by John Beltz Snyder (AutoBlog) Neste will sell its 100-percent renewable diesel at certain stations in Finland.Produced from renewable ingredients (including waste products), the company's NEXBTL fuel has a lower carbon footprint and fewer emissions than petroleum-based diesel, requires no vehicle
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) US advanced biofuels production could get a boost under a rule change the Environmental Protection Agency is considering that would allow conventional refineries to receive renewable fuel credits for using drop-in biofuels when making gasoline and diesel. Developers
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday proposed tweaks to its Renewable Fuel Standard that would allow biofuels to be processed at more than one location and would allow cellulosic ethanol to be made from poplar and
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) The Obama administration's latest effort to stimulate sales of electric vehicles could deliver a political boost to supporters of the Renewable Fuel Standard, aligning automakers with biofuel backers against the oil industry's attacks on the
( USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station/Biomass Magazine) A set of newly published studies evaluated nearly 40 years of data on the impacts of biomass utilization on soil, tree, and plant recovery and found minimal impact using certain forest
(U.S. Department of Energy) This past June, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in partnership with Particulate Solids Research, Inc. and Springs Fabrication, installed a recirculating regenerating riser reactor (R-Cubed) in their pilot-scale Thermochemical Process Development Unit. Funded
(The White House) Today, in Montreal, Canada, 191 countries decided to adopt a global market-based measure to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation at the 39th Assembly meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Today’s action builds on last
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol industry leaders have weighed in on a draft technical assessment report for the midterm assessment on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and CAFE standards for model year 2022-2025 light-duty vehicles, focusing on the benefits
(Oil Price Information Service) EPA's move Monday proposing enhancements to its Renewable Fuel Standards program was "not at all unexpected," according to a Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) official. "EPA has been very transparent about this particular proposal," RFA Vice President Geoff
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) ... 9 things you need to know about high octane fuel, and my perspective on a path forward. High octane fuel enables more powerful or more efficient engines ... But in the context of engines, octane is a
by Tom Polansek (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Agriculture will pay more than $7 billion of taxpayers' money to farmers this fall to keep them afloat in the face of low crop prices, agency officials said on Tuesday. The USDA released the
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice today announced the filing of a complaint against NGL Crude Logistics, LLC and Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC and a settlement with Western Dubuque to address
by Dennis O'Brien (USDA Agricultural Research Service/Ethanol Producer Magazine) An Agricultural Research Service plant geneticist has developed new genetic resources that allow the breeding of sorghum varieties with higher grain yields and greater resistance to diseases and pests. The work by Robert R. Klein and his
by Paul Raeburn (Newsweek) ... (Myron) Ebell, the director of the Center for Energy and Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and a prominent climate-change skeptic, was chosen at the end of September to head the Environmental Protection Agency’s transition team
(Bioenergy Deployment Consortium) A successful BDC Fall Symposium was held in Washington DC on September 27-28, 2016. A combination of Government Agency Directors and Sr. Advisors were joined by outstanding leaders in the bio-industry to discuss the advancement of the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... Within the proposed rule, the EPA explains that the RFS registration, reporting, recordkeeping and product transfer document (PTD) requirements were designed with the general expectation that renewable biomass would be converted into renewable fuel at
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) Production of biofuels and biobased products such as plant-derived plastics already support 4.2 million jobs, but the industry's future growth rate depends in part on oil prices and the availability of new government incentives, according to a
(Fuel Marketer News) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their proposed rule for Ethanol Flex Fuel and Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) Rule. This proposal intends to provide regulatory clarification for ethanol blends from 16 percent to 50
(Environmental Protection Agency) EPA is proposing enhancements to its Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) program and other related fuel regulations to support market growth of ethanol and other renewable fuels in the U.S. These proposed changes will provide the opportunity for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization released the new white paper, “The Myth of High RIN Prices As Proof of the Blend Wall,” analyzing data recently released by EPA on compliance with the Renewable Fuel
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Data recently released by EPA refutes the widely held assumption that reaching and exceeding the blend wall caused the 2013 rise in RIN prices. This newly available data calls for a thorough
By Barbara Soderlin and Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) Fields across the Midlands are packed with copper-colored cornstalks, an expected record-size crop drying in the breeze as the fall harvest gets underway. But there’s a worry underlying the satisfaction of the Grain
by Liz Mathis (Marion Times) Here in Iowa, we encourage gas stations to install flex fuel pumps and other equipment to offer homegrown, renewable ethanol and biodiesel. The Legislature's investment of $3 million this year will continue to make tax
by Dirk Lohry, McCook Lake (Argus Leader) ... Sen. Mike Rounds is questioning corn ethanol’s future under the RFS. I know that seems counterintuitive, but in 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency will take control of the ethanol mandate, with the authority to
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) ... The Obama Administration has pursued a carefully balanced approach, deploying technologies that improve the very best of our existing energy sources, while rigorously implementing policies that invest in the second and third generations of tomorrow’s fuels. ... In
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The purpose of Ag Field Days, education, goes both ways. Those doing demonstrations and exhibits often learn just as much from those attending the events. [caption id="attachment_77505" align="alignleft" width="263"] Bob Kozak (right) talks about small
by Jason Frerichs (Argus Leader) ... As a state senator, I am hopeful we can generate bi-partisan support for putting S.D. state-owned undesignated flex fuel autos on E30. Then, adjoining state leaders will be encouraged to follow our lead to openly
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Iowa has released the availability of nearly $350,000 in funds under the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative as announced by Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. Retailers who are interested can apply for the cost share funding
by Adam Lidgett (Law360) The American Petroleum Institute said Wednesday a swath of biodiesel industry groups shouldn't be able to chime in on a set of consolidated appeals in the D.C. Circuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's volume obligations
by Jack Fitzpatrick (Morning Consult) Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) is concerned that drivers who want to avoid a 15 percent ethanol blend of gasoline won’t be able to, he said in a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy
by Bill Loveless (USA Today) ... Biofuels are not new for the U.S. Navy and Air Force, which have been experimenting with blends on aircraft and ships for several years. In fact, all Navy ships and aircraft are now certified
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has shown a commitment to algae and its future by funding a project to expand education in the algae industry. More specifically, BETO is funding the Algae Technology Education
(Algae Biomass Organization) Innovations for producing algae based fuels and chemicals will get another boost now that the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is moving forward with a significant new funding opportunity. ARPA-E’s Teaming List Announcement, entitled “SCALABLE MACROALGAE CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGIES
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service publishes regular GAIN reports on biofuels in countries around the world. Some of the recent reports included the European Union (download), Japan (download), Philippines (download), Brazil (download), Colombia (download), Canada (download), Thailand (download), Indonesia (download), Malaysia (download), Argentina
(Farm Futures) EPA and DOJ allege Chemoil exported biodiesel, but failed to retire RINs. -- Chemoil Corporation is required to retire 65 million renewable fuel credits to resolve alleged violations of the Renewable Fuel Standard program, according to the terms
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA fully supports meeting the 2022 CAFE standards. It is our understanding that the key to vehicle manufacturers meeting these standards rests on the ability to use high levels of low cost octane to operate
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Comments regarding the goals of the CAFE-GHG standards were due yesterday (September 26, 2016) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ethanol organizations made their voices heard. Comments submitted by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With high-profile convenience store chains announcing the addition of E15 and flex fuels to their traditional fuel slates, other chains and individual station owners increasingly are looking for information to explain
(Minnesota Corn Growers Association Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council and the Illinois Corn Growers Association) Early this year, the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council approved a research grant to Defour Group LLC (D4) and Air Improvement Resource INC
by Kerry Smith (The Telegraph) ... With the EPA set to exercise complete control over the RFS program in 2023, traditional corn ethanol may be at risk. Congressman John Shimkus is among those questioning whether the program has run its course.
by John Campbell (Biodiesel Magazine/Ocean Park Advisors) The U.S. EPA has set off a debate within the petroleum industry by suggesting that the point of obligation for compliance with the renewable fuel standard (RFS) be moved from the hands of a
by Tom Thoma (Globe Gazette) Ethanol Incentives: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said Wednesday about $350,000 in uncommitted funds are now available to interested retailers in Iowa seeking cost-share funding to help buy and install blender pumps and underground
(Department of Energy) Mark your calendars: the 2017 BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge kicks off tomorrow (September 30, 2016)! Give your 9th–12th grade students an opportunity to learn about topics in biofuel and bioenergy and to share their knowledge through infographics. Registration opens
(U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) On September 26, 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Texas-based Mard, Inc., formerly known as KiOR, Inc., ("KiOR"), and its former CEO and President Fred Cannon for failing to disclose important assumptions about the
(University of Tennessee) A UT-ORNL team led by Governor’s Chair Jeremy Smith is using supercomputing to figure out ways to ease the path of turning vegetation into biofuel. A huge barrier in converting plant polymers to biofuel lies in removing other biomass polymers that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You may recall that The Bloomberg investigative team of Ben Elgin & Peter Waldman in 2013 published an expose on Chevron claiming that the company had developed — then buried — a Catchlight Energy project
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/NewsWise) GreenWood Resources has licensed an Oak Ridge National Laboratory technology based on the discovery of a gene in poplar (Populus trichocarpa) that makes it easier to convert poplar trees into biofuels. GreenWood, a global timberland investment and
[caption id="attachment_77283" align="alignleft" width="282"] Chris Tindal, U.S. Navy's Director for Operational Energy, explains the launch, operations and use of renewable fuel by the Great Green Fleet.[/caption] by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) An intimate group that shares some background or interest
(Sandia National Laboratories/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Abundant, chock full of energy and bound so tightly that the only way to release its energy is through combustion—lignin has frustrated scientists for years. With the help of an unusual soil bacteria, researchers at
by John Lippert and Jeff Plungis (Bloomberg) ... As head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s air-quality and transportation office, (Chris) Grundler holds as much sway as any single human over how global automakers allocate more than $100 billion in R&D money
by Steven Cohen (Huffington Post/Columbia University’s Earth Institute) ... Even though we can provide information and interact via phone, web and video, there is no substitute for humans sitting together and breaking bread. What can we do about
by Bill Bushong (Northern Virginia Daily) I have been following coverage of the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent decision to alter the renewable fuel standard with a reduction to the renewable volume obligation on corn-based ethanol, and as a grain and
(WNAX) A report out by a former EPA official says that the RINS market or renewable identification numbers may be ripe for fraud or abuse. In order to comply with the RFS, refiners are required to blend a percentage of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Colorado, a study conducted by DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), found that the petroleum components of ethanol-blended gasoline become degraded and unfit for use in an engine long before the ethanol portion takes
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) September 22 marks the autumnal equinox and the official end of summer. But for approximately 330 gas retailers, the season ended last week, on September 16—a day celebrated as “E15 Day” in
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sept. 15, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana issued an order finding problems with certain GS CleanTech Corp. patents that are subject to multiple lawsuits filed by the company against
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) National Renewable Energy Laboratory reaffirms the value of ethanol for internal combustion engines and validates Mercury Marine's 2011 findings -- One of the top myths used by the oil industry against ethanol is
by Kyle Feldscher (The Washington Examiner) Donald Trump appeared to back off his proposal to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency as president, instead promising to "refocus" the agency on a less regulatory-heavy mission. ... He promised to open up more drilling off
by Jennifer Seguin (AltEnergyMag.com/COMSOL) ... Such fuels are renewable, clean-burning, and carbon-neutral, producing no more carbon dioxide than is sequestered by its original plant source. However, biofuel availability is still fairly limited for its most common use—in vehicles. ... Research at the National Renewable
(Australian National University) Scientists are a step closer to using Australia's iconic gum trees to develop low-carbon renewable jet and missile fuel. Dr Carsten Kulheim from The Australian National University (ANU), a lead researcher in an international study published in Trends
by Jim Lane and Ron Cascone (Biofuels Digest/NEXANT) Recently, we held a popular webinar on Renewables and the Advanced Bioeconomy with NEXANT principal Ron Cascone, for which you can see the slides here. During the webinar, we received a number of excellent questions,
by Bill Northey (Globe Gazette) ... This significant growth in access to E15 is thanks in part to the “Fueling our Future” initiative, which is a collaboration between the governor’s office, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department
by Rachel Gantz (Renewable Fuels Association) If legislation was introduced that would prevent the latest iPhone from being sold and instead require users to return to the days of big brick phones and other technology relics, you’d be up in arms.
(Renewable Fuels Association) As millions of Americans say goodbye to summer and prepare to store their boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other equipment for the winter, a new study by the Department of Energy (DOE) is providing fresh
(Sandia National Laboratories) A wide-ranging analysis of water vulnerability across the Pacific — including the U.S., China, Russia and Japan — has identified hundreds of locations where energy production depends upon scarce water supplies. The Sandia National Laboratories study, “Mapping Water
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Earth & Water Group/Bloomberg) — A program to boost the use of biofuels in the U.S. has become vulnerable to scams that have bilked victims out of nearly $1 billion so far, warns a former Environmental
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan recently filed an annual biofuels report with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network that highlights the country’s ethanol use and production. According to the report, Japan has established its own sustainability
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A congressional panel will hold a hearing on Sept. 22 to look at the fate of U.S. fuel efficiency rules through 2025 amid growing concerns from automakers. An auto trade group representing General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co,
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued an endangerment finding for aircraft, indicating that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are hazardous to public health. This finding requires the EPA to begin crafting
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA recently announced $7.4 million in grants will be awarded to 76 small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research program to support research related to food security, natural resources and agricultural issues. ... Bioenergy
by Bart Barnes (The Washington Post) William C. Holmberg, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who received the Navy Cross for his actions on a Korean battlefield and later spent decades as an advocate on Capitol Hill for renewable energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But so far, the company and its celebrity investors and directors such as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and famed venture capitalist Vinod Khosla had escaped close scrutiny. ... The methods for keeping the truth bottled
by Andrea Watters (Naval Aviation News) Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' energy vision came to fruition in September when the EA-18G "Green Growler" completed flight testing of a 100-percent advanced biofuel at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The U.S.
by Todd Karli (WBOC) ... A group of students and scientists are exploring the idea that sugar beets, what they're calling energy beets, can be converted into jet fuel, with the Navy keeping a watchful eye. "This is so exciting because it
(Virgin Atlantic) For the first time ever, 1,500 US gallons of jet fuel has been produced from ‘Lanzanol’, LanzaTech’s low carbon ethanol; Producing the world’s first jet fuel derived from waste industrial gases from steel mills via fermentation process; The alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) fuel
by Bill Loveless (USA Today) U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has made alternative energy a top priority since taking office in 2009, but this week he took his commitment to new heights, literally. The civilian leader for the Navy climbed
(National Biodiesel Board) Economic modeling by Purdue University continues to reduce predicted emissions of ‘indirect land use change’ -- Biomass-based fuels present a tremendous opportunity to transition toward a more sustainable mix of renewable energy. This was a key theme
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has released the Algal Biology Toolbox Workshop Summary Report, with highlights from the BETO-hosted workshop that took place in May in San Diego, California. Attendees of this spring’s
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Consumers will have the choice to purchase E15 at the pump again tomorrow, September 15, 2016. For drivers owning a 2001 or newer vehicle, E15 sales are restricted during summer months due to an arcane U.S.
by Tom Ewing (Renewable Energy World) On Aug. 17, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) daily update announced that CO2 emissions from natural gas would soon surpass coal. That’s troubling. Natural gas is viewed as a “bridge fuel,” a transitional resource
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 13, the governors of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy asking her to remove the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) limit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Edeniq is torn between two lovers: its current ownership group, which shuffled together a financing this week; and Aemetis, which is supposed to be acquiring Edeniq this year for $23 million. How Edeniq landed in this
by Mike Arbige (DuPont/The Mercury News) Letter to Editor: Next to power plants, transportation remains America’s largest source of carbon emissions. Electrification will help, but only clean-burning biofuels — like ethanol — can immediately and dramatically combat rising levels of smog,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst the discussion this week of the future of first-gen and advanced biofuels, and the launch of Hot 40 and Hot 50 voting — we were intrigued by this slide deck on advances in poplar production and
(Pacific Ethanol/Globe Newswire) Now generating valuable D3 cellulosic RINs – Expects to produce over one million gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol at Stockton, CA plant -- Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX), a leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the
by Keith L. Kline, Siwa Msangi, Virginia H. Dale, Jeremy Woods, Glaucia M. Souza, Patricia Osseweijer, Joy S. Clancy, Jorge A. Hilbert, Francis X. Johnson, Patrick C. McDonnell, Harriet K. Mugera (Global Change Biology Bioenergy) Understanding the complex interactions among food security, bioenergy sustainability, and resource management requires a focus
by Jim Seurer (Watertown Public Opinion/Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC) ... The E30 Challenge is a campaign initiated by GLE and its industry partners ICM and Urban Air Initiative to encourage the voluntary use of Premium E30 fuel (30 percent ethanol blend)
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Denver Post) Re: “EPA dodges responsibility on ethanol,” Sept. 3 editorial. The ethanol industry agrees with The Denver Post that the Environmental Protection Agency should conduct updated scientific assessments on the impacts of biofuels. In
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) President Obama is hoping to complete two more international agreements to fight global warming in the coming months, shoring up his climate change legacy. His landmark Paris agreement is certain to go down as one of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst the discussion this week of the future of first-gen and advanced biofuels in the EU — we were intrigued by this slide deck on advances in biomass production for the bioeconomy. In the end, it’s
by David Vandergriend (Sacramento Bee) ... But the day-to-day threat facing many communities doesn’t come from carbon. It comes from airborne chemicals with less attention-grabbing names like volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and ozone. As with carbon,
by Tom Ewing (Renewable Energy World) ... Section 1413 requires the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to designate, within one year, alternative fuel corridors. These will be publicized segments within the national highway system that include fueling infrastructure — at sufficient locations —
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) For advanced biofuels under the Obama administration, what started out with a boom in 2008 ended with a whimper in 2016. ... As the nascent industry began to develop, companies hoping to deliver the
by Robert Rapier (Forbes) ... It would have been one thing if Congress had based the mandates on a fuel that existed commercially. However, they essentially attempted to mandate a nonexistent industry into existence. Unsurprisingly, economic challenges again arose. Despite the mandates, there
by John Simpson (Engineering 360) A three-year study to evaluate the feasibility of using biodiesel fuel in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) floating plant operations has concluded that the use of such fuels does not negatively affect engine performance and can
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On July 18, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released their Draft Technical Assessment Report (TAR), providing a midterm evaluation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization released a landmark report “Advancing the Biobased Economy: Renewable Chemical Biorefinery Commercialization, Progress, and Market Opportunities, 2016 and Beyond,” documenting substantial, ongoing growth in the renewable chemical industry and outlining
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters/Yahoo! Finance) ... The alternative is for merchant refiners to increase their ability to blend ethanol. PBF Energy is the latest refiner to take this approach. PBF has asked Delaware regulators to expand its ethanol handling
(WNAX) A new study from the National Academy of Sciences says the expansion of corn and soybean acres to supply feed stock for biofuels is hampering habitat for bees. Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen says the study findings don’t make
by Todd Neeley (DTN/The Progressive Farmer) With all of the political fights about the role ethanol and other biofuels have in the transportation sector, there is common ground for the ethanol, oil and automobile industries that could bode well for
by Annie Conway (Northern Nevada Business Weekly) Fulcrum BioEnergy, a company based out of Pleasanton, Calif., has developed a process to convert household trash into biofuel. The company pioneered a technology that transforms municipal solid waste into low-carbon transportation fuels such
by Paul Ivice (TC Palm) INEOS Bio is selling its $130 million biofuel plant on Oslo Road, where it's been developing yard waste-to-ethanol technology since August 2013. INEOS, which received millions in taxpayer-funded incentives for its joint venture with New Planet Energy
(DTN) EIA Sees Ethanol Content in US Gasoline at 10% in 2016-17 -- The Energy Information Administration expects ethanol consumption in the United States to average 930,000 barrels per day this year and in 2017, 20,000 bpd higher than in
(The Gasconade County Republican) The Environmental Protection Agency apparently has postponed indefinitely a decision due whether or not to increase the allowable blend of ethanol in gasoline from 10 to 15 percent. More tests and studies are needed, the EPA
by John Kemp (Reuters) Pressure to improve vehicle fuel efficiency is driving an increase in the sales of premium gasoline and boosting demand for high-octane blending components in the United States. Premium grade accounted for more than 1 million barrels per
For Immediate Release, September 7, 2016: Frederick, Maryland -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided $16,893 to Advanced Biofuels USA, a Maryland based 501(c) 3 nonprofit educational organization, for a feasibility study of producing bio-jetfuel from energy beets grown
by Lia Reich (PrecisionHawk) Since receiving an experimental airworthiness certificate from the FAA to research operations within extended visual line of sight, PrecisionHawk has proven a safety case to advance its research to include commercial operations beyond the visual line of
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... Many respected laboratories, agencies, and researchers have used a lifecycle analysis to show that biofuels, particularly advanced biofuels, provide significant carbon benefits compared to gasoline. These benefits have increased in recent years, as biofuels have
(Quad County Corn Processors/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad recently met with staff and board members from Quad County Corn Processors and representatives from Syngenta, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers
by James Dozier (The Gazette/Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions) Sen. Chuck Grassley has displayed a consistent record of leadership when it comes to bringing jobs and clean energy to Iowa and helping to bolster the farm economy. Two recent efforts led
(Illinois State University) Illinois State Associate Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook is collaborating on a $1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop genetic resources that can be used to rapidly domesticate field pennycress as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at DSM and its direct investments, partnerships
(airforce-technology.com) The US Air Force Research Laboratory's Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Programme Office will focus on producing biofuels for use by the US Department of Defense (DoD). The plans to home-grow biofuels follow President Barack Obama's call to address
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) NIFA 's Bioeconomy-Bioenergy-Bioproduct portfolio facilitates the development of sustainable regional production systems for biofuels and bio-based products through research, product development and demonstration, extension, and education. By creating non-carbon based fuels, power sources, chemicals, and other products,
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) ... Now the oil industry itself is split over the RFS, or more specifically how the EPA applies it. It’s no mystery what’s inspiring the discord: money. Refiner CVR Energy, in which billionaire investor Carl Icahn owns an 82 percent
(WNAX) The U.S. Energy Department has released the results of a compilation of several studies that show mid level ethanol blends, E 25 and E 40 could offer significant benefits for the United States. Renewable Fuels Associations Senior Vice President
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) As expected E15 sales in Minnesota fell in June as a result of the EPA-imposed Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) season, which bars the sale of E15 from June 1 to Sept 15. ... ... the key highlight of the
(Phys.Org/Department of Energy) Soil fungi secrete a wide range of enzymes that play an important role in biofuel production and bioremediation of metal-contaminated soils and water. A recent study reveals different fungal species secrete a rich set of enzymes that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you were reading BBC’s coverage of the aviation biofuels space yesterday, you would have seen the provocative headline: Wood fuel plan to cut plane CO2 branded as ‘pipe dream’ Then would have looked in vain for
by Kari Lydersen (Midwest Energy News) ... The Argonne modeling shows that when grassland, cropland and pasture in the Midwest are converted to corn for biofuels, the level of carbon sequestration in the soil stays roughly the same, with variation by
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides updated data on Australia’s biofuel industry, noting ethanol production is expected to reach 250 million liters (66.04 million gallons)
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... I can't say for sure, since I haven't done a count and compared it to a calendar, but it seems to me that the American oil industry has been ramping up its attacks
Rowena Lindsay (Christian Science Monitor) A new study suggests that biofuels can mitigate only 37 percent of the CO2 released by burning the biofuel. -- That's a flawed premise, argues Daniel Schrag, a geology professor at Harvard who advises the
(RTI International) The U.S. Department of Energy awarded RTI International a project to support the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can produce variable amounts of fuels or products. As part of the more than $2 million, 3-year project, RTI
(U.S. Geological Survey) The Northern Great Plains of North and South Dakota, which support over 40 percent of United States commercial honey bee colonies, are quickly becoming less conducive to commercial beekeeping as a result of land-use changes, according to a
by Jonathan Male (U.S. Department of Energy) A large part of the solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector could be uniquely filled by biofuels and bioproducts. The Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), in partnership with
by Zia Haq (U.S. Department of Energy) Booking a flight soon? You may be leaving on a jet plane powered with renewable fuel. With more than 87,000 flights and approximately 1.56 million barrels of jet fuel consumed each day in
by Robert Mills (Iowa State University) A team of researchers from Iowa State University’s Bioeconomy Institute is investigating a new technology for converting biomass into biofuels and chemicals. With a $371,000, one-year grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Advanced
(MichBio/BusinessWire) MichBio, the biosciences industry association in Michigan, issued the following statement today regarding the release of a University of Michigan research study that claims the rising use of biofuels in the U.S. has led to a net increase in
by Jodi Delapaz (Agri-Pulse) High octane fuels (HOF), specifically mid-level ethanol blends (E25-E40), could offer significant benefits for the U.S., according to a new study by the Energy Department's Oak Ridge, Argonne National laboratory (ANL) and the National Renewable Energy
by Chip Bowling (Capital Gazette/National Corn Growers Association) Letter to Editor: As a boater from Southern Maryland, I read Chris Dollar's latest column with interest (The Capital, July 17). But he cited some inaccurate claims from BOATUS about ethanol-blended fuel. In reality,
by Brian Scheid and Herman Wang (Platts) Growing pressure for a federal probe of the opaque market underpinning the Renewable Fuel Standard could bolster efforts to dramatically reform the landmark biofuels policy. Earlier this month, billionaire investor Carl Icahn sent a heated,
by Richard Truett (Automotive News) Raising the octane in gasoline -- seen as a way to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions in today’s high-tech turbocharged, direct-injected engines -- looks like it will get some attention from the EPA. That’s the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Canada recently filed annual biofuels report with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network, reporting the nation’s ethanol industry has consolidated and plants are running at capacity. The report indicates that Canada’s ethanol
by Brooke Coleman (Bloomberg/Advanced Biofuels Business Council) ... (Carl) Icahn’s ask is pretty simple. He wants the EPA to change the rules midstream to relieve his petroleum refining assets of their obligations. ... The RFS, for its part, requires petroleum companies like Icahn’s
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Department of Energy’s Small Business Vouchers program awarded $8 million worth of research vouchers to 43 small businesses, of which five were related to bioenergy: Avatar Sustainable Technologies, Syracuse, New York Avatar Sustainable Technologies
by James Osborne (FuelFix) Now gas station owners say they, too, are losing out after the price of RINs – the credits which refineries must have to prove there is ethanol and other biofuels in the fuel supply — shot
by David Shepardson (Reuters) U.S. regulators late on Monday denied a request by major automakers to extend the comment period on a key environmental analysis to determine whether government fuel efficiency requirements are feasible through 2025. ... Automakers had asked to extend
by Kent Harrington (Chenected) ... For example, which country should own the emissions from a Mexico City flight to New York, or a ship moving goods between Shanghai and Los Angeles? The country of departure, or arrival? Don't even try to
by Doug Durante (The Hill/Clean Fuels Development Coalition) ... The US Department of Energy just last week released a report that confirms the role of high octane and how it would meet automakers' needs for high efficiency, high compression engines. Among
by Mike Lorenz (Sheetz) Back in 1990, Congress limited the amount of evaporative emissions from vehicle fuel at 9 pounds per square inch (psi) Reid vapor pressure (RVP) in the Clean Air Act. While pure ethanol has a 3 psi
by Robert Walton (Utility Dive) The Obama Administration has won a significant victory for its use of a social cost metric to determine the impacts of new environmental and efficiency rules, in a unanimous circuit court decision that appeared to leave opponents with little
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Regarding the Edeniq acquisition, McAfee indicated Aemetis is in the process of completing the documentation and approvals required to close the transaction. He also said Edeniq is expected to obtain its first U.S. EPA
(Ship & Bunker) Chuck Red, Vice President at US-based biofuels firm Applied Research Associates (ARA), says the current cost of biofuel bunkers is misunderstood, and that competitively priced sustainable products are not only possible, they will be a reality in
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... Gas stations that offer higher blends are currently few and far between, but the ACE’s “Retailer Roadmap” aims to help change the fuels landscape. The Roadmap analyzes the potential demand for higher
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Aug. 18, the U.S. EPA Office of Inspector General published a report finding the EPA’s Office of Research and Development has not complied with a statutory requirements to provide a report to Congress
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of the more perplexing problems of the advanced bioeconomy is getting algae out of the water or the water out of the algae. It simply isn’t a problem in traditional, land-based agriculture and most of
(Alliance BioEnergy/Globe Newswire) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (OTCQB:ALLM) (the "Company"), is pleased to announce today that its patented CTS process will be used to demonstrate the viability of advanced Aviation Biofuel and Biodiesels for use in Military applications. ALLM’s CTS process
by Scott Rutherford (Navy Daily) Alternative fuels and energy efficient systems were on everybody’s lips when American ship USS Stethem, arrived alongside Fleet Base East, Sydney, this month. Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, welcomed the ship’s company and United States Deputy Under
by Dustin Walsh (Crain's Detroit Business) Jerry Jung, former owner of Michigan CAT and longtime environmentalist, is using his wealth to take down ethanol production. Jung, chairman of the Michigan Colleges Alliance, recently launched RethinkEthanol.com — a website calling for the
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