by Bill Brandon and Richard Ezike (Biofuels Digest) The debate touting butanol over ethanol as a ‘better’ fuel component has gone on for quite some time in biofuel circles. Those who support butanol point to three key factors: • Butanol has
by Jay Fitzgerald (Boston Globe) Is America’s energy boom coming to an end? As companies shut down oil- and gas-drilling rigs and lay off thousands of workers who toiled in shale fields in North Dakota, Texas, and elsewhere, many analysts
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA recently published a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) related to the voluntary renewable identification number (RIN) quality assurance program under the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In May, USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service published a final rule for the Value-Added Producer Grant program and opened a 60-day comment period that closes on July 7. ... According to USDA Rural Development, the
by Jan Koninckx (Des Moines Register/DuPont) ... With the vast majority of gas pumps only delivering gasoline that is a 10 percent ethanol blend (E10), consumers have been locked out of buying higher blends of renewable fuels. For blends like E15 and
(WNAX) National Corn Grower Association members are concerned with the recent volume proposal put out by the Environmental Protection Agency for the Renewable Fuel Standard. NCGA leaders say with their proposal, the EPA has cut 3.75 billion gallons of corn
by C. Scott Sluder, C., Brian West, Aron Butler, Arvon L. Mitcham, et al. (SAE) During the 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) incorporated the R factor into fuel economy calculations in order to address concerns about the impacts of
by Brian West (Oak Ridge National Laboratory/AmazonAWS.com) Presentation for Hudson Institute Conference, "Fueling American Growth" May 7, 2015 READ MORE and MORE (SAE)
by Geoff Cooper (Des Moines Register) Letter to Editor: The Environmental Working Group’s claim that ethanol is worse for the climate than the Keystone pipeline is like saying apple juice is worse for the human body than arsenic. The Department of Energy’s
by Chuck Grassley (The Iowa Republican) ... Consumers like biofuels. The idea of a homegrown product that reduces emissions harmful to the environment and brings the United States freedom from volatile oil-producing countries is appealing. The EPA should know this. Instead, the
(Alaska Airlines/PR Newswire) Washington state's hometown airline is teaming up with the Washington State University-led Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) to advance the production and use of alternative jet fuel made from forest residuals, the tree limbs and branches that
(Joint Genome Institute) DOE-funded researchers develop a new process for annotating cellulose-degrading enzymes. Researchers at two Department of Energy-funded Scientific User Facilities collaborated with one of three Bioenergy Research Centers to develop and analyze high-resolution crystal structures of an enzyme from
by Valerie Volcovici (Planet Ark/Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans as soon as Friday to determine whether carbon dioxide from aircraft endangers public health, a first step to regulating emissions from the aviation sector, sources familiar with the rulemaking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Great Lakes Bioenergy is a DOE, Office of Science-funded Bioenergy Research Center. Its mission is to develop ways to produce ethanol, advanced biofuels and chemicals from the non-edible, lignocellulosic part of plant biomass. The Center
by Ronnie Shows (The Daily Caller) As the first legislator to introduce a biofuels bill in the Mississippi State House, I am deeply concerned that the Obama administration is making a huge mistake when it comes to determining the United
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Expansion in the U.S. ethanol industry, stuck in neutral for more than a year as the government debated biofuel blending requirements, is now likely to come to a screeching halt. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A recent U.S. Department of Energy webinar included preview of the 2016 U.S. Billion-Ton Study update, which is currently scheduled for release in June 2016. The event, titled “A Changing Market for Biofuels and Bioproducts,”
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Consumer-driven changes peck their way up the food chain to distillers grains producers. ... The move to minimize or eliminate nontherapeutic use of antibiotics in meat production is a response to the increasing
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that incentives will resume this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop
(Platts) ... In immediate reaction, market participants viewed the proposed obligations as bearish for corn-based ethanol (D6) RINs and bullish for biomass-based diesel (D4) RINs. Advanced biofuel (D5) RINs were expected to also track biomass-based diesel RINs higher, sources said. Moments
(ECN Magazine/Argonne National Laboratory) The handling of agricultural crop residues appears to have a large impact on soil's ability to retain carbon, making land management practices increasingly important, especially under a scenario where cellulosic materials become more heavily used as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Fuels, chemicals, pathways, and microbes that could shake it all up ... (H)ere are 8 Hot Targets that we can point to that could be game-changers in the world of making fuels, chemicals and biomaterials from
(Project Gaia) Babington Technology announced today its donation of almost $100,000 worth of especially adapted field feeding equipment to Project Gaia, Inc. for testing in refugee camp and urban commercial and institutional settings in Ethiopia. For over 25 years, Babington
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “EPA continues to assert authority under the general waiver provision to reduce biofuel volumes based on available infrastructure,” says BIO. “This is a point that will have to be litigated. It goes against Congressional intent.” In
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest up to $100 million in a Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership to support the infrastructure needed to make more renewable fuel options available
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) regrets that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in releasing renewable fuel volumes for 2014, 2015 and 2016, artificially caps renewable fuels at under 10 percent of the U.S.
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg Business) Companies that make fuel from corn stalks or landfill gas say a federal program designed to help them has a loophole that is discouraging buyers. ... In addition, producers have been pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to close
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to inject $100 million in funding to get more ethanol at the gas pump, according to two industry sources, the latest push to get beyond a "blend wall" that
(Office of Congressman Collin Peterson) House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson today said the Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) released today by the EPA will set back production of domestic renewable fuels and hurts the rural economy. Peterson’s statement is
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today the EPA announced proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and also proposed volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2017. The proposal would boost renewable fuel
(25 x '25) EPA's proposed biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, which were issued today, are, for the most, part a major disappointment and could, if not revised, make the
by Mark Drajem and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed cutting quotas for the use of renewable fuels, lowering the mandate for corn ethanol this year and next from the 15 billion gallons set by
(Union of Concerned Scientists) The emissions and efficiency standards for vehicles have been a big success, according to a new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Ten percent of new passenger cars and trucks sold today already meet
(Renewable Fuels Association) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a new study today that found most of the existing fuel dispensing infrastructure components — including underground storage tanks — are compatible with E15. The researchers interviewed retail fuel equipment
(Menthes Energies/Biodiesel Magazine) Methes Energies International Ltd. announced May 19 that it will start offering epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and natural polyol from its Sombra, Ontario, biodiesel facility. Both of these biobased products help address growing global demand for the
(Renewable Fuels Association) Retail gasoline prices from 2013 through the first quarter of 2015 were unaffected by prices for “RIN credits” (Renewable Identification Numbers) that are used to demonstrate compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), according to a new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments today to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing support for a proposed legal agreement that sets specific deadlines for establishing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume
by Jeff Green/Angela Greiling Keane (Bloomberg) In a 2009 executive order, the president had called for 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015, but poor sales and lower gas prices have intervened. President Barack Obama's long-standing goal to have
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After a period of incredible profitability, leaders in the ethanol industry are better positioned for thinner margins. In an industry ruled by volatility, it’s important for producers to position themselves to take advantage of favorable
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, has introduced legislation that aims to ensure emissions generated from sustainably harvested biomass would be considered carbon neutral under the U.S. EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan. The bill, known as “The
by Anne Weismann (Roll Call/ Campaign for Accountability) On June 1, the Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to release its new plan for implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard. ... When the number finally comes out, the American people might find out
by Jaclyn Brandt (Fierce Energy) Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has been working to increase the use of biomass in his state and the country, and has introduced another bill with the goal of improving technologies for woody biomass. The bill, the
by B. Gunner Greene (Lafayette Journal & Courier) ... You might call biofuels in Indiana a growing industry. Of course, as many farmers and business owners already know, the EPA has a tendency to insert itself into successful enterprises. At best
(Department of Energy/Federal Register) This notice announces an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee under Section 9008(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014. May 20, 20158:30 a.m.-5:30
(National Biodiesel Board) Change allows for more high quality Advanced Biofuel in Military Operations -- The Defense Logistics Agency took a major step forward in ensuring high quality biodiesel can be used seamlessly in military bases across the country. DLA, the
by Corrine Young and Michele Jalbert (Renewable Chemicals and Advanced Materials Alliance (re:chem)/Biofuels Digest) ... Program changes garnered in the most recent Farm Bill reauthorization have, for the first time, broadened the loan guarantee program to include renewable chemicals and biobased products
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) This reports on part of a trip to Wisconsin to visit the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), University of Wisconsin (UW), a dairy farm that uses biogas production and the World
by Osaretin Omorodion* (Advanced Biofuels USA) During late March 2015, the US Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) offered what amounted to a seminar for the public consisting of a series of presentations from industry professionals and researchers
(U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration) In the United States, petroleum is by far the most-consumed transportation fuel. But recently the share of fuels other than petroleum for U.S. transportation has increased to its highest level since 1954, a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s the latest with such projects such as Frontline BioEnergy, Myriant, POET-DSM, INEOS Bio, Sapphire Energy, Abengoa, Haldor Topsoe, UOP. ZeaChem, Mercurius, and American Process, among others? In Washington this June 25th, the Department of Energy
(American Council on Renewable Energy) ACORE Brings Together Biofuel Industry to Publish Comments Addressing RFS Rules -- Industry leaders and ACORE members take up issues with co-location requirements under the RFS which impede advanced biofuels development. Today, the American Council On Renewable
by Zack Coleman (Washington Examiner) A riddle: A left-wing environmental organization and a free-market policy group enter the Environmental Protection Agency. What do they want? A national carbon tax. That's what environmental group Friends of the Earth and the free-market R Street
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Electrics, fuel cell vehicles, smart cars, biofuels for road and sky, and greening the grid come under the microscope Down Under. In Sydney this week, a number of US and Australian leaders gathered at the
(US DOE Energy Information Administration) In 2014, U.S. fuel ethanol production reached 14.3 billion gallons of ethanol fuel, the highest level ever. The growth in U.S. fuel ethanol production has outpaced growth in corn consumed as feedstock—as the industry has
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... Joining Sen. Heitkamp were Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Al Franken (D-MN), as well as biodiesel producers, who also stressed how the uncertainty caused by EPA’s misguided
by Anne Steckel (The Hill/National Biodiesel Board) ... Specifically, the Energy Independence and Security Act was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush because they all understood that our addiction to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Survive -- First-Gen ethanol producers. So-so. Corn prices have fallen, and though margins have been compressed and gone negative in some cases, balance sheets remain strong and the margin outlook is improving and positive
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On May 12, representatives of two biofuel trade organizations discussed the choice the White House and U.S. EPA face in proposing upcoming renewable volume requirements (RVOs) under the renewable fuel standard. Bob Dinneen, president
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) I had heard about Pennsylvania State University's bioenergy and biofuels educational initiatives from Advanced Biofuels USA's Joanne Ivancic, just after starting to work on a project to identify college level biofuels education
Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing) ... Refiners aren't buying cellulosic fuel credits through the renewable fuel standard program for what the company produces. And so Quad County has received as much as $600,000 less than expected for its wares -- a shortfall
by John Siciliano (The Examiner) The Environmental Protection Agency's attempts to get its flagship renewable fuel program back on track is coming at a price for the biofuel industry it has sought to support. In the nearly two years that the EPA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Since retiring from USDA in 2012, I have continued to work with local communities, businesses, and agriculture producers in accessing federal and private financial programs that support renewable energy, renewable chemical and bio-based product development. ... With
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... And while not a major focus of the report, the QER contains language pertaining to biofuels and bioenergy which give some hints as to the top-level goals for DOE for biofuels and biomass power. ... The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... NREL is the only national lab devoted solely to the development of technologies applied to renewable energy and energy efficiency. In the National Bioenergy Center, we are focused on conversion of renewable feedstocks (cellulosic biomass,
(E&ETV/OnPoint) ... Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board, discusses the challenges facing the industry as it awaits EPA's decision and talks about why she believes the industry can meet increased volume requirements. ... Senator Heidi Heitkamp wrote
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Refining ethanol may release more of some pollutants than burning it in vehicles. After quantifying the airborne emissions from the nation’s third largest ethanol refinery, a team led by NOAA and University of Colorado–Boulder
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alaska Airlines ups the ante in the search for sustainable, affordable jet fuels. In Colorado, Gevo and Alaska Airlines announced a strategic alliance to purchase Gevo’s renewable jet fuel and fly the first-ever commercial flight on
(MarketWatch/DEKRA North America, Inc.) DEKRA North America, Inc. congratulates Risi Competizione's Ferrari F458 Italia as the winner, for the third consecutive time, of the DEKRA Green Challenge Award in the Continental Tire Monterey Grand Prix race held in Monterey, California
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Obama administration is conducting the last step in its review of proposed annual ethanol blending mandates for three separate years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent the proposal, which has not been revealed publicly,
(National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel fans, we need your help. Producers of America's first advanced biofuel to reach full commercial distribution have been left in limbo since rumors surfaced in 2013 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was planning to scale
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) There has been a great deal of conversation around the speech I recently gave at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. I would like to further explain some of the key
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The advanced biofuel industry has invested billions of dollars since 2009 to build first-of-a-kind demonstration and commercial-scale biorefineries around the world, even during a global economic recession. Cellulosic biofuels have reached commercial status, though not at the
by Jonathan Ellis (Argus Leader) ... In 2008, Obama was the pro-ethanol candidate, while Republican John McCain was the candidate calling for an end to subsidies and mandates enjoyed by the industry. During his presidency, as much as 5 millions
by Ashley Halsey III (The Washington Post) Almost two years after a runaway tank-car train erupted in an explosion that killed 47 people in a Canadian town, the U.S. Transportation Department on Friday announced new standards for tank-car construction, new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If they handed out Platinum and Gold certification to scientific papers as we do with recorded music, “Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass” would be a multi-platinum chart-busting monster. This 2004 survey, completed by staff
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... A new white paper by Harvard economist James Stock – a former member of the Obama administration’s Council of Economic Advisors – acknowledges as much. Unfortunately, the paper’s faulty analysis of the RFS
by Valerie Reed (US Department of Energy/Industrial Biotechnology) (D)etails the promise of algae as a renewable energy source and describes the BETO-funded research, development, and demonstration projects that have resulted in significant technological advances to help overcome the challenges of
(Department of Justice) Chad Ducey, 39, of Fishers, Indiana, pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in a multi-state scheme to defraud biodiesel buyers and U.S. taxpayers by fraudulently selling biodiesel incentives. His two brothers, Chris Ducey, 48, of North Webster,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting comments on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributed to the production and transport of Brassica carinata oil feedstock for the use in making biofuels, such as biodiesel,
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of two new private funds, known as Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs), which make equity investments in rural businesses, helping them grow and create jobs. This announcement is
(Newswise/Argonne National Laboratory) With access to supercomputing resources at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility, a research team from the University of Minnesota and Rice University has demonstrated a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 44 deals, 37 companies; deal count jumps 16% but deal size drops 17% Here’s the complete skinny on who got what. In Florida, The Digest reports that 12 advanced bioeconomy ventures raised $1.262 billion in
(Michigan State University) A team of Michigan State University researchers has discovered a switch that regulates plant photosynthesis – the process that lets plants store solar energy and use it to grow and produce food. Photosynthesis stores energy in two forms
(Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA published two studies recently; defending its stance that ethanol increases toxic emissions. However, if you follow the same flawed formula, you get the same flawed results, warned representatives of the Urban Air
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Berkeley Lab Researchers Perform Solar-powered Green Chemistry with Captured CO2 -- A potentially game-changing breakthrough in artificial photosynthesis has been achieved with the development of a system that can capture carbon dioxide emissions before
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, a new study released in the journal Energy & Fuels is providing the first, fully integrated assessment of common feedstocks from the field to refinery-ready crude fuel, based on hydrotreatment or fast
by Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. (Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and The Acta Group) When I meet people from bioeconomy companies, I ask them about their products’ status under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The most common answers I receive are:
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Battelle-led group succeeds in US Department of Energy challenge — 1,000 hours of continuous biomass hydrotreating on a single catalyst charge. The undefeated champ hits 1200 hours before being retired from the ring. Next stop,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Jeff Flake, R, Ariz., has introduced legislation that aims to amend the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to require the cellulosic requirement to be based on actual production and alter the statutory definition of
(J. Craig Venter Institute) Results have important implications in developing algae-based products such as biofuels and chemicals -- Scientists from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), a not-for-profit genomic research organization, published a paper today (April 21, 2015) outlining new
(Algae Biomass Organization) The U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments related to its review of three consolidated cases regarding the EPA’s regulation of toxic emissions from power plants: Michigan v. Environmental Protection Agency, No. 14-46; Utility Air Regulatory Group v. Environmental
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Over the past year, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) increased its work with the biofuels sector of renewable energy, upped its presence and activity at biofuels-related conferences and events, and got into
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) The Environmental Protection Agency is working to finalize the proposed rule on biofuels volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard; the latest proposal would create uncertainty for biodiesel producers and undermine job creation. In a
(Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)) Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced legislation today to broaden consumer fuel choice by expanding the existing waiver of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations related to the Reid vapor pressure of motor vehicle fuel to include E15
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Three reports have arrived this week that help – especially in the corner of sustainability relating to biobased energy, fuels and products. One led out of Brazil, tapping the efforts of 137 researchers at 82
by Philip Ellender (Koch Companies Public Sector) On behalf of Koch companies, I am writing to urge you to oppose S. 577, a bill introduced by Senators Feinstein and Toomey that seeks to reform, not repeal, the federal Renewable Fuel Standard(RFS)
by Jordan Godwin and Wes Swift (Platts) Corn-based (D6) ethanol RINs for 2015 firmed up to their highest level in more than three months Tuesday as the market continued to show a revival of aggressive bid interest, sources said. ... Market participants
by Keith Laing (The Hill) A bipartisan group of House members has filed legislation to hike the federal gas tax and index it to inflation to pay for a new transportation bill. The measure would increase the gas tax, which
by James H. Stock* (Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy) America’s renewable fuels policy is at a crossroads. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is derided by some as an inefficient program that is driving up costs for fuel suppliers and
(The Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group/The Oil Price Information Network) (The Oil Price Information Network (OPIS) spoke with BRAG's Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Senior Policy Advisor with B&C, regarding the application of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Training programs around the U.S. offer opportunities in the biofuels industry for part- and full-time students. ... Mick Miller, president of NuVu Fuels and general manager of DENCO II in Morris, Minnesota, also went through the
by David VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ ICM Inc./Urban Air Initiative) The RFS is important and worthy of support, writes David VanderGriend. However, it should not be viewed as what defines the value of biofuels, a value which can only be
(vtdigger.org/TH Malloy and Sons) Jim Malloy, of Plainfield, Vermont, is being recognized for his contributions to reducing the use of petroleum fuel in the transportation sector. His business, TH Malloy and Sons in Newport, Rhode Island, is being recognized with
(Green Car Congress) The US Defense Logistics Agency-Energy (DLA-Energy) has posted the Rocky Mountain/West Coast/Offshore (RMW) solicitation (SPE600-15-R-0711) on behalf of the US Navy for fuel deliveries from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016. Vendors can submit bids with
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters by authors at the University of Wisconsin uses error-prone satellite data to suggest that growth in U.S. corn and soybean production from 2008 to 2012 drove
(25 x '25) ... The latest report, which is from experts at the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), describes a study that explores the potential performance benefits of high-octane ethanol blends in the legacy fleet of nearly 18 million flex-fuel
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted a notice to its website announcing that the volume requirements for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 renewable fuel standard (RFS), along with the 2017 volume requirement for biomass-based diesel, will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amazing questions get asked at ABLC — and except for attendees, you generally don’t hear them, or the answers. Let’s change that. With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of
by David Shepardson (Detroit News) A growing number of foreign automakers believes U.S. regulators won’t soften the planned 54.5-mpg fleet-wide average by 2025, and that could make it tougher for truck-heavy U.S. automakers to challenge the requirements. U.S. fuel efficiency standards will
(Algae Industry Magazine) Fort Myers, Florida-based Algenol has joined the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, on a business development mission to China. Other influential companies including GE, Southern Company, Honeywell, Praxair,
by Loretta Sorensen (Midwest Producer) ... Kansas Corn CEO Greg Krissek said there is some slowing of ethanol production on the eastern and western edges of the cornbelt. But ethanol industry leaders are responding to market conditions by implementing new technology
(Gevo/Biomass Magazine) Gevo Inc. has announced that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has purchased Gevo's renewable alcohol-to-jet fuel (ATJ) for aviation use at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Gevo's ATJ is manufactured at its demonstration biorefinery
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new project aims to capture atmospheric CO2, affordably, using traits and techniques known to algae for millenia. ... To date, no one has figured out how to get the CO2 out of the air, or the air
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 3, the U.S. EPA published its direct final rule and parallel proposed rule on cellulosic waiver credits (CWCs) in the Federal Register, officially opening a 30-day comment period. The agency released prepublication
by Matthew Brown (Associated Press/Monterey Herald) Fuel-hauling tank cars need retrofits to prevent more explosive train wrecks — and the public can't wait another decade for the improvements as has been suggested by industry, U.S. safety officials said. The National Transportation Safety
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is calling for the EPA to stay its recent decision to streamline Argentinian biodiesel imports to the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pending public review and comment. In a petition filed
by Tim Sklar (Biofuels Digest) Looking to turn vicious project financing cycles into virtuous cycles? This case study in developing a small-scale Bio-LNG plant offers cautionary tales and a way forward. In July 2014, Biofuels Digest had published an article titled
(National Farmers Union/Ethanol Producer Magazine) National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson recently expressed concern over the exclusion of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) in President Obama’s formal submission of a plan to the United Nations to cut United States greenhouse
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, the U.S. EPA’s Science Advisory Board Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel held a public face-to-face meeting to review the agency’s Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources. A public teleconference
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office is pleased to announce the release of its newly updated Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP). The MYPP sets forth the goals and structure of the Office. It identifies the research, development, demonstration, market
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) In March, the U.S. EPA approved five new corn ethanol pathways under the agency’s Efficient Producer petition process (EP3), including Heron Lake BioEnergy LLC, Heron Lake, Minnesota; United Wisconsin Grain Producers LLC, Friesland, Wisconsin; Guardian Lima LLC,
by Ryan Koopmans (Des Moines Register) ... For the last decade, Big Oil has been running nervously through the halls of the U.S. Capitol and the EPA, screaming — to anyone who will listen — that the Renewable Fuel Standard is
by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Third Way) Cellulosic fuels offer economic, environmental, and national security benefits, but scaling-up the technology has proven difficult and costly. Companies with an extensive background in the corn ethanol industry are cracking the cellulosic code, with projects that
(The Toledo Blade) The University of Toledo is getting $199,997 for an algae biomass research project. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) said in a news release today that the National Science Foundation is awarding the grant to advance research and
(Science Daily/University of Wisconsin-Madison) Clearing grasslands to make way for biofuels may seem counterproductive, but researchers show that crops, including the corn and soy commonly used for biofuels, expanded onto 7 million acres of new land in the U.S. over
(The Urban Air Initiative) UAI appreciates this opportunity to comment on EPA’s proposal to strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground level ozone, as set forth on November 25, 2014. As summarized here and developed more fully
(US Environmental Protection Agency) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 34 fellowships for undergraduate students in 25 states and Puerto Rico to pursue environmental science and related fields of study at universities and colleges across the nation, helping
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our company theme is to create a profitable company that raises Osage Orange (Maclura promifera)trees on the southern plains of Oklahoma and Texas, and process the tree fruit for nonfood biomass products for renewable energy,
(Department of Energy) Each new Green Racing season brings with it new opportunities for manufacturers to demonstrate advanced transportation technologies and renewable fuels, and the Twelve Hours of Sebring race at Sebring International Raceway provides excellent testing grounds. Built on a former
By Emily Conover (Science Magazine) Sixteen-year-old Sophia Sánchez-Maes is all about algae. The slimy green stuff is an attractive candidate for biofuel production, but Sánchez-Maes wondered why the biofuel startups near her hometown of Las Cruces, New Mexico, weren’t having more
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On March 18, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and American Petroleum Institute filed a new lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia against the U.S. EPA regarding delays in finalizing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Great Scott! New molecules, new feedstocks, new technologies, and reaching scale — the best of the best. At ABLC 2015, the focus on innovation included a complete program on aviaiton — and numerous producers elsewhere
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request on Tuesday for comments from cellulosic biofuels makers raised speculation among industry analysts of further delays in the release of government-mandated renewable fuels volumes. The agency, which oversees the Renewable
(25 x '25) A group of DOE National Laboratory representatives have been in Washington this week making presentations to promote the benefits of what they call “Renewable Super Premium” (RSP) fuels. The researchers have found that ethanol fuel blends of
by Jeff Plungis and Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) Automakers exceeded U.S. government targets for improving gas mileage by “a wide margin” for the second year in a row, the Environmental Protection Agency said. Vehicles sold in the U.S. are on average the
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A group of Congressional representatives wrote to the House Appropriations leadership this week specifically asking that any funding to help install blender pumps or promote corn ethanol exports be eliminated from the USDA budget. In response to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can you make ultra-performing diesel and jet fuels from essential oils found in hemp, a/k/a cannabis sativa, a/k/a marijuana? Turns out, you can. ... Beta caryophyllene — regardless of source — is in the news this month
by Timothy Searchinger, R. Edwards, D. Mulligan, R. Heimlich, R. Plevin (Science Magazine) Ethanol emits fossil carbon and trace gases through production (A) and biogenic carbon from the crops during fermentation (B) and ethanol combustion (C). Additional crop production can offset
(Environmental Protection Agency) In this Notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributable to the production and transport of Thlaspi arvense (“pennycress”) oil feedstock for use in making biofuels
(Environmental Protection Agency) SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Recordkeeping and Reporting Related to E15 (Renewal)’’ (EPA ICR No. 2408.03, OMB Control No. 2060–0675) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the
(Environmental Protection Agency) : The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Cellulosic Production Volume Projections and Efficient Producer Reporting’’ (EPA ICR No. 2517.01, OMB Control No. 2060–NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance
by Natalie Committee (U.S. Department of Energy) As motorsports enthusiasts know, racing innovation once meant turbine-powered Indy cars and six-wheeled formula cars, but those days are mostly over. Today, Green Racing encourages the use of innovative technologies that foster energy efficiency
(U.S. Department of Energy) We invite you to participate in the upcoming bioenergy social media campaign for BETO’s education and workforce initiative, OPERATION BioenergizeME. Between April 13 and 23, high school-aged teams around the country will be promoting their bioenergy infographics to
The Coloring and Activity Book was developed by Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) as part of its OPERATION BioenergizeME initiative. It is designed for children as a fun learning tool to inform them about bioenergy and raise their awareness of alternative
(U.S. Department of Energy) It may look like ordinary farm equipment, but take a second look. This innovative machinery was developed with Energy Department funding to help biofuels become more affordable. Looking more closely at this image and accompanying infographic,
(Springboard Biodiesel/Biodiesel Magazine) Springboard Biodiesel announced March 25 that it has been selected to provide its turn-key, small-scale biodiesel processing system to Bagram Airfield in the Parwan Province of Afghanistan. Springboard Biodiesel’s BioPro 380EX and SpringPro T76 comprise a small-scale biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the EPA announced 2014 and 2015 Cellulosic Waiver Credit prices, and “a Clarification of the Data Sources Used in the Cellulosic Waiver Credit Price Calculation”. ... The good news here? The waiver credits have been
(US Environmental Protection Agency) For the second consecutive model year, the automotive industry outperformed the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards by a wide margin. Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was 12 grams/mile – or 1.4 miles per
(U.S. Department of Energy) This Funding Opportunity Announcement is focused on developing transformational technologies for CO2 capture and purification at the lab-scale, TRL 3-4, through bench-scale, TRL 5, for pulverized-coal and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plants, and transfer and
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Ohio, Peloton Technologies has announced the filing of a US patent that alleviates problems associated with conversion of lignocellulose-derived sugars to biofuels and chemicals. Notably, inherent microbial inhibitory compounds which interfere with fermentation are
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