feb. 24, the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on the state of the rural economy. Biofuels and bioenergy were among the topics discussed during the nearly three-hour event. When asked to characterize the
by George Plaven (East Oregonian) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is stepping up with an $11 million loan to build a new biorefinery in Boardman. -- With financing in place, a Minnesota-based energy company plans to build its first
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Leaf Resources and ZeaChem signed a joint venture agreement to establish a Glycell based project in the USA. The new agreenent advances the relationship between the two companies from an October 2014 Collaboration
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Federal support for biofuels came up for discussion at this week’s House Agriculture Committee hearing on the state of the rural economy. Representative Bob Goodlatte of Virginia questioned Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about the USDA’s
by Robin Young (NPR's Here and Now) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is the only member of the cabinet who’s been there since President Obama took office. He heads a department that oversees a wide swath of government programs, including food safety
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) On October 28, 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) had been awarded $3.7 million through the Biofuels Infrastructure Program (BIP) to significantly expand
[caption id="attachment_70483" align="alignright" width="260"] LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren visits with Advanced Biofuels USA's Bill Brandon at a pre-conference get-together.[/caption] by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) You might think that annual conferences feel the same year after year. Not true. One of
by Chris Edgington (Globe Gazette) ... Today, energy represents 5.2 cents of every dollar spent on food versus 6.8 cents in 2008. According to the USDA the average grocery bill is up 1 percent in 2015 vs. 2014 and yet the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reports recently published by the USDA Office of the Chief Economist and the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute demonstrate that ethanol production continues to become more energy efficient and shows
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a statement on two recent research reports supported by USDA focused on ethanol and other renewable fuels, one published by USDA's Office of the Chief Economist and another published by
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) EPA reduced ethanol volumes below statutory levels in November; Valero Energy files suit against U.S. government over target --- The conflict between agriculture and petroleum interests over the government’s ethanol mandate shows no signs of abating, U.S. Department
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the goal of the BioPreferred program is to increase the purchase and use of biobased products. The BioPreferred program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee has recommended “targeting a potential 30% penetration of biomass carbon into the U.S. transportation market by 2030 in a sustainable and cost-effective manner to create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas impacts,
by Nate Carlisle and Brian Maffly (The Salt Lake Tribune) Federal agents raided offices of Washakie and Kingstons amid claims the company hasn’t actually manufactured its own biofuels. -- The storage tanks Washakie Renewable Energy was planning to build while
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On February 9, 2016, President Obama released his $4.15 trillion fiscal year (FY) 2017 federal budget proposal, a 5 percent increase over 2016. In his final budget request, President Obama is seeking to increase funding
(South Dakota Ag Connection) South Dakota is ramping up its efforts to increase ethanol usage in South Dakota, thanks in part to a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (USDA - CCC) federal grant awarded to the
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In looking at a way to jump-start this country’s bogged down production of biomass-based jetfuel (Jet-A, JP-5, JP-8) and rocket fuel (RP-1/2), the early history of the US space program should serve as
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (Biofuels Digest/re:chem Alliance) For all of 2015’s turbulence in the renewable chemical sector, in one area – US government policy – the industry saw marked progress. For the last two years, the Renewable Chemical &
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) On October 28, 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) had been awarded $3.7 million through the Biofuels Infrastructure Program (BIP) to significantly expand
(US Department of Agriculture) Program: Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) | AFRI Education and Literacy Initiative | Educational Scholarship Programs The AFRI Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences Education and Literacy Initiative (ELI) provides fellowships to undergraduate, predoctoral,
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the USDA has highlighted the economic impacts on rural communities bioenergy investments have made in a new report looking at the $1.1 billion granted for renewable energy through 15,678 individual awards between 2009
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Jeffrey Jacobs, who served as Vice President of Chevron Technology Ventures until his recent retirement from Chevron, was appointed CEO of Ensyn Corporation and elected to its Board of Directors. Jacobs was also appointed as
(Iowa Department of Agriculture) Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that $2.49 million has been awarded through the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative to support the installation of 107 new
by Amanda Bilek (Biomass Magazine/Great Plains Institute) ... In the summer of 2014, the USDA released the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. The release of this roadmap marked the first time that federal agencies made a public commitment to coordinate biogas activities and
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Global trade for U.S. ethanol has been trending up in the past decade, becoming an important part of the industry’s growth strategy. -- Looking at the numbers, it doesn’t take long to conclude that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $2.05 per gallon for drop-in, non-food advanced biofuels blends. Who would have thought it possible a few years ago. Well, the Navy for one. Their remarkable vision results in Carrier Strike Group 3 operating in a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of the Navy is now buying advanced, drop-in, cost-competitive, next gen renewable fuels. The biofuels sought can be blended in a range of 10 to 50 percent with conventional petroleum products and must meet
by David Alexander (Reuters/Yahoo!) The U.S. Navy will formally deploy its so-called "Great Green Fleet" on Wednesday, sending warships to sea on biofuels even though oil prices have dropped 70 percent since congressional Republicans first criticized the high cost of
by James Hataway (University of Georgia) A team of researchers led by faculty at the University of Georgia have received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to find new ways of combating Johnsongrass, one of the most
(US Department of Agriculture/PRMediaRelease) Carinata Producers Need to Make Insurance Decisions Soon -- USDA’s Risk Management Agency today announced that producers in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota can insure carinata by written agreement under the canola and rapeseed insurance plans.
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 7th, the Florida Treasure Coast Education, Research and Development Authority (TCERDA) held a Kickoff Meeting in Ft. Pierce for their Farm-to-Fly Aviation Biofuel feasibility study. This study is funded by a
by Rosalie Bliss (US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) ... U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have advanced a process to produce a crude liquid called “bio-oil” from agricultural waste. The team is headed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of Agriculture needs no introduction, but within USDA Rural Development is the Energy Division takes a leading role on biorefinery loan guarantees. How does the process work, what are the deadlines, how are applications scored?
(Eco-Business/Future Market Insights) Algaculture, the farming of algae for fuel, is gaining traction globally as governments and private players look to leverage on the potential of algae as a biofuel. Concerns about depleting oil resources and the environmental impact of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is the Purpose of the Feasibility Study? How can I know if my project is feasible? What should I look for in choosing a feasibility study consultant? What does a successful proforma look like when oil
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of the Navy is now buying advanced, drop-in, cost-competitive, next gen renewable fuels. The biofuels sought can be blended in a range of 10 to 50 percent with conventional petroleum products and must meet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They’re here. $2.05 per gallon, at-scale, domestically produced advanced renewable fuels — utilizing non-food feedstocks and based on next-generation technology. The Navy’s 7-year quest to diversify its fuel supply without paying more or changing its
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Several of the achievements listed by the USDA benefited the bioenergy and biofuels sectors. Under the category of climate change achievements, the department highlighted its work with the U.S. EPA to set the first-ever
by Robert Moffitt (American Lung Association in Minnesota/Post Bulletin) A Dec. 14 letter to the editor described Rochester's "community responsibility to become energy sustainable." A key component to achieving this goal is increasing the use of clean-burning transportation fuels in the
by Katherine Long (Seattle Times) Four years after the University of Washington received a $40 million federal grant to kick-start a biofuels industry in the Northwest, scientists have made great progress, but plans are lagging, in part because fossil fuels
by Karen B. Roberts (University of Delaware/Biomass Magazine) ... At the University of Delaware, associate scientist Jennifer Stewart is working to create sustainable algae-based biofuels that could reduce carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions in the atmosphere. ... Many scientists have proposed growing algae
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has published a notice announcing its intention to request a revision and extension of a currently approved information collection for a residue and biomass field survey. According to a
by Valerie Reed (US Department of Agriculture/Biofuels Digest) A great government agency is a little like a river pilot — doesn’t run the ship, but steps in as a vital partner for complex, critical tasks where specialized know-how and resources
by John Kirkwood (Biofuels Digest/Faegre Baker Daniels) Project financing is the financing of infrastructure and industrial projects and relies primarily on the development of a project and its cash flow for repayment — but for a first commercial plant for a given technology,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a significant jump in ethanol exports to China this year, following a USDA-led trade mission to the country last year. Representatives from nine state departments of agriculture and
by Ron Alverson (Ethanol Across America) It has been seven years since Argonne National Labs (ANL), as part of the Energy Security and Independence Act requirements, first determined the Life Cycle Carbon Intensity of mid-west corn ethanol fuel. ANL, using
by Tom Ewing (Renewable Energy World) As oil prices plummet, are drop-in aviation biofuel refineries ever going to be built? --- In September 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE), along with the Departments of the Navy and Agriculture, announced a
by Mindy Ward (Farm Progress) Consumers will have more biofuel,ethanol choices at the gas pump. -- Mark Cadle sees the investment in biofuel infrastructure in Missouri as a win-win-win. "The goal is to expand markets for farmers, support rural economic growth,
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council’s ethanol export promotion program has seen an early success with a U.S. exporter confirming sales of 10 million gallons of U.S. ethanol to Peru—valued at more than $15 million—following a trade
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $1 biodiesel tax credit extended through 2016, and much more. In Washington, lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate passed legislation for retroactive reinstatement of the $1 per gallon biodiesel mixture excise tax credit from January
(University of Illinois/Biomass Magazine) The University of Illinois has been awarded a 3-year, $5 million grant from the DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy as part of its OPEN 2015 funding initiative (ARPA-E OPEN). Under Principal Investigator Andrew Leakey, Associate Professor of
(Genscape) Now in the hands of president Obama for final sign off, the budget deal that could end the 1975 oil export ban, could also extend investment and Production Tax Credits (ITC and PTC) that support wind and solar energy. The
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that communities may now apply to be designated a Promise Zone under the third
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) In support of the Obama Administration's Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly released the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap Progress Report today
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Twin Cities radio station, KS95 FM, and the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA), today rewarded customers who fueled up with E15 at Highland Service Minnoco. From 11 am to 12 pm, customers who fueled up with E15 at Highland
(Indiana Office of Energy Development) The Indiana Office of Energy Development and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council recently announced that publicly-accessible fuel retail stations in Indiana can begin applying for a share of $1,338,400 through the Hoosier Homegrown Fuels Blender
(RFD-TV) ... "This is something where they can grow it, and they can make it themselves and they can use it on the farm," says Jason de Koff, an assistant professor in agronomy and soil science at Tennessee State University.
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Dec. 7, Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, introduced the Food Recovery Act of 2015. The bill, which aims to reduce the amount of food waste in the U.S., also contains provisions related to waste-to-energy development. ... One
by Alan Brugler (DTN The Progressive Farmer) USDA on Wednesday increased projected 2015-16 corn use for ethanol by 25 million bushels from its November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. Was this enough to reflect the additional blending required by
by Joseph Erbentraut (The Huffington Post) A new analysis finds potentially transformative agricultural research isn’t getting the level of funding it probably should. --- Two years ago, when acclaimed food journalist Michael Pollan trumpeted “the most encouraging ag research finding of recent
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a conditional commitment for a $70 million loan guarantee to help build a cellulosic biorefinery in central Georgia. USDA is providing the loan guarantee conditional commitment, an important milestone in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This year at ABLC Next, Bill Orts, a Research Leader for Bioproducts at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, gave us an overview of partnership opportunities at USDA and through ARS. One of the vehicles is known as a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has been awarded $5 million to install an estimated 187 blender pumps, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership, Iowa fuel retailers
by Pat Rizzuto (BNA) The federal approach to regulating bioengineered products is a confusing labyrinth, according to companies, trade associations, advocacy groups and scientists. Companies must follow a maze to identify which agencies may have jurisdiction over a bioengineered product and
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2014, 2015 and 2016 that refiners have to meet in blending biofuels with gasoline. The agency increased the blending
by Stephanie Pearl (US Department of Agriculture) Alaska Airlines will conduct a demonstration flight in 2016 using 1,000 gallons of jet fuel made from forest scraps. The aviation biofuel was derived from twigs and small branches that would otherwise have been
by Seth W Snyder (Editor, Contributor), James H Clark (Editor), George Kraus (Series Editor), Gene Peterson (Contributor), Beth Calabotta (Contributor), Stephen Hughes (Contributor), Robert E. Kozak (Contributor) & 14 more (Royal Society of Chemistry) Biobased products offer substantial economic and
(Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe) Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today (October 29, 2015) that Virginia, in partnership with Maryland, was selected for a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant totaling nearly $5 million to install ethanol refueling infrastructure in Virginia. The
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Five bioenergy projects in two states were among the 258 businesses nationwide receiving a total of nearly $34 million from the USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant program. The grants were announced last week
by Melissa Pariettin(MSN.com) ... Many factors determine the price of food in the U.S. If the introduction of the RFS (Renewable Fuel Standard) had as significant an impact on food prices as certain outlets have suggested, then the increase would be
by Dennis Farrell (The Daily Evergreen) ... A regional consortium for sustainable biofuels is teaming up with multiple companies and universities like Washington State to convert poplar trees into ethanol. Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest (AHB) invests time, money and research
by John Kirkwood (Faegre Baker Daniels LLP/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few changes have been implemented in the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, writes John Kirkwood. ... In June, an interim final rule was published in the
(US Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A team of U.S. ethanol industry representatives led by USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse traveled to India last week to discuss opportunities for developing clean
by Jonathan H Harsch (Agri-Pulse) The escalating battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) added another front Thursday. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson warned President Obama that lowering the RFS volume requirements could result in Democrats losing otherwise winnable congressional
by Meghan Grebner (Brownfield Ag News) The president of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) says the announcement of the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) grants will help promote and grow the state’s ethanol industry. Denny Maple says the grants from USDA
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), hereby announce their interest in receiving applications for genomics- based research
(Columbus Dispatch) Ohio received a $3.4 million grant to install more than 100 pumps for ethanol-blended fuels. The grant was through the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and will double the number of higher-ethanol pumps —
(Associated Press/Bakken.com) The North Dakota Department of Commerce is accepting applications for a program to market biofuels. The $1.2 million program sponsored through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership offers grants to test and evaluate ways to promote
(Lincoln Journal Star) Money raised or promised in Nebraska has more than matched $2.85 million in federal funds to establish a public-private partnership to add 80 new blender pumps across the state of Nebraska, allowing greater access to ethanol for
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Defense has yet to purchase alternative fuels beyond testing and demonstration purposes, but intentions remain. -- In July, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report observing U.S. Department of Defense
(Spooner Advocate) The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that Wisconsin is the recipient of a $3.7 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to significantly expand and support the installation of ethanol blending equipment at retail gas stations throughout the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Includes Ohio State University's "Advanced Bioeconomy" flowchart and BioPreferred Program map; results of surveys regarding awareness of bio-based products, etc. READ MORE
(Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) Bioenergy Alliance Network of the Rockies (BANR research member David Jackson, PhD of the University of Idaho seeks participants for a survey of "a broad cross-section of the American public" to evaluate interest in woody biomass
(Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) USDA-NIFA CLIMATE HUBS FELLOWS PROGRAM HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED, WITH A NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 APPLICATION DEADLINE The Climate Hubs Fellows Program (CHFP) has been announced (http://go.usa.gov/3J4GA). The deadline for applications is November 20th. The CHFP
The Southeast Energy Development (SEED) Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program under the Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems (IBSS) project. The SEED Fellows will: Work in a multidisciplinary team for 10
(Associated Press/The Republic) The U.S. Agriculture Department has awarded Kansas $1.3 million in matching funds for a program to increase the availability of ethanol blended fuels for motorists. ... The funds will allow a coalition called the Kansas Better Blends Initiative
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