by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) According to the experts at the Idaho National Laboratory, The feedstock challenge lies in the inherent variability of biomass feedstock affects the ability to optimize processing and conversion processes, ultimately decreasing plant economics. So, the
by Elizabeth McGowan (Enegy News Network) Roanoke Gas Company is seeking to partner with a western Virginia wastewater plant to capture, treat, and deliver biogas to local customers. Environmental groups have objections to how the deal is structured, though. -- It’s
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced its intent to issue two funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) in early 2023. These potential FOAs, “Reducing Agricultural Carbon Intensity and Protecting Algal Crops (RACIPAC)” and the “2023
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an investment of $9.5 million to support the scale-up of sustainable bioproduct manufacturing in the United States. Three successful projects are funded through USDA’s National Institute of Food and
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Roughly every five years, Congress passes a Farm Bill, covering a wide range of issues from conservation to rural development to food and nutrition. Congress is working to reauthorize the Farm Bill as the 2018 Farm
by Erin Voegle (Biodiesel Magazine) The USDA on Dec. 15 awarded $285 million to 844 projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. The agency also announced it is offering an additional $300 million in REAP funding, including $250 million allocated
by James Hoorman (Hoorman Soil Health Services/Ohio Country Journal) Cover crops protect the soil, build organic matter, and promote healthy soils. Some cover crops are used as forages (sorghum, triticale, and clovers) while others are used for grain (barley, milo,
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association’s annual review of vehicle owner’s manuals and warranty statements indicates that E15 is explicitly approved by the manufacturer for use in the vast majority of model year 2023 cars and light trucks. Notably, for
by David Iaconangelo (Politico Pro) The Treasury Department is expected to release a framework that could determine whether renewable hydrogen is a successful climate tool or a high-emitting fuel. -- The Treasury Department is weighing new requirements for “green” hydrogen producers,
by Jan Tenbensel (Lincoln Journal Star) Reduced air pollution and energy security are crucial issues in Japan, which recently committed to achieving carbon neutrality, including through increased use of bioethanol. I was honored to represent the Nebraska Ethanol Board on a
by Carlos Anchondo, Miranda Willson, David Iaconangelo, Niina H. Farah (E&E News) ... The omnibus bill — which would fund the government at $1.7 trillion for fiscal 2023 — would provide $46.5 billion to DOE to “fund programs in its primary
by Stephanie Seay (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Researchers found that moderate levels of ash — sometimes found as spheres in biomass — do not significantly affect the mechanical properties of biocomposites made up of corn stover, switchgrass and PLA thermoplastic.
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) NREL's Executive Energy Leadership Academy, or Energy Execs, provides industry and community leaders an opportunity to learn about advanced energy technologies to guide their organizations in energy-related decisions and planning. What You'll Learn The program provides an in-depth
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Will Advance Electrolysis Technology, Drive Down Clean Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Costs, Provide Long-term Support for Hydrogen Hubs and Other Industry Deployments -- The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced its
(BioCycle Magazine) On December 1, the U.S. EPA released a proposed rulemaking under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, which includes a long-awaited regulatory framework to generate credits (“eRINs”) from biogas projects, including anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities, that produce renewable
(Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)/Federal Register) The National Biotech and Biomanufacturing Initiative (NBBI) identified biotechnology regulation clarity and efficiency as a priority of the Administration. Thus, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)—on behalf of the
(Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP)/Federal Register) Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative (NBBI) to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing towards innovative solutions in health, climate change, energy, food security, agriculture, and supply chain resilience, and to advance national and economic security. Biotechnology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Nevada comes the long-awaited news that Fulcrum BioEnergy has successfully produced a low-carbon synthetic crude oil using landfill waste as a feedstock at its commercial-scale Sierra BioFuels Plant. Sierra is the first and at present the largest landfill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Dec. 20 released a final analysis on the price of renewable identification numbers (RINs) and small refineries in response to a recommendation included in a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office report.
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Beginning in Model Year 2027, EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan will safeguard clean air for millions in communities overburdened by dangerous pollution -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the strongest-ever national clean air standards to
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in response to a highly misleading article from Reuters about ethanol’s climate benefits. The latest story recycles the same “flawed interpretation of data” the outlet admitted to publishing this September
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Dec. 15, reporting that one new SRE petition was filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard in the past month. A total of 10 SRE
(U.S. Internal Revenue Service) The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service today issued a notice regarding the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credit. This is a new credit created by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. It applies to a qualified fuel
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), in partnership with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), announced a lab call to accelerate commercialization of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, including direct air capture,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, Partners in Performance has released a comprehensive report on the future of hydrogen and, given the deep involvement of The Center for Houston’s Future, one should not keel over in surprise that “Houston holds strategic advantages
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Ethanol Group Asks EPA's Regan to Hold Hearing on Multi-Year RFS in Midwest -- With the EPA content to host one, maybe two, virtual public hearings on the agency's latest multiyear Renewable Fuel Standard proposal,
by Erik F. Ringle (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Backed by U.S. Department of Energy Funding, New R&D Could Help Seed a Uniquely Caribbean Bioeconomy -- ... Kruger (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researcher Jacob Kruger) may be unable to eliminate the
(Bergeson & Campbell) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on December 14, 2022, that it is seeking public comment on potential updates and changes to the Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims (Green Guides). FTC intends the Green Guides to help marketers avoid making
(U.S. Department of Energy) Three projects have been selected for funding under a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) interagency agreement with the Minority Serving Institution STEM Research & Development Consortium (MSRDC). DOE has leveraged the interagency agreement to reduce barriers to entry for
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data on Dec. 15, reporting that one new SRE petition was filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard in the past month. A total of 10 SRE
(U.S. Department of Energy) Lignin and cellulose are polymers—large molecules made up of repeating modules—that are situated in a tangled braid, along with some other polymers, within the plant cell wall. Lignin and cellulose are the two main polymers and are
by Jordan Wolman (Politico) ... At Alterra Energy, trucks drop off shredded plastic from recycling centers across the Midwest. That plastic is heated to temperatures between 800 and 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit to break it down. The end product, 200 to
(Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Federal Register) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a virtual public hearing to be held on January 10, 2023, on its proposal for the “Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2023-2025 and Other Changes,” which was
by Mike Sticklen and Doug Rivers (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The US ethanol industry is faced with flat volume (Fig. 1) and mediocre returns on capital (Fig. 2). There are several strategic opportunities available to return to revenue growth and improve
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing an additional $325 million for 71 projects under the second funding pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities effort, bringing
(Show Me Mizzou/University of Missouri) Using part of a $12.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, MU researchers are working with an interdisciplinary group to optimize green energy for aviation use. -- While biodiesel and ethanol are two
(RBF Renewable Biofuels/EIN Newswires) Biodiesel producers depend on new markets and will push for more marine use. -- RBF Renewable Biofuels, owner of the largest biodiesel production facility in North America, is supplying diesel-powered push boats with biodiesel produced at
by Matt Davenport (MSU Today) MSU earns $2M DOE grant to improve the oilseed yield of Camelina sativa, a common plant that could provide cleaner jet fuels and teach us about other important crops -- Researchers at Michigan State University
(LanzaJet/PR Newswire) Soperton, GA Facility will be First Ethanol Alcohol-to-Jet Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Facility in the World -- LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and sustainable fuels producer, today joined government officials, industry leaders, and investors to celebrate a
by Liz Hampton (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Energy on Tuesday agreed to commit $3.7 billion to finance projects to remove planet-warming carbon from the atmosphere and meet the nation's goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Tuesday's announcement formalizes a
by David R. Rubenstein (California Ethanol + Power/Biofuels Digest) ... The proposed rule also includes a system allowing electric vehicle manufacturers to register with the EPA and generate credits based on electric Renewable Identification Numbers for power produced from qualifying renewable
(ACT News) The unpredictable cost of diesel and the movement towards reducing emissions in the transportation sector has motivated fleets to search for dependable alternatives, with many looking to natural gas as a cost-effective, cleaner and stable option. There are several
by David Blackmon (Forbes) J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon probably summed up this week’s energy-related events best when he noted that “we need cheap, reliable, safe, secure energy, of which 80% comes from oil and gas” during an interview on CNBC.
by Nick Sobczyk (Politico's Power Switch) ... The Defense Department would have to shift all non-combat vehicles to alternative fuels by 2035 under the current version of the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act). That encompasses as many as 180,000 vehicles —
by Chuck Sorenson (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biiofuels Digest) ... AltAir Paramount LLC was the first company to bring California-produced renewable fuels at scale to the California market. They purchased the former Paramount Oil refinery near Los Angeles in 2013 and converted
By Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The White House Office of Management and Budget is now officially reviewing the request from nine Midwest governors to eliminate the 1-psi RVP waiver for E10 in their states and allow year-round sales of E15, according to
(National Business Aviation Association) NBAA recently joined with a coalition of dozens of aviation stakeholders in submitting comments to the IRS on implementation of the upcoming sustainable aviation fuel blenders tax credit (SAF BTC) and clean fuel production credit (CFPC). Effective Jan.
by Emma Farge (Reuters) Airline passengers face higher ticket prices as the industry moves towards its target of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050, the head of a global trade association said on Tuesday. Willie Walsh, Director General of the International
by P.J. Huffstutter (Reuters) Global grain merchant Archer Daniels Midland Co sees the commercialization of its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) efforts coming online around 2026, Chief Financial Officer Vikram Luthar said on Monday. “SAF in terms of reality to come online, at
(BioCycle Magazine) On December 1, the U.S. EPA released a proposed rulemaking under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, which includes a long-awaited regulatory framework to generate credits (“eRINs”) from biogas projects, including anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities, that produce renewable electricity
by David H. Freedman (Newsweek) Shifting the world to zero-emissions all-electric vehicles would in theory eliminate about one-fifth of all carbon-dioxide emissions, the chief greenhouse gas behind climate change. But making the transition quickly is a tall order and creates
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A new clean fuel production tax credit created by the Inflation Reduction Act could pave the way for significant growth in biofuels including ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel and biodiesel, if the IRS takes steps to
by Isabella Fertel (USA Today) ... A Nov. 20 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows text alongside a picture of a bewildered-looking man. "When people talk about climate change but don't mention how animal agriculture is the biggest contributor," it says. The
(Renewable Fuels Association) As federal agencies continue to work on implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Renewable Fuels Association on Saturday filed two sets of comments to the Internal Revenue Service, related to credits for carbon sequestration and clean fuel
(Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Federal Register) In this action, EPA determines that renewable diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, naphtha, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) produced from canola/rapeseed oil via a hydrotreating process all meet the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction threshold
by Jim Wiesemeyer (AgWeb) Renewable diesel capacity topped 2 billion gallons per year as of August, according to the latest data released from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). But EPA used a lower figure, 1.5 billion gallons per year, based
by Jenna Hoffman (AgWeb) A reality check on foreign-owned farmland -- This summer, a sale of 300 acres of North Dakota farmland raised eyebrows and alarm. The $2.6 million price tag was noteworthy, but the bigger kicker was the buyer —
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hexas is a biomaterials company focused on the production of regenerative, plant-based raw materials that replace wood and fossil fuel-based materials in multiple applications. Applications for these plant-based materials include: energy, chemicals, packaging, textiles, composites, structural/non-structural
(Inside EPA) EPA is finalizing approval of canola oil for several additional types of fuel under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), expanding the options of biofuel producers seeking RFS credits and brushing off assertions from environmentalists that the move will
by Jeremy Beaman (Washington Examiner) Congressional lawmakers are drawing up legislation to cut down the near-record compliance costs associated with the Renewable Fuel Standard, which has pitted corn staters and some in the oil industry against each other for more than a decade. The bicameral
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) On November 21, 2022, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a Science & Tech Spotlight on biorecycling of plastics. Biological recycling, or biorecycling, is an emerging technology that uses microbes,
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA is requesting nominations of prospective candidates for membership on the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) established under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Nominations are due no later than December 12, 2022. Any interested person
by Theresa Duque (Science Daily/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) New technique could fast-track future carbon-free solar fuels -- Scientists have demonstrated a new technique, modeled after a metabolic process found in some bacteria, to convert carbon dioxide into solar fuels through artificial
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, EPA issued a multi-part proposal that will build on the strong foundation for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program started in the Biden-Harris Administration and seeks to advance the priorities of energy security, less pollution, and
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On December 1, 2022, EPA announces a proposed rule to establish required Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes and percentage standards for 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as to propose a series of important modifications to strengthen
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico Pro) EPA is poised to propose increases in renewable fuel blending requirements under an upcoming proposal setting the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard, according to two people familiar with the proposal. The agency is expected to soon
(U.S. Department of Energy) On the Go is a podcast on alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and emerging transportation technologies that are transforming mobility as we know it. We sit down with experts and fleet practitioners from national laboratories, federal agencies,
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2023 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). “Students,
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Opponents of three carbon capture pipelines proposed in Iowa and surrounding states want federal regulators to call for a moratorium on construction, saying current safeguards are inadequate to protect people who live near the projects. About
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. senators from Nebraska and Minnesota introduced legislation on Tuesday that would expand nationwide sales of E15, a gasoline with a higher blend of ethanol, after gaining support for the bill from an oil industry trade group
(International Trade Administration/Federal Register) The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (REEEAC or the Committee) will hold a hybrid meeting, accessible in-person and online, on Wednesday December 7, 2022, at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC.
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has approved a fuel pathway that allows Chevron U.S.A. Inc. to generate D6 renewable fuel renewable identification numbers (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard for several biofuels produced from soybean oil via coprocessing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio’s mission is to accelerate the catalyst and process development cycle for bioenergy applications – but how? What’s the potential impact of a billion-ton bioeconomy? What are the catalysis challenges in the conversion of biomass
by Carlos Anchondo (Politico Pro) The federal agency said the permitting process for carbon dioxide wells could be streamlined. -- EPA told lawmakers it’s taking steps to improve the permitting process for wells used to inject carbon dioxide underground, following calls
(Solutions from the Land) ... Solutions from the Land was especially pleased to have been selected by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to co-host the opening event at their pavilion on Agriculture Day, which focused on issues related to adaptation,
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) U.S. Grains Council staff, alongside agribusiness and producer members, recently had the privilege of participating on the USDA agriculture trade mission (ATM) to East Africa. Held in both Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, the ATM is
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has closed its application period for the latest round of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, which provides $100 million in grants to pay up to 50 percent of the cost of
(Inside EPA) EPA’s revised timeline for complying with renewable fuel standard (RFS) biofuel blending mandates is “dystopian,” according to refiners who are suing to scrap a compliance extension that they say led to an unmanageable pile-up of multiple deadlines as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this project, researchers aim to establish a mechanistic pathway and characterize vs potential and pH, and demonstrate direct conversion of flue gas at high faradaic efficiency and current density. They also aim to demonstrate that
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a new process to expand the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing (Recommendations). The Agency is inviting managers of standards development organizations, ecolabel programs,
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) announced on October 19, 2022, the release of a report finding that life cycle assessments (LCA) of transportation fuels are valuable tools for
(Internal Revenue Service) The Internal Revenue Service today issued three notices asking for comments on different aspects of extensions and enhancements of energy tax benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRS anticipates that constructive comments from interested parties will
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) – a public-private partnership of tribal, labor, government, environmental and private sector hydrogen company leaders – has submitted its 20-page concept paper to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), outlining the significant
by Addy Hatch (Washington State University Insider) ... WSU (Washington State University) researchers in eight programs among three colleges on two campuses are exploring energy sources, testing, supply-chain logistics and policy in the quest for sustainable air transportation. The university
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), in partnership with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), intends to issue a lab call on Carbon Dioxide Removal Measurement, Reporting, and Verification
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is preparing to execute a new grant program specified in the Inflation Reduction Act Section 40007. This Act gives the DOT $297M for new grants to advance sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and low emissions aviation
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) Project funding may be used to establish, reopen, retrofit, expand, or improve a sawmill or other wood-processing facility in close proximity to federal or Indian lands that need ecosystem restoration and will generate byproducts. The
Join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) on December 13, 2022, from 2-3 p.m. ET POSTPONED to february 22, 2023 for a webinar on the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge Roadmap. This discussion will outline the six action
(Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA/Federal Register) The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) requests public input for NRCS to use to inform how NRCS will implement funds received under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to fund the deployment of climate-smart practices
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) As a proud graduate of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), I was disappointed to read a recent commentary about ethanol by a research scholar at my alma mater. “A Chance to Phase Out
(Climte Now) with George Peridas, Jonathan Kusel, and Joshuah Stolaroff -- In the international carbon offset market, the average price of removing one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere is still below $15 USD, nowhere near enough to cover the costs
(Climate Now) Since its founding in 1952, the mission of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has been to meet urgent national security needs through scientific and technological innovation. Expanding from its focus on nuclear weapons science at the height of the Cold War,
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Committee charged with evaluation of Agency policies and programs at the intersection of agriculture and climate change -- Today (November 16, 2022), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of 20 members,
(Inside EPA) A coalition of small refiners is sketching out its legal arguments against EPA’s blanket policy of denying all petitions from smaller refineries for economic hardship waivers from the renewable fuel standard (RFS), as many refiners seek to overturn
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter sent yesterday to U.S. Senate and House leadership, a broad coalition of energy and agriculture organizations called on Congress to quickly adopt legislation that would resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations. Specifically, the groups expressed support for legislation
(U.S. Department of Energy) On Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy issued topics for Phase One of the Fiscal Year 2023 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These topics aim to advance
by Mike Gauntner (WFMJ) Restaurant and convenience chain, Sheetz has announced it is reducing the price of one of its gasoline products to $1.99 a gallon during Thanksgiving week. -- Restaurant and convenience chain, Sheetz has announced it is reducing
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine's editor previews the feature articles in the publication's December edition while reflecting on the rise of EVs, the promise of higher-level ethanol blends and the enormity of the industry's burgeoning SAF
by Niina H Farah and Lesley Clark (Politico) The agency quietly proposed a new price tag for the damages caused by greenhouse gas emissions, as the Biden administration faces ongoing Republican lawsuits over its use of the metric in crafting
by Herman K. Trabish (Utility Dive) New aggressive planning is needed to identify the long-duration storage technologies and find the land to grow enough resources to reach Biden net zero emissions goals, a DOE national lab reports. -- Four major
by Louise Lerner (University of Chicago News) UChicago breakthrough creates methane fuel from sun, carbon dioxide and water -- For the past two centuries, humans have relied on fossil fuels for concentrated energy; hundreds of millions of years of photosynthesis
by Erin Voegele (EthanolProducer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Nov. 17 released updated small refinery exemption (SRE) data, reporting that four new SRE petitions were filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard during the past month. According to the agency, nine SRE
(Inside EPA) EPA is poised to finalize its approval of canola oil as a feedstock for the manufacture of “advanced” low-carbon fuels qualified to earn credit under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), after the White House Office of Management and
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Shoring up its provisions on biointermediates, the EPA is catching up with new and envisioned biofuel production goals. Following a workshop on the topic, Ethanol Producer Magazine spoke with a policy expert to learn
(Argonne National Laboratory/Department of Energy) Are you an innovator interested in developing your clean energy or climate tech startup? Applications are now open for the Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) entrepreneurship program, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National
(Kansas State University) Kansas State University researchers are part of a five-year collaborative grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to improve oilseed crops for use as biofuels and other bioproducts. Timothy Durrett, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and Ruth Welti, university
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BioMADE’s mission is to enable domestic bioindustrial manufacturing at all scales, develop technologies to enhance U.S. bioindustrial competitiveness, de-risk investment in relevant infrastructure, and expand the biomanufacturing workforce to realize the economic promise of industrial
(Renewable Fuels Association) A report released today (November 16, 2022) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration demonstrates clearly that higher blends of ethanol helped moderate fuel prices in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. The report noted that the U.S. ethanol blend
On November 30th, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will host the Status of Gasification Technology of Biomass and Solid Wastes (Waste Coal, Waste Plastics
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P. is considering plans to ramp up sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production at its Montana Renewables biorefinery to as high as 230 MMgy. That facility, currently focused on renewable diesel production, began
by Matt Roberts (Terrain) Many worry that electrified vehicles, fuel economy standards, and improving battery technology will make the internal combustion engine (ICE) obsolete, illegal, or both, with wildly varying estimates of the timeline. Many of these forecasts overlook the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on Nov. 15 continued its work to develop the 2023 Farm Bill with a hearing focused on rural development and energy programs. The Higher Blends Infrastructure
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) Meeting Purpose: The Department of Transportation (DOT) is preparing to execute a new grant program specified in the Inflation Reduction Act Section 40007. This Act gives the DOT $297M for new grants to advance sustainable
(FERN's Ag Insider/Successful Farming) The EPA should increase the advanced biofuels share of the fuel market by 1 billion gallons a year to reflect the land rush into renewable diesel production, said the trade group Clean Fuels America Alliance on
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The relatively new organization, Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition, held their second annual conference November 6-8 just outside of Washington, DC. One benefit of this organization and conference is that they recognize the reality
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Nov. 9 delivered its proposed rule to set Renewable Fuel Standard blending obligations for 2023 and beyond to the White House Office of Management and Budget. OMB review marks a final
(SciTechDaily/Arizona State University) The study found that planting the grass miscanthus on 23.2 million hectares of existing marginal agricultural lands – land that often lays fallow or is poor in soil quality – across the United States would provide enough
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new studies. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has collaborated with the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL),
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ACE believes farmers should have the opportunity to monetize low-carbon practices by selling their corn to ethanol plants that have pathways into clean fuel markets at the state or federal level,
by Arianna Skibell (Politico's Power Switch) ... A GOP-led House probably spells doom for any ambitious new climate bills, such as this year’s Inflation Reduction Act. But the Senate offers Democrats a guardrail against GOP attacks and could even yield some
by Beth Burmahl (Argonne National Laboratory) Argonne collaborates with U.S. laboratories on research to identify promising biofuels for different engine types. -- Biofuel is closer to becoming a cost-competitive, climate-friendly solution for slashing carbon emissions in cars and trucks, according to two new
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) The Biden administration announced a new proposal on Thursday to require the largest recipients of federal contracts to both set targets to reduce their planet-warming emissions and disclose how much they are contributing to climate change. Under the rule, companies that
by Meredith Lee Hill (Politico Pro) A likely Republican takeover of the House and possibly the Senate is threatening Biden’s agriculture-focused climate agenda he plans to tout at COP27. -- President Joe Biden will take to the stage on Friday at
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) A Republican U.S. senator plans to submit federal legislation with the support of a major oil industry trade group that would expand national sales of E15, a higher ethanol-gasoline blend. Senator Deb Fischer, of Nebraska,
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today (November 9, 2022), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is responding to petitions from the California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the California Air Pollution Control Officers
(Clean Fuels Foundati0n) The Environmental Science Program hosted the Clean Fuels Sustainability Workshop Nov. 1-2 in St. Louis. It focused on a number of policy, energy, environmental and economic issues impacting the biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries.
(American Journal of Transporation/GTI) The HyVelocity Hub, comprised of leading energy companies and organizations, announced today that it is applying for U.S. Department of Energy Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub funding to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen projects in Texas, Southwest
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Protestors opposed to carbon pipeline projects in Iowa disrupted the opening of a two-day Carbon Capture Conference and Expo. At least seven people stood up at separate times during an early panel discussion Tuesday, blowing
(Renewable Fuels Association) Testimony, Comments Provided to Treasury, IRS, USDA -- In separate comments and testimony to the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Renewable Fuels Association laid out the ethanol industry’s priorities
(U.S. Department of State) Greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector are significant, increasing, and on a trajectory that is incompatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Compared with country emissions, the sector would rank among the top 10 largest
by Tina Hilding (Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture/WSU Insider) A new method to treat sewage can efficiently convert leftover sludge to biogas, an advance that could help communities lower their waste treatment costs while helping the environment. Reporting in the journal, Waste
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines initiative are exploring how simultaneous innovations in fuels and engines could boost fuel economy and vehicle performance, while reducing emissions—advancing the underlying science needed
(White House) Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $1.5 billion under the President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to build and upgrade America’s national laboratories and advance American leadership in science, research, and innovation. Strengthening our national labs will increase economic growth, create
(Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen) The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) announced today that it will submit an application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub to be funded
(GrainNet) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Growth Energy agreed under their consent decree to delay by two weeks the issuance of the proposed 2023 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA is now required
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced initial public engagement and input opportunities for a subset of new and existing programs funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. These programs, which include funding for air quality projects
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on implementation of Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In her letter, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor calls on regulators to
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) GAO Report: EPA Unable to Prove Small Refiners Pass RFS Costs to Consumers -- Not all small refineries are able to pass costs to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard on to consumers at the
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Last month, we kicked off a conversation with Joshua Jadlocki, senior petroleum scheduler at Sheetz, about what the retailer has experienced with its adoption of higher blends of ethanol, such as E15. Our discussion concludes
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The major biofuels interest groups and National Farmers Union are trying to intervene in a lawsuit challenging EPA's recent decision to reject 69 pending applications for small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard, according to
(Office of Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts (R-NE)) There’s no reason why the U.S. should be reliant on authoritarian regimes like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela to supply the fuel we need. We have more than enough resources to restore our energy independence
(Inside EPA) Refiners are filing suit against EPA’s “alternative” schedule for small refineries to turn in credits for renewable fuel standard (RFS) compliance, in litigation that will likely allege the extended schedule merely further complicates an already delayed and complex
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Drive Clean Initiative and Next Generation Fuels Act are simultaneously finding support in the ethanol industry. Both aim to usher in higher blends of ethanol, but via different mechanisms. One effort rides on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this project, researchers aim for market-ready production of carbon nanotubes from TVA flue gas-derived CO2, including a TEA and LCA in collaboration with NREL. The researchers have a goal of 80-90% less cost than
"This (the Biden Administration's EPA and DOT regulatory efforts to mandate transition to electric vehicles) completely inverts the statutory system, transforming it into a tool for forcing electrification rather than the technology-neutral, performance-based system Congress created." -- Heritage Foundation's Derrick
(Minnesota Bi0-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels), along with other biofuel and agriculture stakeholders in the state, sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz on Oct 17 asking him to remain committed to a regulatory solution that will ensure
by Andrew Careaga (Missouri University of Science and Technology) The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded a $2.05 million grant to a Missouri S&T researcher to study how different types of sustainable aviation fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this project, researchers are designing and developing tailored dual-function materials (DFMs) and the accompanying pressure-swing process for reactive capture and conversion (RCC) of CO2 to directly produce methanol. This will favor lower capital and
by Josh Siegel and Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico Pro) House Republicans are also planning to scrutinize how the Biden administration deploys the $370 billion in clean energy measures that Congress approved in Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act. -- Republicans are planning a legislative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims to advance the Technical Readiness Level through experimental and modeling to enhance the efficiencies while assessing the TEA/LCA of a dual functional catalytic porous polymer for simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2
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