(Institute for Energy Research) The Trump administration is considering expanding the ethanol fuel waiver in the Clean Air Act (CAA) to allow E15 fuel (gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol) to be sold year round. The Environmental Protection Agency has indicated
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s expanded use of waivers to free small refineries from the nation’s biofuels law has saved the industry as a whole hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a Reuters review of public
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Tentative agreement struck during a White House negotiation; Refiners could benefit with biofuel exports allowed for quotas -- A tentative deal on U.S. biofuel policy struck at the White House would allow year-round sales of higher-ethanol gasoline in
(Urban Air Initiative) Urban Air Initiative uncovered what looks to be more fishy fuel testing. Last year, we called out the Coordinated Research Council (CRC) for using flawed fuel blending practices when evaluating ethanol emissions. These CRC studies matter because EPA often uses
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to:
by Mike Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) As the drip, drip of Pruitt scandals becomes a deluge, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s supporters continue to claim that he should be protected because he’s “advancing the president’s agenda.” But because he’s breaking a key Trump
by Robert Pore (Grand Island Independent) Bosselman Travel Center at 3335 W. Wood River Road in Grand Island will be celebrating Renewable Fuels Month in May. The Bosselman event is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 18.
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) -Shares of CVR Energy have more than doubled since August, resulting in a $1.4 billion paper gain for Carl Icahn, who holds an 82-percent stake in the company. -CVR Energy's stock price slumped through much of last
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA is soliciting applications for up to $5 million in funding under its Repowering Assistance Program, which helps eligible biorefineries use biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels used to create heat or power. Eligible
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) The biofuels industry found itself in an unusual position for much of the past 12 months. Typically confined to debates in the trade press, biofuels-related headlines are now splashed across the mainstream media. It’s new
In their letter to the EPA, a group of midwestern biofuels groups noted, "Both the volume and expeditious manner in which your EPA has granted demand-destroying RFS exemptions is unparalleled in the history of the EPA and the RFS program. If
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A coalition of Midwest biofuels associations sent a letter Thursday to EPA asking it to move administrative time and staff away from Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions and instead toward approvals for cellulosic ethanol. "The
by Steve Hanson, Neil Agarwal (U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Agency) Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from various feedstocks, including refined vegetable oils, recycled cooking oils, and rendered animal fats. Different feedstocks produce biodiesel with distinct qualities that must be
(Growth Energy) A new radio ad launched today by Growth Energy reminds listeners across the heartland that it’s “make or break time” for the rural economy. Slated to air alongside a digital ad campaign in Midwestern states, the radio spot encourages listeners to join Growth
by Sonari Glinton (National Public Radio) Martin Winterkorn, the former head of Volkswagen, was indicted on Thursday along with five other former VW executives on charges of conspiracy and fraud in connection with a years-long scheme by the automaker to cheat
(U. S. Department of Energy) Today (May 1, 2018), U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced up to $68.5 million in available funding for early-stage research of advanced vehicle technologies that will enable more affordable mobility, strengthen domestic energy security, and
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The White House is planning a meeting next week between President Donald Trump and senior leaders of major U.S. and foreign automakers to discuss planned fuel efficiency rule changes through 2026, automakers and administration officials said on
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, mentioned on Tuesday he wants to change language in recent appropriations bills approved by Congress in the past three years. Grassley told agricultural journalists the language may be one of the
Today, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry announced four funding opportunities totaling up to $78 million to support early-stage bioenergy research and development under the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office. “The Department of Energy is focused
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Successful Farming) The Trump administration has invited a group of U.S. senators to the White House early next week to discuss biofuels policy, the latest in a series of such meetings aimed at helping refiners cope with the Renewable Fuel Standard, according
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office establishes partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to develop technologies for producing cost-competitive advanced biofuels from non-food biomass resources, including cellulosic biomass, algae, and wet waste (e.g.,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Greenbelt Resources Corporation and Duckweed DAYS commenced their inaugural Duckweed Project to commercialize the duckweed model developed by the Andrew J. Young Foundation. Tests conducted during a pilot program indicated that protein extracted from duckweed was
by John O'Dell (Trucks.com) “Stay the course” is the message a panel of leading clean vehicle developers, users and regulators delivered Tuesday in the wake of the Trump Administration’s plan to roll back tough fuel economy and emissions regulations developed under
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) ... Energy Information Administration is already warning drivers that they are likely to see the highest gasoline prices in four years. The good news is that ethanol is helping to offset higher prices at the pump,
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) A biofuels trade group asked a federal court on Tuesday to rule whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency violated the law in granting a growing number of small refineries exemptions from renewable fuel laws, according to a
(Office of Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)) U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined 16 of their Senate colleagues in writing to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt highlighting the benefits of year-round E15 sales. The letter comes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) CBiRC was founded in 2008 with funding from NSF, creating an Engineering Research Center focused on advanced manufacturing for sustainable biobased chemicals. The R&D program creates a multi-year, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional center that joins academia, industry and
(Biorenewable Deployment Consortium) The Biorenewable Deployment Consortium (BDC) honored POET, a privately held corporation headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the world’s largest producer of ethanol and other biorefined products, with the organization’s Spring 2018 Achievement Award at its spring meeting
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik) Our emissions standards are probably the biggest booster to automotive performance in the past half century, making our cars not only more eco-friendly but more powerful, too. Trump has been trying to cut it all down, but now California
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Federal subsidies for renewable energy—including biofuels for transportation use and renewable generation of electricity—dropped to $6.7 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2016, a 56 percent decline from FY 2013. Renewable subsidies in FY 2010 and FY
by Krista Eastman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) In an article published last summer in Science, researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) reported on ten years of work assessing the potential climate benefit of producing dedicated bioenergy crops such as
by Mark E. Griffin (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Zymomonas mobilis is a creature of habit, a bacterial species that loves to eat simple sugars and produce ethanol, but shows little interest in anything else. ... But TerAvest (Michaela TerAvest, an assistant professor of biochemistry
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol ) ... The timing of this year’s fly-in was fortuitous, amid talk of “win-win” deals for refiners and biofuel producers and a snowstorm that put the citizens of D.C. on edge. Our
by Jess Hewitt (Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises Consulting) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened a comment period for the registration of the use of Isobutanol in gasoline. Why is this important? Because since the states banning of the use of MTBE
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted a financial hardship waiver to an oil refinery owned by billionaire Carl Icahn, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, exempting the Oklahoma facility from requirements under
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration plans to argue that California does not have the authority to enforce stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars, despite the Obama administration's 2009 waiver, according to a source familiar with a forthcoming
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) While most fossil fuels in the United States are burned, or combusted, to produce heat and power, EIA estimates that the equivalent of about 5.5 quadrillion British thermal units of fossil fuels were consumed for non-combustion purposes
by Agnes Walton (Vice News) The Department of Energy is trying to turn a lake in the California desert called the Salton Sea into a farm for renewable fuels — and clean its infamously polluted water in the process. The Salton Sea
(DTN The Progressive Farmer) Oil state partisans, including certain refiners, have raged about a credit-trading market within the program that they say causes undue economic pain. The biofuels industry counters that those compliance credits, known as renewable identification numbers, are essential
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) In another blow to support for the House version of the farm bill, the National Farmers Union's board of directors early Wednesday passed a unanimous resolution to oppose the bill as it cleared the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... US gasoline prices are at a three-year high, says CNBC. This time, the response has been to dither on biofuels and to point to reasonably dismal sales of EVs as evidence that an electrics solution is on
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) EPA’s recent actions in exempting small refineries from their Renewable Fuel Standard blending obligations for 2016 and 2017 have effectively lowered the volumetric obligations by at least 1.6 billion gallons, according to an analysis of
(Algae Biomass Organization) Algae is on a roll in Congress. Despite a challenging fiscal environment, the latest federal spending bill passed by Congress includes new funding for algae R&D that will be available in FY2018 and, for the first time, tax
(United Steelworkers/PR Newswire) The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that on Thursday, April 26, about 100 workers from independent merchant oil refineries owned by Monroe Energy, Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) and PBF Energy will rally for their jobs in Washington, D.C., bringing
by Joanna McWilliams (Colorado State University) A Colorado State University project to grow and harvest ocean macroalgae for biofuel production has received support from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). ARPA-E has poured over $22 million into their Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA is seeking nominations for its Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee, which is designed to provide the Clean Air Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt moved Tuesday to limit what science can be used in writing agency regulations, a change long sought by conservatives. The proposed rule would only allow the EPA to
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Canada recently filed its 2017 annual biofuels report with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Information Network, showing Canadian production is at full capacity and imports of ethanol rose in the past year. The country
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Ameresco Inc. says its gas-to-energy facility at Waste Management’s Woodland Meadows Landfill in Michigan has achieved Environmental Protection Agency approval and is now in operation. Ameresco designed and built and now owns and operates the facility, which
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Georgia, in a meeting with members of the forestry community, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency announced the Agency issued a statement of policy making clear, that future regulatory actions on biomass from managed forests will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... For those newer to the field, one of the problems of using biomass to make a fuel is that a carbohydrate contains around 53% oxygen by weight and needs about 16% more hydrogen that it
by F. Todd Davidson (Forbes) A seemingly small action from the Environmental Protection Agency could spark a new war between Big Oil and Big Ag that could have far-reaching effects on the U.S. agricultural, energy, and transportation industries. Last month the EPA granted an
by Barry Amundson (Grand Forks Herald) U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D, is concerned about two major issues that can affect farmers and ranchers this year. One is the farm bill that faces an uncertain future as it's set to expire in September. The
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Despite efforts by President Donald Trump to settle a long-running dispute between ethanol backers and the refining industry, progress on a biofuels deal has stalled. Instead, the administration has taken a piecemeal approach to the
(Iowa Biodisel Board) Iowa Biodiesel Board launches program to meet industry need; Webinar takes place May 10 -- Biodiesel producers who want to sell glycerin that can end up as an animal food ingredient will soon be up against the deadline to
by Mattie Hensley (Sandia National Laboratory) The United States could increase its domestic fuel supplies by 25 billion gallons per year while leveraging the nation’s existing $1 trillion fuel infrastructure according to a Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) report released this week. The
by Jieyi Lu (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Making Vehicles More Efficient Is Critical to Reduce Emissions -- ... Over the next 30 years, electric vehicles (EVs) will grow and fuel economy will increase, but conventional gasoline vehicles will continue to dominate
by Terry Anderson (Midwest Messenger News) ... One day after President Trump told a group of governors and lawmakers invited to the White House that he supports sales of E15 — 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline — all year,
by John Siciliano and Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner Daily on Energy) ...The other big bailout concern is the Environmental Protection Agency’s waivers to big refining companies to let them off the hook from meeting the national ethanol mandate, which is outraging
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) ... In May 2017, during his (Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue) first month as secretary, he created the post of undersecretary for trade, a longtime goal of farm groups, as part of redrawing USDA’s organizational chart. ... If Perdue
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In a statement, House Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., criticized the legislation, calling it “a flawed bill that is the result of a bad nontransparent process.” Cuts to Energy Title programs are among
by Evan Halper (Los Angeles Times) The Trump administration is embracing a curious — and some would say dated — argument as it builds its case to weaken federal rules championed by California that require cars and SUVs to average
by John Siciliano and Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) A study showing that U.S. ethanol leader Iowa doesn’t use a lot of its own corn-based fuel is exciting some in the anti-ethanol crowd in Washington. “Iowa — the number one ethanol producer and corn
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) Bipartisan senators on Tuesday asked the EPA to stop issuing waivers that allow oil refiners to avoid obligations to blend biofuels into gasoline. --EPA has reportedly issued 25 of the "hardship" waivers, usually reserved for small,
by Michael Bastasch (The Daily Caller) The federal biofuel mandate “has failed to achieve its policy goals while imposing significant other costs on consumers,” according to a new report. Americans paid out nearly $77 billion in additional fuel costs over the last 10
(Clean Energy Fuels Corp./ NGV Journal) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. introduced ZERO NOW, a fueling solution that combines the world’s cleanest engine technology with the cleanest fuel at a price of $1 per gallon. Heavy duty trucks that are powered
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $39 million in available funding to support early stage research and development (R&D) of innovative hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. As one component of DOE’s portfolio,
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Biodiesel Magazine) Scientists studying plant biochemistry at the U.S. DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered new details about biomolecules that put the brakes on oil production. The findings suggest that disabling these biomolecular brakes could push oil production into
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On April 12, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., introduced the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation that aims to legalize and clearly define hemp as an agricultural commodity and remove it from the list
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology/EurekAlert!) Several different carbon-pricing approaches would help reduce emissions, and some would be fair as well, researchers report -- Putting a price on carbon, in the form of a fee or tax on the use of fossil fuels, coupled
(U.S. Department of Energy) While vehicles and fuels currently on the market get travelers from Point A to Point B, are there new options that could save fuel and money, while also delivering higher performance and cleaner air? Co-Optima research is exploring
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sierra Energy has created what is billed as “the world’s most efficient gasifier,” FastOx, developed in conjunction with UC Davis, US Army and California Energy Commission. Gasification is the missing link between complex feedstocks and a
by Benjamin Storrow (E&E News) ... Transportation emissions threaten to undercut blue states' climate goals, raising questions about their ability to lead U.S. climate efforts at a time when the federal government is rolling back environmental regulations. Emissions from cars, trucks
(Viking Analytics/Seeking Alpha) REX consistently outperforms its peers in making ethanol profitably. REX has zero debt, a large cash position, and has announced plans to buy back more shares. Stuart Rose, the Chairman of REX, displays the characteristics of a Level 5 Leader.
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association is excited to announce that E15 has debuted in the St. Louis area and will be available throughout the year. Home Service Oil Co. now offers both E15 and E85 at 1707 Hwy
(Phys.Org/Colorado State University) A Colorado State University project to grow and harvest ocean macroalgae for biofuel production has received support from the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). ARPA-E has poured over $22 million into their Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable chemicals are emerging at a fast pace, paving the way for new, innovative, and sustainable biobased products. A coalition of companies and trade associations committed to enhancing the legal and regulatory positioning of biobased products
by Emily Rauhala (The Washington Post) China announced temporary anti-dumping measures Tuesday on U.S. sorghum, potentially hitting U.S. growers and exacerbating the brewing trade war between Beijing and Washington. China’s Ministry of Commerce said that starting Wednesday, Chinese importers of U.S. sorghum,
(National Wooden Pallet & Container Association/PR Newswire) Preliminary results of a research project conducted by Virginia Tech on the disposal of wood pallets at landfill sites reveal that 95% of wooden pallets are being recycled. The landfill avoidance study was independently conducted at Virginia
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, what an engine needs to roar to life is a spark. Or a SPARC, as in this case. As in the Southeastern Partnership for Advanced Renewables from Carinata (SPARC), a consortium consisting of the University of Florida (lead),
(Algae Industry Magazine) The University of Hawaii at Hilo announced that in affiliation with Duke and Cornell Universities, researchers have authored a study that suggests making croplands more efficient through algae production could unlock an important negative emission technology to combat
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 12, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, released a draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, officially titled the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018. The legislation reauthorizes many bioenergy-related programs, but
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) Global energy giants Chevron Corp and Exxon Mobil have asked U.S. regulators for exemptions to the nation’s biofuels policy that have historically been reserved for small companies in financial distress, according to sources familiar
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB Submits FOIA Request to Ensure RFS Transparency -- The National Biodiesel Board submitted a Freedom of Information Act Request aimed at shedding light on small refiner exemptions requested and issued under the Renewable Fuel Standard. “The EPA’s decision to
by Jeff Mason (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration may allow the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol year-round, which could help farmers by firing up corn demand but faces opposition from Big Oil. ... “We’re going to
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The Trump administration is considering allowing the sale of a higher ethanol fuel blend in the summer, a source familiar with the issue said, a move that would placate corn growers worried about the
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is now accepting applications for the organization’s advisory teams, known as A-teams, for the 2018-2020 term. A-teams are comprised of USGC member experts that provide insight and guidance on designated topics to
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A coalition led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the California Air Resources board has announced plans to sue the U.S. EPA over its failure to enforce existing landfill methane regulations. The coalition announced its plans
by Mark Chediak, Ryan Beene, and John Lippert (Bloomberg) ‘Reason could prevail,’ chair of Air Resources Board says; State is considering a lawsuit to preserve its options -- California’s top air-quality regulator sees hope for a deal with the Trump administration over fuel
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration will delay any moves to reform the nation’s biofuel policy for about three months, according to three sources briefed on the matter - a decision one of the sources said was meant to shield
(Urban Air Initiative) Ethanol blends reduce toxic tailpipe emissions by up to 50%, significantly improving air quality and protecting public health according to two new studies. The separate studies were conducted by the North Carolina State University (NCSU) and the University of California Riverside(UCR).
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Constructing a national ethanol industry is a monumental task, but an effort that pays dividends economically and environmentally—as U.S. farmers and agribusinesses understand. The U.S. Grains Council is working alongside the U.S. government and with the
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Change to biofuel mandate may mean destruction of corn demand; Growers already dealing with trade concerns, crop gluts -- Based on his own back-of-the-envelope calculations, Minnesota farmer Kirby Hettver could lose tens of thousands of dollars of earnings because
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Details have yet to emerge from a planned meeting at the White House on Monday between President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet regarding possible changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The meeting reportedly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Er, what are AHB, SUBI, BANR, SBAR, NARA, CENUSA, SPARC, IBSS and NEWBIO? You’d be forgiven if you mistook Ahb Subi Banr-Sbar for a well-placed official in the Iranian government — but, in fact, it’s a 9-project network to facilitate the development
by Robert Rapier (Forbes) ... Mr. Constantine (Tim Constantine, a spokesperson for Rethink Ethanol) believes that we will soon see an announcement from the White House on the nation's ethanol program, and it's probably not going to be one the ethanol industry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of invention and change is just too strong, we’ve realized, to highlight annual or even quarterly or monthly rankings and summaries of significant product and service advances. For now, we’re going to be tracking
(Urban Air Initiative) In an effort to rebut erroneous assumptions about ethanol's health effects in a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club, the Urban Air Initiative submitted an amicus brief describing the health benefits of blending ethanol into gasoline. The Sierra Club
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Since their inception in the 2002 Farm Bill, Energy Title (Title IX) programs have helped farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and rural communities generate thousands of jobs and millions in economic development. The sectors impacted by
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A controversial new video was released today, addressing fuel retailer concerns about potential liability for vehicle damage from the new E15 fuel on the flexfuelforward.com website. The video features current E15 marketers talking openly about customer E15 complaints and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It may be renaissance times for the Clean Fuels Development Coalition. Their long quest to upend proposed Obama-era vehicle efficiency rules that ignored the potential to improve efficiency and emissions via clear high performance fuels has
(Univeristy of Illinois) The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced a grant for $1 million to support research led by a University of Illinois scientist. The research will address the need for better-adapted and higher-yielding biomass cultivars
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The White House plans to hold a Monday meeting to discuss possible changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Minnesota Corn Growers president Kirby Hettver says it appears EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt will present President Trump with
by Jarrett Renshaw, Chris Prentice (Reuters) Lawmakers spearheading efforts to reform U.S. biofuels regulations are considering a blanket waiver for all small refineries, according to four sources familiar with their draft legislation. The move would save some refiners a fortune but would
by Yvonne Rudman and Lynn Abramson (TechLink/Clean Energy Business Network) Are you a clean energy business interested in learning more about energy innovations coming out of the Department of Defense? If so, you should know about a free resource called TechLink. ... TechLink is the Department
The Houston Chronicle's James Osborne reported an unnamed executive for one refining company describing the feeding frenzy for exemptions from Renewable Fuel Standard biofuels obligations, "Anyone with a brain submitted an application," the executive said. "The EPA was handing out
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the request of 25 small refineries to be exempted from the nation’s biofuels laws, an agency source said on Wednesday, marking a big increase from previous years
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A Delaware Bankruptcy judge approved a consent decree between EPA and bankrupt refiner Philadelphia Energy Solutions, allowing PES to get out of much of its obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2016, 2017 and
by Sharon Gaudin (Worcester Polytechnic Institute/Biomass Magazine) Funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant, a team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is creating a better way to convert waste food into biofuels that are environmentally friendly, a project that
by Amy Harder (Axios) ... Trillium proposed a resolution calling on EOG to set a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. EOG complained to the SEC in late December that the proposal would micromanage the company, calling it a "rigid, time-bound" target, and asked
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Sen. Chuck Grassley joined corn growers and ethanol producers in slamming a report Tuesday that refining giant Andeavor got a hardship waiver from the Renewable Fuel Standard for its three smallest refineries. Grassley said
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Trump administration escalated trade-war tensions with China on Tuesday, publishing a proposed list of 1,300 Chinese imports that it will hit with retaliatory tariffs in response to China's intellectual property practices, Pro's Adam Behsudi
by Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu (Reuters) The U.S. International Trade Commission said on Tuesday the dumping of biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia harms American producers, a move that locks in place duties on the imports. The commission’s final phase determination
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Vehicle efficiency and emissions standards are a remarkably successful policy, delivering cleaner cars every year, saving drivers money at the pump, and reducing the pollution that causes climate change. A new study has found another important benefit of the
by Todd Spangler and Eric Lawrence (Detroit Free Press) ... General Motors said that, regardless of what standard is ultimately set, it remained committed to "improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and an all-electric future," including working on shared and self-driving vehicles which
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) Recent actions by EPA have effectively reduced the Renewable Fuel Standard conventional renewable volume obligation (RVO) for 2016 by more than 1 billion gallons, and the agency appears poised to take similar actions to effectively
by Timothy Cama and Miranda Green (The Hill) California officials promised Monday to put up a fight against the Trump administration’s newly announced decision to lower standards for car tailpipe emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared Monday afternoon that the Obama-era greenhouse
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The production of Agrisoma’s Resonance Carinata is being expanded to multiple locations globally to provide a supply of sustainable, non-food oils for meeting the demand for sustainable biofuels. Resonance Carinata is certified sustainable by the Roundtable
(Urban Air Initiative) The announcement by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the fuel economy rules rushed through in late 2016 will be revised is an encouraging first step for high octane fuels to play a much bigger role, according
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today encouraged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to strongly consider the role of high-octane fuels and higher compression ratio engines as the
by Eric Kulisch (Auto News) Move applauded by auto industry, denounced by other businesses -- EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Monday announced that aggressive light-vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions limits set under the Obama administration for model years 2022-25 are “not appropriate,” triggering
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On April 2, 2018, the Administrator signed the Mid-term Evaluation Final Determination which finds that the model year 2022-2025 greenhouse gas standards are not appropriate in light of the record before EPA and, therefore, should be revised.
by Orrie Swayze (Argus Leader) Sen. Kent Frerichs looked to further capitalize on the genius of our incredibly successful ethanol policy taxing imported petroleum one cent/gallon at the pipeline to fund incentives to build a strong South Dakota ethanol industry. His Senate
by Jim Talent (Tribune News Service/Madison.com/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... Biofuels are a target because they supply a full 10 percent of America’s motor fuel, and every extra gallon increases competition at the fuel pump, holding down prices
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Recent actions by EPA have effectively reduced the Renewable Fuel Standard conventional renewable volume obligation (RVO) for 2016 by more than 1 billion gallons, and the agency appears poised to take similar actions to effectively reduce the
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization) BIO is greatly concerned by the Department of Justice's and Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Settlement Agreement to resolve a dispute about the PES Holdings' obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. ... This Settlement Agreement undermines the goals of the
by Sarah Wurzbacher (Penn State Extension) The Association of Warm-Season Grass Producers (AWSGP) has had a busy year, and now voices market optimism for perennial grass products. One of the group’s primary efforts from the start has been to welcome businesses to
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) At a recent American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers meeting, General Motors executive Dan Nicholson voiced the automaker’s support in raising the minimum octane rating of the U.S. gasoline pool from 87 to 91,
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) President Donald Trump is seriously considering abandoning efforts to remake the nation’s biofuel laws after wading deep into an issue that divides some of his core constituencies, according to three sources familiar with the administration’s thinking. Advisers
(U.S. Department of Transportation) NHTSA is publishing in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking titled, “Civil Penalties,” which proposes to keep the penalty rate for violations of the agency’s CAFE program as they currently stand and not adjust them for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “What would industrial progress be without natural rubber?” asks Rubber Journal Asia. “It’s hardly imaginable.” Listed as one of our four most important natural resources (the others being air, water, and petroleum and rubber), it is
(Phys.Org/ National Renewable Energy Laboratory) It was more than 10 years in the making, but when it came to uncovering the secrets of the molecular structure of enzymes, perseverance paid off. By studying and comparing the workhorse cellulose-degrading enzymes of two
by Adam Gustafson (Boyden Gray and Associates/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Such short-term fixes to high RIN prices ignore their underlying cause—EPA’s artificial constraints on the volume of ethanol that can be blended into the nation’s fuel supply. Basic rules of supply
(Phys.Org/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have discovered a new enzyme that will enable microbial production of a renewable alternative to petroleum-based toluene, a widely
by Srijan Kanoi (Platts) China's Ministry of Commerce said Friday that they might impose an additional 15% duty, along with the existing 30% duty, on denatured ethanol imports from the US if both China and US fail to reach a trade compensation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... According to POET CEO Jeff Broin, there’s a deal on the table — changing almost by the hour, but a deal none the less. A deal on the table to provide year-round E15 approval for the biofuels industry
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee are getting ready to move ahead on drafting a farm bill, ideally in April, and will seek to avoid the rancor over food assistance that has tied up
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) A special assistant to President Donald Trump on agriculture said Wednesday, "the search for a win-win continues" in the debate over how to relieve oil refiners of their obligations under the Renewable Fuels Standard. Ray
(Enerkem/Oil and Gas 360/PR Newswire) Enerkem Inc., a world-leading waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer, announced today during the 255th American Chemical Society national meeting being held in New Orleans, that it had succeeded in producing a new high-performance biofuel that could improve the octane rating
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Pharmiweb) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today applauded USDA’s release of a new report, “Indicators of the U.S. Biobased Economy.” The report measures substantial economic growth, job creation, and household income for the agricultural sector from biofuel and bioenergy production. Moreover,
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA grants rise: The agency's operational budget would remain pretty much the same, but grant programs get a boost, Alex Guillén and Annie Snider report. That means the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving funds
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The public comment period opened March 16 after publication in the Federal Register on the proposed consent decree and environmental settlement agreement lodged by the U.S. Department of Justice with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. John Shimkus have some ideas. The two have been working on a bill for well over a year to overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard, a likely vehicle for the fixes Perdue
by Gavin Blade (Utility Dive) o California will need between 229,000 and 279,000 electric vehicle chargers in public locations and multi-unit dwellings by 2025 to meet Gov. Jerry Brown's (D) goals of having 5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road
by Karl Plume (Reuters) U.S. agricultural exports could be at risk in any retaliation over tariffs implemented by the White House, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said on Monday. ... Perdue said that while the United States is not currently in a
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The heads of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Agriculture Department are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to winnow down proposals to lower the cost of the nation’s biofuels policy to oil refiners, according to two sources
by Lacey Johnson (Greentech Media) The Under Secretary of Energy defends a Trump administration proposal to cut $1.3 billion in funding from the DOE’s renewable energy office. -- The Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is so
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) A group of senators from U.S. corn states have asked President Donald Trump for a meeting about the nation’s biofuels law, amid expectations the administration will soon act to lower the regulation’s costs to the oil refining
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today (February 15, 2018) released two studies from the Co-Optimization of Engines & Fuels initiative (Co-Optima). The study, Fuel Blendstocks with the Potential to Optimize Future Gasoline Engine Performance, identifies eight representative high-octane blendstocks across
by Ben Wolfgang (Washington Times) Green organizations back ending corn ethanol mandate -- ... The intense opposition to the RFS from environmental and conservation groups comes as the White House and congressional leaders work to craft the most serious reforms the program
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