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
(Bergeson and Campbell) On September 14, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a pre-publication version of a final rule establishing the procedures and requirements for how EPA will manage the issuance of guidance documents consistent with Executive Order (EO) 13891,
by James P.Szybist, StephenBusch, Robert L.McCormick, Josh A.Pihl, Derek A.Splitter, Matthew A.Ratcliff, Christopher P.Kolodziej, John M.E.Storey, MelanieMoses-DeBusk, DavidVuilleumier, MagnusSjöberg, C. ScottSluder, TobyRockstroh, PaulMiles (Progress in Energy and Combustion Science/Science Direct) The Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative from the
(Renewable Fuels Association) The House Committee on Energy and Commerce today unveiled the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, which contains provisions requiring more transparency and accountability in EPA’s process for evaluating small refinery exemption requests under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The provisions
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) The World Trade Organization has ruled in favor of China, saying President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods violates international regulations for trade. The WTO panel says the U.S. could not prove the tariffs were necessary,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Seven federal lawmakers sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Sept. 15 expressing disappointment with the agency’s failure to cooperate with the Government Accountability Office’s investigation into the small refinery exemption (SRE)
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden late on Tuesday attacked President Donald Trump’s record on ethanol, saying his administration’s recent moves to help the industry were too little, too late and transparently political. U.S. Democratic presidential nominee
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) : The Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy organization argued in a new report that funding research and development would provide an immediate economic and jobs stimulus while setting up a more sustainable long-term economy that reduces
(Biogenic CO2 Coalition) Includes Legal Justification to Change Status of Carbon Emissions from Ag Feedstocks -- The Biogenic CO2 Coalition today filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), providing a detailed explanation of the scientific and legal basis for the agency
U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory, has released the Transportation Annual Technology Baseline (ATB). The ATB will provide detailed cost and performance data, estimates, and assumptions for current and potential
by John Herath (Farm Journal Ag/Web) Applications for oil refiners to be exempted from the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) have been a contentious election for President Donald Trump in Iowa. His administration took a step to alleviate those political pressures Monday
by Bill Tomson (Agri-Pulse) The U.S. and Brazil have agreed to revive for 90 days the expired tariff rate quota that allows some U.S. ethanol to flow to the South American country duty free, the two countries said in a joint
by Rachel Koning Beals (Market Watch) At least one farm group says gesture doesn’t wipe out a pro-Big Oil presidency to date -- Trump has approved using existing filling station pumps to distribute higher-ethanol gasoline. “Subject only to State approval, our important
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
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Trump administration officials are developing a plan to offset the potential economic damage of denying dozens of refineries waivers from biofuel-usage mandates: giving them financial aid. The approach is actively being discussed by top Environmental Protection Agency officials
(U.S. Department of Energy)The Integrated Strategies to Enable Lower-Cost Biofuels report summarizes the findings of a qualitative analysis to identify integrated strategies needed for more affordable biofuels. It outlines five key strategies needed to achieve lower fuel production costs in
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the 2019 Project Peer Review on March 4–7, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. During the event, 447 projects in BETO’s research portfolio were presented in 14 simultaneous review
(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 Energy) Today(September 1, 2020), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the award of approximately $72 million in federal funding to support the development and advancement of carbon capture technologies under two funding opportunity announcements (FOAs). Under this
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs on Sept. 3 announced it is providing funding to hire consultants to identify, evaluate or assess the market for energy or mineral resources that a Tribe
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy gave a timely update on their latest activities in the transportation sector at ABLC Digital in July. From the multiple pathways the DOE is pursuing for biofuels and bioenergy to
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) EPA’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee is meeting virtually this week to provide policy advice, information, and recommendations on a range of environmental issues and policies important to agriculture and rural communities. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO
by Lori Potter (Kearney Hub) ... There are tariff and other trade issues that make U.S. ethanol less competitive in export markets. Also, industry leaders continue to wait for Environmental Protection Agency officials to rule on a growing number of
by Zia Abdullah (U.S. Department of Energy) Techno-economic analysis leads to a market-responsive biorefinery concept -- ... THE CHALLENGE: REDUCE BIOMASS TO BIOFUEL CONVERSION COSTS -- ... The production of biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass is hindered by high conversion costs, creating
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Review of Technical Pathways report provides an overview of commercial jet aviation fuel and summarizes learnings from three BETO-supported workshops. In addition, the report focuses on insights for reducing costs and optimizing the value
(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
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In New York state, Reuters reports that RIN prices skyrocketed a two-year high of 55 cents for D6 credits on the back of its exclusive story that President Trump told the EPA to deny all gap-year
(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
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. These prestigious awards recognize innovation by American businesses and researchers that redesign chemical products and processes to reduce or
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
(AZO Cleantech) For years, researchers have been trying to harness the crop-growing benefits of the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), for example, can deliver water and nutrients to the roots of plants like sorghum, a grain
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) ... And with the election just two months away, all signs are Trump is trying to push back a decision on the how much ethanol to blend into the nation’s gasoline supply until after the
(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
(U.S. Department of Energy/ARPA-E) Today, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy announced $16.5 million in funding for six projects as part of the Systems for Monitoring and Analytics for Renewable Transportation Fuels from Agricultural Resources and Management (SMARTFARM) program. These projects will
by Ally Selby (Financial Standard) Bloomberg has launched proprietary environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings, which it says will help to provide transparent, data driven insights into company performance. Initially, Bloomberg will offer environmental and social scores for 252 oil and gas
by Jim Ramm (EcoEngineers) The VRIN is an important piece to maintaining RFS compliance -- Intimate knowledge of clean fuel regulations and record-keeping requirements is needed to maintain compliance in the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The USEPA bases much of
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
(Biogenic CO2 Coalition/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biogenic CO2 Coalition today (August 17, 2020) released a scientific literature review conducted by Seungdo Kim, a leading researcher at Michigan State University, that surveyed peer-reviewed journal articles from all over the world. The review confirms
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative explores how simultaneous innovations in fuels and engines can boost fuel economy and vehicle performance while reducing emissions. Co-Optima researchers publish their latest scientific findings in journal articles,
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
by Rodrigo Viga Gaier (Reuters) Brazil allowed a non-tariff quota for ethanol imports to expire on Monday, which will result in U.S. producers having to pay a 20% tariff unless the Brazilian government takes new action. “The expiry date was today and
(Western Illinois University) Just 12 months after Western Illinois University Agriculture Professor Win Phippen announced the award of a $10 million federal grant to investigate the use of Pennycress as a commercial cash crop, a second grant has been awarded
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) says the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded over $7.1 million in funding to three projects advancing clean automotive transportation technologies supported by the utility. SoCalGas’ Research, Development & Demonstration department will provide $730,000
(Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis) ... In the near term, we must continue to significantly grow solar and wind energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles while conducting more research into new technologies, advanced biofuels, and smaller and
(AZO CleanTech/Colorado State University) Biofuel and bioenergy systems are integral to scenarios for displacing fossil fuel use and producing negative emissions through carbon capture and storage. But the net greenhouse gas mitigation benefit of these systems has been controversial, due to
(Farm Progress/Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, and the National Corn Growers Association on Friday filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit supporting and defending the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 regulation that allowed year-round
(BOL/Reuters (Google translation)) Brazil is unlikely to renew the tariff-free quota for ethanol imports that expires today, and as a result, purchases from outside Mercosur should start paying a 20% tax, a government source with knowledge of the matter told
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson supports Joe Biden’s plan to eliminate President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China but said he isn’t sure what the alternative is for countering Chinese trade practices. “First thing I want to see
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Take genotype + environment + management practices and you’ve got phenotyping, a measurable characteristic or trait of a plant. In this case, we look at sorghum from Purdue University’s Dr. Melba Crawford and how they are
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register/Ames Tribune) ... "I've sat in front of the president, and he does look you in the eye, and he does listen to you," (Bill) Couser said, adding, "It just makes you wonder what happens after
by Ricardo Della Coletta (Associated Press/U.S. News and World Report) A group of Brazilian lawmakers made a final push Thursday to try to convince President Jair Bolsonaro not to reduce tariffs on American ethanol, a major Trump administration request. --
by Peter Murphy (University at Buffalo) UB engineering professor Ian Bradley and his research group are collaborators on a $2 million project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that will study the use of algae to purify wastewater while simultaneously
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Theresa Greenfield, the Iowa Democratic Party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate, says federal policy should expand the use of biofuels in boats and planes. “Ask the Department of Defense to use biofuels as part of a
The Digest recently reported on CoverCress and why the U.S. Department of Energy’s $13 million grant for new high-value feedstock, pennycress, is so key. For an in-depth visual guide on how CoverCress is delivering new farm income and low carbon intensity
by Pat Rynard (Iowa Starting Line) Sen. Joni Ernst’s undying loyalty to Pres. Donald Trump was rewarded tonight with a high-profile speech at the Republican National Convention. She repaid Trump for the political boost to her reelection campaign by betraying the
by Sarah Motter (WIBW) Congressman Roger Marshall says Kansas is home to 10 biofuel facilities providing high-quality jobs for plant workers in rural communities throughout the state, along with thousands of bushels of soybeans and milo each year. He says overall,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA published notice on Aug. 26 requesting comment on sources and analytical approaches on which to base an EPA determination of an updated weighting factor (F-factor) for E85 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) for
(Renewable Fuels Association) Citing the need for more certainty and stability in uncertain times, as well as the legal requirement to meet statutory deadlines, the Renewable Fuels Association today urged EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to immediately address a number of unresolved
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler gave no timeline for releasing 2021 renewable volume obligations in the Renewable Fuel Standard or for deciding on pending small-refinery exemptions, during a teleconference with reporters on Wednesday, as pressure mounts
(WisPolitics.com) Instead of standing with those who till our land and sow our fields, we have a president who has sold out our farmers by undercutting the Renewable Fuel Standard with the granting of waivers to Big Oil. Those waivers severely
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB encourages farmers, biodiesel producers to ask President Trump to keep his promise -- The National Biodiesel Board today launched a radio advertising campaign in six Midwestern states, urging President Donald Trump to keep his promise on the
(Growth Energy) Responding to the oil industry’s effort to undermine the expansion of E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol), Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, and National Corn Growers Association on Friday filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C.
(Colorado State University/Science Daily) A new study predicted significant climate benefits stemming from the use of advanced biofuel technologies. -- Biofuel and bioenergy systems are integral to scenarios for displacing fossil fuel use and producing negative emissions through carbon capture and
(Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held a forum on its Agriculture Innovation Agenda (AIA) on August 16, 2020. The forum focused on science-informed policies and programs from government agencies with the shared aim of supporting environmentalism
(ClearFlame) Funding will support R&D for clean engine technology on heavy-duty engines -- ClearFlame Engine Technologies, a start-up company dedicated to the development of clean engine technology, has been awarded a two-year, $1.1 million Phase II grant from the Department
by Sebastien Malo (Reuters) A federal appeals court in Washington D.C. made public on Thursday its denial of a small refinery’s motion bid to use a pseudonym in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its exemption status from
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A group of federal lawmakers is asking United States' lead trade representative to push Brazil to either eliminate its ethanol-import tariffs or face retaliation, in a letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) News just in from Yield10 Bioscience, Inc., a Massachusetts-based agricultural bioscience company, that they have obtained a positive response from USDA-APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) for its CRISPR genome-edited trait C3007 in canola plant lines
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) ... It was nearly a year ago when farmers' cries started getting louder demanding that President Donald Trump and his Administration stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and defend the interests of biofuels over
(Environmental NewsStand) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in a sealed case has rejected a small refiner’s bid for anonymity in an apparent legal fight over EPA’s denial of a renewable fuel standard (RFS) economic
(Inside HPC/Northern Illinois University) By supercomputing standards, Argonne National Lab’s Bebop (stood up in 2017, 1.75 teraflops, bumped off the Top500 list after the June 2019 ranking) seems something of a second-tier player. But non-Top500 systems like Bebop can still take a star
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA's online dashboard shows the agency has now received nearly 100 petitions for small refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard mandates dating back to 2011, Pro's Eric Wolff reports. Since June, EPA has
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Democratic leaders put a heavy emphasis on rural broadband and health care while criticizing the Trump administration and President Trump directly on trade, biofuels, climate change and the pandemic response. A western Pennsylvania soybean and hay
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Night 3 of the Democratic National Convention featured a lengthy 11-minute take on Joe Biden's climate and clean energy strategy that hammered home some of his big themes rather than the wonky details (which you
(RFD TV) ... The head of the Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, says that ... USDA Secretary Perdue has made his position clear on using unspent CCC money for pandemic-crippled biorefineries. "Secretary Perdue has said pretty bluntly, 'look unless Congress
by Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) Iowa corn farmers could get a boost in a long-running dispute with oil refiners as President Trump pledged to talk to Environmental Protection Agency officials overseeing biofuels requirements on their behalf. Trump said Tuesday during a visit
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen and Volvo have formally committed to reducing the average greenhouse gas emissions of their vehicles through 2026, despite the Trump administration rolling back federal standards, Pro's Debra Kahn reports. Under deals
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... A new project is focused on optimizing this new TRIFTS technology at a relevant engineering scale capable of utilizing both the CO2 and CH4 portions of biogas and incorporating them into the hydrocarbon backbone
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new technology has arrived in South Florida for the conversion of biogas to diesel fuels. If you thought of this as a biogas-to-paraffins technology, that would be fine, too. But it’s not strictly a methane-to-paraffins
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Urban Air Initiative (UAI), a coalition of state corn grower organizations, and the American Coalition for Ethanol, and the Clean Fuels Development Coalition filed comments last week opposing a proposed EPA rule they say would penalize ethanol for its
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The push to alter biogenic emissions regulations could boost corn farming and ethanol production while cementing the role of biobased solutions in the fight against climate change. Political inertia, however, remains the primary barrier
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration is likely to wait until after Election Day to weigh in on tough ethanol decisions for fear of triggering backlash among farmers or the oil sector. -- ... WAKE ME UP WHEN
by Sebastien Malo (Retuers) A federal appeals court on Friday denied a challenge by leading ethanol maker POET Biorefining, LLC who accused the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of making it impossible to certify its corn-fiber-derived ethanol under a renewable-fuel program. A split three-judge
(Canton Daily Ledger/US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Lesquerella (a.k.a. Fendler’s bladderpod and Yellow Top) is a member of the mustard family that’s native to the U.S. Southwest. But Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are now eyeing it as a
(Urban Air Initiative) The Urban Air Initiative (UAI), a coalition of state corn grower organizations, and the American Coalition for Ethanol, and the Clean Fuels Development Coalition filed comments today asking EPA not to penalize ethanol's ability to reduce carbon
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) Vice President Mike Pence visited Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday to re-launch the Trump campaign’s Farmers & Ranchers for Trump. However, to a room full of farmer supporters his message came off more as a campaign speech,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six former U.S. EPA administrators representing both republican and democratic administrations are calling for a “reset” of the agency as it approaches its 50th anniversary. The Renewable Fuel Standard and a potential federal
by Katie Pratt (University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment) Dual-purpose industrial hemp cultivars show the best potential for coproduction of biofuel and bioproducts, according to University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment study. In the study led
by Brian Flood (Bloomberg Law) Biodiesel imports hit with countervailing duties up to 64.73%; Court faults subsidy finding regarding Indonesia export tariff -- The Commerce Department must revisit and possibly lower anti-subsidy duties on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia, the U.S.
by David Verbeek and Helene Fouquet (Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times) When a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket blasts off on a plume of white smoke, hot gases shoot out of its 27 engines, creating a thrust equal to 18 Boeing 747 aircraft. Upon reaching
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Six former EPA administrators spanning both Democratic and Republican administrations called for a "reset" at the agency Wednesday to steer it in "a new, forward-looking direction" and address issues such as climate change and environmental
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) The State of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by Steve Csonka (CAAFI) Slide deck available here. Webinar recording available here. Click here for more CAAFI webinars, meeting presentations and presentation recordings.
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Wright Brothers Institute are partnering together to sponsor the second of three $1 million Air Force Challenges. AFRL has been researching the viability of improving performance in composite
(Agri-Pulse Daybreak) China is one of the biggest potential markets for U.S. ethanol, but the country has – at least for now – given up on the idea of increasing its usage of the fuel to reduce air pollution. Chinese ethanol consumption
by Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) Biofuel groups are frustrated election-year politics could be getting in the way of time-sensitive Environmental Protection Agency action on renewable fuel policy that needs to be finalized by the end of the year, and fear voter accountability in
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the gap SRE applications have been sent over from the Department of Energy. “They just started sending them to us the week before last, so our guys are just now
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today expressed its support for President Trump’s announcement Monday that his administration is considering reciprocal tariffs on fuel ethanol imports from Brazil. The country’s existing tariff rate quota (TRQ) is set to expire at
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Today (August 6, 2020), Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., introduced the Adopt GREET Act, which would require U.S. EPA to update its decade-old greenhouse gas lifecycle modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. American Coalition for Ethanol
(Diesel Technology Forum) Unlike gasoline, diesel fuel and the vehicles and equipment it powers is the platform of work. About one out of every two sectors of the economy rely on diesel. Diesel engines, old and new, are capable of
by Joseph E. Harmon (Argonne National Laboratory) New electrocatalyst efficiently converts carbon dioxide into ethanol. ... A research team, led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory in collaboration with Northern Illinois University, has discovered a new
(KMA Land/Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) ... During a virtual forum with the Iowa Farmers Union on Wednesday, Third District Congresswoman Cindy Axne was asked whether fossil fuel companies should be eligible for pandemic relief funds. “Listen, my personal belief is no,” Axne
by Ilana Marcus (Washington Post) ... Silicon Valley start-up called ZeroAvia, envisions a future of passenger planes that fly on hydrogen-powered electricity, not jet fuel. ... Miftakhov’s Piper was powered by batteries, but his company is working on integrating a
(BioCycle Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) released a new report, “An Overview Of Renewable Natural Gas From Biogas,” in July to provide biogas stakeholders and other interested parties with a resource to promote and potentially assist in
(Renewable Fuels Association) Commemorating the 15th anniversary of President George W. Bush’s signing of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which created the Renewable Fuel Standard, the Renewable Fuels Association today released a report detailing how the industry has benefited the nation over
(South Dakota Farmers Union) Compliance with Existing Law Would Inject $8 Billion Per Year into South Dakota Economy -- In a Rapid City Journal ad, a Sioux Falls Argus Leader editorial, and a letter to Governor Kristi Noem, South Dakota ethanol leaders said that a
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 30, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its staff report, Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just
(U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources) U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today chaired a hearing focused on the development of carbon removal technologies in the United States. Murkowski also highlighted the introduction of the CREATE Act, a new bill she is cosponsoring to
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Ethanol is undoubtedly playing a role in 2020 politics in Iowa, including the presidential race. Getting the word "ethanol" into the next aid package also might become a tipping scale in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bale analysis, probes, core samples – measuring and analysis of bioenergy feedstocks is key. In this illuminating slide guide from ABLC Digital, the Idaho National Laboratory, Antares Group, ASDI, and B Hames Consulting share how bale
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Energy has recommended that some of the oil refiners that applied for retroactive exemptions from the nation’s biofuel blending law be granted partial relief, two sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The
by Rachel Hatch (News Illinois State University) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a $13 million grant to a nationwide project led by Illinois State University. Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook will head up the project aimed to genetically
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted written comments on the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) proposed regulations under section 45Q, a performance-based tax credit for carbon capture projects. In her letter, Skor called on the agency to offer credit for carbon dioxide captured for
by Coral Davenport and Lisa Friedman (New York Times) The Environmental Protection Agency’s internal watchdog said Monday it had opened an investigation into the agency’s weakening of Obama-era regulations that would have limited automobile emissions by significantly raising fuel economy standards. The inspector general
by Doug Sombke and Jim Seurer (South Dakota Farmers Union/Glacial Lakes Energy/Argus Leader) During President Trump’s Fourth of July visit to Mount Rushmore, our organizations sponsored an ad in the Rapid City Journal that urged the President to “tear down the wall”
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association this week responded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request for comment on its Agriculture Innovation Agenda (AIA). Regarding renewable fuels, the agenda calls for Increased biofuel feedstock production and biofuel production efficiency and competitiveness to
by Tsvetana Paraskova (OilPrice.com)The U.S. Department of Labor – which has recently proposed a rule that would limit retirement funds’ investments based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria – is unlikely to incentivize more funds to invest in oil
(U.S. Department of Energy) ... The Federal Activities Report on the Bioeconomy: Algae is a follow on report to the BR&D Board’s Federal Activities Report on the Bioeconomy that summarizes Bioeconomy Initiative activities for the algae stakeholder community. Download the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $97 million in funding for 33 projects that will support high-impact technology research and development to accelerate the bioeconomy. These projects will improve the performance and lower
by Micheal Clements (NAFB News Service/NewsDakota) Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to make E15 available at every U.S. gas pump. Specifically, Ernst calls on EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to certify biofuel infrastructure for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Carbon is the talk of the town, but what’s the difference between a low-carbon economy and a renewable “new” carbon economy? What’s the role of carbon management in the bioeconomy? What is carbon optimized bioconversion? David Babson,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Plastics for a Circular Economy Workshop, coordinated by the Bioenergy Technologies Office, the Advanced Manufacturing Office, and Mars, Inc., brought together stakeholders from industry, academia, and National Laboratories to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the
(U.S. Gain) U.S. Gain, a leader in development, procurement and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG), proudly announces that after only eight months their digester at S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is now transforming animal waste to clean, low
(Solutions from the Land) An analysis of data released by the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) that measures the amount of power generated by various resources shows more than 25 percent of the nation's net electrical generation came from renewable sources during the month of
by Patty Judge (The Gazette) Rural voters are growing tired of Donald Trump. Recently, the Iowa Poll put Vice President Biden one point ahead of President Trump and Iowa moved from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican” on the Cook Political Report.
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The American Carbon Registry has opened a public comment period on Version 2.0 of its methodology for the generation of carbon offsets from landfill gas destruction and beneficial use projects. According to the ACR, the original version
(OptiFuel) OptiFuel Systems, a system integrator of Cummins and BAE Systems hybrid power products for decarbonizing the rail, marine, and microgrid power market, is in the process of finalizing a $2.6 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant to demonstrate
by Zhichao Wang and Jim Ramm (EcoEngineers) Iowa’s fertile farmland could be a soil-based Fort Knox that — instead of gold — stores a wealth of carbon within its underground vaults. How farmers can tap into the potential riches of carbon capture
Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Biofuels International) As policymakers and public health experts dig deeper into the human costs of air pollution, including heightened risk from COVID-19 among vulnerable communities, a rapidly growing body of research is raising awareness of the threat
(Urban Air Initiative) This is a conversation related to ethanol and octane. The Urban Air Initiative presents its perspective on a 95 RON Octane Standard and the value it can bring to the corn ethanol industry. Urban Air President Dave
(Department of Energy) Studies Will Focus on Improving Crop Productivity and Resiliencen -- Today (July 28, 2020) the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $68 million in funding over five years for basic research aimed at making bioenergy feedstock crops
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, sent a letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on July 28 urging him to initiate a rulemaking to certify biofuel infrastructure for E15 and remove unnecessary labeling requirements for
by Sarah Spicer (Wichita Eagle) To preserve the environment, mitigate climate change and stabilize the U.S. food system, Midwest farmers should diversify their crops and move away from raising corn and soybeans, researchers say. The current crop system, which was founded after
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. biofuel industry may have to depend on Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for aid, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Tuesday, after Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package without specific appropriations for the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is seeking nominations for members of its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. Nominations are due July 31. The committee advises the secretary of commerce regarding the
“Incorporating biofuels into our nation’s fuel supply has been one of our most successful energy policies to date, benefitting both the environment and the consumer,” wrote Emily Skor in Growth Energy's comments submitted to US Department of Agriculture. “With many
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 24, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted comments to the USDA in response to a request for input on the agency’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda, a new initiative to promote conservation and boost productivity in American agriculture. In her comments, Skor
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There was always going to be a point when the advanced bioeconomy reached the end of the “R&D years” and transitioned into “the years of deployment”, and if you read the Biden plan here or the latest pushback from
by Eric Pfeiffer (Hoosier Ag Today) ... Indiana Corn Marketing Council is trying to help with ethanol demand by talking to fuel retailers about adding Unleaded 88 or E85 to their offerings. Helena Jette, director of biofuels for ICMC, says they offer
by Linda Qiu (New York Times) ... Likewise, Mr. Trump has sought to curry favor with corn farmers in Iowa and the Midwest by claiming to have “kept our promise on ethanol” and falsely charging Democrats with wanting to “wipe out,
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual municipal solid waste (MSW) “Facts and Figures” report has been a reference for tracking how MSW is managed in the United States for more than 30 years. Rebranded “Advancing Sustainable
by Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) ... The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, a new USDA GAIN report says the COVID-19 pandemic will slash European bioethanol and biodiesel use by approximately ten and six percent, respectively. EU biofuel demand is driven by the Renewable Energy Directives
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking feedback to launch a new program to help create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies. Under the
by Maya Earls (Bloomberg Law) The Environmental Protection Agency is failing to act exempting Pennsylvania-based United Refining Co. from the Clean Air Act’s renewable fuel standards, the company says in a D.C. federal court lawsuit. The act mandates that fuel sold in
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association’s summer Board of Directors meeting concluded Wednesday with more than a dozen virtual Capitol Hill visits. Board members had the chance to hear from senators, House members and administration officials. Discussions covered a broad
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA proposed setting fuel efficiency standards for aircraft engines to bring the U.S. in line with rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organization to reduce carbon dioxide, although green groups have long decried the ICAO
(U.S. Department of Energy) ... A challenge for algal biofuel development is finding strains of algae best suited for producing copious amounts of oil quickly and under industrial-scale conditions. Maintaining pond health is also challenging—deteriorating health in a small fraction of
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