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 –
(Influence Map) An analysis of SEC 10-K filings by the 20 leading US industrial companies ... -- The findings in this report complement the existing CERES/CookESG Research SEC sustainability search tool, which covers climate change and water risks for 4,500 public companies (10-Ks only)
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
by Seth W Snyder (Editor, Contributor), James H Clark (Editor), George Kraus (Series Editor), Gene Peterson (Contributor), Beth Calabotta (Contributor), Stephen Hughes (Contributor), Robert E. Kozak (Contributor) & 14 more (Royal Society of Chemistry) Biobased products offer substantial economic and
by Whit Richardson (Portland Press Herald) Critics say the change would cost drivers, farmers, fuel sellers and small-engine equipment owners. ... But that report is clearly politically motivated to sway the EPA’s decision and its conclusions are unreliable, said Jonathan
by James Urton (University of Washington) ... University of Washington scientists have sequenced the complete genetic makeup of one of these algae. As they recently reported in the journal PLOS Genetics, it is only the second time that researchers have sequenced the
by David Banks ( American Council for Capital Formation/Times Argus) Not a single gallon of fuel ethanol is produced in Vermont, and almost none of the corn harvested in the state is used for commercial purposes, according to USDA data. ... The
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In the lead-up to the administration’s release of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), it’s been a veritable who’s who of renewable fuels and petrochemical refiners visiting the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and three other lawmakers are pressing President Barack Obama not to back-peddle on the country's biofuels program just days ahead of global climate change talks in Paris. The Democratic Representatives -
by Susan Boland and Stefan Unnasch (Life Cycle Associates) The RFS2 has resulted in aggregate GHG emissions reductions from the use of biofuels, which exceed the original projections from the final Rule. The RFS2 has resulted in significant GHG reductions, with
by Joe Hrdlicka (Biofuels Digest/Iowa Biotechnology Association) Iowa’s investment in biofuels, driven by the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), has brought the state new business and job opportunities. Iowa is home to three of the first-in-the-nation cellulosic biofuel refineries that
(Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe) Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today (October 29, 2015) that Virginia, in partnership with Maryland, was selected for a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant totaling nearly $5 million to install ethanol refueling infrastructure in Virginia. The
(University of Tennessee) As interest in biofuels has surged in recent years, the question about how to best handle lignin—a material found in the cell walls of plants that is a byproduct of biofuel production—has become a primary concern. Thanks to
by former Sen. Byron Dorgan (The Hill) ... Like a smart poker player, we have to capitalize on the good cards we have. One of those is biodiesel, a renewable fuel made from recycled cooking grease, plant oils, and animal fats that
(Environmental Protection Agency) Program promotes environmental and economic benefits of using novel green technologies in chemical design, manufacture, and use --- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its request for nominations for its 2016 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards
(Propel Fuels/PR Newswire) Drivers Choose Superior Performance, Better Value and Cleaner Emissions of Diesel HPR -- Propel Fuels launched Diesel HPR (High Performance Renewable) across Southern California in August 2015, and consumer adoption of the fuel has risen 300 percent compared
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Five bioenergy projects in two states were among the 258 businesses nationwide receiving a total of nearly $34 million from the USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant program. The grants were announced last week
(Ohio's Country Journal) National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling has urged President Obama to reverse the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed cuts in the Renewable Fuel Standard’s volume obligation and adhere to the statute of the law itself. ... “Contrary to
by Melissa Pariettin(MSN.com) ... Many factors determine the price of food in the U.S. If the introduction of the RFS (Renewable Fuel Standard) had as significant an impact on food prices as certain outlets have suggested, then the increase would be
by Whip Villarreal (University of Nevada, Reno) College of Ag, Biotech and Natural Resources leads research project at University of Nevada, Reno -- Glenn Miller is leading the effort in a project at the University of Nevada, Reno to convert roadside
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued Cellulosic Waiver Credit Price Calculation for 2016 as laid out by EPA must reduce the required volume of cellulosic biofuel for that year to the projected volume,
by Dennis Farrell (The Daily Evergreen) ... A regional consortium for sustainable biofuels is teaming up with multiple companies and universities like Washington State to convert poplar trees into ethanol. Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest (AHB) invests time, money and research
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) One of the oil industry’s favorite talking points in its campaign to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the argument that “gasoline demand is falling,” and thus refiners have fewer gallons of gasoline
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) San Francisco billionaire Tom Steyer and other national political figures have sold out California’s economy by supporting the federal government’s corn ethanol mandate. The mandate has already imposed $13.1 billion in higher fuel costs on Golden
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With rapidly growing energy demands, our nation and others must invest in homegrown biofuels that are cleaner, cheaper and offer a more reliable supply than fossil fuels, writes Tom Buis. When EPA Administrator Gina
(Hamrick Engineering/Your Oil and Gas News) Hamrick Engineering is pleased to announce the granting of a broad patent for extracting sugars and nanocellulose from lignocellulosic biomass by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). “This ground-breaking patent describes how to extract
by Margo Oge & Robert Bryce (The Wall Street Journal/Governors' Biofuel Coalition) ... Robert Bryce, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, says the ethanol mandate is bad for consumers and the environment. Margo T. Oge, a former
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) NREL develops clean energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and provides knowledge and innovations to integrate energy systems at all scales. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The US Environmental Protection Agency has discovered the following way of interpreting Energy Independence and Security Act. To wit, if the transportation fuels supply chain — controlled by guess whom — does not build renewable
(UNICA/Green Car Congress) Breaking with its past support of EPA’s RFS implementation decisions, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) is formally opposing EPA’s proposal—due to be released in about two weeks—to reduce RFS volume targets for 2014, 2015, 2016 (earlier
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) RFA works with many fleets each year to assist them with meeting their federal requirements to purchase alternative fuel vehicles and ultimately use the fuel. Each year thousands of vehicles receive a federal fuel
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Coon (D-DE) and Al Franken have introduced a new bill, S. 2271 the Renewable Chemicals Act of 2015. If passed, the legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
(Fuels America/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuels America is announcing a significant television campaign today calling out Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL) for signing on to a Congressional letter that was authored by oil industry lobbyists. The first phase of the campaign includes 250
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) JBEI’s mission is to convert biomass to biofuels. The goal is to provide the nation with clean, renewable transportation fuels identical to gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. Inside JBEI’s Emeryville laboratories, researchers are using the latest
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sent a letter this week to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to promote the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) at the upcoming Paris climate talks, known as
by Kevin Johnson (Grist/Fusion) Veterans know firsthand the dangerous challenges that come from fossil-fuel dependence, and many are choosing to help the country transition to a clean-energy economy when they return home. As a veteran, I personally know the high price we
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) ... "That's the biggest risk we face -- not acting," Obama said. "Today, we're continuing to lead by example. Because ultimately, if we're going to prevent large parts of this earth from becoming not only inhospitable but
(Americans for Energy Security & Innovation) President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency is gutting the successful Renewable Fuel Standard that has created jobs and cut our dependence on foreign oil. WATCH AD READ MORE and MORE (Connectivity)
by John Kirkwood (Faegre Baker Daniels LLP/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A few changes have been implemented in the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program, writes John Kirkwood. ... In June, an interim final rule was published in the
(US Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A team of U.S. ethanol industry representatives led by USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse traveled to India last week to discuss opportunities for developing clean
by Devin Henry (The Hill) A group opposing the federal ethanol mandate has extended its advertising campaign against the rule into several corn-growing states. The American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF), a D.C.-based free market group, is hitting the airwaves
by James P. Lenfestey (Star Tribune) ... Keystone would not, as Obama noted, have any noticeable economic benefit to the U.S., and probably would have a negative impact, since it could actually increase domestic gasoline prices (by opening the
by Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (R-N.J.) (The Hill) ... The RFS is Congress’s answer to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil. The RFS is the most successful law on the books
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) An odd-bedfellows group of lawmakers — led by an oil-industry ally from Texas and a progressive Vermonter — raised a familiar-sounding concern about ethanol in a letter this week to EPA chief Gina McCarthy. Their argument that the Environmental
(WNAX) A Congressional Budget Office report released this summer and shared at a Congressional Committee hearing last week looked at what might happen if the RFS were repealed. Renewable Fuel Association Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper says the report debunks
by Shannon Young (MassLive) A Washington D.C.-based group launched a television ad campaign in Boston this week that takes aim at the federal corn ethanol mandates and calls on congressional lawmakers to end them. The 30-second ad, sponsored by American Council
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) Supporters and opponents of biofuel mandates are ramping up pressure on EPA in hopes of influencing a rule, due on Nov. 30, on how much corn ethanol and advanced biofuel will be blended
by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Third Way) Although relatively obscure by Washington standards, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) carries a unique level of importance and visibility in many rural states. The fact that the RFS invariably becomes a priority campaign issue for
by Jonathan H Harsch (Agri-Pulse) The escalating battle over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) added another front Thursday. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson warned President Obama that lowering the RFS volume requirements could result in Democrats losing otherwise winnable congressional
by Meghan Grebner (Brownfield Ag News) The president of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) says the announcement of the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) grants will help promote and grow the state’s ethanol industry. Denny Maple says the grants from USDA
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association released a report today pointing out that, while nearly 30 countries attending December’s climate talks in Paris have submitted action plans that call for using biofuels as a means of reducing greenhouse
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Companies across the United States, are signing on with their support for the American Business Act on Climate Pledge. By late October, 81 companies including at least 11 with ties to the biofuel industry,
(Green Car Congress) Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have discovered that the reactions underlying the transformation of ethanol into higher-grade hydrocarbons unfolds in a different manner than previously thought. The research, supported by DOE’s BioEnergy Technologies Office (BETO), has
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), hereby announce their interest in receiving applications for genomics- based research
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) Washington-imposed mandates that have forced increasing volumes of corn ethanol to be added to Ohio’s and our nation’s fuel supply have produced an additional 1.92 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in Ohio alone since 2005,
(Environmental Protection Agency) Program promotes environmental and economic benefits of using novel green technologies in chemical design, manufacture, and use -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its request for nominations for its 2016 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Back in September I brought you a story about Orrie Swayze, an active ethanol advocate, who wants all drivers to use E30 in their cars. At the time, there was a special order in front of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 5 pieces of advice, above all, Holland & Knight give in obtaining grants and research opportunities through the Federal Government: Align with agency and programmatic objectives and metrics. Build relationships with technology offices and experienced partners in
by Jarrett Renshaw and Catherine Ngai (Reuters) ... North Dakota's Bakken production peaked at 1.153 million barrels per day in June, and had fallen to 1.13 million barrels per day by August, according to state data. The supply restraint has made Bakken
(Columbus Dispatch) Ohio received a $3.4 million grant to install more than 100 pumps for ethanol-blended fuels. The grant was through the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and will double the number of higher-ethanol pumps —
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) ... "If you add them up, we are way, way, way short to what we committed to in Paris," said David Bookbinder, former counsel for environmental group Sierra Club and a leading figure on environmental
(Associated Press/Bakken.com) The North Dakota Department of Commerce is accepting applications for a program to market biofuels. The $1.2 million program sponsored through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership offers grants to test and evaluate ways to promote
(Office if Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.) As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizes proposed rules under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and 15 of his House colleagues urged the agency not to
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Sixteen members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today calling on the agency to get back on track with the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and strengthen the
(Lincoln Journal Star) Money raised or promised in Nebraska has more than matched $2.85 million in federal funds to establish a public-private partnership to add 80 new blender pumps across the state of Nebraska, allowing greater access to ethanol for
by Mario Parker (BloombergBusiness) Obama administration may increase biofuel consumption targets; U.S. gasoline demand this year to reach highest since 2007 -- More demand means more gasoline being blended. And more blending means more ethanol potentially getting added to the mix.
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Defense has yet to purchase alternative fuels beyond testing and demonstration purposes, but intentions remain. -- In July, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report observing U.S. Department of Defense
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) The enormity of the military’s fuel usage is still very much on the industry’s radar, but the exuberance of 2012-‘13 has largely been replaced with the more measured tone. -- Three years ago, in the months
by Emily Cassidy (Environmental Working Group) Biofuels produced from switchgrass and post-harvest corn waste could significantly reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change, according to an analysis by EWG and University of California biofuels experts. EWG’s analysis found that the life
(Spooner Advocate) The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that Wisconsin is the recipient of a $3.7 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to significantly expand and support the installation of ethanol blending equipment at retail gas stations throughout the
(Technical University of Munich/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Using neutrons, researchers have now investigated the reaction mechanism of an important class of enzymes: the glycosidases. The measurements were made at the neutron sources in Los Alamos and Oak Ridge (USA), as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Includes Ohio State University's "Advanced Bioeconomy" flowchart and BioPreferred Program map; results of surveys regarding awareness of bio-based products, etc. READ MORE
by Marc Gunther (Nonprofit Chronicles) ... “Why exactly are we ahead with 100 million more wood burning stoves in the world? It’s an output metric and not an impact metric,” says Kevin Starr of Mulago, who wrote a pointed 2014 essay
by Varun Sivaram and Michael A. Levi (Council on Foreign Relations) Corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, which require automakers to achieve government-mandated targets for the efficiency of the vehicles they sell each year, can reduce U.S. reliance on oil,
by Matthew Daly and Tom Krisher (Associated Press/Washington Post) ... The Environmental Protection Agency, along with the California Air Resources Board, said Volkswagen installed software on thousands of Audi, Porsche and VW cars with six-cylinder diesel engines that allowed them to emit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, 80 percent of US registered voters support a renewable fuel standard today and just 10 percent oppose. The remaining 9 percent are unsure. Moore Information conducted an online survey of registered voters nationwide on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Vertimass completed its DOE technology validation that verifies the benchmark performance, initial process design and preliminary cost information for a new award of $2 million by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Fuels America will launch a seven-figure TV and digital ad campaign Friday morning depicting President Obama’s choice of who to listen to when it comes to the Renewable Fuel Standard: his own experts
(Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) Bioenergy Alliance Network of the Rockies (BANR research member David Jackson, PhD of the University of Idaho seeks participants for a survey of "a broad cross-section of the American public" to evaluate interest in woody biomass
(Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems) USDA-NIFA CLIMATE HUBS FELLOWS PROGRAM HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED, WITH A NOVEMBER 20TH, 2015 APPLICATION DEADLINE The Climate Hubs Fellows Program (CHFP) has been announced (http://go.usa.gov/3J4GA). The deadline for applications is November 20th. The CHFP
The Southeast Energy Development (SEED) Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program under the Southeast Partnership for Integrated Biomass Supply Systems (IBSS) project. The SEED Fellows will: Work in a multidisciplinary team for 10
(Associated Press/The Republic) The U.S. Agriculture Department has awarded Kansas $1.3 million in matching funds for a program to increase the availability of ethanol blended fuels for motorists. ... The funds will allow a coalition called the Kansas Better Blends Initiative
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA's Office of the Chief Economist just released a comprehensive report on ethanol. The 87-page report, “U.S. Ethanol: An Examination of Policy, Production, Use, Distribution, and Market Interactions,” examines the complex interaction of
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Agreeing to respectfully disagree was one of very few assenting points reached by association heads representing the biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuel groups during a candid debate about the renewable fuel standard (RFS), policy amendments
(DuPont/PR Web) DuPont celebrated the opening of its cellulosic biofuel facility in Nevada, Iowa, with a ceremony including Iowa Gov. Terry Brandstad and many other dignitaries. This biorefinery is the world’s largest cellulosic ethanol plant, with the capacity to produce
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) ... "This is one of the core technologies that we need to cut oil use and reduce emissions from transportation," said Jeremy Martin, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "It would be great if we
by Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) (Ames Tribune) ... Iowa’s new cellulosic facility also will help dry up the crocodile tears spilled by Big Food that tries to assign blame to corn-based ethanol for rising food prices. Don’t forget, the facility in
(Associated Press/CBS Radio) The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is spending $3 million to add about 130 additional ethanol fuel pumps in Michigan. U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan says Thursday the grant will be matched by state and
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