by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently published its new Strategy for Plastics Innovation (SPI), which will guide DOE’s collaborative research and development (R&D) on plastic waste reduction. Four strategic goals focus
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is hosting the 2023 Project Peer Review on April 3-7, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt Denver in Colorado. Approximately 280 projects in BETO’s research, development, and demonstration portfolio will be presented
by John Kirkwood and Jason Deppen and Virginia Speck (FaegreDrinker/Biofuels Digest) ... On November 30, 2022 the Internal Revenue Service published Notice 2022-61 (the “Notice”) providing initial guidance on the Inflation Reduction Act’s Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements. Under the Act,
by Dawson Schmitt (The Heartland Report) ... Ukraine, a major producer of corn and wheat, could not ship grain from its ports in the Black Sea, a major transportation outlet for food exports. Since agriculture is global, U.S. prices reacted, increasing
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The FFP was reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill as an option to avoid sugar forfeitures. The program encourages the domestic production of certain biofuels, including ethanol, butanol and other marketable biofuels, from
(Cardinal Ethanol/Business Wire) -Cardinal Ethanol, LLC (Cardinal) and Vault 44.01 Ltd. (Vault) announced today that, through their affiliate companies, they have formed a joint venture to design, implement, and operate a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and sequestration (CCS) project at Cardinal’s
by Jimmy Troderman and Estella Shi (U.S. Energy Information Administration) U.S. production capacity for renewable diesel could more than double from current levels by the end of 2025, based on several announcements for projects that are either under construction or could start
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... During a recent public hearing, environmentalists expressed concern the new program would lead to a proliferation of new confined animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, as more farmers try to capture the potential value of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by DOE as a collaborative effort among researchers from 9 National Labs. It’s Key Ideas? That biomass feedstock properties are variable and different from other commodities; and, that empirical
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will visit the upcoming National Ethanol Conference to receive the RFA’s annual Industry Award, the ethanol industry’s highest honor. Each year, the award is presented to an
(United Airlines/PR Newswire) United, Tallgrass, and Green Plains will invest up to a combined $50 million in the joint venture – Blue Blade Energy – to develop the technology; United has entered into an offtake agreement with Blue Blade Energy
(Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0002920 on behalf of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO), which coordinates hydrogen activities with offices across DOE as described
(Federal Transit Association) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Solicitation of Project Proposals for the 5339(c) Low or No Emission Grant Program and 5339(b) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the opportunity to apply
by Abby Brown, Haley Erickson, and Emily White (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) This report provides information on ethanol fueling infrastructure and industry trends over the last 10 years. It is informed primarily by ethanol fueling station location data collected through the
(Minnesota Clean Cities The Connection) The first-ever Clean Fuels Conference took place January 23-26 in Tampa, Florida. Formerly the National Biodiesel Conference, the new event added renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel to its alternative biofuels lineup for applications in medium- and
by Danessa Rivera -(The Philippine Star) As the Philippines mulls higher voluntary ethanol blends in gasoline, ethanol producers are looking to bump up investments, but imports are still needed to meet this higher requirement. All in all, this will help lower prices
by Andrew Black (Liquid Energy Pipeline Association/Agri-Pulse) Based on the current comprehensive regulatory framework in place and proven track record of safe CO2 pipeline operations across the nation, it is clear that pipelines, such as the Heartland Greenway, provide a safe means
by Philip Basher (Agri-Pulse) The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled four hearings on farm bill issues, starting with a review of the trade and horticulture titles next Wednesday. READ MORE Farm Bill 2023: Trade and Horticulture Hearing type:Full Committee Hearing Location:328A Russell Senate
by Cari Shane (Scientic American) Scientists have figured out how to coax copious amounts of oil from duckweed, one of nature’s fastest-growing aquatic plants. Converting such plant oil into biodiesel for transportation and heating could be a big part of a more sustainable
by Lydia Johnson (Agri-Pulse) Speaking on this week’s Agri-Pulse Newsmakers, Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon said biofuels, trade, crop insurance and research are among his top issues for the farm bill and discussed his role in finding common ground in the House with
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico Pro) A spokesperson for EPA said it will review the decision. -- A federal appeals court Friday granted a request by two small refiners to halt their compliance obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard — signaling EPA's decision
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With 270 days now passed since a group of Midwest governors asked EPA to take action to allow their states permanently sell E15 year-round, a group of attorneys general are pressing the agency to act. In
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. -- This fall, Biodiesel Magazine
by David Hallberg, President (Dakota Ag Energy/Biofuels Digest) ... Which brings us back to my thesis—as the pendulum swings back to internal combustion engines the quest for low carbon isn’t going to disappear. ... A nationwide E30 Clean Octane standard This triggered a
(U.S. Department of Energy) 17 Projects Will Boost Production of Biofuels for Consumer and Freight Transportation in America, Support President Biden’s Decarbonization and Climate Agenda -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $118 million in funding for 17 projects
(University of New Mexico) A project from The University of New Mexico has been selected for funding under a U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office interagency agreement with the Minority Serving Institution STEM Research & Development Consortium. Abhaya Datye, Distinguished Professor in the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biofuel consumption in Australia remained low in 2022. Despite new fuel standards introduced for gasoline on Jan. 1, 2022, the ethanol blend rate did not increase, according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign
(Inside EPA) The White House has begun reviewing EPA’s draft proposed multi-pollutant emissions standards for passenger vehicles and some larger trucks, offering the latest indication that the agency is on track to release the plan by the end of March
(U.S. Department of Transportation) 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)
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Annual awards honor visionaries, advocates, innovators -- A diverse crop of individuals and organizations receive top honors for their contributions to the clean fuels industry this week. The Clean Fuels Alliance America annual awards showcase those
by Meltem Urgun-Demirtas (Argonne National Laboratory) Carbon dioxide fuels global warming but scientists from multiple national labs are finding new ways to repurpose it. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global average for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) set
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) With only a small percentage of plastics recycled, determining the best way to recycle and reuse these materials may enable higher adoption of plastics recycling and reduce plastic waste pollution. Researchers at the U.S. Department of
(National Business Aviation Association) A coalition of seven aviation stakeholder organizations has formally submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed endangerment finding of lead in aviation gasoline (avgas). The coalition reaffirmed its support for removing lead from avgas
(Roll Call) Aviation accounts for 10 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions — a figure expected to triple by 2050 ... Trucking industry representatives have raised concerns that a larger reliance on SAF will take away key feedstocks from biodiesel,
(Renewable Fuels Association) As higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85 continued to expand in the marketplace in 2021, thirty-five states and the District of Columbia blasted through the so-called 10% ethanol “blend wall,” according to data released today (January 20,
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The RFS Power Coalition has been pursuing inclusion of biomass-based power in the federal Renewable Fuel Standard for longer than a decade. ... Despite a provision in the 2007 statute that that nonliquid fuels—renewable electricity from
by Steve Whaley (Propane Education and Research Council/ACT News) For decades, fleet owners have relied on propane autogas as a powerful, low-carbon energy source to fuel everything from school buses to delivery vehicles, taxis to paratransit fleets and all kinds of
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Des Moines Register) In the end, the ethanol industry will be just fine. But let’s hope demoting the Iowa caucuses doesn’t mean Democrats are demoting the interests and priorities of rural America. ... Today, some suggest the
(Inside EPA) EPA officials are emphasizing that their upcoming multi-pollutant standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles starting in model year 2027 will continue to impose tougher greenhouse gas requirements on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles even amid a potentially transformative
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Jan. 19 released data showing that 10 new small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions have been filed under the Renewable Fuel Standard over the past month. A total of 22 SRE petitions
by Katie Carnahan and Michelle Goff (Idaho National Laboratory/Biofuels Digest) ... The upgraded Biomass Feedstock National User Facility (BFNUF) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) addresses many of the challenges facing the U.S. bioenergy industry. The research conducted at the facility
by Jim Spaeth (U.S. Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) recently performed major upgrades to the content, appearance, and useability of its longstanding Interactive Integrated Biorefinery (IBR) Map. The upgrades came as a part of an effort by BETO’s System
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is seeking public comment on its proposal to address environmental justice, climate change, and PFAS contamination in its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs). Every four years, EPA selects
(U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced a collaborative funding opportunity, “Accelerating Innovations in Biomanufacturing Approaches through Collaboration Between NSF and the
(Environmental Protection Agency) Grants funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $50 million in grant funding from
(ICF) We analyzed the clean power, hydrogen, and long duration storage markets for this first-of-its-kind project. ... The Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES) project in Utah had the potential to become the world’s largest clean hydrogen storage facility—improving reliability for energy-challenged states, particularly
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... (T)he Renewable Fuels Association remains focused on solidifying year-round access to E15, building export markets and moving incrementally closer to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. ... In December, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed
(Inside EPA) A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is poised to hear oral argument in refiners’ lawsuit targeting EPA’s extended timetable for complying with renewable fuel standard (RFS) mandates, a measure ostensibly
(AIR COMPANY/SpaceRef) AIR COMPANY, the world’s leading carbon technology and climate innovation company, has seen its collaboration with NASA further strengthened with direct funding through a NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award. With this funding, AIR COMPANY will make integral strides
by Chris Knight (Argus Media) Shell, Phillips 66 and Chevron are among the oil companies seeking at least a one-year delay, until 1 May 2024, for a fuel specification change in eight states intended to support continued year-round sales of 15pc
(Rio Tinto) Rio Tinto is progressing plans to swap conventional diesel for renewable fuel in haul trucks at its U.S. operations to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet. The company successfully completed a renewable diesel trial at its U.S. Borax mine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US generates ~10 million tons municipal wastewater sludges/year Disposal to land or landfills is limited, expensive. The Opportunity is to convert sludges to fuels using Hydrothermal Liquefaction. Conversion of sludges to ‘biocrude’, for upgrading
by Julia Matney (U.S. Department of Energy) ... While I did not understand much about biofuels initially, learning about them through the lens of NGO opinions was fascinating. During this time, I created a database collecting and organizing those views, and
(Express Mobility) The country aims to double the blend to 20 percent by 2025-26, for which it will need an estimated 2.68 billion gallons or 10.15 billion litres of ethanol. -- The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and the US Grains
(Comstock Mining/Globe Newswire) Technology Unlocks Massive New Feedstock Model to Neutralize America’s Transportation Emissions -- Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced the demonstration of breakthrough cellulosic fuels pathways to produce renewable diesel, marine, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”)
(Climate Now) “We’ve built an entire industrial economy around a set of energy sources, and we’re now thinking about diversifying way beyond that. And that’s a big set of changes.” What will it take to diversify our energy economy, and
(EERC Solutions) Midwest AgEnergy Group (MAG) held an open house on November 3 near its Blue Flint location in Underwood, N.D. Approximately 40 community members attended the event to learn about a carbon capture and storage project that is underway at
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) ... Diesel drivers have choices about fueling their vehicles. All diesel models available today are certified by manufacturers as capable of using B20 fuels – (20% biodiesel/80% ultra-low sulfur petroleum diesel). According to the
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Eighteen Clean Fuels speakers testify at public hearing on the proposed RFS volume -- Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America and its members testified at the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Public Hearing for RFS Standards for 2023–2025 and
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Historic grant funding for environmental justice will support projects in communities overburdened by pollution and historic underinvestment -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $100 million for projects that advance
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Landmark Blueprint Will Advance the President’s Clean Transportation Agenda, Slashing Consumer Costs, Improving Public Health, and Increasing the Nation’s Energy Security -- The Biden-Harris Administration today released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Developed by the Departments
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) ... Executive director Brian Werner says the Minnesota Biofuels Association was among several state renewable energy groups recently on a call with EPA to press for approval of a petition filed by eight Midwestern governors
(Renewable Fuels Association) Proposed volume obligations for 2023-2025 bolster the Renewable Fuel Standard and provide growth opportunities for the ethanol industry, the Renewable Fuels Association said this morning in verbal testimony provided at an Environmental Protection Agency hearing. “Overall, we believe the proposed
(E&E News Energy Wire) Excerpt from E&E News Energy Wire: Many of the world’s largest energy companies and a Bill Gates-led group are joining an industry-led initiative to measure and map the emissions footprint of “clean” hydrogen, underscoring the financial stakes linked
The regulatory agencies and OSTP will host a virtual public listening session on January 12, 2023. If you are interested in registering for the virtual listening session, go to https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_IhbckX4VTiacK0AsyiikKQ. If you are interested in additional listening sessions, please contact
(Freeman Business) ... Fluence Analytics is a Tulane University spin-out that specializes in continuous analytics and process control solutions for the polymer and biopharmaceutical industries. Ranked by CB Insights as one of the world’s most promising advanced manufacturing startups, the company
by Ashley Erika O. Jose (BusinessWorld) Petron Corp. has secured regulatory approval on its planned biofuels venture, the company announced on Tuesday. In a regulatory filing, Petron said the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved an amendment to the company’s articles
by John Hitch (Fleet Owner) Produced using renewable energy, green hydrogen could help make transportation a carbon-neutral reality—if the cost can match the price of diesel. That is what Plug Power is trying to accomplish by 2030. Go behind the
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) New Standards Demonstrate President Biden’s Leadership to Reduce Air Pollution that Threatens Communities -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a proposal to strengthen a key national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for fine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where does forestry fit into the RFS and with the biofuels industry, asks Lee Enterprises Consulting’s Larry Sullivan in this enlightening tour of the past, present and future of forest-based feedstocks. Sullivan goes back to
by Currey McCullough (RFD TV) ... President and CEO, Geoff Cooper says out the gate he is not expecting much activity on Capitol Hill when it comes to renewable fuels or energy, largely due to a split Congress. He says the
(Biodiesel Magazine) ... Recordkeeping challenges in renewable diesel aren’t new, but the struggle to balance the desire to incentivize production of low-carbon-intensity (low CI) fuels without harming collectors or tolerating fraud has come to a head. The following is what
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Democratic Party’s unseating of Iowa from its position as host of the first U.S. presidential nominating contest every four years is a blow that could also reshape the corn and biofuels industries throughout the Midwest, lobbyists
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 4 published its 2022 Fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, confirming the expected timeline on federal rulemakings related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, E15 sales
by John McCracken (Grist) The agency wants more ethanol, biogas, and wood pellet power in the nation's fuel mix. But is that actually a good thing? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new standards for how much of the nation’s fuel supply
by Russ Niles (AvWeb) Congress has approved $10 million for testing and evaluation of unleaded high octane aviation fuels and all sectors currently involved in the effort can qualify for funding. According to AOPA, President Joe Biden signed the bill that
by Graham Noyes and Alex Menotti (Biodiesel Magazine) To reach U.S. sustainable aviation fuel goals, adequate policy will be crucial. -- The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge represents a breakthrough in federal energy policy, establishing a comprehensive strategy developed
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. This fall, Biodiesel Magazine chatted with
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) ... The year began with a virtual debate hosted by Mobility Impact Partners, where DTF represented the bold and bright future for internal combustion engines vs. electrification (UC Davis) vs hydrogen (Toyota) in trucking. Results of
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) 2023 will shape up as a major year in the permitting and development of carbon pipelines across the Midwest and Plains states. The Minnesota and South Dakota Public Utilities Commissions each this week will examine the
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the public comment period for the draft document titled, “Biofuels and the Environment: Third Triennial Report to Congress (External Review Draft).” The document was prepared by EPA's Office of
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy) ... By any measure, 2022 was a banner year for biofuel advocates in Washington, D.C. We secured new funding for blending infrastructure, critical tax incentives for clean energy, a summer waiver for E15 sales, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) JBEI’s been working hard on jet fuels. Why? Biological routes are advantaged in their ability to produce naphthenes (approximately one third of jet fuel, 45% of diesel fuel), whereas most other alternative jet fuel processes
(Inside EPA) Biofuels groups, refiners and others are ramping up their competing advocacy over EPA’s upcoming proposal that will likely authorize select Midwestern states to sell 15 percent ethanol (E15) fuel year-round, a move that biofuel producers have long sought,
( American Coalition for Ethanol /Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted feedback to the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service request for public input on implementation of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act for key NRCS conservation programs to
by Jesse Allen (American Ag Network) There’s good news on the export front this week for the U.S. ethanol industry. Brazil is again suspending its 20 percent ethanol import tariff–a suspension Renewable Fuels Association head Geoff Cooper says the U.S. industry
by Theresa Duque (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) New technique could fast-track future carbon-free solar fuels -- Berkeley Lab scientists have developed a nature-inspired technique for converting carbon dioxide into solar fuels. Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have demonstrated
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
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