by Stephen Stromberg (The Washington Post) President Obama declared climate change to be the defining threat of the century in Alaska this week, before he literally hiked a melting glacier. But, once again proving that virtually nothing will be enough for
(Washington State University) Hanwu Lei, Washington State University Tri-Cities associate professor in biological systems engineering, was awarded a $494,000 grant this fall to research catalysts, which will be used to increase the energy output and performance of biofuels. Lei said he
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... On an official basis, E15 is approved by the EPA to be used in all gasoline-powered passenger vehicles manufactured in or after 2001. The vast majority of gasoline-powered vehicles on the road in
(Fuels America/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuels America is sponsoring a full page ad Monday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, aimed at President Obama during his appearance at the National Clean Energy Summit in Nevada, where he is the keynote speaker. The ad
by Matt Carr (Algae Biomass Organization/Industrial Biotechnology) Algae, with their ability to consume carbon dioxide and create oxygen, are widely credited with creating the environment for life as we know it on the planet. Today, they are increasingly being seen
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) ... As many of you know, the RFS was created to “reduce dependence on foreign sources of petroleum, increase domestic sources of energy, and help transition to alternatives to petroleum in the transportation sector”
by Abbie Fentress Swanson (National Public Radio) ... A growing number of biofuel producers are teaming up with farms, meatpackers and waste management companies to tap gassy waste to meet new demand for renewable jet fuel and diesel for vehicles. Lots of
(Ensyn/Advanced Biofuels Association) Dr. Robert Graham, CEO and Chairman of Ensyn Corporation (Ensyn), is pleased to announce that Ensyn has been granted a key regulatory approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its renewable diesel product, RFDiesel. This
by Douglas L. Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) Most liberals don’t hate biofuels. But most don’t love them either, mainly because of their underlying environmental concerns about first-generation biofuels, corn starch ethanol and soy biodiesel. The left’s deep ambivalence toward biofuels is thus
by Zia Haq (US Department of Energy) It’s been one year since we at the Energy Department ramped up our efforts to develop renewable jet fuel for the military and commercial aviation industry. The Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) joined
(US Department of Energy) BETO recently published a report summarizing the proceedings of the second Incorporating Bioenergy in Sustainable Landscape Designs Workshop, held June 24–26, 2014, in Argonne, Illinois. The workshop focused on agricultural landscapes and convened a discussion on the
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced two additional projects selected to receive up to $4 million to develop next-generation biofuels that will help reduce the cost of producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels from biomass. These projects—in
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today (August 26, 2015) announced up to $10 million in funding to advance the production of advanced biofuels, substitutes for petroleum-based feedstocks and bioproducts made from renewable, non-food-based biomass, such as algae, agricultural
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Todd Gardner, CEO of Protec Fuel, has more than 30 years in the fuel business. As such, he has been able to launch an interesting model in how they bring more choice at the pump by
by Fran Flynn (Biofuels Digest/ Fleet Advantage) On the putting green, the golfer who putts last has the advantage of watching his predecessor ‘show him the line. ... On June 19, 2015 the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Anthony R.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Bioenergy Technologies Office’s (BETO’s) Algae Program is carrying out a long-term applied research and development (R&D) strategy to increase the yields and lower the costs of algal biofuels by working with partners to develop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is the Earth Room Problem and how is osmotic shock helping us to solve it? You may have wondered to yourself — at some point between 2009’s Summer of Algae and now, in 2015’s Summer of Where
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been studying current gas retailer’s infrastructure to determine if the equipment is already certified for E15 and flex fuels such as mid-level ethanol blends (E30, E40, E85). If so,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) establishes partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to develop and demonstrate technologies for producing cost-competitive advanced biofuels from non-food biomass resources, including cellulosic biomass, algae,
(Avalara) ... The fuel industry is subject to one of the most complex tax structures in the U.S. and there’s little chance of that changing in the foreseeable future. Federal excise taxes are relatively straightforward. But on top of federal taxes,
by Jason W. Brooks (Newton Daily News) ... U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley spoke with the Newton Daily News about RFS issues in a recent conference call. Grassley said there are number of ways Congress can attempt to persuade the EPA to
by Wayne J. D'Angelo (Fracking Insider) On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued proposed New Source Performance Standards (“NSPS”) under the Clean Air Act covering methane and volatile organic compound (“VOC”) emissions for certain equipment, processes,
by Gabe Corey (Battle Creek Enquirer) Michigan agriculture is driving our economy forward — and ethanol is a major factor in this success. Ethanol supports more than 22,000 jobs in Michigan, while pumping more than $4 billion into our state’s
by James L. Stewart (MSW Management/Biofuels Digest) When it comes to its progress in achieving zero waste to landfills, the United States is on a par with Slovenia and the Czech Republic. -- On average, the top eight countries in Europe
by Rob Nikolewski (Watchdog.org) ... Brooke Coleman, executive director at the Advanced Ethanol Council, counters by saying the industry is at an inherent disadvantage compared to oil companies and is ready for prime time. “Once cellulosic biofuel breaks through on a commercial
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) I’d like to introduce you to some of the people who are proof that good things come when the U.S. EPA and other policymakers in Washington have the courage to
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cleaner burning, higher performing fuels and their nutritious coproducts are valuable at home and abroad, and have the potential to resolve many issues around the globe, writes Tom Buis. -- ... Growth Energy has
(Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is scheduled to publish a notice in the August 25, 2015, Federal Register announcing a public meeting on September 30, 2015, to receive public input and comments on EPA's data
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The argument that consumers don’t want E15 because they aren’t asking for it doesn’t ring true with Ron Lamberty, senior vice president for the American Coalition for Ethanol. At the ACE conference, held Aug.
(Gevo/Butamax/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Gevo Inc. and Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, a joint venture between BP and DuPont, announced that they have entered into worldwide patent cross-license and settlement agreements, ending a patent dispute related to technologies for the production of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is inviting public comments on the list of candidates being considered for appointment to its Science Advisory Board Agricultural Science Committee, which provides advice to the board on matters that will
by Marty McCarthy and Arlie Felton-Taylor (ABC Rural) Could Australian agriculture help to literally fuel the United States Navy's expansion in the Asia-Pacific? -- That is the question a Queensland researcher is trying to answer, as the US moves towards powering
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) Over its 10-year lifespan, the Renewable Fuel Standard’s (RFS) requirement to substitute biofuels for fossil fuels has displaced nearly 1.9 billion barrels of foreign oil and reduced U.S. transportation-related carbon emissions by 589.33 million metric tons, the
(Los Alamos National Laboratory) The key is a tunable switch made from a small non-coding RNA molecule that could have value for medical and even biofuel production purposes. -- Tunable riboregulator switches for post-translational control of gene expression Recent work by Los
(Tennessee Department of Agriculture) The next great business idea just may come from rural Tennessee. USDA Rural Development and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture today announced $220,000 in combined seed funding for a new initiative to help make Tennessee a
(US Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that enrollment begins today for farmers and forest landowners seeking financial assistance for growing new sources of biomass for energy or biobased products
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory recently announced it has selected 16 projects to receive funding through its Carbon Capture Program, including two focused on algae. According to the DOE, the program funds development
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Aug. 14, the U.S. EPA issued two proposals to further reduce emissions of methane-rich gas from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. Under the proposals, new, modified and existing landfills would begin collecting and controlling
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today announced up to $9 million for the design of sustainable bioenergy systems that maintain or enhance the environmental and socio-economic sustainability of cellulosic bioenergy through the improvement of feedstock production, logistics systems,
by Kim Trinchet (Urban Air Initiative) New documents filed with the U.S Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. show that the model used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to measure tailpipe emissions inaccurately blames ethanol for increased air
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) released the following statement in response to a press release issued by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), in which the group calls on motorcycle riders to support legislation that would amend the
by Megan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the IRS has published a notice that informs claimants about the federal income tax treatment of credits under § 6426(c) and (d) of the Internal Revenue Code that are paid in cash under
by Ryan Alexander (Floyd County Times) It’s a timeless story of teenage romance: pledging love, abandoning reason, rebelling against authority. No, this isn’t the plot of a John Hughes movie. Instead, I’m talking about Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s love affair
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) There is a long history of antagonism and sometimes outward hostility by the EPA toward ethanol, writes Mike Bryan. -- Most of us find it strange and frustrating that we are continually at loggerheads with
by PJ Griekspoor (Agri-View) St. Joseph, Mo., pilot plant completes tests of making cellulosic ethanol that also yields value-added co-products -- The prospects for profitable cellulosic ethanol just got a little brighter with the completion of two successful 1,000-hour performance runs for
by Diane Cardwell (New York Times) For years, tire industry executives, as well as government officials and scientists, have sought a domestic source for natural rubber to escape the price fluctuations of imports and, more recently, to avoid petroleum, which
by Reps. Keith Ripp and Andy Jorgensen (Wisconsin State Journal) ... We are proud to support the Renewable Fuel Standard despite the fact that the two of us hail from different political parties. And we are not the only example of the bipartisan
by Beverly James (University of Florida) Imagine jet fuel made from a crop that’s renewable, brings in income and can feed cattle. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have found a way to turn mustard
(The Washington Post) Editorial: THE OBAMA administration released new pollution rules on oil and natural gas production Tuesday to predictable howls from industry. The danger, though, is that the rules won’t do enough to achieve the United States’ climate goals. ... The agency
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If the outlook on cellulosic biofuels is relatively bullish in 2015 compared to 2014 — Last year, there were 33.0 million RINs generated for cellulosic biofuels; this year 36.9 million RINs and we’re only in
(Diesel Technology Forum) Success depends on fuel-neutral approach, nationwide uniformity and harmonization ... He (Tom Fulks, representing the Diesel Technology Forum, to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials during today’s hearing on the proposed truck regulations in
by Niina Heikkinen (E&E Climate Wire) ... But ethylene's ubiquity as a building block in plastics and chemicals masks an underlying environmental cost. The cheap hydrocarbon is made using petroleum and natural gas, and the way it is produced emits more
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On July 31, 154 members of the U.S. House of Representatives issued a letter to the USDA, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. EPA urging the recognition of carbon neutrality of biomass energy. “We write to
by Charlie Peel (Townsville Bulletin) Up to 30 mini biofuel plants could be rolled out across North Queensland as part of an ambitious plan to make the region Australia’s renewable fuel capital. The centrepiece of the project would be a $150 million
by Eric Kamler Geneva (The Independent/Journal-Star) This month marks the 10th anniversary since President George W. Bush signed the Renewable Fuel Standard into law. The RFS has spurred billions of dollars in investments in biofuel technology, boosted our state and
(Renewable Fuels Association) Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen issued the following statement in response to the shutdown of the BP 240,000-barrels-per-day refinery in Whiting, Indiana, which has caused gasoline prices to spike in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio,
by Forest Concepts LLC (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Forest Concepts LLC was recently notified that it has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research contract from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The two-year $499,997 contract will support development
by Dave VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM/Urban Air Initiative) ... The RFS is very important to our industry, but focusing on it alone, has caused us to take our eye off the dealer. The down card trumps everything in the deck and it’s
(US Department of Energy) “Sustainability in Bioenergy: A Nation Connected” is a short documentary highlighting personal stories and the efforts being made by communities across the United States to develop, produce, and provide bioenergy, while ensuring it is environmentally, economically,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) In late July, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report focused on U.S. Department of Defense investments in alternative fuels. The report notes that while the DOE has purchased small quantities of alternative fuels
by Kati Moore (Duke Environment) Zackary Johnson, Arthur P. Kaupe Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology in Marine Science at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish a consortium
(Kansas State University) A Kansas State University biochemistry professor has reached a milestone in building a better biofuel: producing high levels of lipids with modified properties in oil seeds. Timothy Durrett, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics in the College of
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Another barrier to commercially viable biofuels from sources other than corn has fallen with the engineering of a microbe that improves isobutanol yields by a factor of 10. The finding of the Department of Energy’s BioEnergy Science
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) JBEI has opened up the licensing door for some of their signature ionic liquid pre-treatment technologies: Long Alkyl Chain Alcohols as Co-solvent, Precipitant, and Extraction Medium in Ionic Liquid Pretreatment (2013-105), a cost-effective and efficient process to
by Philip Basher (AgriPulse) ... Huckabee also defended the Renewable Fuel Standard, arguing that it wasn't hypocritical to be conservative and also support the biofuel usage mandates on refiners. He suggested the government was morally obligated to keep the mandates in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A proposal by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to change ethanol blending rules would significantly increase carbon emissions to the equivalent of adding nearly one million more passenger vehicles on the road, according to an
by Sarita Chourey (SavannahNow.com/Savannah Morning News) A biofuels company that has been sizing up South Carolina’s wood waste potential will not build a biofuels operation in the state, according to a statement Tuesday from Colorado-based Red Rock Biofuels. “At this time,
(Biofuels Digest) Slide 1: The Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) issues loans and loan guarantees to finance deployment of innovative energy projects and advanced technology vehicle manufacturing facilities in the United States. Commercial banks and bondholders are often unwilling to finance
(Algae Industry Magazine) Some algae like Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (or “Chlamy,” as it’s known to its large research community) produce energy-dense oils or lipids when stressed, and these lipids can then be converted into fuels. However, researchers walk a fine line
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush is calling out President Obama's climate change plan as "irresponsible," while at the same time admitting global warming is man-made and real. ... While Bush scolds EPA for overstepping its authority to
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources, which will codify how power generation with low-carbon biomass can be used as a compliance mechanism for the Plan, has not yet been released. Despite the
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Recently the American Automobile Association filed comments concerning the U.S. EPA’s renewable fuel standard (RFS) renewable volume obligation (RVO) proposed rule for 2014 through 2016. Once again, AAA has shown its ignorance on issues when it
(US Department of Agriculture) Funding supports solar and other renewable energy projects to create jobs and promote energy independence -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $63 million in loans and grants for 264 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide
(Renewable Fuels Association) This Saturday marks 10 years since the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) containing the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The first RFS set America on a path
(Office of Senator Dick Durbin) U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today in support of Illinois’ application for additional federal funding to advance the deployment of biofuel infrastructure
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, more than fifty grassroots events are now scheduled take place at state and county fairs throughout the month of August, starting August 7th. Farmers and consumers will have the chance to inform and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, Forest Concepts has been awarded an SBIR research contract from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The two-year, $499,997 contract will support development of advanced model-predictive control
(Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week that it is developing a project intended to support public dialog concerning the development and use of synthetic biology (synbio). EPA has oversight responsibility for the production and
(US Federal Bureau of Investigation) James Jariv, 64, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced in federal court in Las Vegas today to ten years in prison for his role in illegal schemes to generate fraudulent biodiesel credits and to export
by Richard Childress (Charlotte Observer) As a former NASCAR driver and current team owner, I know a thing or two about engines, performance and fuel. My team’s success depends on using the best technology to get the best results. I
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Maui’s Pacific Biodiesel Technologies is looking to help move the Big Island to 100 percent renewable energy through the use of its renewable fuel, the company’s vice president confirmed to PBN. Earlier this month, Pacific Biodiesel
by Jacquelyn Prestegaard (Algae Industry Magazine) Livestock scientists see microalgae’s potential as a sustainable, high-energy feedstuff as well as a protein supplement. Among those scientists are Dr. Megan Van Emon, Assistant Professor at Montana State University, Dr. Daniel Loy, Professor of
(Candy & Snack TODAY) Two new hybrid species of sugarcane capable of maintaining productivity in temperatures as low as 50 degree F could potentially allow cultivation beyond the current region and expand sugar yield by as much as 25
by John Caupert (National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center/Belleville News Democrat) ... Beyond economic and environmental impact, one has to wonder about the wisdom of proposed rules from a federal agency that moves to regulate greenhouse gases for airlines with one action, but
(National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Phys.Org) Here's the future of ethylene production as Dr. Jianping Yu sees it. "We envision some farms in the field that cover many acres. We will have cyanobacteria harvesting sunlight and C02 and then produce ethylene or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The increase in revenue during 2015 is primarily a result of the production and sale of approximately $8.0 million of ethanol, isobutanol and distiller’s grains at the Luverne plant. Hydrocarbon revenues were $0.8 million, primarily
by Joseph White (PlanetArk) A long-simmering dispute between automakers and U.S. regulators over policies to promote electric vehicles spilled into the open on Tuesday, in the high stakes struggle over the future of automotive technology. The heads of two major lobby groups
(Environmental Protection Agency) The EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy, signed the following notice on 8/3/2015, and EPA is submitting it for publication in the Federal Register (FR). While we have taken steps to ensure the accuracy of this Internet version of
(Los Angeles Times) ... More important than the dollar amount are the greater losses of life, home and habitat expected to result from rising seas, weather catastrophes and changes in the environment that will affect the ability to grow food or
TERRA projects seek to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. To accomplish this, the projects uniquely integrate agriculture, information technology, and engineering communities to design and apply new tools for
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On July 22, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources introduced a bipartisan energy bill, titled the “Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015.” ... A summary of the bill published by the committee indicates
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released the final Clean Power Plan rules, which contain some key changes from the original rule, as well as vague language related to using certain kinds of biomass fuel as a
(Renewable Fuels Association) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen applauded a recent decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recalculate its ethanol export estimates for 2014. In a memorandum, which was placed on the RVO docket
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Newswise) Biorefineries could benefit from a new process developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that produces hydrogen from plant sources such as switchgrass. The method converts biomass waste streams into hydrogen through heating and processing in microbe-based
by Stephen Stromberg (The Washington Post) The final version of the Clean Power Plan, President Obama’s signature climate change policy, came out on Monday. Here’s how to tell whether the politicians, special interests and commentators you’re going to hear talking
(U.S. Department of Defense) Global climate change will aggravate problems such as poverty, social tensions, environmental degradation, ineffectual leadership and weak political institutions that threaten stability in a number of countries, according to a report the Defense Department sent to
(Algae Biomass Organization) Opens the door for projects to convert waste CO2 into valuable products -- The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), the trade association for the algae industry, issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s release of the final
(Energy and Environmental Study Institute) ... In comments to EPA, EESI points out that when Congress was debating the Renewable Fuel Standard, the meaning of “adequate domestic supply” was defined as qualifying fuel – not infrastructure constraints. For the first time,
by James Q. Lynch (Iowa Farmer Today) It’s been a big week for renewable fuels, according to Sen. Chuck Grassley after the Senate Finance Committee voted 23-3 to approve extending tax credits for wind energy, biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol. He called
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A U.S. Grains Council mission including U.S. environmental and public health specialists recently traveled to China to discuss how air and water quality in that country could be improved through the use of ethanol in the
(USDA Agricultural Research Service/Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA scientist is providing much needed guidance to sorghum farmers in the Texas High Plains who are trying to save water by using less-than-optimal amounts of it. Farmers in the area are turning to sorghum because
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In early July, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it is soliciting applications for up to $4 billion in loan guarantees to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects located in the U.S. that
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Berkeley Lab Study Shows Orange Carotenoid Protein Shifts More Than Just Color for Cyanobacterial Photoprotection ... “Prior to our work, the assumption was that carotenoids are static, held in place by the protein scaffold,” Kerfeld
by Jay Huber (Kentucky Motorcycle Association/Courier-Journal) and Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Courier-Journal) Huber: In his June 28 op-ed, Charles Drevna correctly labeled the federal ethanol mandate, “all pain and no gain.” This mandate not only causes environmental damage and raises prices at the
(Department of Energy) ... We know many of you are interested in some of the presentations from our great lineup of speakers. We have posted select presentations from the conference to our Bioenergy 2015 presentations website. They include: Breakout Session 1-C: Bringing Biorefineries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have found that with the addition of a single gene, rice can be cultivated to emit virtually no methane from its paddies during growth. With
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Heard dire comments like “POET expects to stop all future U.S. cellulosic investments if EPA’s proposed base renewable fuel requirements are not strengthened.” Want to understand the substantive concerns on the Renewable Fuel Standard, but
(Biofuels International) A research team from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a multi-program US security laboratory, has received an additional $1 million (appr. €907,000) to protect algal crops by developing ‘probiotic’ bacteria to combat pond infestation and increase ecosystem function and
by David Danielson (US Department of Energy) ... (T)he Energy Department announced the national laboratories who will be taking the lead in implementing a new Small Business Vouchers Pilot, a public-private partnership that will connect clean energy innovators across the country
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) Sofie E. Miller may have left the Charles Koch Institute in 2012, but she clearly continues to do the bidding of her former employer and the rest of the oil industry (“RFS hurts
by Padma Nagappan (TakePart) ... Now researchers at the United States Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory think they have a solution that allows farmers to profit from growing both food and advanced biofuels while benefitting the environment. They planted willow on
by Joern Huenteler and Henry Lee (Belfer Center Programs or Projects) The promise, prospects, and public policy trade-offs related to second-generation biofuels in road transport were addressed in an executive session convened at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan,
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Independent oil refiners and a former White House official have urged U.S. regulators to tweak the U.S. biofuels program to shift responsibility for complying from refiners to fuel blenders, according to public comments on a government
by Osaretin Omorodion* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Biobased products are a new innovation that are gradually contributing more to the U.S. economy in the forms of alternative fuels, packaging, plastic substitutes and more. An Economic Impact Analysis report was recently submitted
by Tom Neeley (DTN/The Progressive Farmer) Though odds are slim Congress will take up legislation to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard anytime soon, a combined hearing of the House subcommittees on energy and oversight Thursday kept that possibility alive by
(Office of Senator Tom Udall (D-NM)) In a letter this week to Office of Management and Budget (OPM) Director Shaun Donovan, U.S. Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham called for
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Governor Terry Branstad wants Iowa to become the first state to offer a tax credit for transforming the “biochemicals” that are a byproduct of ethanol production. Branstad discussed the issue with former Iowa Governor and
by Katherine Bagley (InsideClimate News) Four percent of the facilities surveyed accounted for 23 percent of the leaked natural gas, worth about $240 million -- About 80 billion cubic feet of the potent greenhouse gas methane escapes into the air each
(SustainableBusiness.com) A few years ago, we were hearing a lot about airlines testing and beginning to run on biofuels (combined with petroleum). With the latest announcements, are we ready for take off? This summer, United Airlines begins flying from Los Angeles to San
by Greg Watry (R&D Magazine) Rotifers are semitransparent microscopic animals. Watching them feed under a microscope, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe at nature’s complexity. Its oval-shaped body rotates as it ingests small beads of algae. However, grazers, such as
(Algae Biomass Organization) Latest bill to encourage using carbon dioxide as a feedstock for valuable products -- The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the algae industry, hailed language included in the energy reform package released last Wednesday by the Senate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, representatives from Fuels America and other advocates for “clean, secure, American energy” delivered over 200,000 comments to the EPA in support of a strong final rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard. This show
by Douglas R. Kauffman, Jay Thakkar, Rajan Siva, Christopher Matranga, Paul R. Ohodnicki, Chenjie Zeng, and Rongchao Jin (ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces) The catalytic conversion of CO2 into industrially relevant chemicals is one strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Along
(Agrimoney.com) The European biofuels industry is to stagnate next year, according to a report from the US Department of Agriculture's bureau in The Hague, unless import tariffs are relaxed. The bureau noted that the EU has "effectively separated itself from the
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Calls for EPA to revise 2014-2016 renewable volume obligations to more accurately reflect the production capabilities of the biofuels industry. -- Today (July 27, 2015), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) submitted comments to the U.S. Environment
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) U.S. farmers, biofuel makers, and oil companies have mounted last-ditch efforts to push regulators to overhaul a controversial plan for biofuel use, homing in on the price Americans pay for gasoline mixed with such fuels as
(National Biodiesel Board) Calls for Additional Growth in Biodiesel Sector -- The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) on Monday called on the EPA to strengthen its proposal for biodiesel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In extensive comments submitted to the agency
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) In a seldom-seen cross-border stand in support of ethanol, the governors of Nebraska and Iowa on Friday urged an embrace of the corn-derived motor fuel as a crucial local industry with vast economic development prospects
(National Corn Growers Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Corn Growers Association took another big step toward providing the driving public with lower gas prices and more fuel choice including better access to higher blends of home-grown American Ethanol. NCGA announced the
by Michael Bastasch (Daily Caller) A University of Minnesota scientist told lawmakers Thursday that mandating ethanol be blended into fuel supplies is leading to more deaths from poor air quality in the Midwest and along the East Coast. “The Renewable Fuel
by Todd Nealey (DTN/The Progressive Farmer) ... Both biofuels and oil industry officials offered hints as to the direction potential lawsuits could take once EPA finalizes the rule that would provide a bump to biomass-based diesel volumes while still cutting the
(New Holland) Following the United States Department of Energy’s announcement to award State University of New York up to $3.5 million to fund a research project that seeks to develop ways to reduce the cost of delivering biomass for refinement,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are they? “Nature’s biodiversity holds answers to challenges in health, energy, food, materials, and more,” they say. “Organism Engineers at Ginkgo learn from Nature to develop new organisms that replace technology with biology.” ... “if
by Carol Hunter (Des Moines Register) Three retired military officers made the case Wednesday that development and use of renewable fuels is a key component of national security. Specifically, the officers argued that Congress should leave in place the current
(Red Rock Biofuels LLC) Red Rock Biofuels LLC, a pioneer in renewable biofuels, announced today that it will produce approximately three million gallons of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel per year for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX). The
(Nanowerk News/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Scientists have directed a common bacterium to produce more of a valuable fatty acid, lauric acid, than it typically does. The achievement is noteworthy not simply because of the increased production of fatty acid, which
by Philip Weyhe (Janesville Argus) First District Congressman Tim Walz, D-Mankato, stopped by Guardian Energy in Janesville Friday morning with his sights set on highlighting ethanol production as an “all-American” and efficient energy solutions service. After the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is soliciting nominations for candidates to fill vacancies on the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee. Nominations are due Aug. 14. The
by Mark J. Riedy and Ben Snowden (Kilpatrick Townsend/Biofuels Digest) The USDA has completely overhauled what used to be known as Biorefinery Assistance Program and now is called the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. The Program provides loan
(National Biodiesel Board) Republicans and Democrats Urge EPA to Strengthen RFS Proposal -- Thirty-six U.S. senators from across the country urged the Obama administration Monday to strengthen biodiesel volumes in a pending Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) proposal from the EPA. “While the
by Dave Eckhardt (Colorado Corn Growers Association/Pueblo Chieftan) ... Perhaps the EPA has forgotten the RFS is working. It’s helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, ethanol lowered CO2-equivalent GHG emissions from transportation by 39.6 million metric tons — akin to
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Brazil and the U.S. have a responsibility to collaboratively build a global biofuels market, writes Leticia Phillips of UNICA, following a visit between Brazilian President and President Obama. In late June, Brazilian President Dilma
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Speaking to members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) meeting in Washington DC this week, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy defended her agency’s proposed volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) while at
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In early July, the U.S. EPA released renewable identification number (RIN) sales data aggregated by renewable fuel standard (RFS) party type for the first time. The newly released data is in addition to monthly
(Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributable to the production and transport of Gossypium spp. seed oil (“cottonseed oil”) feedstock for use in making biofuels such
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Hundreds of corn farmers from across America were in Washington D.C. today (July 15, 2015) to rally for the cuts to corn ethanol in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFs) to be overturned. The Environmental Protection Agency
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) A federal appeals court slammed the ethanol industry on Tuesday for suing the Environmental Protection Agency, and then slammed the EPA's defense even though the agency won the case. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals threw
by Janelle Atyeo (Tri-State Neighbor) South Dakota groups are pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to set higher standards for renewable fuels, highlighting what ethanol has done for the rural economy and for the environment. Rural development coordinator Erin Wilcox testified at
(OurEnergyPolicy.org) The question is: How can U.S. policymakers best support energy security and GHG emission reduction, considering the need for both biofuels and low-carbon electric vehicles? What fraction of transport energy can be supplied by each source, and what policy options
(Chemicals-Technology) Researchers from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), UOP and Netherlands-based Utrecht University have found a way to understand chemical transformations occurring within zeolites. Zeolites are crystalline solid structures made up of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen atoms,
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