by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a NREL-led project to establish a novel gas fermentation bioprocess for secretion of an array of fuel and chemical intermediates. The project also aims to develop a novel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The sexy PR is almost always and rightly focused on San Francisco and its environs — but some of the largest industrialization efforts for advanced technology take place in the rural areas that provide the
(National Biodiesel Board) A new academic paper published in Biotechnology for Biofuels shows biodiesel’s benefits are even better than previous models suggest. Updated modeling from Purdue University suggests the advantage of using biodiesel has been underestimated by 10 percent. “This latest research verifies
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Billionaire Carl Icahn says an oil industry push for structural changes to the U.S. biofuels mandate will persist, even if the Environmental Protection Agency rebuffs requests from refiners to relieve them of the regulatory
(U.S. Department of Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory’s bioenergy program have successfully tested an adaptive, intelligence-based control system that increased the reliability of feedstock preprocessing equipment by more than 50 percent. Before feedstocks can be converted into fuels
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy recently filed comments with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as it prepares an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental impacts of new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for model year (MY)
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Institute) ... We need more ethanol in gasoline, and in so doing, we will get less drain on our wallets, less toxic aromatics, less carbon, less sulfur, less particulates and fewer related health problems.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to demonstrate solvent liquefaction as viable path to stable intermediates for subsequent upgrading to fuel blendstocks. This is based on a technology originally developed in large
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy initiated a project to advance a hybrid conversion technology for catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived syngas to produce Alcohol-to-Jet fuel and chemicals while meeting the cost, quality and environmental requirements of the
by Brian Dabbs (Bloomberg BNA) An era of relaxed biofuel blending requirements may be dawning for small oil refineries nationwide following a watershed court decision and new congressional direction for regulators. That prospect is cheered on by many companies that operate
by Dale Christensen (The Public Opinion) How long can the Environmental Protection Agency ignore clean air and soak auto owners with higher-priced, inferior gas? It seems to me the EPA, those “dirty rotten scoundrels” as described by S.D. Farmers Union President Doug
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Those who wish to file written comments on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2018 volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard have until midnight on Aug. 31 to do so. EPA published the proposed
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) The ethanol industry pressed the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to relax fuel restrictions nationwide to blend more of the corn-based fuel in the gasoline supply to reduce the threat of price spikes in the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Information Network provides insight into the future ethanol market in Spain following the 2016 expiration of the ethanol-specific biofuel blending target. The report indicates
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 Farm Bill—otherwise known as the Agricultural Act of 2014—places a larger emphasis on energy than past farm bills have. It includes the most recent version of the Energy Title, which was first
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE established and funded a project to develop a novel Multistage Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) of biomass and integrate with Virent’s Catalytic BioForming Process to efficiently produce cost effective “drop‐in” fuels from woody biomass and
by Andrew Revkin (ProPublica) The Trump administration plans to sharply reduce the government’s estimate of how much each ton of carbon emissions harms the planet. It hasn’t done so yet, and that delay is slowing Trump’s effort to expand coal mining
by Jon Shainman (WPTV) Scientists on the Treasure Coast literally taking things from the ground to see if they can power things in the skies. “I was physically pulling beets out of the ground in Belle Glade and bringing them here," said
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted new materials related to a quality review scheduled to be conducted by the Scientific Advisory Board on the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency originally proposed a much higher cellulosic ethanol number in its Renewable Fuel Standard proposal sent to the Office of Management and Budget in June, interagency review documents posted
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has established a project to reduce cost of algal biofuels by increasing intrinsic algal biomass value, with two specific goals. First, to Identify and isolate scalable, high-value key products in biomass
(BoatUS/PowerBoatWorld.com) The battle to protect your boat’s engine is not over. Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency is asking for public comments on the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply for 2018. Boat Owners Association
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Back in 2014, Sapphire Energy and the US Department of Energy embarked on a project to advance Sapphire’s (then) biomass production technologies across three priority areas to meet a target of 2,500 gallons of oil
(Biofuels International) Leading US advocates for advanced liquid and gasified biofuels have united to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stand behind President Trump’s commitment to driving investment in the next generation of ‘homegrown’ fuels under the Renewable Fuel
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Argentine biodiesel exports will be priced out of the U.S. market, its leading industry body said, after Washington decided on Tuesday to impose steep duties on imports that it said were unfairly subsidized. The countervailing duties on
by Lon Carrier (Argus Leader) ... The ethanol volume requirements will likely remain at this level until the EPA takes over the program entirely in 2023. At that point, the agency could cut corn ethanol out of the mandate altogether, which
by Kelsi Bracmort (Congressional Research Service; posted by OurEnergyPolicy.org) Congress has expressed ongoing interest in the RFS, particularly the challenges associated with implementing the RFS and with compliance for entities required to use renewable fuels. Some question whether it is time
In decrying the proposed budget cuts to US Department of Transportation biofuels research in a Pacific Standard article, Mike White explains, "This would slow, but not stop our transition to wind and solar power—because their cost is at last low
by Michael White (Pacific Standard) Biofuels can reduce emissions, benefit American corporations, and create jobs. But slashing the budget of the Bioenergy Technologies Office effectively eliminates those possibilities. -- ... However, as Congress and the Trump administration take deliberate steps
(Environmental Law Network) TSCA New Chemicals Coalition will give the chemical community greater opportunity to engage with EPA on constructive, helpful, and informed improvements to the new chemicals review process -- ... We recognize and applaud EPA’s commitment to release later this
(U.S. Trade and Development Agency) Today (August 18, 2017), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Swayana (Pty) Ltd, a Pretoria-based energy project developer, for a feasibility study that will use innovative U.S. technologies to convert waste
by Anju D. Krivov (Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises Consulting/GSR Solutions LLC) ... In the late 1990s, the low oil prices of less than $20 a barrel brought down the Algal Species Program’s initiative started in the 1970s oil crunch environment, whereas the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Vertimass gained its intermediate technology validation with the US DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office, which verified performance against negotiated milestones, provided progress on scale-up, and reviewed Vertimass’ estimated cost for their transformative catalytic technology.
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (August 22, 2017), the Energy Department (DOE) announced $13.4 million in support of five new cost-shared, community-based projects focused on energy efficient mobility systems including connected and autonomous vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network predicts Australian biofuel production will reach 290 million liters (79.61 million gallons) this year, including 250 million liters of ethanol. That
(National Biodiesel Board) Department Finds That Argentina and Indonesia Unfairly Subsidize Biodiesel They Export to US -- The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition won a preliminary countervailing duty determination from the Commerce Department regarding subsidized biodiesel imports from
by Jules Bernstein (Sandia National Laboratory) ... A Bay Area company has patented a group of three single-celled, algae-like organisms that, when grown together, can produce high quantities of sugar just right for making biofuels. Sandia is helping HelioBioSys Inc. learn whether farming
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In June 2011, the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy, and Navy signed MOU to commit $510M (up to $170M from each agency) to produce hydrocarbon jet and diesel biofuels in the near-term. This initiative sought to
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) We were disappointed, but not surprised, to see Mike McAdams and his members come out in support of changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard in Biofuels Digest (July 26 – The Time Has Come for RFS
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) ... As part of an extensive behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign, Valero played a key role in bringing these people and groups together around a policy proposal that could save the refiner hundreds of millions of dollars each year
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) (River Cities' Reader) Q: How has your support for renewable fuels helped Iowa? A: Iowans breathe cleaner air and can chalk up a stronger, healthier economy thanks to renewable fuels. My long-held support for public policies
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA will hold a public hearing on September 6, 2017 in Washington DC to hear public testimony on the Reconsideration of the Midterm Evaluation Final Determination. EPA signed a Federal Register notice announcing the hearing on
(Federal Register/Surface Transportation Board) The Surface Transportation Board (Board) hereby gives notice of two vacancies on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee (RETAC) for (1) a representative from biofuel feedstock growers or providers and biofuel refiners, processors, and distributors, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Methane in biogas offers a renewable alternative to natural gas as a feedstock and intermediate in bioprocesses. The US DOE is supporting a development effort led by NatureWorks in collaboration with Calysta to develop a commercially
(25 x '25 REsource) In a radio interview in Iowa late last week, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt made pretty clear the rational that went into his agency proposing lower levels of cellulosic biofuels, advanced biofuels, and total renewable fuels that would be required
(Green Car Congress/ NATO) Eight Serbian scientists are leading a research project to develop the commercial production of biofuel from algae. The project is supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme and is carried out by
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The American Coalition for Ethanol celebrated its 30th annual conference this week by highlighting recent victories for the industry and embracing the challenges moving forward. “We’re as close as we’ve ever been to getting Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) relief
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy initiated a project to identify and mitigate the challenges of moving new fuels and vehicles into markets. Specifically, engaging with all critical stakeholders (OEM’s, fuel producers, distribution networks, gas station
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A Georgia-based joint venture is combining enzymatic and resin technologies with advanced distillation to convert brown grease to low-sulfur biodiesel. The plan is to prove out the process and make the technology available to the
by Orrie Swayze (The Public Opinion) ... In this case government verbally declared ethanol’s optimal, lower cost best performance blend E30 is illegal. Never before has a major industry resource so successfully quashed the competition by having the competition declared illegal
(Federal Register/International Trade Administration) On April 12, 2017, the Department of Commerce (Department) initiated antidumping duty (AD) investigations on biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia.[1] Currently, the preliminary determinations of these investigations are due no later than August 30, 2017. Postponement of
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency used too strict of a test when it denied Sinclair Oil Corp's request for an exemption from the country's biofuel regulations, a U.S. appeals court ruled on Tuesday. The ruling could broaden
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is the Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit, where is it, who does it serve and how? Located at Berkeley Lab, the ABPDU aims to “support the commercialization of industry-, academic-and DOE-driven biofuels and bio-products by providing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Louisiana, reports surfaced in Alexandria’s TownTalk online paper that Sundrop Fuels has struck an agreement to sell the 1200-acre site where it once planned to build its $450 million, 50 million gallon capacity first commercial plant
(U.S. Department of Justice) An Acton couple was arrested today and charged with defrauding the U.S. Treasury Department of more than $50 million in tax free energy grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Christopher N.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrogen, hydrogen, hydrogen — the most abundant element in the universe, but the advanced bioeconomy can never seem to get enough of it, and finding ways to produce renewable, affordable hydrogen — well, that’s real gold. A
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrothermal liquefaction has a huge fan base in the biorefinery R&D sector. There’s lots to like. It’s robust tech and can be applied to attractive, low-cost wet feedstocks (ag resid, sludge, manure) that exploit HTL
by Pam Radtke Russell (Engineering News Record) From Seattle to Cape Cod, see what's being done at 18 different locations -- ... In this special report, Engineering News-Record’s team of editors and reporters look at how Tangier and other coastal
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) Three words--inadequate domestic supply--have taken center stage in the implementation of the RFS since 2014. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used a controversial definition of this term to reduce the (implied)
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late July, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., introduced legislation that aims to repeal bioenergy programs contained under Title IX of the 2014 Farm Bill. The bill, titled “Farewell to Unnecessary Energy Lifelines (FUEL) Reform Act,” or
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) ... (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Scott) Pruitt said he doesn’t want his agency “being used” to spur the expansion of biofuel facilities. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The DOE is funding a fascinating project to develop a continuous electrochemical process to convert biorefinery waste lignin to substituted aromatic compounds for resins and resin binders. The goal? Integration into biorefinery with revenue generated, to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Long ago, the DOE shifted from a “biofuels and nothing else” focus to integrated biorefineries that can compete “across the whole barrel” with petroleum — recognizing that while chemicals make up a small fraction of
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) A genetically engineered, freeze-tolerant eucalyptus tree is moving closer to receiving approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, amid concerns about the tree’s possible negative effects on the environment. The USDA has proposed lifting restrictions
by Daniel Orchard-Hays and Laura A. King (U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings Magazine) The U.S. Navy’s initiative could pave the way for a Department of Defense energy program that garners precious energy resources in peacetime and saves lives in war. --
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today EPA Administrator Pruitt has signed a Federal Register notice announcing that EPA is reconsidering whether the light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas standards previously established for model years 2022-2025 are appropriate under section 202(a) of the Clean Air
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Argus Leader) ... On behalf of rural communities and family farmers, I am calling out the EPA and those who still drink the Kool-aid of EPA’s fraudulent assessments that E30 is illegal for and damages standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How much biomass is there? What types, prices, when will they be available, and produced by whom, and how? These are questions that the US Department of Energy undertook to answer, to address a program-wide need
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board) The first action by the Trump administration on the Renewable Fuel Standard was much anticipated. The National Biodiesel Board and the entire biofuels industry eagerly awaited the 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVO) proposal released
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen keeps a signed copy of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which included the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), hanging on the wall of his office as a
by Brendan O'Connor (Splinter News/Special Projects Desk of Gizmodo Media Group) In 2005, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Evangelicals was on the verge of doing something novel: affirming science. Specifically, the 30-million-member group, which
(Sandia National Laboratory) Sandia National Laboratories is testing whether one of California’s largest and most polluted lakes can transform into one of its most productive and profitable. Southern California’s 350-square-mile Salton Sea has well-documented problems related to elevated levels of
by Scott Miller (Clemson University) Clemson University scientists have received a federal grant to evaluate the effectiveness of producing biofuels to mitigate climate change. Quantifying the net impact that growing biomass feedstock for biofuel has on local temperature and carbon sequestration can aid
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has a goal of developing industrially-relevant strains to meet titer, rate, and yield targets for fuel precursors for the 2022 BC Platform cost target goals of $3/GGE. A project led by
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has announced an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee Aug. 15-16 in Los Angeles, California. The meeting aims to develop advice and guidance that promotes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Within the ChemCatBio set of core catalysis projects lies Fast Pyrolysis and Upgrading, which has as its goal “to develop cost competitive biofuels through catalytic stabilization and deoxygenation of Fast Pyrolysis Bio-oil. The near-term DOE goal
by Mario Parker and Fabiana Batista (Bloomberg) Brazil weighing tariffs on imports made from U.S. grain; Hedge funds cut corn holdings, get less bearish on sugar -- President Donald Trump’s America First rhetoric is doing no favors for U.S. ethanol producers,
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Officials at a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office told staffers to avoid the term “climate change” in their communications and use language like “weather extremes” instead, The Guardian reported Monday. According to emails obtained by The Guardian, officials told
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) The Environmental Protection Agency's renewable fuel mandate could get a whole lot more complicated if Democrats are able to add electric cars to a credit program designed to boost corn ethanol and other liquid biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has set a goal to “Select and develop at least one route for catalytic upgrading of sugars/related intermediates and/or biologically derived intermediates into fuel blendstockswith conversion performance than can achieve
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) A federal court told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Monday that it has to enforce an Obama administration methane pollution rule. The order from Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came after the judges
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Interest in cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber is piqued, as technology providers improve on their processes, increasing revenue stream possibilities for producers. -- Some producers and technology developers in the ethanol industry say cellulosic ethanol
by Rick Santorum (Des Moines Register/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... American ethanol now replaces more than 500 million barrels of imported oil annually and shields drivers from price manipulation by hostile forces within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
by Catherine Wood and Josh Pedrick (Platts) Pacific Ethanol plans to add cellulosic ethanol production at its Magic Valley, Idaho, plant and expects US Environmental Protection Agency approval by the end of 2017, the company's CEO said Thursday. The move comes on
(Department of Justice) Andre Bernard, of Mount Kisco, New York, pleaded guilty today for his participation in a multi-state scheme to defraud biodiesel buyers and U.S. taxpayers by fraudulently selling biodiesel credits and fraudulently claiming tax credits, announced Acting Assistant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ryze Renewables is developing two renewable fuels projects in the state of Nevada. These documents published are available online via the state of Nevada as public records. While researching a related Digest story, Ryze had declined
by Eric Wolff (Politico) The Trump administration plans to reject a proposal that would let oil refiners off the hook for complying with the federal ethanol mandate, a senior administration official told POLITICO, dashing the hopes of billionaire Carl Icahn
(Bergeson and Campbell, PC) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Federal Register noticeon August 3, 2017, providing the names and affiliations of additional candidates currently under consideration for appointment to the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The notice states
(Agri-Pulse) Research aimed at finding the right combination of fuels and engine technology that would maximize a car's performance while reducing its greenhouse gas emissions has reached a milestone that ethanol advocates hope gets wider acknowledgement from policy makers. The Co-Optimization of
by Jeff Barber (Oil Price Information Service) The head of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) says the ethanol industry group remains concerned that "market manipulation" is a "significant factor" driving the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) and cited an
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) Several renewable natural gas stakeholders attended the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) public comment hearing today on the 2018 Renewable Fuel Volume Standard Proposed Rule to advocate for RNG transportation fuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. According
by Wesley K. Clark (Denver Post) ... It is no accident that spikes in the cost of fuel have become further and farther between, despite near ceaseless turmoil in many regions of the world. Oil production has played a role, but
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Using a novel, reusable carbon material derived from old rubber tires, an Oak Ridge National Laboratory-led research team has developed a simple method to convert used cooking oil into biofuel. The team’s approach combines modified, recovered
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ChemCatBio is a research and development consortium dedicated to identifying and overcoming catalysis challenges for biomass conversion processes. Led by U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, the consortium works “with industry to rapidly transition R&D
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that it will award a fourth project—up to $1.8 million—under the MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Funding Opportunity. In August 2016, DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) selected three projects for
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... The House Agriculture Committee has its road trip, labeled "Conversations in the Field," which included a field hearing in Texas on Monday and another one at Farmfest in Minnesota on Thursday. Now Agriculture
(Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced the Scientific Advisory Board will conduct a quality review of the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary sources at a meeting in August. According to a notice published in
by Jan Suszkiw (U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... In Hilo, Hawaii, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant Pathologist Lisa Keith is leading an effort to produce biodiesel using a type of green algae known as Auxenochlorella protothecoides (formerly Chlorella protothecoides). Oh, and she’s also using the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts are the headliners in a battle in and about Washington DC this week. You can call it what you want: it’s Gettysburg. As Reynolds put it, “I
(Treasure Coast Research Park) ... On Wednesday, June 14th, a team of research and industry leaders established through the leadership of St. Lucie County’s Treasure Coast Research Park, gathered at Tropicana’s feed processing facility in Fort Pierce to test the possibility
by Carl Zulauf, Gary Schnitkey, David Orden (FarmDocDaily) Thirteen agricultural economists put together short papers describing issues that will surface during the writing of the next farm bill. For each issue, the author describes the "policy setting" and details "farm bill
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen today urged the Environmental Protection Agency to increase its proposed cellulosic ethanol requirement to reflect growing bolt-on technologies at existing ethanol plants. “We understand the agency’s dilemma in establishing
(National Biodiesel Board) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public hearing on the proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) had several witnesses testify before the EPA staff and advocate for higher
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To explain the Navy’s marine and aviation biofuels program, Chris Tindal gave the following presentation at ABLC 2017 — focusing on efforts to internationalize the supply. As we described it earlier, “They’re here. $2.05 per
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) In this notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the upstream greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the production of Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (sugar beets) for use as a biofuel feedstock. This
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) A federal appeals court on Friday handed the ethanol industry a major victory, ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama administration fundamentally misinterpreted its authority under the national renewable fuel mandate by reducing
by Sara Taginawa (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Tuesday, July 25, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing examining the future of biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to Emily Skor, chief executive officer
by Mike McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biofuels Digest) In December of 2007, President Bush—with overwhelming bipartisan support—signed the RFS2 into law. Since that time, it has become clear the law has worked for first-generation corn ethanol and biodiesel. While the first generation
by Russell Hubbard (BH News Service/Daily Nonpareil) ... But it is the biodiesel part that really has people asking what is going on. The EPA has proposed that 2.1 billion gallons of diesel produced from sources such as corn oil and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Industrial biotech’s biggest and grandest show, the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, opened today in Montreal and BIO itself was in the newsframe with a striking report debunking myths around RIN price surges. 10 Hot Newstories
by Nico Savidge (University of Wisconsin-Madison) A UW-Madison research center that has used the university’s largest-ever federal grant to develop ethanol technology over the past decade will shift its focus to other alternative fuels after winning another major award from
(U.S. Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rice is a staple food for over half of the world's population and a model for studies of candidate bioenergy grasses such as sorghum, switchgrass, and Miscanthus. To optimize crops
(University of Kentucky) The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research’s (CAER) Biofuels and Environmental Catalysis Group has received a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant to develop new emissions technology for low-temperature gasoline. The project is titled “Research and
(Sioux City Journal) Announcement earlier this month by the Environmental Protection Agency on new volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standards program produced a mixed bag of news for farm states like Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The federal RFS began
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The BioEnergy Science Center (BESC) is a multi-institutional (18 partners), Department of Energy-funded research organization performing basic and applied science dedicated to improving yields of biofuels by focusing on the fundamental understanding and elimination of biomass
(U.S. Department of Energy) Introduced traits remain stable, improving biofuel production in a field setting. -- ... Near-term fossil fuel alternatives could reduce carbon emissions and ensure U.S. energy security. One alternative uses switchgrass, a perennial plant, that is
Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy recently launched RenovaBio, a program poised to take a radically new approach to expanding the production and use of biofuels in Brazil. Should Brazil’s RenovaBio program adopt a Carbon Intensity (CI) rating system similar to
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Thursday, July 20, Senate Appropriators reported several spending bills for FY2018 out of committee, including budget proposals for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Department of Energy. Both bills
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Plenty of talk circulates around ethanol blends above E10. Clearly, E15 is the next milestone. But as we work to capture ethanol's octane benefits and its ability to replace some of the
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will officially open a public comment period on Friday on the latest renewable volume obligations for the Renewable Fuel Standard, with the comment period slated to end on
by Robert F. Service (Science Magazine) Long a leader in environmental regulation, California is pushing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automotive fuels. At the center of this effort is the state’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), which promotes the use
by Anthony Adranga (Politico's Morning Energy) The Union of Concerned Scientists says Trump's pick of non-scientist (and former campaign co-chair) Sam Clovis to be USDA's top scientist is illegal, Helena Bottemiller Evich reports. The group argues federal statute stipulates the nominee
by Steven Mufson and Chris Mooney (Washington Post) ... The proposal would mean a 30 percent reduction in staff. “Achieves cost savings by aligning workforce to smaller EERE program,” the slide said blandly. The next day, about 100 federal employees filed into the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, ChemCatBio announced a new 2017 directed funding assistance opportunity. It’s an opportunity for industry and academia to engage with ChemCatBio to tackle challenges associated with these core research themes, to leverage our capabilities and expertise to overcome any
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry today (July 17, 2017) announced $40 million in Department of Energy awards for the establishment of four DOE Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), which will provide the scientific breakthroughs
by Jan Tucker (Your Daily Globe) Ontonagon has been selected as one of two initial sites in the U.S. for the construction of an advanced biofuels plant. SynSel Energy, Inc., is partnering with a U.S.-based financier and Lost Bowl Development, LLC,
by Tina Casey (Triple Pundit) ... DOE is pushing ahead with another round of $8 million in funding aimed squarely at developing next-generation biofuel from algae, leading to “a bioeconomy that can help create jobs, spur innovation, improve quality of life,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced plans to hold a public hearing Aug. 1 in Washington, D.C., for its recently released rule to set 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, along with
(National Biodiesel Board) New data show that dumped and subsidized biodiesel imports from Argentina continue unabated and, in fact, have further surged into the United States. In March of 2017, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition filed petitions
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) The United Steelworkers fear Sen. Deb Fischer's bill to allow year-round sale of 15 percent ethanol fuel could allow more smog. The union sent a letter Thursday to all 100 senators arguing that the RFS
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA wants to cut imports of biofuels, but the biodiesel and advanced biofuels industries are mystified as to why it's getting into that arena, Pro's Eric Wolff reports . EPA cut back advanced biofuels,
Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer), commenting on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's calls for ethanol-free gasoline (E0): A gallon of 91-octane gasoline with no ethanol will contain aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylene. These are toxic chemicals coming
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... (EPA Administrator Scott ) Pruitt also noted that EPA will be "assessing higher levels of ethanol-free gasoline." Ethanol-free gasoline translates into higher volumes of aromatic chemicals to raise the octane levels of gasoline.
by Jeremy Rumsey and Heidi Hill (U.S. Department of Energy) Producing biofuels like ethanol from plant materials requires various enzymes to break down the cellulosic fibers. Scientists using neutron scattering have identified the specifics of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction that could
by Rod Swoboda (Wallaces Farmer) Proponents call on Congress to support legislation to remove barriers to make E15 ethanol blend available year-round. -- The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that would change the language in a federal regulation that currently
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers/PR Newswire) Following the release of the 2018 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), AFPM President and CEO Chet Thompson released the following statement: "We are pleased the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018. The agency proposed a total renewable fuel volume of 19.24 billion gallons (BG), of which 4.24 BG is
(National Biodiesel Board) Proposed Volume Requirements for Advanced Biofuels Fail to Recognize the Continued Growth of Industry -- Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) responded to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal on the advanced-biofuel standard for 2018 and
(Environmental Protection Agency) On July 5, 2017 EPA issued proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard program for cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel for calendar year 2018. EPA also proposed biomass-based diesel volume standards for calendar year 2019. The proposed volume requirements
by Clifford Atiyeh (Car and Driver) ... As gas prices tumbled over the past three years, the premium-fuel premium skyrocketed from 35 cents per gallon in 2013 to 47 cents in 2015 and reached 50 cents in late 2016. According
by Leslie Shown (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) In the world of biofuels research, the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae gets a lot of love, with scientists commonly tweaking the yeast’s fermentative qualities to enhance ethanol production. Researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center
(National Law Review) On the one year anniversary of major amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued three new “framework” rules on how it plans to prioritize and evaluate risks from new chemicals or
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 29, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved a spending bill for FY2018 providing $144.0 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), $876 million lower than FY2017 and $4.64 billion
(Penn State News) Slowed as much by extremely low oil prices as supply-chain and technological challenges, the effort to integrate biofuels into the nation's aviation fuel supply is nonetheless progressing, according to a researcher in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Sustainable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project with MicroBio Engineering had the primary objective of a detailed techno-economic and life cycle assessment for a coal-fired power plant with two microalgae CO2 utilization and mitigation options. First, biogas production
by Robert Walton (Utility Dive) A U.S. House appropriations subcommittee on Wednesday advanced a spending bill for the Department of Energy that would impose deep cuts on renewable energy and efficiency programs and eliminate the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The $37.5
by Steven Mufson and Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) The White House has branded this week “energy week,” rolling out a buzzword, “dominance,” and replaying lines from last year’s Trump campaign in an effort to portray the United States as
by Alison Goss Eng (U.S. Department of Energy) We routinely field questions about algae-based biofuels and bioproducts. What is it? How does it work? Does it smell? To help you answer some of these questions, we’ve consolidated a few of
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) NREL's sustainability analysis program studies air pollutant emissions from the entire biofuel supply chain and their implications on air quality and human health. Additionally, we study how air quality regulations can affect the cost, operation, and sustainability
(National Biodiesel Board) New data show that dumped and subsidized biodiesel imports from Argentina continue unabated and, in fact, have further surged into the United States. In March of 2017, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition filed petitions
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