by Nathan Collins (Pacific Standard) Researchers combine ecological and economic models to examine the benefits of growing grass as fuel. --- ... Fortunately, corn isn't the only source of ethanol—in particular, there are perennial grasses like switchgrass and miscanthus. Those options
by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) President Obama's final State of the Union address made no mention of an "all of the above" energy policy, nor of natural gas or fracking, and it only mentioned oil to either criticize it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of Agriculture needs no introduction, but within USDA Rural Development is the Energy Division takes a leading role on biorefinery loan guarantees. How does the process work, what are the deadlines, how are applications scored?
(compiled by Biofuels Digest) "Gas under two bucks a gallon ain’t bad, either.” ... We need the same level of commitment when it comes to developing clean energy sources. Look, if anybody still wants to dispute the science around climate change,
(Defour Group/Transportation Fuels Consulting) Dean Drake of the Defour Group LLC (D4) and Gary Herwick of Transportation Fuels Consulting (TFC) have submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy's Request for Information about co-optimization of fuels and engines. Their response reflects their
by Nat Williams (The Southern News Services) ...The reasons include the Great Recession and falling gasoline prices, among a few other things. At issue is the federal mandate for ethanol inclusion as a component of motor fuels, according to Scott Irwin.
(Indiana University Bloomington) Combining bacterial genes and virus shell creates a highly efficient, renewable material used in generating power from water -- Scientists at Indiana University have created a highly efficient biomaterial that catalyzes the formation of hydrogen -- one
(Wright-Patterson Air Force Base) USAF Announces a draft environmental assessment -- Red Rock Biofuels LLC, Integrated Biofuel Production Enterprise, Lake County OR This assessment is contained in three files: Part One Part Two Part Three AGENCY: United States Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory ACTION: Notice of
by Charles Lane (Washington Post) In August 2010, I proposed this wager to a fellow journalist: President Obama’s declared goal was to get 1 million plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars on the road in the United States by 2015. I
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen has spoken out to reject (American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Jack) Gerard’s claims. “I’m not sure what reality Jack is living in, but it is
(EurekAlert!/University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Second-generation biofuel crops like the perennial grasses Miscanthus and switchgrass can efficiently meet emission reduction goals without significantly displacing cropland used for food production, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Illinois
(Eco-Business/Future Market Insights) Algaculture, the farming of algae for fuel, is gaining traction globally as governments and private players look to leverage on the potential of algae as a biofuel. Concerns about depleting oil resources and the environmental impact of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is the Purpose of the Feasibility Study? How can I know if my project is feasible? What should I look for in choosing a feasibility study consultant? What does a successful proforma look like when oil
by Barbara Lewis and Kirstin Ridley (Reuters) Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is unlikely to face U.S.-style fines in Europe over its emissions scandal because of a softer regulatory regime and its home country Germany's determination to protect its car industry, EU sources and
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Jan 8 Seven biofuel and agriculture groups have asked a U.S. court to a review the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016, according to a court filing on Friday, kicking off a widely-expected
(Rice University/Science Daily) Research shows how nature handles lignin -- New research shows how bacterial enzymes team up to attack lignin. The findings could lead to more efficient processes for creating biofuels from wood, grass and agricultural waste, say scientists. The molecules
(Virent) Rolls-Royce Testing Demonstrates Virent Synthesized Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) Bio-Jet Fuel Blend Provides Health and Environmental Benefits While Maintaining Engine Performance Bio-jet emissions testing by Rolls-Royce and supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of the Navy is now buying advanced, drop-in, cost-competitive, next gen renewable fuels. The biofuels sought can be blended in a range of 10 to 50 percent with conventional petroleum products and must meet
by David Weigel (The Washington Post) (Wednesday, January 6, 2016) 11:45 a.m. ... "Because of this EPA wall, the market is currently dominated by low-level ethanol blends, such as 'E10' (10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline)," Cruz writes. "That has prevented
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They’re here. $2.05 per gallon, at-scale, domestically produced advanced renewable fuels — utilizing non-food feedstocks and based on next-generation technology. The Navy’s 7-year quest to diversify its fuel supply without paying more or changing its
(Extension.org) If you are looking for a comprehensive article on poplar for biofuel production, this is for you. Table of Contents Introduction Current and Potential Use as a Biofuel Biology and Adaptation Production and Agronomic Information Harvest Potential Yields Production Challenges Estimated Production Cost Environmental/Sustainability Issues Feasibility Summary Bibliography For More Information Contributors to This
(Purdue University) Nancy Ho, founder and president of Green Tech America Inc. and a research professor emerita in Purdue University's School of Chemical Engineering, will receive the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama. The award, announced Dec. 22,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Several of the achievements listed by the USDA benefited the bioenergy and biofuels sectors. Under the category of climate change achievements, the department highlighted its work with the U.S. EPA to set the first-ever
(U.S. Department of Justice) The Department of Justice, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today filed a civil complaint in federal court in Detroit, Michigan, against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Volkswagen Group of
by Robert Moffitt (American Lung Association in Minnesota/Post Bulletin) A Dec. 14 letter to the editor described Rochester's "community responsibility to become energy sustainable." A key component to achieving this goal is increasing the use of clean-burning transportation fuels in the
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily) This is a presentation summary from the 2015 Illinois Farm Economics Summit (IFES) which occurred December 14-18, 2015. A complete collection of presentations including PowerPoint Slides (PPT) and printable summaries (PDF) are available here. The EPA released
by Katherine Long (Seattle Times) Four years after the University of Washington received a $40 million federal grant to kick-start a biofuels industry in the Northwest, scientists have made great progress, but plans are lagging, in part because fossil fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we reach the end of 2015? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and peer into tomorrowland. As the sunset of 2015 gives way
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this year’s World Oil Outlook, OPEC writes: The prospects for first generation biofuels are constrained by factors such as land use changes, excessive water usage, and the impact on food production and prices from
(American Forest & Paper Association, American Wood Council/Biomass Magazine) American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman and American Wood Council President and CEO Robert Glowinski have issued the following statements after filing a joint petition for review in the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Federal Trade Commission has announced final amendments regarding ethanol blends above E10 to its fuel rating rule, which determines the fuel rating that appears on pump labels and how octane levels are calculated.
by Mark E. Griffin (Wisconsin Energy Institute/University of Wisconsin) A six-year Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) study on the viability of different bioenergy feedstocks recently demonstrated that perennial cropping systems such as switchgrass, giant miscanthus, poplar, native grasses, and
by Karen B. Roberts (University of Delaware/Biomass Magazine) ... At the University of Delaware, associate scientist Jennifer Stewart is working to create sustainable algae-based biofuels that could reduce carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions in the atmosphere. ... Many scientists have proposed growing algae
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) EPA needs to stop micromanaging the RFS—allow the program to work as intended—and the record-setting ethanol industry will continue to perform for American consumers, writes Bob Dinneeen. -- ... The high came
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has published a notice announcing its intention to request a revision and extension of a currently approved information collection for a residue and biomass field survey. According to a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A notice published in the Federal Register by the Regulatory Information Service Center includes a projected timeline for the U.S. EPA’s rulemaking for the 2017 renewable fuel standard (RFS) volume obligations. In mid-December, the RISC
by Valerie Reed (US Department of Agriculture/Biofuels Digest) A great government agency is a little like a river pilot — doesn’t run the ship, but steps in as a vital partner for complex, critical tasks where specialized know-how and resources
by Bill Rooney (Biofuels Digest/Texas A&M) Sorghum has been identified by the US Department of Energy as an energy crop of interest. Owing to its high biomass yield, drought tolerance, established production systems, carbon life cycle, genetic resources and potential for further improvement and available hybrids. Texas A&M”s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Maryland, the US Patent and Trademark Office issued patent number 9,217,161for a process to ferment biomass or gases directly to hydrocarbons like hexane and octane. The process belongs to the electrofuels family — technologies
by John Kirkwood (Biofuels Digest/Faegre Baker Daniels) Project financing is the financing of infrastructure and industrial projects and relies primarily on the development of a project and its cash flow for repayment — but for a first commercial plant for a given technology,
by Anmar Frangoul (CNBC.com) Recent advances in technology mean the idea of creating fuel from sources as diverse as coffee and whisky is no longer science fiction. Another potential source gaining traction is algae. According to the U.S. Department of Energy
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology recently released results of a research project that investigated the technical feasibility, commercial viability and environmental compliance of the use of liquefied coal and
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a significant jump in ethanol exports to China this year, following a USDA-led trade mission to the country last year. Representatives from nine state departments of agriculture and
by Brian Jenning (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) Each fall the American Coalition for Ethanol brings members together to identify the goals we’ll pursue for the coming year. We did a series of listening sessions between harvest and football
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, an analysis of 2016 model year warranty statements and owner’s manuals conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association shows that auto manufacturers explicitly approve E15 (15 percent ethanol 85 percent gasoline) use in more than 70
by Ron Alverson (Ethanol Across America) It has been seven years since Argonne National Labs (ANL), as part of the Energy Security and Independence Act requirements, first determined the Life Cycle Carbon Intensity of mid-west corn ethanol fuel. ANL, using
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Food vs Fuel, biofuels causing corn planting to skyrocket, low oil prices killing off renewable fuels, the subsidy myth, the emissions myth, the “people won’t buy the fuels” myth, and the Insanity myth. ... In the world
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department announces its intent to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “MEGA-BIO: Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels.” This FOA supports BETO’s goal of meeting its 2022
by Kurt Bresswein (Lehigh Valley Live) The owners of a Lehigh Valley company are accused of scamming taxpayers out of about $50 million in payments, subsidies and other benefits paid out for purportedly turning cooking oil into biofuel. David Dunham, 35,
(Algae Industry Magazine) Dr. Richard Sayre, a scientist in the Bioenergy and Biome Sciences group at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the New Mexico Consortium, writes in the Santa Fe New Mexican about a new research project led by Los
(Donald Danforth Plant Science Center/EurekAlert!) The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced that it will be part of a major collaborative research project to improve sorghum's productivity under resource-limited conditions. The research should lead to strategies to increase plant biomass
by Tom Ewing (Renewable Energy World) As oil prices plummet, are drop-in aviation biofuel refineries ever going to be built? --- In September 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE), along with the Departments of the Navy and Agriculture, announced a
by Mindy Ward (Farm Progress) Consumers will have more biofuel,ethanol choices at the gas pump. -- Mark Cadle sees the investment in biofuel infrastructure in Missouri as a win-win-win. "The goal is to expand markets for farmers, support rural economic growth,
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council’s ethanol export promotion program has seen an early success with a U.S. exporter confirming sales of 10 million gallons of U.S. ethanol to Peru—valued at more than $15 million—following a trade
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Federal Trade Commission has issued its 2015 Report on Ethanol Market Concentration. As in prior years, the report concludes that it is “extremely unlikely that a single ethanol producer or marketer or group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $1 biodiesel tax credit extended through 2016, and much more. In Washington, lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate passed legislation for retroactive reinstatement of the $1 per gallon biodiesel mixture excise tax credit from January
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing examining the health impacts of current octane sources and the need for cleaner, cost-effective octane providers. Octane is necessary for vehicle performance and increasing octane
(University of Illinois/Biomass Magazine) The University of Illinois has been awarded a 3-year, $5 million grant from the DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy as part of its OPEN 2015 funding initiative (ARPA-E OPEN). Under Principal Investigator Andrew Leakey, Associate Professor of
(Genscape) Now in the hands of president Obama for final sign off, the budget deal that could end the 1975 oil export ban, could also extend investment and Production Tax Credits (ITC and PTC) that support wind and solar energy. The
(OntarioFarmer.com) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's final rules on the volume of biofuels that must be produced from 2014 to 2016 shows the agency is convinced that biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, says Purdue University energy
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that communities may now apply to be designated a Promise Zone under the third
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) have released a request for information (RFI) titled “Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines” (Optima).
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alcohol-to-jet. Several are working on it – Byogy, for example, and Vertimass, Virent and LanzaTech. But Gevo has been working through the rigorous ASTM process for six years, which includes extensive engine testing and data
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As ASTM technical balloting is underway and as experts sift through and request revised submissions of technical data, insiders are pointing to an early 2016 approval for Gevo’s renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel. In Washington, CAAFI Executive Director
by Osaretin Oghomwen Omorodion* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On November 13th, the National Academies of Science's Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education convened with its board of Environmental Change and Society to assess current trends in monitoring climate change
by David Shepardson and Paul Lienert (Reuters) Surging demand for trucks and SUVs fueled by cheap gasoline is holding back improvements in U.S. fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions, a government report due out on Wednesday is expected to show. The
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) In support of the Obama Administration's Climate Action Plan, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly released the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap Progress Report today
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Twin Cities radio station, KS95 FM, and the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MBA), today rewarded customers who fueled up with E15 at Highland Service Minnoco. From 11 am to 12 pm, customers who fueled up with E15 at Highland
(Street Insider) Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEIX) announced it is now producing cellulosic ethanol at its Stockton, CA facility using Edeniq, Inc.’s Pathway Technology. Neil Koehler, the company’s president and CEO, stated, “We are now commercially producing cellulosic ethanol using Edeniq’s
(Farmers' Advance) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's final rules on the volume of biofuels that must be produced from 2014 to 2016 continues the current policy thrust that biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels, Purdue University energy
by Meghann Myers (Navy Times) More than six years after it was first announced, the Great Green Fleet will makes its maiden voyage in late January. The carrier strike group will deploy, fueled with a mix of biofuel and fossil fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Part of the Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, established by the United States Department of Energy, is the Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit, designed to help ramp up the bioeconomy. ABPDU enables early stage advanced biofuels, biomaterials, and
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Senior Scientist Min Zhang has a special relationship with Zymomonas mobilis, a rod-shaped bacterium that has bioethanol-producing capabilities. Of her 80 peer-reviewed papers and 21 U.S. patents in the field of biochemistry
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announces its intent to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office, a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled “Advancements in Algal Biomass Yield,
by Tina Hilding (Washington State University News) Washington State University researchers have developed a catalyst that easily converts bio-based ethanol to a widely used industrial chemical, paving the way for more environmentally friendly, bio-based plastics and products. The researchers have published
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Scientists from the Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have discovered that a metabolic pathway previously only suggested to be functional in photosynthetic organisms is actually a major pathway and can enable efficient conversion of
(Indiana Office of Energy Development) The Indiana Office of Energy Development and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council recently announced that publicly-accessible fuel retail stations in Indiana can begin applying for a share of $1,338,400 through the Hoosier Homegrown Fuels Blender
by Mike Peterson (KMALand) The Environmental Protection Agency faces congressional and legal action following its recent decision on the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2016. That's according to Iowa Senator Charles Grassley, who is among those not happy with the EPA's
by Steven Hamburg (Environmental Defense Fund) A new scientific study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, coordinated by EDF, reports findings from the most comprehensive examination of regional methane emissions completed to date. Focused on
(RFD-TV) ... "This is something where they can grow it, and they can make it themselves and they can use it on the farm," says Jason de Koff, an assistant professor in agronomy and soil science at Tennessee State University.
by John Montgomery (The Hutchinson News) ... Abengoa shut down the plant last month – eliminating about 50 jobs – a little more than a year after a grand opening celebration featuring high-level state and federal officials. The company also
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Dec. 7, Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, introduced the Food Recovery Act of 2015. The bill, which aims to reduce the amount of food waste in the U.S., also contains provisions related to waste-to-energy development. ... One
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) Some commentators have argued President Barack Obama suffers from a failure of leadership. That was evidenced once again last week when he traveled to Paris to demand the world cut greenhouse gas emissions on the
by Megan Johnson (Nebraska TV) Lots of agriculture groups are meeting during the time between harvest and planting to talk about things impacting their crops and industries. A topic coming up often: the renewable fuel requirement numbers recently set by the
by Alan Brugler (DTN The Progressive Farmer) USDA on Wednesday increased projected 2015-16 corn use for ethanol by 25 million bushels from its November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. Was this enough to reflect the additional blending required by
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) The South Dakota Farmers Union celebrated its 100th annual meeting by taking another step forward in history by unanimously passing a resolution that dedicates its members to use a 30 percent ethanol blend in all of
by Joseph Erbentraut (The Huffington Post) A new analysis finds potentially transformative agricultural research isn’t getting the level of funding it probably should. --- Two years ago, when acclaimed food journalist Michael Pollan trumpeted “the most encouraging ag research finding of recent
by David Rising and Kerstin Sopke (The Washington Post/Associated Press) A small group of Volkswagen engineers began working as early as 2005 on emissions cheating software after they were unable to find a technical solution to U.S. emissions controls as
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a conditional commitment for a $70 million loan guarantee to help build a cellulosic biorefinery in central Georgia. USDA is providing the loan guarantee conditional commitment, an important milestone in
(U.S. Department of Energy) On July 16, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office hosted the Bioproducts to Enable Biofuels Workshop in Westminster, Colorado. The purpose of the workshop was to get stakeholder input about the potential role of
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Industry Organization) After a painful and damaging two-year delay, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week published Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Unfortunately, the agency finalized a rule riddled with contradictions and
(Argus Media) The Environmental Protection Agency expects sales of high-ethanol gasoline blends to climb next year but will not use federal mandates to compel retailers to offer the fuels. The distinction, laid out in a lengthy explanation of mandates finalized last
by Bryan Lufkin (Gizmodo) From powering airplanes to replacing nuclear energy, algae has been touted as a green energy miracle. So if our waterways are already filled with the stuff, why isn’t it filling the world’s skies with biofueled planes?
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In a letter submitted Dec. 8 to the U.S. EPA, the Renewable Fuels Association urged the agency to take immediate administrative action to eliminate an arcane regulatory barrier that is impeding growth in the use
(Diesel Technology Forum) New York City Joins San Francisco and Oakland In Embracing New Blends Of Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Fuels -- In light of the COP21 Paris Climate Conference, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced a major initiative to reduce
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The release of the U.S. EPA’s final rulemaking for the renewable fuel standard (RFS) was a shock to the RINs market—the renewable identification numbers used by obligated parties to demonstrate compliance. Biodiesel, D4
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This year at ABLC Next, Bill Orts, a Research Leader for Bioproducts at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, gave us an overview of partnership opportunities at USDA and through ARS. One of the vehicles is known as a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You can have a transformative world or materials at affordable prices — but if you want both, you might well be seeing dicarboxylic acids somewhere in the mix. That’s why JBEI’s latest and greatest is worth
by Gary Truitt (1010WCSI) ... Yet, the biggest indication that the President’s comments were flimflam came from within his own administration. Within hours of Mr. Obama’s remarks in Paris, the EPA announced the final rule on the blend levels of ethanol
by Rep. Krisit Noem (Argus Leader) ... Today, about one-third of the petroleum used in the United States is imported from foreign countries, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Most of this petroleum is refined into gas or diesel. Especially
by Joseph Bebon (Next-Gen Transportation News) ... “Renewable natural gas, which provides even greater GHG emissions reductions, is gaining traction in some areas of the country like California,” he (Matthew Godlewski, president of NGVAmerica) notes. “And federal standards here in the
by Justin Ford (Las Vegas Sun) ... The U.S. military has long since decided climate change is a “threat multiplier.” Increasing global temperatures mean more dangerous situations around the world — stressing already-fragile states with resource shortages and mass migrations, for
by Rob Nikolewski (Kansas Watchdog.org) ... “I think we have to see how this thing plays out. In the short run, of course, it’s a devastating blow,” said Neal Gillespie, Stevens County Economic Developmentdirector. “In the long run, I think there’s a
by Andy Balaskovitz (MiBiz) ... “Any reduction in the statutory amount is a roadblock to biofuels like ethanol,” said Jim Zook, executive director of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. “By failing to set (blend) levels at the statutory amount, it appears the
by Scott Canon (Kansas City Star) ... The discussion of ethanol policy puts conservatives in an awkward spot --- ...Yet even in Iowa this year, Grain Belt concerns now draw less attention than in the past. That could mean that expansion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has been awarded $5 million to install an estimated 187 blender pumps, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership, Iowa fuel retailers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Are high prices good for renewable fuels? The hard data actually goes the other way. The Digest investigates. ... What we can see from the following chart is confirmation that fracking and other enhanced oil
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) The EPA released the final rulemaking for 2014-2016 RFS standards on Monday, November 30. This release follows preliminary rulemaking released on May 29 of this year. Figures 1 and 2 are based on
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz has announced that the U.S. DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy has awarded $125 million to 41 energy technology projects, four of which involve bioenergy or biomass. ... Projects relevant to the bioenergy
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has opened a competition for technologies to recycle nutrients from livestock manure on Challenge.gov. The competition is being held in partnership with the USDA. The American Biogas Council is among the project’s
(The Daily Caller News Foundation) Rep. Mike Pompeo is demanding information on Abengoa, a Spanish green energy firm on the brink of bankruptcy that could leave U.S. taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars. The Kansas Republican is worried Abengoa’s
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel producer and technology developer Biodico has scheduled a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 4 for its 20 MMgy biodiesel production facility in Five Points, California. The facility, called Biodico Westside, is designed as a multifeedstock plant that
by Maegan Murray (WSU Tri-Cities/Washington State University) Researchers at Washington State University Tri-Cities have figured out a way to successfully convert a common wood byproduct into hydrocarbon molecules that could be used as jet fuel. Bin Yang, an associate professor of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Kansas, Abengoa has decided to suspend production at its new cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton as well as its corn-based ethanol plant in Colwich as part of the recent financial troubles the company is
(U.S. Department of Energy) Looking for a way to get your students excited about taking a quiz? Then check out the Bioenergy Technology Office’s bioenergy quiz. This interactive, user-friendly tool is a great way for students to explore new concepts
(U.S. Department of Energy) Two projects funded by the Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) have received awards at this year’s 2015 R&D 100 Awards. The annual “Oscars of Invention” awards recognize excellence in innovative technologies; BETO projects have had strong showings
(American Biogas Council) Rule falls short of recognizing biogas industry's full potential. -- The EPA released its long anticipated final rule for the renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the years 2014-2016. The action recognizes the
by Danny King (AutoBlog) Washington, Colorado, Virginia And Oregon Also On Growing List -- These fees were put into place in order to offset the revenue shortfall from more fuel efficient vehicles, electrified powertrains, and the resulting lower gas
by Peter Zampa (KFYR TV) ... The RFS program comes up billions of gallons short of the ethanol consumption requirements laid out under the original RFS plan. "With corn prices being down as they are, with the ag economy in Iowa being in
by Frances White (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Three technologies — a computational tool to improve power grid planning, a process to create biofuel from kelp and a hybrid device that makes hydrogen and stores energy — are being developed by
by Audra Calloway (Picatinny Arsenal; U.S. Army) While people who go to the beach and lakes may think of algae as a slimy nuisance, Picatinny engineers have partnered with private industry to harness its photosynthesis ability to develop a
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) model allows researchers and analysts to fully evaluate the energy and emission impacts of advanced vehicle technologies and new transportation fuels. Argonne National Laboratory recently
(PR Newswire) Boeing (NYSE: BA), the University of British Columbia (UBC) and SkyNRG, with support from Canada's aviation industry and other stakeholders, are collaborating to turn leftover branches, sawdust and other forest-industry waste into sustainable aviation biofuel. Canada, which has extensive
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers at Argonne are advancing the basic energy sciences, focusing their research and development on a broad portfolio of sustainable and clean energy technologies. Innovations in transportation, energy storage and
(25 x '25) It was with some ironic bemusement that biofuel advocates read the headlines from the mainstream media that said the Obama administration “raised’ the biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule announced this week by
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “In the old days, ethanol was a political commodity,” Informa Economics Senior VP Scott Richman told the crowd assembled at the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference in Vancouver this week, organized by the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. “Now, it’s
by Brooke Coleman (Advanced Biofuels Business Council/Times Argus) In “Ethanol is a bad deal for Vt.” (online Nov. 21), a group called the American Council for Capital Formation argues that ethanol is a bad deal for Vermonters economically and environmentally. The allegations
by Pat Rizzuto (BNA) The federal approach to regulating bioengineered products is a confusing labyrinth, according to companies, trade associations, advocacy groups and scientists. Companies must follow a maze to identify which agencies may have jurisdiction over a bioengineered product and
by Robert Hackett (Fortune) ... Farmers and ethanol companies welcomed the change, according to the Wall Street Journal, since the cuts laid out earlier this year were originally more severe. But they were still dissatisfied that the requirement did not meet
by Jason Nobel (Des Moines Register) Jeb Bush faulted the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to provide “clarity” with the updated ethanol mandate released on Monday, but was generally supportive of the levels prescribed. The Republican presidential candidate has targeted 2022
by Ashley Halsey III (The Washington Post) ... The long-sought bill protects funding for transit from those who argued it should be cut loose from the highway bill, increases money for pedestrian and bicycle programs that also have come under attack, and
by Tiffany Stecker (E&E/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) The ink on U.S. EPA’s final rule for the renewable fuel standard is barely dry, but long-standing foes in Congress are already aiming to block the biofuels program. Yesterday, Rep. Bill Flores (R-Texas), who spearheaded
by Tim Devaney (The Hill) The Obama administration set new standards Monday for ethanol levels in fuel, enraging competing industries that had battled for months to influence the contentious regulations. The final renewable fuel standard (RFS) unveiled by the Environmental Protection Agency
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced final volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard program today for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and final volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014 to
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) To say that 2015 was an overall disappointment for the biofuels industry would be an understatement. With the price of oil hovering from the high $30s to the mid-$50s all year long, the
(Advanced Biofuels Association) In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of final renewable volume obligations for 2014 through 2016 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) has issued the following statement attributable to Michael
(Growth Energy) Final rule breaks through so-called blend wall -- Growth Energy and its members are pleased to see that the President and the Environmental Protection Agency have recognized the need to move the renewable fuel industry past the so-called blend
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2014, 2015 and 2016 that refiners have to meet in blending biofuels with gasoline. The agency increased the blending
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program today for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and final volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2014 to 2017.
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded the Obama administration Monday for reducing America’s dependence on high-carbon fossil fuels by raising biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “This decision means we will displace billions of gallons of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Maryland, The US Patent and Trademark Office issued patent number 9,193,979 for ethanol-tolerant microorganisms that convert cellulosic biomass to ethanol. The patent describes using the microorganisms to produce ethanol from crop or waste biomass
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/U.S. Department of Energy) In Washington, as part of a series of linked announcements for the launch of the Paris Climate Summit this week, the Obama Administration launched the Clean Energy Investment Center to advance private, mission-oriented investment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In France, President Obama and French President Hollande, along with a wide range of other top global leaders, are announcing today the launch of “Mission Innovation,” a 20-country initiative to dramatically accelerate public and private
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, more than 4,300 are employed at PNNL; the FY14 business volume was $1.02 billion. The Richland campus includes unique laboratories and specialized equipment as well as the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of
(Ensyn/Biomass Magazine) Robert Graham, chairman of Ensyn Corp., is pleased to announce that Ensyn has been granted a key regulatory approval from the U.S. EPA for its renewable gasoline product, RFGasoline. This approval, pursuant to Title 40 CFR Part 79
by Devin Henry (The Hill) ... Pro-ethanol forces say concern over the “blend wall” is overblown and that cars manufactured today are certified to run on higher-blend fuels. In their ads — in Washington and around the country — they say
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Over the past several months, biomass stakeholders have expressed frustration at the administration’s failure to label the use of biomass feedstocks as carbon neutral. The pellet industry and biomass advocates argue, that so long as
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is widely expected to increase requirements for biofuels use through 2016 due to higher total fuel demand, when it publishes a final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule in the coming
by Stephanie Pearl (US Department of Agriculture) Alaska Airlines will conduct a demonstration flight in 2016 using 1,000 gallons of jet fuel made from forest scraps. The aviation biofuel was derived from twigs and small branches that would otherwise have been
by Chuck Abbott (Agriculture.com) Americans are back on the road for the first time since 2008, lured, in part, by low gasoline prices expected to persist through the new year. Travel is forecast to exceed 3.1 trillion miles this year –
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