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
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new list of the Top 10 gas station brands in the United States reflects something more that clean bathrooms and tasty pizza—it also reflects real fuel options for American drivers. Of USA Today’s Top
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) signed an official memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week on expanding the use and availability of ethanol in Vietnam. The agreement promises to further a
(Biofuels International) Growth Energy welcomed the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Programme (HBIIP). Growth Energy's network of both large and small retail partners secured nearly $30 million (€25 million) in grants
(Solutions from the Land) NACSAA 'Capstone Submission' Stresses CSA Is 'Foundational' to Global Agreement -- North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance has handed over its capstone submission into the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, the global platform for ag policy
Stability? Will there be the incentives and markets where lowest-carbon fuels, renewable chemicals, protein, advanced foods and sustainable agriculture can thrive? Investment? Where will the money come from for developing and nurturing new companies, and deploying new technology at commercial scale? Technology? How will technologies adapt to
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) The USDA Forest Service announced it is now accepting applications for approximately $10 million in funding through the 2021 Wood Innovations Grant and the 2021 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant. These grants
The 2020 Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference will be held from 12:00PM-1:30PM over four days: November 9, 10, 12, and 13. Monday, November 9, 2020 - Agricultural Finance Outlook Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - Agricultural and Environmental Policy Outlooks Thursday, November 12, 2020
by Jim Collins (Corteva Agriscience) ... “How can we increase investment in technology and innovation for high-impact, evidence-based solutions?” It made me think about the farmers we serve and how they – as stewards of the land – have a long history
by P.J. Huffstutter, Karl Plume and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump enjoys broad support among farmers, but some are unhappy about the impact of his trade and biofuel policies on crop prices and international demand for U.S. agricultural products.
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds
(Algae Biomass Organization) ...ABO also announced at the Summit the 2020 Algae Industry Awards, presented to companies and individuals that have made extraordinary contributions to the science and business of algae. Additionally, six student scientists were presented with this year’s Young
(Algae Biomass Organization) The virtual Algae Biomass Summit concluded last week, and the most significant takeaway was that the new online format provided a more dynamic collaboration than ever before, and with larger group of participants spread across the globe. Speakers, poster presenters,
y Lisa Grouette (Globe Gazette) At a press conference in Mason City on Wednesday, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig expressed enthusiasm over recently launched plans to advance biofuel infrastructure projects within the state. Ernst and
(Illinois State University/Biomass Magazine) David Kopsell, professor of horticulture at Illinois State University, and LC (Liangcheng) Yang, assistant professor of environmental health at ISU, have received a two-year, nearly $150,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The purpose of
by Ryan McCrimmon (Politico) The agriculture secretary has kept farmers in Trump’s corner, but Democrats claim he crosses the line between public duties and political promotion. -- Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue offered a spirited pitch for voters to reelect President Donald
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) ... President Trump signed a continuing resolution funding the government after returning from campaign stops in Minnesota, about an hour after Washington officially ran out of money. Farm Bureau economist John Newton tells Brownfield the continuing
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The production and consumption of liquid biofuels in Australia is expected to remain minimal in 2020, according to a report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. The report predicts ethanol
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Despite estimates that ethanol producers could lose up to $8 billion this year, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says he has no authority to make payments to plants through the Commodity Credit Corporation under the latest round
by Rohan Somwanshi, Shikha Singh and Mugunthan Kesavan (S&P Global Platts) US corn sales to China shows insufficient domestic supply; US ethanol output blip will not impact DDGS exports to Southeast Asia; Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand to stay top buyers of US DDGS China is
(Illinois State University) Though farmers consider pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) nothing more than a weed, Illinois State Professor of Genetics Dr. John Sedbrook is working to change their perspective—and the plant itself. Sedbrook and his student researchers in the School of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Jim Dooley, Chief Technology Officer at Forest Concepts shared this illuminating presentation on the latest innovations in biomass pretreatments, how they maximize flowability, their crumbler solutions that can handle any
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA is soliciting applications for two different cycles of the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. The first cycle closes Oct. 1, while the second is open through April 1, 2021. The
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... So as we look for better biofuel feedstocks, we look at switchgrass because of new U.S. Department of Energy AND U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to study it for biofuels. Could it be
by Kelpie Wilson (US Biochar Initiative Newsletter) Biochar stories and research are found online everywhere now. That’s great, but how can you determine which information is most current and credible? Providing you with reliable answers is the goal of USBI’s new Biochar
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, to expand the production of advanced biofuel by
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol’s fuel-marketer focused Flex Fuel Forward website releases tool for fuel retailers to see how E15-compatible their station is right now. -- The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) today launched a tool on
by Stephanie Kelly, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration is considering at least $300 million in cash aid to U.S. oil refiners that are denied exemptions to U.S. biofuel blending laws for the 2019 compliance year, two sources familiar with
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) United States Department of Agriculture is on a quest for public- and private-sector input on the most innovative technologies and practices that can be readily deployed across U.S. agriculture, making this a very broad opportunity
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue yesterday announced the invitation for nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for a two-year term on USDA’s Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research. The Task Force advises
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service) Brazil's commitment to ethanol and biodiesel despite this year's market uncertainties is one focus of the "Brazil: Biofuels Annual" report released earlier this month by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The report also
(National Corn Growers Association) Building out the infrastructure needed for future mid-level blends of ethanol continues to be a priority of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Over the past three-years, NCGA and state partners have worked with Wayne Fueling Systems to produce
(U.S. Grains Council) A boom in demand for hand sanitizer in South Korea since the outbreak of COVID-19 is no shocker, but the related jump in U.S. ethanol imports to the country to meet that need may be more surprising. Even
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted ethanol and biodiesel producers in Canada. According to the report, a biodiesel plant
(SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry) SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), as a member of a mid-Atlantic consortium, has received $630,000 over five years from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop biomass systems and
(KMA Land) A key U.S. Senator says Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue should act to help the pandemic-damaged biofuels industry, despite Perdue’s disputed claim he lacks authority without Congress to do so. Senate Finance Chair Chuck Grassley says he’s personally urged Secretary Perdue
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Produce Magazine) The USDA on Aug. 31 announced the implementation of the agency’s OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative and released new information on rates and terms that will help lenders apply for loan guarantees to support rural businesses,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The European Commission in August launched a public consultation on the potential revision of the 2018 Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) to better align the policy with the European Union’s new Green Deal and its goal of
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) ... Under draft rules to be published Tuesday, the U.S. Forest Service would be limited in its ability to conduct environmental reviews of drilling projects while oil and gas companies would not be required to
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