by Bruce Hotchkiss (The Delmarva Farmer) A $5 million grant from the USDA is providing the financial foundation for the installation of 30 ethanol refueling stations across Maryland and Virginia. As originally conceived, the work — which has been underway in
by Timothy Cana (The Hill) A federal appeals court is upholding the Obama administration’s accounting of the costs of greenhouse gas emissions as applied to a Department of Energy (DOE) regulation. In a unanimous decision late Monday, the Chicago-based 7th Circuit
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... With a potential omnibus spending package on the table this fall, the oil industry and some environmental groups have raised again the proposition of RFS reform. Two major claims made by RFS-reformers are that biofuels,
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of $3.1 million to train the next generation of agricultural leaders. This funding is available through the Food and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is it just cost that bedevils industrial biotechnology in bringing fuels technologies to scale. Not just, says BETO program director Jonathan Male, who adds that a DOE “Tiger Team” indentified many other factors: What about these? Use
by Jessie Stolark (The Hill/Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The total amount of U.S. land under production by American farmers is down-- not just over the last 50 or 100 years, but also over the last decade according to the U.S. Department of
by Erika Ebsworth-Goold (The Washington University) ... Now, a team from the School of Engineering & Applied Science at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a way to make the production of certain biofuels in E. coli much more efficient.
by Ilari Kauppila (Biofuels International) US lawmakers should recognise the potential of mid-level ethanol blends to contribute to the fight against greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from traffic, a US ethanol trade association says. Growth Energy is urging authorities to support high-octane mid-level
by Ilari Kauppila (Biofuels International) The California Congressional delegation has added its voice to the crowd urging the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase its proposed biofuel obligations for 2017. In an open letter addresses to EPA administrator Gina McCarthy, six
by Kyle Feldscher (The Washington Examiner) The oil industry is planning to make a major advertising push in a wide swath of states against the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard in the coming weeks. Frank Macchiarola, director of the American
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Last month, the DOE released the first volume of its monumental two-volume update of the Billion Ton report, looking not only at the economics of biomass but also the environmental trade-offs associated with various approaches
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Earlier this year Jack Lipinski, chief executive of the Sugar Land refiner CVR Energy, flew to Washington to plead his case to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. His problem: the prices of credits required to
(ARA) For the first time ever a Navy ship has operated on a 100 percent drop-in renewable diesel fuel. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division's (NSWC PHD) Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) completed final-phase testing of a 100% drop-in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “What color is your parachute?” went the title of a best-selling book from the 80s on job hunting. The concept applies equally to biomass feedstock in the 2010s. There’s one out there for you that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy announced up to $11.3 million for three projects that support the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that, as the DOE remarked, “can produce variable amounts of fuels
by Lindsay Brooke (SAE International) Raising the octane level of pump gasoline in the U.S. is integral to optimizing advanced combustion engines now in development, said GM and Hondaexecutives at the 2016 CAR Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI.
by Joanna Howarth (Algae Industry Magazine) Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, Michael Walsh, a research fellow in Bentley University’s Center for Integration of Science and Industry, who holds a doctorate in biological and environmental engineering,
by Nathan Vander Griend (ERI Solutions, Inc./Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) mission is to protect human health and the environment. They are charged with delivering on that mission by using the best scientific information
(U.S. Economic Development Administration) U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) will invest more than $4 million to help diversify and grow the Maine economy, which includes
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Republican nominee Trump backs U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard; Tactic would exploit a Clinton weakness, Rick Santorum says -- Donald Trump’s campaign swing through the Corn Belt on Friday should include a hearty endorsement of U.S. renewable
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) UNICA wants to focus the discussion on the importance of advanced biofuels, like sugarcane ethanol. The RFS is one of the world’s most ambitious programs promoting biofuels and a key policy for the future of
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) Despite increases in crude oil prices since the start of the year, employment in oil and natural gas extraction and support activities continued declining from levels reached in the fall of 2014, just before the onset
by Ron Lamberty (Ethanol Producer Magazine) There is no such thing as a 10 percent blend wall unless petroleum marketers don't allow a choice. Independent retailers are demonstrating the blend wall can be breached. -- When the U.S. EPA held
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) As the Tier 3 deadline approaches, it's important to understand the difference between EPA and ASTM treatments of the element. -- The U.S. EPA’s Tier 3 rules are not new—they were finalized two years
(Growth Energy) Recently, the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge, Argonne, and National Renewable Energy Laboratories released their “Summary of High Octane, Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Study.” This scientific analysis showed the numerous benefits of using high octane mid-level ethanol blends in
(U.S. Department of Energy) Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of light-duty vehicles are pursuing a broad portfolio of technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy. Central to this effort is higher efficiency spark ignition (SI) engines, including technologies reliant
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The company was beginning to hurtle towards an IPO. But the fuel yields were low; the fuel was not usable by their initial chosen downstream partner; the catalyst they were using to get even down
(Biofuels International) Scientists from the US-based Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have discovered why the cyanobacteria called Synechococcus 7002 can produce high concentrations of biofuels. ... "These organisms are the major pathway for capturing solar energy and carbon dioxide on our planet,"
(The Pew Charitable Trusts) ... Federal agencies are evaluating the standards that apply to model year (MY) 2022-25 passenger vehicles and will determine whether the auto industry is capable of meeting these long-term criteria. It is imperative that these agencies don't
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) A U.S. Senator from Minnesota says bipartisan efforts continue to restore the Renewable Fuel Standard to its original statute. Al Franken tells Brownfield he and other lawmakers have met frequently with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy following
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where’s the gene going? The Joint Genome Institute is asking the same question as it considers it future directions. JGI exists to advance energy and environmental science by providing access to state-of-the-art genomics capabilities in
by Rebecca Chillrud (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) ... On July 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its endangerment finding for aircraft, indicating that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are hazardous to public health. This finding requires the EPA
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Regulators have formally concluded greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes pose a threat the environment, the first step toward new federal rules. The moved, called an “endangerment finding,” from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires officials to
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today up to $11.3 million for three projects that support the development of biomass-to-hydrocarbon biofuels conversion pathways that can produce variable amounts of fuels and/or products based on external
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) The USDA is helping biorefineries go even greener. The USDA Rural Business Cooperative Service, a division within the USDA, has allocated funds through the Repowering Assistance Program, to assist renewable fuel facilities convert away from fossil-fuel based
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides an overview of the European Union’s biofuel market, including data on wood pellets and biogas. Regarding pellets, the report explains that
(Federal Register/Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), “Cellulosic Production Volume Projections and Efficient Producer Reporting” (EPA ICR No. 2551.01, OMB Control No. 2060-NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest and BioChannel.TV released “Sustainable Fuels on Troubled Waters”, the Inside True Story of the US Navy’s Great Green Fleet — a documentary profile on the US Navy’s success in driving down
by Alex Guillén (Politico Pro) The Renewable Fuels Association today asked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and EPA to investigate whether anyone is manipulating the market for a key biofuels compliance credit to drum up support for repeal of the
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) today announced that Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO, accepted an invitation to join top Navy officials and a small group of leading biofuels executives in Hawaii on July 19th to participate as a guest of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a new White House report, titled “Federal Alternative Jet Fuel Research and Development Strategy,” sets out prioritized federal research and development goals and objectives to address key scientific and technical challenges that inhibit
(U.S. Department of Agriculture/Federal Register) This Notice announces the solicitation of applications for funds available under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (the Program) to provide guaranteed loans to fund the development, construction, and Retrofitting of
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) announced today up to $7 million in project funding to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable high-performance fuels for use in high-efficiency, low-emission engines as part of the
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) Rising sea levels due to hurricanes and tidal flooding intensified by climate change will put military bases along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast at risk, according to a report released on Wednesday. Nonprofit group the
by Alex Guillén (Politico Morning Energy) A newly-formed group of small fuel retailers is adding to the calls for EPA to shift responsibility for complying with the Renewable Fuel Standard, which currently is the responsibility of refiners and importers. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, U.S. Department of Energy is seeking input from industry, academia, national laboratories and other biofuels and bioproducts stakeholders to identify existing capabilities to produce lignocellulosic sugars and lignin for use by the research
by Janine Finnell (Advanced Biofuels USA/Leaders in Energy) I attended the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) “Bioenergy 2016: Mobilizing the Bioeconomy through Innovation” conference held in Washington DC from July 12-14, 2016. There were 17 breakout sessions on topics including bioenergy
by Varun Sivaram (Politico/Council on Foreign Relations) When the Obama administration released its ambitious fuel economy rules for new vehicles in 2012, the economic rationale behind the standards was obvious. The price of oil hovered near $100 per barrel. With
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Providing a new jet fuel source could be a new market for the peanut industry, one that is in the process of being evaluated by both USDA and the Navy. ... Dr. Lamb (Dr. Marshall Lamb with the
by Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) ... The EPA issued a scientific assessment known as an “endangerment finding,” which determined that emissions from certain kinds of plane engines contribute to pollution that fuels climate change and creates health risks for Americans. Emissions that
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has announced its intent to issue a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines.” According to the DOE, the FOA will support the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines
(Renewable Fuels Association) Washington state’s proposed Clean Air Rule (CAR) fails to recognize the climate benefits associated with biofuels and in fact penalizes their use, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) told the Washington Department of Ecology in comments submitted today
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The initiative aims to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable biofuels and high-efficiency, low-emission vehicle engines. The simultaneous fuels and vehicles research and development (R&D) is designed to deliver maximum energy savings, emissions
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Argonne National Laboratory are using computational modeling to predict which counties in Illinois could see increases in soil organic carbon from crops such as switchgrass for biofuels. Increasing carbon
(Diesel Technology Forum) For any level of funding, more near-zero NOx technologies may find their way on the road and at work with clean diesel than other technologies. -- The Volkswagen settlement may be the second biggest environmental settlement in
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The Republican Party platform adopted Monday night would bring a total about-face on U.S. energy and climate policy, declaring that the priority placed on combating climate change under President Obama “the triumph of extremism
(U.S. Department of Energy) Algae-based biofuels and bioproducts offer great promise in contributing to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office’s vision of a thriving and sustainable bioeconomy fueled by innovative technologies. The state of technology for producing
by Paul Mullen (Algae Biomass Organization) The Energy Department announced that they will be awarding 23 small businesses with $1 million each over the next two years to help the small businesses advance their concepts. Three algae companies were among
(Renewable Waste Intelligence) Complete the form and you will receive four 30 minute presentations PLUS audio: UTILITY CASE STUDY: BUILD, OWN AND OPERATE AD by Jim Lucas, Market Development Manager, SoCal Gas CLOSING THE LOOP: REALIZING THE VALUE OF DIGESTATE
(U.S. Department of Energy) What are the key considerations when installing ethanol equipment at a fueling station? For those new to ethanol fueling, installing the necessary infrastructure may be unchartered territory. From fuel specifications to dispensing regulations, the recently updated Handbook
by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) U.S. Agriculture Secretary and former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack may be on Hillary Clinton's short-list for a vice presidential running mate. Several national media outlets have reported that while Vilsack has not confirmed he's
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. DOE’s National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recently released a report dedicated to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from commercial aviation, with the focus on large single- and twin-aisle planes that transport more
by Sarah Yang (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Carbon dioxide has emerged as a new secret ingredient in the recipe for making ethanol, and that addition represents a major step forward in streamlining the biofuel production process. The innovation comes from researchers at
by Kathleen Phillips (AgriLife Today) The U.S. Department of Energy has granted $2.5 million for a Texas A&M AgriLife Research study to find ways to use biorefinery waste to make new, marketable products. “In the biorefinery field, we have a saying: You
(National Biodiesel Board) Lawmakers Ask EPA to Boost Volumes in Pending Proposal -- Forty U.S. senators from across the country Thursday called on the EPA to strengthen biodiesel volumes in the pending Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) proposal. The senators emphasized that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) INL’s program aims to overcome key technical barriers facing the U.S. bioenergy industry by systematically researching, characterizing, modeling, demonstrating, and harnessing the physical and chemical characteristics of the nation’s diverse agricultural residues. By finding ways
(Renewable Energy Magazine) A team of scientists at West Palm Beach, Florida-based Alliance BioEnergy Plus Inc.’s subsidiary Ek Laboratories have developed a pathway to produce JP-8, an advanced military grade aviation biofuel. ... The team is reportedly continuing to refine its cellulose
(Agri-News) Sixteen ethanol blender pumps soon will be available at gas stations in Allen and LaPorte counties thanks in part to funding from Indiana Corn Marketing Council. ICMC and the Indiana Office of Energy Development announced more than $331,000 will be
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), on behalf of its member companies, ... submitted comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2017, and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2018. The comments demonstrate that EPA’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s the Department of Energy working on with respect to feedstocks? The Bioenergy Technologies Office’s Alison Goss-Eng answered the question in this update, given at ABLC Feedstocks. In this deck, she looks at milestones ahead, programs, goals
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) seeks input from industry, academia, national laboratories, and other biofuels and bioproducts stakeholders to identify existing capabilities to produce lignocellulosic sugars
by Katie Elyce Jones (Phys.Org) To help stakeholders in government and business make smart decisions about the best types of land and local climates for planting bioenergy crops, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Argonne National Laboratory are
(University of Connecticut) ... The research team is led by professor emerita Carol Auer and supported by a grant from the Biotechnology Risk Assessment Grant Program, an initiative of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Auer and her research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Algae Innovations designs innovative technology to make algae production more efficient and consistent. This week, the DOE made a major award to a group led by GAI, including the University of California-San Diego, TSD Management Associates,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $15 million for three projects aimed at reducing the production costs of algae-based biofuels and bioproducts through improvements in algal biomass yields. These projects will develop highly productive algal
By Rick Santorum (Americans for Energy Security and Innovation/Bangor Daily News) ... Energy security goes hand in hand with national security, and every barrel of oil we import from the Middle East and Venezuela puts more money in the pockets of
(The Street/Globe Newswire) Alliance BioEnergy Plus, Inc. (OTCQB:ALLM) (the "Company") , is pleased to announce that as the scientific and engineering team at subsidiary Ek Laboratories continues to optimize the CTS process for dry distiller's grain (DDG) and various other
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Morning Consult) ... Not every lawmaker is sold on the idea of renewables, but it’s hard not to appreciate the billions of dollars of economic activity across the U.S. that has been driven by the RFS.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Missouri, Ocean Park Advisors has been retained by Abengoa Bioenergy to find a strategic partner or to complete a sale of Abengoa cellulosic ethanol plant, electricity cogeneration plant and related assets in Hugoton, Kansas. Additionally,
by Eric Wolff, et al. (Politico Morning Energy) ... The Republican Platform 2016 offers a fresh plan for an old GOP target: it calls for converting the EPA into a bipartisan commission. As Pro's Alex Guillén writes, the platform says that
by Alex Guillén (Politico Pro) U.S. vehicle efficiency rules won't deliver the carbon reductions or fuel savings President Barack Obama promised in his first term because cheap gasoline has set off a buying spree of gas-guzzling trucks and sport-utility vehicles,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The comment period on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2017 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), along with 2018 RVOs for biomass-based diesel, has officially closed. According to information
(U.S. Department of Transportation) The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) today took the first step in the mid-term evaluation of the National Program for greenhouse gas emissions
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce that the Power Energy Corp. has been awarded a $1.44 million grant from Illinois to offer higher ethanol blends at 20 retail stations in the state. The grant,
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) As the Tier 3 deadline approaches, it's important to understand the difference between EPA and ASTM treatments of the element. -- The U.S. EPA’s Tier 3 rules are not new—they were finalized two
by David VanderGriend (Urban Air Initiative/ICM/Governors' Biofuel Coalition) The signs are everywhere highlighting our product and how it can find its true value as an octane enhancer while lowering carbon emissions. Using our research at the Urban Air Initiative and in conjunction with
by Phil Cleary (Christianson & Associates/Biofuels Digest) The Food Safety Modernization Act covers the operation of a facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds animal food for sale in the United States. Renewable fuels facilities producing feed co-products are no exception. In
(Fuel Cells Works) Latest, Phase II of current program prepares for rollout of fuel cell vehicles nationwide in near future -- Hyundai and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are extending their fuel cell vehicle confirmation program, originally from 2013
(Biofuels International) ... The three projects selected, located in California and Florida, will include multi-disciplinary partners to coordinate improvements from algal strain advancements through pre-processing technologies (harvesting, dewatering, and downstream processing) to biofuel intermediate in order to reduce the production costs
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced six projects that will receive up to $18 million in funding to reduce the modeled price of algae-based biofuels to less than $5 per gasoline gallon equivalent (gge) by 2019. This
(Algae Industry Magazine) Manta Biofuel, of Bethesda, Maryland has won a $1 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy to further develop its algal technology. A member of Bethesda Green’s business incubator, Manta Biofuel LLC is a biotechnology firm that has developed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, the US Department of Energy released its 2016 Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy, and said that 1.2 billion tons of biomass would be available at $40 or less per ton
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy released its 2016 Billion-Ton Report: Advancing Domestic Resources for a Thriving Bioeconomy, and said that 1.2 billion tons of biomass would be available at $60 or less per ton by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At the heart of the United States focus on bioenergy R&D is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado — supporting feedstock development, bioconversion and understanding markets for new products. NREL’s Justin Sluiter gave this
by Stephen Davies (Agri-Pulse) USDA is providing nearly $55 million in grants and loan guarantees to help 821 small businesses in rural areas save on energy costs. The latest round of grants awarded under the Rural Energy for America Program total
(SoyBiobased.org) When Lewis Bainbridge learned to fly helicopters for the U.S. military in the 1970s, the fuel crises limited his flight time and he had to wait an hour to get 10 gallons of gasoline. In recent years, Ian Macwan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Loan Program Office of the U.S. Department of Energy recently introduced a number of important updates to the Loan Guarantee Solicitation for Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects as well as to
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines.” The
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments today to EPA on its proposed 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations (RVO), urging the agency to raise the requirement for conventional renewable fuel volumes to the statutory level
(National Chicken Council) The National Chicken Council (NCC) strongly supports efforts to create a more reasonable and sustainable approach to the nation’s biofuel fuel policy, as the compelled diversion of corn from feed to fuel continues to exact a heavy
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, 17 members of the House Biofuels Caucus sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, urging the agency to complete its 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “in a manner consistent with the Congressional intent to aggressively
(Fuel Marketer News) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed blending volumes for 2017 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). ACE’s full comments can be read on the ACE website.
(U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science) Producing fuels from plants and other renewable sources requires breaking down the chemical cellulose; a major candidate to drive, or catalyze, this stubborn chemical is a ubiquitous microorganism called Clostridium thermocellum that works well in hot
by Alison Goss Eng (U.S. Department of Energy) Since the publication of the Energy Department’s pivotal 2010 National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap, there have been major advancements in the field of algal biofuels research and development. Today, we are announcing
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... One of the great benefits of the diesel platform is its capability to run on higher blends of high quality biofuels including renewable diesel fuel and biodiesel fuel. These fuels are considered advanced biofuels by the U.S.
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The substance of the on-going US Department of Energy renewable energy-related conferences this week comes down to "How do we get customers to buy what we are making?" It's the question at the root
by David Cox (Biomass Magazine/Renewable Natural Gas Coalition) ... It says that “for calendar years after the calendar years specified in the tables,” (i.e., after 2022), the EPA administrator will set applicable volumes using specified criteria, which are thereafter laid out. (ii) OTHER
by Bob Cleaves (Biomass Magazine/Biomass Power Association) ... Also at the top of the list is how the plan will eventually treat biomass. For us, there is a very simple solution: If fuel is derived from residues, whether it’s forest, agricultural
by Alex Guillén (Political Pro) ... The two standards were last reviewed in 2010 - meaning EPA is currently a year behind the five-year review schedule for those standards set under the Clean Air Act. The Center for Biological Diversity and the
(Ship & Bunker) ... As Ship & Bunker has previously reported, the U.S. Navy has sought to develop and use drop-in biofuels as part of its energy security goals, having previously set a target of getting half its energy from non-petroleum
(Public.org/U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its domestic partners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy, traveled to Colombia last week to cultivate relationships with the
by Jodi Helmer (The Guardian) As the demand for tobacco declines in the US, farmers in Virginia are experimenting with turning the crop into viable biofuel -- ... One two-acre plot stands apart from the rest, its flavour and nicotine content
(Platts) India's ethanol blending is projected to rise marginally from 1.9% this year to 2% in 2017, according to an annual report recently released by the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, as more domestically produced product will be
by Dirck Steimel (Iowa Farm Bureau) While political battles over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) continue to grab headlines, Iowa’s ethanol plants are quietly pushing ahead and becoming more and more efficient. The 43 corn-based and cellulosic ethanol plants in the
by Howard Gruenspecht (U.S. Department of Energy Energy Information Administration/Iowa Farmer Today) ... Substantially increased use of biofuels can only occur if they can be used in forms other than low-percentage blends of ethanol and biodiesel that account for nearly all of
by Alan Stankevitz (LaCrosse Tribune) ... Most recently, the oil train derailment in Mosier, Ore., demonstrated once again that crude oil is simply too dangerous to transport by rail. Responding to this disaster, Jim Hall, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety
(Queensland University of Technology) A research partnership between QUT and a US National Laboratory aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop new ways of creating bio-energy from plant material. The biotechnology research partnership will bring together leading US and Australian
by David Ignatius (The Washington Post) The week of July Fourth is a good moment to salute an unlikely champion of saving energy and switching to alternative fuels — the U.S. Navy. Once a supreme fuel-guzzler whose energy needs sometimes
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the completion of grant awards under the 2015 Environmental Education (EE) Grants Program. EPA will award grants under the 2016 EE Grants Program later this year. Projects address a range of topics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Australia comes the news that the country’s former Federal Resources and Energy Minister, Martin Ferguson, is now the chairman of the advisory board for Byogy Renewables, the California-based alcohol-to-jet fuel pioneer that has been
(U.S. Department of Energy) Study reports first significant alcohol production by an archaeon. -- The U.S. bioethanol industry depends largely on turning a certain sugar into the simple two-carbon alcohol, the biofuel ethanol. Interest has increased around microorganisms that produce
(Federal Register/International Trade Administration) Pursuant to provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., the Department of Commerce announces the reestablishment of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (the Committee). The Committee shall advise the Secretary
(Phys.Org) Plant cell walls, which constitute the bulk of plant biomass, are diverse, complex, and dynamic in their structural composition and integrity. Cell walls are innately resistant to deconstruction by biological or chemical catalysts. This property is often referred to
(U.S. Department of Energy) Recycling waste from biofuel production could lower cost for future biorefineries. -- Ionic liquids (ILs) have been shown to be an excellent pretreatment solvent for biomass; the ILs prepare the plant matter to be broken down into
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced nearly $16 million in funding to help businesses move promising energy technologies from DOE’s National Laboratories to the marketplace. This first Department-wide round of funding through the Technology
by Alex Guillén (Politico Pro) Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is optimistic that auto manufacturers can meet the Obama administration's goal of lifting the nation's fuel economy standard to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. "I don't think we should deviate"
by Alex Guillén (Politico Pro) Lawmakers must raise the gas tax and index it to inflation, or "America's going to continue to be one big pothole," former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today, using one of his longtime favorite zingers
(Bergeson & Campbell) On June 29, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted an Implementation Plan that outlines EPA's plans for early activities and actions under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, legislation that significantly
(Diesel Technology Forum) Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued the following statement today regarding the announcements by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, private plaintiffs and 44 U.S. Attorney Generals regarding the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Alison Goss Eng, of the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office, Tim Theiss, Laboratory Relationship Manager of the Bioenergy Technologies Program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Tim Rials, Director of the Tennessee Forest Products
(Brookhaven National Laboratory) Fundamental enzyme study leads to increased access to bioenergy feedstocks and improves ethanol yield by modifying plant cell wall structures. Lignin is a natural component of plant cell walls, the scaffolding that surrounds each cell and plays a
by Gollany HT, Titus BD, Scott DA, Asbjornsen H, Resh SC, Chimner RA, Kaczmarek DJ, Leite LF, Ferreira AC, Rod KA, Hilbert J, Galdos MV, Cisz ME (Biogeochemical Research) Rapid expansion in biomass production for biofuels and bioenergy in the
by David Shepardson and Joel Schectman (Reuters) German automaker Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) will pay more than $15.3 billion to settle charges that it cheated on U.S. diesel emissions tests, an agreement that will fund buybacks for consumers and provide up to
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly 100 biodiesel industry leaders are converging on Capitol Hill Tuesday to call for strong clean-fuels policy as a new study found that the industry is supporting nearly 48,000 jobs nationwide. The study, which conducted by LMC International,
by Josh Pedrick (Platts) ... "We should have included T70 as a metric in the model, it entirely changes the perception of the model," said Shon Van Hulzen, director of quality control at US ethanol producer POET, in a presentation Wednesday. T70
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) ... When it comes to land use, Colin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, testified that a University of Wisconsin study had shown that 7.3 million acres of land had been brought into production between
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 22, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy and Power Subcommittee held a hearing on the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The event featured testimony from government officials, biofuel supporters and other stakeholders. During
by Selena Yakabe (The Dickinson Press) South Dakota’s $3.8 billion ethanol industry is facing a “glass ceiling,” according to officials. ... Hunter Roberts, the South Dakota representative for the Governor’s Biofuel Coalition, said this (Renewable Volume Obligation announced by the Environmental
by Robert Miller (TC Palm) ... The oil industry doesn't want ethanol to go away, but it doesn't want to give up any more market. It needs the low-cost oxygenate as refineries have been retooled to run more profitably by producing a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Poor DME. it burns like natural gas, handles like LPG, powers like diesel, and it’s as well-known as a good place for sewing machine repair in Burundi. San Diego-based Oberon Fuels has been the one consistent
by Katie Fehrenbacher (Fortune Magazine) This is how much methane pollution that eleven oil and gas companies emit annually. Eleven oil and gas giants in the U.S. leak so much of a potent green house gas into the atmosphere every year that
by Devin Henry (The Hill) A bipartisan group of senators on Friday chided federal regulators for pulling back on the federal ethanol mandate. In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, the 39 senators said the agency should
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Through The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk and other environmental problems into business opportunities, spurring innovation and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the EPA announced that Verdezyne, CB&I, Albemarle, Dow AgroSciences, Newlight Technologies and Princeton Professor Paul Chirik are winners of the 2016 Presidential Green Chemistry Awards. Though less well-known than the Presidential Challenge on Fitness,
(Gas & Electricity) By now, most are familiar with biodiesel. It is a cost-effective and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based diesel fuels when used in the correct applications. ... However, there are limitations when compared to petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel typically
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) Most discussions about biofuels center on ethanol, but biodiesel—a diesel-substitute made from vegetable oils and animal fats—is increasingly important as well. But where does biodiesel come from, and what does it mean for the
(US Department of Agriculture) Insurance Changes Expand Farm Safety Net for Double Cropping -- Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse today announced that the federal crop insurance program will provide additional flexibility to farmers. The modifications center on the
by Zahra Hirji (Inside Climate News) Two activist groups used government data to show 12.4 million people in the U.S. live within a half-mile of an oil and gas facility—and its pollution. -- Environmentalists have launched a new mapping tool
(POET) POET is expanding its cover crop research as part of soil sustainability work in Emmetsburg, Iowa for cellulosic ethanol development. The work is part of an ongoing commitment to helping farmers make sound management decisions around harvesting crop
(Phys.Org) A jar of bio-oil, an alternate “crude oil” for transportation fuels currently made from petroleum, is created by first rapidly heating plant matter in a process called pyrolysis. Scientists then use catalysts to remove oxygen and convert the pyrolysis oil
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