(Good News Network) Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with a sustainable alternative derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research from a University of Georgia scientist. Puneet Dwivedi led a team
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Making tractors burn with less pollution has long posed a trade-off: cleaner air, but less power to drag heavy equipment. Now manufacturers say they’re making strides to help close the gap. The latest entrant is a biomethane- and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) With the recent announcement of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, the U.S. Department of Energy’s BETO shared this slide guide on their sustainable aviation fuel strategy, featuring BETO Director, Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed, and Zia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Whether you are using novel crops, residues, developing supply-chains, or developing new feedstocks for the bioeconomy, this is an exclusive Digest slide guide you won’t want to miss! Straight from our recent State of the
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is seeking public comments on a new initiative designed to create revenue streams for agricultural producers through market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. “Through extreme
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Significantly increasing the use of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol follows along different tracks. Legislatively, for example, there’s the bipartisan Clean Fuels Vehicle Act of 2021, which would provide incentives for automakers to build
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under
(Biofuels Central) Two studies conducted by Transport Energy Strategies (TES) and THiggins Energy Consulting show that gasoline blended with ethanol lowers carbon intensity (CI) even more than what is modeled and what is shown in recent studies. A key finding in both
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Corn is the top feedstock for China’s ethanol sector, followed by rice, cassava and wheat. The country’s production plants are expected to consume 4.07 million tonnes of corn in 2021. -- Country has unofficially abandoned its
(Solutions from the Land) ... Those who advocate for no- and low-carbon fuels and other energy solutions come from across political parties – Democrats and Republicans – and from all along the spectrum of partisan views – from liberals to conservatives. The
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... The agency announced on Wednesday plans to tap funds from the Commodity Credit Corp. as part of what USDA calls a "comprehensive investment package." The $3 billion package is aimed at supporting drought resilience and
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program for eligible entities to support business opportunity and enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $75 million for 15 partner-led projects to address natural resource concerns on private lands. This year, projects funded by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program’s (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) China's ethanol consumption continues to fall well short of the government's 10 percent blend mandate. The blend rate in 2021 is forecast at 2.1 percent, according to a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture's
(Honeywell/PR Newswire) - Wood's hydrogen plant technology coupled with Honeywell UOP EcofiningTM process technology and carbon capture and storage can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions 100% when compared to petroleum-based aviation fuels - Widespread use of Honeywell and Wood technologies have potential
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Accelerating deployment of sustainable aviation fuel – it’s the talk of the town this past week and here to share the latest on project financing for SAF is project finance expert Mark Riedy. From what
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During an appearance before the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum Monday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed concerns about the proposed tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel that it might leave out corn and soybean
by Laís Forti Thomaz and Cacia Pimentel (Estadão) O que a nova iniciativa dos Estados Unidos e a Organização Internacional da Aviação Civil (ICAO) podem representar para o Brasil? O governo dos Estados Unidos realizou uma reunião com integrantes de toda
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, to expand the production of advanced biofuels. USDA will make $7
by Tom (KOWA Radio) A key Senate ethanol backer says the Biden EPA’s threat to lower 2020 biofuel volume requirements on top of rumored cuts to levels for this year and next, would severely damage biofuel and corn producers. Senate Ag Republican
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) About $700 million designed to help biofuels producers is still on the way three months after the USDA made the announcement to help producers hurt by the COVID-19 economic shutdown. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Support Climate-Smart Solutions to Lower Energy Costs in 48 States and Puerto Rico -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration's new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 - - As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects
(White House) New Actions Aim to Produce Three Billion Gallons of Sustainable Fuel, Reduce Aviation Emissions by 20% by 2030, and Grow Good-Paying, Union Jobs -- Today (September 9, 2021), President Biden is taking steps to coordinate leadership and innovation across
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, on Aug. 24 introduced a bill that aims to establish a research, development and demonstration program for a commercially viable fuel cell system that uses biofuels as the main fuel source. The
by Jeremy Henderson (Auburn University) On-going, Auburn-led research into biofuel and biochemical production just got a lot more eyes on it. Supported by a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy award issued in 2018, as well as funding from the
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During a town hall style webinar with Farm Journal Editor Clinton Griffiths last week, USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said payments for biofuels producers impacted by the pandemic could come in the very near future. “We made the decision
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bunge, REG and Bayer helped CoverCress raise a total of $22 million including $8 million in Series B in 2021. What does that mean for this low carbon cash cover crop and for growers? What
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The USDA announced Aug. 19 that it is investing $26 million in biofuels infrastructure under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program to help expand the availability of higher blends of biofuels, such as B50 blends
(Farm and Dairy) An Ohio company received a chunk of $26 million given out through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. Cincinnati-based United Dairy Farmers Inc. was awarded $634,000 to expand ethanol sales at its convenience stores and
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of Colombia has delayed plans to reinstate its E10 blend mandate until January 2022. The blend mandate will be set at E6 in September, October and November, increasing to E8 in December. Last spring,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $5.19 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels through three projects in Kansas. USDA
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Increase Availability of Biofuels by 822 Million Gallons Annually -- Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand
by Mike Bunge (KIMT) New Energy Blue says the biomass refinery would be on a 155-acre site and convert 275,000 tons of cornstalks and wheat straw into 20 million gallons of ethanol and 95 tons of lignin, a solid biofuel and natural
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The president will sign an executive order to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 "zero-emission" vehicles, including battery, fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The executive order also will set new long-term
(Solutions from the Land) The talk among policy makers in Washington to promote a market in which farmers, ranchers and forestland owners can be fiscally rewarded for their efforts to retain carbon in their soil has excited many. The prospect for
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) brought members together in person Wednesday for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, launching its summer annual meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, and online through a virtual meeting platform. Joining for
by Michael Sterenberg (Columbia Climate School State of the Planet) The Scenic Hudson Soil Lab is a rather unassuming structure. Sitting atop a hemp farm within New York’s Hudson River Valley, the lab is unadorned, and no bigger than a roadside
by Helena Bottemiller Evich (Politico) Green groups are calling for USDA to set standards so there’s more clarity in the rapidly changing market. -- Agricultural carbon credit programs are cropping up left and right, but the standards they adhere to are
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Beyond transportation fuel, ethanol could contribute to greener electricity. From large-scale power generation to support the grid to small and decentralized applications that provide renewable energy for remote electric vehicle charging. Electrification may just
by Bob Kozak (Atlantic Biomass/Biofuels Digest) Dear President Biden, For someone who says competition is the key to American economic success, “A fair, open, and competitive marketplace has long been a cornerstone of the American economy, while excessive market concentration threatens basic
by Angelica Y. Yang (MSN/Business World) THE ENERGY Department’s revised guidelines on biofuel accreditation will help the Philippines reduce its fuel consumption by 80 million liters while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the foreign agriculture unit of US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
This is the FIRST AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference! The conference will focus on promoting the USDA's BioPreferred® Program* throughout this two-day conference and exhibition. To kick off the event there will be a reception on Sunday evening, November 14,
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The agriculture industry is anxiously waiting to see how the Biden administration intends to enlist more producers to adopt climate-friendly farm practices. But even as corporations are eager to buy offsets from farmers who
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biden administration has signaled its intent to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to develop post-2022 Renewable Fuel Standard regulations before the end of 2021. A proposed rule to set annual RFS renewable volume
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor participated in the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy hearing titled “Renewable Energy – Growth and Opportunities for our Rural Economies”. In the hearing, Skor spoke on
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Kim Chipman (Bloomberg/Yahoo!) The Biden administration is developing targets for biofuel that are likely to be relatively flat or even lower as it seeks to balance the interests of blue-collar refining workers and advance a clean-energy
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) USDA announces latest COVID aid for biofuels, dairy farmers and processors, livestock farmers and contract growers of poultry. -- As part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, USDA announced additional aid to agricultural producers and
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Members of the House Biofuels Caucus sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 9 urging the USDA to provide COVID-19 relief to biofuels producers under the agency’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers program. Former
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Twenty-two members of the House biofuels caucus asked U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to help the ethanol and biodiesel industries following the COVID-19 economic shutdown that led to reductions in biofuels production. In a letter
by Carey L. Biron (Reuters) ... Many of the families were poor but rich in land, offering an opportunity today for those who still own property, said Alton Perry, a former U.S. government forester who works as program manager with
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Biden Administration is weaving climate policy into almost every facet of the government, and at ABO we are working closely with the White House, Congress and federal agencies to ensure that the microalgae and seaweed industry can play its
by Jan tenBensel (Nebraska Ethanol Board/Lincoln Journal/Star) Addressing Ron Todd-Meyer's Local View ("Change. It's what's for dinner," May 25), ethanol checks many boxes for environmental goals. While we wait for electric vehicles to become affordable and infrastructure to be built,
(Renewable Fuels Association) A pair of recent studies examining purported cropland expansion in the Midwest are based on a flawed methodology that “suffers from accuracy and certainty issues,” according to a new review of the studies by researchers at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing up to $15 million to support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A new report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation finds U.S. farmers have the potential to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and become part of the global solution to climate change. U.S. agriculture contributes about 10% of the
(Aemetis/Globe Newswire) Finalizing Grant for “Valorizing Forest Waste for Cellulosic Ethanol Production” to Extract Sugars from Waste Forest and Orchard Wood Using Ionic Liquids Technology Licensed Exclusively to Aemetis from DOE-Funded Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a
by Patrick Newkumet (OPIS) Alternative low-carbon fuel producers would receive tax credits for reaching net-zero emissions under a U.S. Senate bill introduced last month, but biofuel industry stakeholders are concerned they will find it difficult to reach that target by 2030
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everyone wants to reduce the price of biofuels – and a team from Texas A&M, USDA, AgriLife Research, Mississippi State University and others are working on improving the economics and environmental sustainability of biomass sorghum
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today published the 90-Day Progress Report on Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry (PDF, 561 KB). The report represents an important step toward in President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and
by Lloyd Ritter (Green Capitol LLC/Biofuels Digest) The aviation industry is currently responsible for less than 3% of total global carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). But with air travel expected to increase by more than 60 percent
(Solutions from the Land) The House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry held its first hearing of the 117th Congress this week, drawing attention to the enormous potential in farm productivity and profitability offered by conservation agriculture. The panel also highlighted
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor kicked off the event with a speech that framed the future of biofuels by addressing three key priorities to drive biofuel demand: building out access to higher blends nationwide, positioning biofuels
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack advocated for the potential for biofuels “to make air traffic more sustainable and decrease the overall carbon footprint of travel and commerce," echoing remarks made by Granholm during her appearance
(NewsDakota.com/NAFB) Midwest lawmakers continue to push for inclusion of more biofuel vehicles in the president’s climate effort to convert the nation’s transportation fleet to electric vehicles. Freshman Kansas Republican Roger Marshall is the latest Midwest lawmaker to join the biofuels push, as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, day 1 of ABLC is now complete, with 18 presentations covering more than 60 companies and technologies as well as comprehensive updates from major supply chain companies and four presentations on priorities, programs, economics
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Grainnet) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) encouraged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help establish a protocol for biofuel producers and farmers to easily document the carbon intensity benefits of changes in agricultural practices in comments submitted April 29 regarding USDA’s climate strategy for President
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is requesting public input from interested parties, including potential customers and interested stakeholders, to help create a new Rural Renewable Energy Pilot Program. To ensure a diverse group of voices are
(Renewable Fuels Association) In separate comment letters submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Renewable Fuels Association explained how expanded ethanol production and use can support the administration’s “climate-smart” agriculture goals and encouraged USDA to use the Rural Energy Pilot
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Today (April 22, 2021), in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities
by Steve Davies (Agri-Pulse) ... (Jewel) Bronaugh talked about the importance of biofuels in a clean energy economy, including the development of bio-based products and answered questions that covered a variety of agricultural issues important to the members, mostly by promising
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fats, oils and grease are used today more than ever before – we’re talkin’ billions and billions of gallons – and Smisson Mathis Energy Solutions is converting this waste into biodiesel. See the latest progress
(Royal Farms/Globe Newswire) This Earth Day Royal Farms and Protec Fuel Management, LLC (Protec) celebrate their past year’s achievement of displacing petroleum fuel with enough low carbon biofuels to account for a pollution reduction equivalent to planting more than 102,353 trees.
(University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo) A groundbreaking study investigating the growth of selected varieties of sugarcane to convert into high-performance jet fuel is underway at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM). Utilizing advanced technologies
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Senate is ready to move ahead with an agricultural climate bill that has bipartisan support and backing from major agricultural lobbies. The Growing Climate Solutions Act was reintroduced Tuesday in the U.S. Senate with
by Rhonda Brooks (Farm Journal AgWeb) Agriculture has the potential to play a big role in carbon sequestration. -- As U.S. farmers evaluate carbon market opportunities available today, most have more questions than answers. “Farmers aren’t ready to jump in, because it’s
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) ... The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers urged Regan, who was confirmed as EPA administrator on March 10, to “take swift action” on the Renewable Fuel Standard by extending compliance deadlines and “setting achievable targets” for
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) Bipartisan members urge Administrator Regan to maximize benefits of RFS. The bipartisan Congressional Biofuels Caucus extended an invitation to meet with EPA Administrator Michael Regan to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and other biofuels priorities. In a letter
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A group of 10 senators led by Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., on March 18 sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the USDA to complete a full lifecycle assessment of
by Leslie Reed (University of Nebraska–Lincoln/Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute/Nebraska Today) University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers affiliated with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute have received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to better quantify
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to improve rural transportation systems. USDA is making the grants available under the Rural Business Development Grant
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agency to Host Public Listening Session on April 22, 2021 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is requesting public input from interested parties, including potential customers and interested stakeholders, to help create a
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... At the same time—flying under the radar—has been the latest round of grants approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, also known as HBIIP. This is an
(Algae Biomass Organization) ... Algae, encompassing photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic aquatic organisms including microalgae and seaweeds (macroalgae), create a highly versatile and tunable platform for the development of fuels and products. In most cases, large scale algae production can be done
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on March 30 announced it is seeking public input on a new rural energy pilot program that was authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, a bill signed by former President Donald Trump on Dec.
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The Biden administration is facing skepticism on one of its most ambitious climate change initiatives: A multibillion-dollar bank to pay farmers to capture carbon. While some environmentalists view it as a positive sign of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From switchgrass, sorghum or sugarcane, feedstock development, genomics, and crops improvement abound with USDA’s help at the Biomass Research Center. Rob Mitchell, Research Leader and Research Agronomist at USDA ARS, shares all about the latest
by Bill Tomson (Agri-Pulse) A priority for the USDA in the coming years will be judging the feasibility of setting up, executing and paying for a federal carbon bank to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reward them for their
A post-fossil carbon world will rely on four things: Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry (including wastes and residues), Waste Management (circular economy) and Minerals/Chemicals (like hydrogen, captured carbon, rare earth metals). On National Agriculture Day, we bring attention to the people
by Yu Yunfeng (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services) China has been easing its nationwide implementation of vehicle-use ethanol gasoline since 2020 due to tightening supply of feedstock stale grains. Ethanol gasoline in the country is currently a combination of 90% gasoline and 10%
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on March 15 announced it is opening a 45-day public comment period to gather input on its climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy, including several topics focused specifically on biofuels, bioproducts and renewable energy. The
by Karl Plume and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters / NASDAQ) The U.S. departments of agriculture and energy plan to change two closely watched monthly reports to account for the rapid growth of renewable diesel, a clean burning fuel made from soy and
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of 10 senators is pressing the Biden administration to use authority under the CARES Act to provide targeted relief to the biofuels industry, which is still reeling from the pandemic that collapsed fuel demand. In
(USDA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA and the Department of Commerce decided in December 2020 to change the way they define “agricultural products” when reporting international trade data. Beginning with the release of the January 2021 monthly trade data on March 5, USDA
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... ”Our main concern is the policymakers’ stance on electrification and putting all their eggs in that basket,” said Greg Jones, director of business development at Pearson Fuels. “E85 can be that bridge between now
by Rod Nickel, Stephanie Kelly and Karl Plume (Reuters) ... Refiners can produce renewable diesel from animal fats and plant oils, in addition to used cooking oil. Production capacity is expected to nearly quintuple to about 2.65 billion gallons (63 million barrels)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today we look at paths to leverage your next project using USDA programs and funds, with former acting USDA Undersecretary Bill Hagy, No Project will be Left Behind! Check out this illuminating slide guide covering
by Nick Weig (CBS2Iowa) America is in the early stages of a shift from combustion engine cars and trucks to all-electric vehicles, or EV. Electric cars are quiet, sporty and cost a fraction to charge than it costs to gas
by Tom Daschle (Roll Call/The Daschle Group) Smart agriculture policy that has a role for ethanol can help advance Biden’s agenda on all fronts -- Growing up in South Dakota, agriculture has always been in my blood. For nearly three decades, I
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment/Phys.Org) ... (A)llocating CRP land for high-yielding energy biomass might eliminate the need for bioenergy crops and food crops to vie for space. A team led by CABBI Sustainability Theme Leader
by Julie Harker (Brownfield Ag News) Ethanol, distilled spirits and tobacco products will be included in the USDA’s ag products definition in its monthly trade reports. USDA says it’s adopting the World Trade Organization definition of ag products which will make its
by Bill Hagy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./ Biofuels Digest) ... One of President Biden’s Clean Energy initiatives includes partnering with farmers, ranchers and businesses engaged in livestock production to implement environmentally sound agriculture practices and deploy methane digesters that generate new sources of
by Laura Reiley (Washington Post) The Senate voted 92 to 7 Tuesday to approve President Biden’s nomination of Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary. Vilsack had been expected to have a smooth path to confirmation after the Senate Agriculture Committee voted unanimously earlier this
(Biofuels International) POET has urged the new Biden administration to embrace E15. The world’s largest biofuels producer, based in Sioux Falls in South Dakota, has also welcomed the new President’s leadership in making climate a top priority. ... Rob Walther, vice president of
by Jan Lewandrowski (US Department of Agriculture) Over the past two decades, the demand for renewable fuels — including corn-based ethanol — has helped drive a strong domestic market for corn, and supported rural America by generating jobs (PDF, 1.5 MB). New research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Bruce Dien shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 focusing on the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Illinois and recent success of NCAUR research. From biorefineries, advanced ethanol and biobutanol,
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency said he will confer with legal and policy teams to understand the options available for setting mandates to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel mix beyond
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol. The Renewable
(Algae Biomass Organization) Federal support for advanced algae R&D is on a solid foundation for 2021 with the recent passage of an omnibus appropriations bill that was included in last year’s COVID-19 relief legislation. These funds extend a long-standing tradition
(Aemetis) Aircraft and Trucks to be Supplied with ‘Carbon Zero’ Drop-In Biofuels using Solar and Hydro Electricity-Powered Systems to Convert Renewable Hydrogen and Biomass into Biofuel -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that it has opened the bid proposal process for $2
by Hiroko Tabuchi and Nadja Popovich (New York Times) The administration has pledged to make agriculture a cornerstone of its plan to fight warming, but also to tackle a legacy of discrimination that has pushed Black farmers off the land. --
by Liz Crampton (Politico) A Depression-era financial institution was used by the Trump administration to dole out billions to farmers. Now the Biden team has their own ideas about how the money should be spent. The Trump administration used it to
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times/New York Times) ... Few took carbon sequestration seriously during his previous tenure, a time when “resilient agriculture” had not yet entered the vernacular. But the fundamental conversation in the corridors of power and along
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Biden on Jan. 27 issued an executive order that aims to tackle the climate crisis, create jobs and restore scientific integrity across the federal government. The order addresses the production and sourcing of biobased
by Jeffrey T. Manuel and Thomas D. Rogers (The Hill) President Biden has placed the Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the center of his administration’s focus on climate change. “We see farmers making American agriculture first in the world to achieve
USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements (REAP RES/EEI), with an application deadline of March 31, 2021. REAP projects strengthen American energy independence by providing funding
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) India is taking action to increase domestic production and use of ethanol. The government in December opened a comment period on draft automotive industry standards (AIS) related to the country’s plans to introduce E85 and
(Aemetis) Estimated $18 million per year of increased net income ($0.75 earnings per share) -- Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX) announced that its “Carbon Zero” biofuels production process has received a total of $16.8 million of solar energy and other energy efficiency grants
by Gabriel Popkin (Washington Post) President Biden says farmers can adopt agricultural methods that help fight climate change. Maryland farmer Trey Hill has been trying. ... As the winter cover crops grow, they will feed microbes and improve the soil’s health, which
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Brodziski, Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 about how the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to support rural business growth across markets in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are the key bioeconomy players in the new Biden Administration? What recent moves by the outgoing Trump Administration and Congress will set their budget and regulatory framework for 2021. What will the new Administration
(Aemetis/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Aemetis Inc. announced Jan. 15 that its exclusively licensed technology for the production of below zero carbon renewable fuel was awarded U.S. Patent No. 10907184 (to be published February 2, 2021), enabling the launch of Aemetis “Carbon Zero” production plants
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US federal government formed the Fuels of the Future Advisory Board, which will have three subcommittees on biofuels, hydrogen and methane hydrates. At the same time, the government terminated the Biomass Research
by Georgina Gustin (Inside Climate News) The administration has options to cut emissions even if a Republican-led Senate opposes climate-focused agriculture policies. -- ... The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the administration said, “has not historically received the sustained political attention of
(Algae Biomass Organization) ... Our collective effort has resulted in record-breaking policy support, including: $70 million for algae industry research, development, and demonstration in 2020 Congressional appropriations for DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office, Office of Fossil Energy, and Office of Science. $110 million
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) As 2020 comes to a close, Renewable Energy Group Inc., North America’s largest biodiesel producer, is celebrating a quarter-century in soybean oil refinement and biodiesel production. Back in 1995, the company from which REG would
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The $1.4 trillion spending package includes appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021, the COVID stimulus package, extensions of popular tax credits that otherwise expired on December 31st, and the Energy Act of 2020, a $35B version
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The U.S Department of Agriculture has announced another round of funding for its successful Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP. Approximately $22 million is being made available for retailers to add higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85. The
by John Linder (National Corn Growers Association/Farm Journal AgWeb) ... One song that stuck with me from that decade was “Everything Old Is New Again.” I find a lot of truth in the song’s message when I think about climate
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) As a possible policy shift may put sustainable farming practices in the spotlight, companies are already paying farmers to shift to more "climate smart farming" like utilizing no-till as a production method. -- ... “Tom
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) As the aviation industry recovers from the severe contraction caused by the pandemic, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) will be essential to help the sector achieve a path to net-zero carbon emissions by
by John Herath (Farm Journal AgWeb) Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack has been officially tapped by the Joe Biden transition to return to USDA as Secretary. Vilsack was listed as the USDA nominee on the Biden transition Website Thursday morning. Vilsack, currently the CEO
by Rachael Z. Ardanuy, Esq. (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, authorized the production of hemp pursuant to USDA and state regulation, and guarantees that hemp
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest association of biofuel producers and supporters, released a new report examining the potential climate benefits of a nationwide transition from the standard 10-percent ethanol blended fuel (E10) to a 15-percent ethanol blend (E15). The report was authored by Air Improvement
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) Reports indicate Obama’s 8-year agricultural secretary Tom Vilsack could be interested in the job. -- As President-elect Joe Biden continues to make announcements regarding his cabinet, former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack looks to now
by Ben Nuelle (AgriPulse) ... Carbon sequestration payments to farmers is something said to be on the table for the incoming Biden administration as a path to address emissions reduction. Duvall said any potential program should be a market-based system and
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuel retailers are beginning to implement a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country. This comes as USDA’s new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program is being fully implemented, something farmers and the
Applications to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Request for Applications (RFA) must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the U.S. food and agriculture system. NIFA seeks creative and visionary applications that take
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan achieved an average ethanol blend rate of 1.6 percent in 2019. The blend rate is expected to increase to 1.9 percent this year due to an estimated 8 percent decrease in gasoline demand during
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today outlined the biofuels industry’s top federal priorities for 2021, highlighting key measures that elected leaders must take to protect the climate, revitalize rural communities, and offer more consumers clean, affordable options
by Ellyn Ferguson (Roll Call) ... Despite the mixed performance, Trump’s policies on trade, regulation and other areas maintained his popularity in rural and farm communities, winning their support in the Nov. 3 election. Joe Biden nevertheless has a chance to
(Carbon 180) We partner with policymakers, scientists, and businesses around the globe to develop policy, promote research, and advance solutions that transform carbon from a pollutant to a resource and foster a prosperous, carbon-conscious economy that removes more from the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA is accepting comments on a proposed information collection request related to the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. In a notice published in the Federal Register, the USDA said the information collection is needed for
(95.3 MNC) Jasper County, Indiana will soon have its first E15 fueling station thanks to efforts from two farmer-owned cooperatives and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ... Ceres Solutions owns the CountryMark-branded station on North McKinley Avenue in Rensselaer, Indiana,
(Mish Talk/The Street) ... The Steptoe & Johnson law firm issued a Client Advisory on US Trade Agenda in the Biden Administration. 1. Free Trade Agreements. One of the few specific statements on trade policy that then-candidate Biden made during the campaign is
by Charlie Mitchell (The New Republic) The president-elect will have to overcome major obstacles, including some of his own advisers and campaign proposals. -- Last month, when asked on Pod Save America to name three or four things atop his first-term agenda, Joe Biden mentioned a
(Office of Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR) U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. introduced legislation to help address the climate crisis by encouraging farming practices that improve soil health and crop resilience and lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. “In 2020 alone,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture)As part of the federal Pathways Program, the OneUSDA Internship Program offers paid, federal internships at USDA agencies and offices around the country for professional development opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and other career fields. The
(Climate 21 Project) The Climate 21 Project taps the expertise of more than 150 experts with high-level government experience, including nine former cabinet appointees, to deliver actionable advice for a rapid-start, whole-of-government climate response coordinated by the White House and accountable to the
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