(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration last on its supplemental rulemaking proposal outlining best practices for the regulation of animal food under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The FSMA lays
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council recently led a delegation of industry leaders representing the USDA, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy to the Philippines to assess factors contributing to the large exports of U.S. ethanol to
by Elizabeth K. Gardner (Purdue University) A new catalytic process is able to convert what was once considered biomass waste into lucrative chemical products that can be used in fragrances, flavorings or to create high-octane fuel for racecars and jets. A team
by Esther Whieldon (SNL) The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will feature a new subcommittee in 2015 dedicated almost entirely to energy issues and another that will examine cybersecurity, incoming Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, announced Dec. 17. The new Interior Subcommittee,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released renewable identification number (RIN) data for November, reporting that more than 1.38 billion RINs were generated during the month, including nearly 6 million cellulosic RINs. According to the EPA, 5.99
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Motorists in Sioux City now have another choice of ethanol-blended gasoline. The Murphy USA station next to the Walmart Supercenter at 3400 Singing Hills Blvd. recently became the first metro area retailer to sell
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) December 19, marks the seventh anniversary of the signing into law of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and
by Jeff McMahon (Forbes) ... International Energy Agency director Maria van der Hoeven and U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz appeared together Thursday at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington DC, where van der Hoeven presented the findings of IEA’s 2014 review
(Biomass Blog) The Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural Economics is reaching out to agricultural producers in the Southeast region and asking them to participate in an on-line survey. The survey is part of a study titled “Policies to Develop
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After a year-long talk fest, the BPC emerges with a report on RFS reform, and lays an egg. Was the process doomed from the start by an insistence of “RFS reform” as a topic for
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The recent report released by the University of Minnesota, “Life Cycle Air Quality Impacts Of Conventional And Alternative Light-Duty Transportation In the United States,” contains several inaccuracies and misleading information. In particular, its conclusion that corn-based ethanol contains more
(Roll Call) ... The legislation would allow the Defense Department to continue buying biofuels in bulk but raises the threshold for qualifying purchases. The department has to consider “the fully burdened cost” of the fuels and whether their price is competitive
(FarmEnergy.org) The big news from our nation’s capital this past week has been the passage of the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2015, which began on October 1st. The federal government had been operating on funding extensions and was facing
by Alicia Moulton (US Department of Energy) Going “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house” this holiday season could require a significant amount of gasoline if you’re traveling by car. Before you hit the road to visit relatives
(US Department of Energy) On June 11–12, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted a workshop in Lakewood, Colorado, to discuss research and development (R&D) opportunities related to the
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO) is hosting a national virtual science fair that engages 9th–12th grade students in learning about bioenergy and educating their peers. The students will research a bioenergy prompt and use that information
(US Department of Energy) Last week concluded the beta run of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) sponsored BioenergizeME Virtual Science Fair—a high school competition that has students create and share infographics about bioenergy concepts. Student teams from five high schools
by Tom Polansek (Reuters) The United States and China are making progress in talks over Beijing's acceptance of new biotechnology for crops, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Wednesday. The countries are "moving toward an understanding of how we might
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bob Dinneeen writes the Renewable Fuels Association annual in and out list after a year in which the EPA announced it was delaying the publication of the annual RVO rule for 2014. Like
by Kevin Drawbaugh (Reuters) Dozens of temporary tax breaks, including big ones for business research, wind power and foreign profits, were renewed by the U.S. Senate late on Tuesday, putting to rest worries that further delays in dealing with the
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) published a report outlining 40 different options that it said could improve the country’s ethanol mandate. The BPC said it set out to find a “middle ground” for reforming the Renewable
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are times for TED Talks about wondrous advances in technology and the future that awaits us. Then, there are times for Teddy Talks: of practical progress, problem solving, and turning wondrous advances into
by Max B. Baker (Star-Telegram) A small number of natural gas wells are responsible for the majority of the methane gas being released into the atmosphere during production, but at higher levels than previously estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection
(25 x '25) A broad survey of farmers has documented a yield boost from the use of cover crops in corn and soybeans. The increased yields reflect an upward trend in all of the benefits that come from planting cover
by Christine Buckley (University of Connecticut) Of all the various uses for Cannabis plants, add another, “green” one to the mix. Researchers at UConn have found that the fiber crop Cannabis sativa, known as industrial hemp, has properties that make it viable and
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Lawmakers vented their frustration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday over its repeated delays of the annual ethanol mandate. The Wednesday hearing in the House Oversight Committee’s subpanel on energy came weeks after the
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) submitted comments to the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Energy yesterday calling on Congress to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) includes timely approval for advanced biofuel pathways as
(Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has taken action to improve and streamline the pathway petition process under the renewable fuels standard (RFS). In March, the agency said it would take approximately six months to improve the petition process for new
by Matt Carr (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) ... To control carbon dioxide (CO2), the agency (Environmental Protection Agency) places a significant emphasis on burying emissions underground (carbon capture and sequestration or CCS), but I believe it should equally encourage the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Homestead Engineering has been a biodiesel producer and for the past 14 years has sold Yellow Brand Biodiesel, always B-100, retail throughout Western Massachusetts, both packaged and bulk deliveries. For road fuel or for off-road,
Brad Buck (University of Florida) Buck Rogers surely couldn’t have seen this one coming, but at NASA’s request, University of Florida researchers have figured out how to turn human waste -- yes, that kind -- into rocket fuel. Adolescent jokes aside, the
by James C. Greenwood (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and other missteps are being misinterpreted or misconstrued as a sign that the program is
(Office of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt) Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has asked a federal appeals court to block new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that discourage the use of ethanol by requiring states to adopt conclusions about ethanol
by Talla Buford (The Center for Public Integrity) ... By 2018, the land (Stacey) Ryan and other holdouts have fought to keep will be consumed by an $8.1 billion ethane cracker and a multibillion-dollar gas-to-liquids facility, a massive addition to
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization) The underlying legal constructs of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) remain in working order, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule and its other regulatory missteps. Over the
by Tim Unruh (Salina Journal) Grain sorghum could be among the keys to reducing the massive mining of water in western Kansas, once it’s deemed economically desirable. Long an ugly stepcousin in the family of Kansas staple crops, grain sorghum —
(WNAX.com) Renewable Fuels Association officials are not surprised oil industry groups are looking at suing EPA over their delay in getting out the 2015 RFS volumes. RFA Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper doesn’t think the American Petroleum Institute or American
(University of Illinois/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Farmers interested in bioenergy crops now have a resource to help them determine which kind of bioenergy crop would grow best in their regions and what kind of harvest to expect. Researchers at the University of
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new report prepared by economic research firm The Brattle Group showed that the proposed Department of Transportation rule on rail tank cars could cost the economy as much as $60 billion and projected
by Gregory T. Benz (Benz Technology International, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Conventional biofuels, whether from starch, sugar or lignocellulosic materials, tend to be low energy density products such as ethanol or butanol. These are made using catabolic (anaerobic), thermodynamically “downhill” processes. Such
(The White House Office of Science and Technology) ... Continued progress into the future will depend on ensuring a climate-smart citizenry and a next-generation American workforce of city planners, community leaders, engineers, and entrepreneurs who understand the urgent climate-change challenge and are equipped
by Emily Cassidy (Environmental Working Group) Corn ethanol production has soared to record heights this year, and with large harvests and low corn prices, that means record profits for the industry. ... ... Production has soared in large part because of
by Jeff Guo (The Washington Post) Assateague, a 37-mile-long smear off the shores of Maryland and Virginia, is the East Coast’s climate change canary. It’s one of the most vulnerable islands in America, almost certain to be one of the
by Tom Hamburger (The Washington Post) Oil, gas and coal interests that spent millions of dollars to help elect Republicans this year are moving to take advantage of expanded GOP power in Washington and state capitals to thwart Obama administration
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) In a recent farmdoc daily article (November 12, 2014) we initiated a discussion of whether the decline in gasoline prices had been large enough to threaten the competiveness of ethanol in gasoline
by Mario Parker (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) The U.S. is adding ethanol to the list of fuels it dominates in world markets. Exports of the additive derived from corn rose 31 percent this year to the highest level since 2011, meeting demand
by Antoine Schellinger (South Texas Law Review/SSRN) Seven years after the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the United States is entering the heart of renewable fuels legislation that was implemented as RFS2 by the EPA. The
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today up to $7 million for two projects aimed at developing and demonstrating ways to reduce the cost of delivering bioenergy feedstocks to biorefineries. Examples of bioenergy feedstocks include corn stover, switchgrass,
(Vertimass) "Green" Catalyst Technology Will be Commercialized Into Stocks Compatible With Current Transportation Fuel Infrastructure Vertimass LLC announced today the company has received a grant of up to $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant was awarded to
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Two years ago, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to convert glucose into significant quantities of methyl ketones, a class of chemical compounds
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making $5.6 million in grants to 220 producers across the nation to support the production of advanced biofuels, and is awarding more than $4 million in additional
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Futures) Actions taken by EPA to help keep RFS alive have actually backfired and brought more attacks in defending Congress’ intent. ... Wally Tyner, Purdue University ag economist, said it’s quite ironic that EPA likely proposed lower corn-based
by Kevin Kalhoefer and Denise Robbins (Media Matters) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it will delay its decision about the 2014 levels for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires oil refiners to blend renewable fuels into the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 14 perspectives on policy, technologies and geographies of compelling interest in the new year -- At ABLC Next this year in San Francisco — naturally, the focus is on “what’s next” in technology, finance, deployment
by Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recently held a briefing on the technologies involved in commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol is produced from agricultural residues such as corn stover and wheat straw
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) Just over a year ago, billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla was bubbling with optimism about one of his latest investments: KiOR, a biofuel outfit he said would turn wood chips into hydrocarbons that could
(K-State Research and Extension) Converting cooking oil into fuel – the Biodiesel Initiative at Kansas State University allows for collaboration among many campus departments and industry organizations. MANHATTAN, Kan. – The sound of a diesel engine is distinct. Sure, some are
by Alan Neuhauser (U.S. News and World Report/MSN.com) No clucking way. Turkey prices are still higher than average, the American Farm Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics found last week – but don’t blame the Environmental Protection Agency's renewable fuel standard. The
(25 x '25) Federal regulators have stumbled again in following the congressionally approved roadmap for expanding and accelerating biofuel development and use, announcing Friday they will not finalize 2014 blending requirements under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) until sometime next
by Nicholas Bergin (Lincoln Journal Star) The biofuels industry is gearing up for a fight, a national industry spokesman said Monday. Doug Durante, executive director of Bethesda, Maryland-based Clean Fuels Development Coalition, predicted lawsuits over the Environmental Protection Agency’s
(University of Illinois) Farmers interested in bioenergy crops now have a resource to help them determine which kind of bioenergy crop would grow best in their regions and what kind of harvest to expect. Researchers at the University of Illinois have
by Evan Halper (Los Angeles Times) As biotech masterminds and venture capitalists scramble to hatch a new generation of environmentally friendly fuels that can help power the average gasoline-burning car, they are confronting an unexpected obstacle: the White House. Yielding to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s on the short list to succeed the embattled Nebraska Republican, and what does that mean for Advanced Biofuels? ... The Good News: Support for the Navy’s advanced biofuels program varies within the Pentagon, but it’s generally
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But in the meantime, it appears to be an open-and-shut case that “new sugars” are the new sugar — and specifically that stevia might be the new sugar. Supporters of the idea that
by Mary Sussman (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) High school students wrestle with the sustainability challenges of making real-world decisions about biofuel agriculture while playing Fields of Fuel, an educational video game developed by WID researchers. Recently released online for use
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center's student lab activity, "Converting Cellulosic Biomass to Ethanol (CB2E)," appeared recently in an issue of The Science Teacher, a peer-reviewed practitioners' journal published by the National Science Teachers Association. In
By John Beltz Snyder (AutoBlogGreen) When sewage is treated at a wastewater treatment facility, biosolids are the byproduct. After being separated from the water, biosolids are usually sent to a landfill or incinerated. That doesn't mean that they're without value,
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Industry Organization) ...EPA should formally withdraw the proposed rule and issue a final rule as soon as possible, fully correcting their misinterpretation of waiver authority and methodology for setting the annual renewable fuel volumes. Setting
by Anne Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has never before made such a clear and emphatic endorsement of biomass, commented Biomass Power Association President Bob Cleaves on release of the agency’s updated biogenic emissions framework. At least not for the 15
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Policy uncertainty has adversely impacted the U.S. biodiesel industry, but media reports would have you believe the sector is teetering on collapse. The facts show otherwise. There have been numerous reports in the past several months
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Nov. 19, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that aims to prohibit the U.S. EPA from proposing regulations based on science that is not transparent or not reproducible. The bill, titled “The
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) Lately, cellulosic ethanol plant startups have basked in the bioenergy limelight. While less celebrated, anaerobic digesters are adding value to operations and seem to be trending in blueprints. When ethanol plants can provide excess sugar to
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The EPA's long-awaited announcement on the RFS targets for 2014 were finally announced today. And the announcement? No decision on the 2014 RFS targets would be made in 2014. But what does this announcement mean? At first glance,
by Melanie Sloan (The Hill) Late last year, without warning, the White House did a 180-degree shift on its renewable fuels policy. But until the spring of this year, no one had any idea why. In May, according to Reuters, the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published renewable identification number (RIN) generation data for October, reporting that more than 1.4 billion RINs were generated during the month across all five categories. Nearly 7.05 million D3 cellulosic biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. EPA announced it is delaying finalization of the long-awaited 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard Renewable Volume Obligations until 2015. The proposed 2014 rule ran into a steamroller of opposition from renewable fuel groups,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... To complement the efforts of our Sponsors and CAAFI Executive Director Steve Csonka my focus is on implementing State initiatives on the East Coast in partnership with USDA / DOE and our highly focused an
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
by Reanna Trudell and Daniel Adams (US Department of Energy) ... Our scientists have identified corn stover, which includes the corn plant’s stalks, husks, cobs, and leaves, as a plentiful and reliable feedstock for producing bioenergy. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS,
(US Department of Energy) As the algae industry continues to invest in the research and development of genetic modification (GM) to optimize biofuels production, biocontainment systems and regulatory policies will play key roles in avoiding potential impacts on the environment.
(US Department of Energy/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Study shows water trips up key chemical reactions that turn plants into fuels, provides scientific principles that can speed up biofuel development ... Trying to understand the chemistry that turns plant material into the
(US Department of Energy) This Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP) sets forth the goals and structure of the Bioenergy Technologies Office. It identifies the research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities the Office will focus on over the next five years and
by Andrew Anderson (Faegre Baker Daniels/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Although several new requirements in the FSMA may impact ethanol plants, writes Andrew Anderson of Faegre Baker Daniels, the preventative control rule is likely the one that will have the most significant
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Nov. 19, the U.S. EPA released a revised framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from stationary sources. According to a notice published by the EPA, the second draft of the framework
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Construction on Abengoa’s self-powered cellulosic ethanol facility is complete. But that doesn’t mean efforts to innovate are over. Javier Garoz Neira, CEO of Abengoa Bioenergy, told attendees at the company’s grand opening celebration they were
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Butanol is the go-to industrial solvent for products such as lacquers and enamels, but it might also play a substantial role in the production of renewable fuels. Gallon for gallon,
(25 x '25) As often and as vigorously as the Obama administration pronounces its support of cleaner forms of energy and efforts to curb global climate change, the failure of EPA in its rule-making process to adopt sensible policies that
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) It might be the scourge of the south, but kudzu could become the next feedstock for biofuels. “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,” says Lewis Ziska with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural
by Kristy Moore (Renewable Fuels Association) It is never acceptable to sensationalize the facts to the point where they are no longer facts. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) learned this lesson when releasing its study “Corrosion of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... NSP is focused on several items at the moment: successful advanced biofuel RFS2 pathways for grain sorghum oil to biodiesel and sweet sorghum to ethanol, a cellulosic RFS2 pathway for biomass sorghum, and improved
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A new analysis of real-world land use data by Iowa State University raises serious concerns about the accuracy of models used by regulatory agencies regarding “indirect land use changes” (ILUC) attributed to biofuels production. The study, conducted
by Greg St. Martin (News@Northeastern) An international research team led by Dan Distel, director of the Ocean Genome Legacy Center of New England Biolabs at Northeastern University, has discovered a novel digestive strategy in shipworms. The breakthrough, the researchers say,
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) Mike McAdams discusses work on Capitol Hill, founding of the Advanced Biofuels Association and the importance of engaging in the ongoing public debate about renewable fuels. “We’re the people you hire to protect you from the
(Platts) The new 2014 Renewable Fuel Standards biodiesel mandate is expected to be far lower than the industry's production capacity, sources have told Platts. Traders and brokers polled by Platts estimated that the new 2014 standard would be anywhere from
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Program adds award to address climate change and promote energy efficiency The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced its call for nominations for the 2015 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for companies or institutions that have
by Emil Venere (Purdue News) Researchers have demonstrated a new process to convert all biomass into liquid fuel, and the method could make possible mobile processing plants. The researchers at Purdue University filed a patent application on the concept in 2008
(National Corn Growers Association) In a letter sent to President Obama this week, the National Corn Growers Association and several agricultural allies asked him to intervene with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding its proposed cuts in the 2014 volume
by Nichola Groom (Reuters/Huffington Post) The controversial government program that funded failed solar company Solyndra, and became a lighting rod in the 2012 presidential election, is officially in the black. According to a report by the Department of Energy, interest payments
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, as part of the Administration’s all-of-the-above energy approach, the Department of Energy has selected four projects to receive funding for next-generation gasification systems that also reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Awardees will receive approximately $16
(Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News) ... But mass-efficient payloads should be possible, insist researchers at the University of California, provided space explorers make use of nontraditional biological techniques. In particular, these researchers say synthetic biology should give space missions a
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA signed on to a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the agency to adopt Volkswagen of America’s proposal for establishing the E85 weighting factor (“F factor”) for model year
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) today announced nine topics and 26 new subtopics under its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that will help small businesses
by Piers J. Sellers (The New York Times) I’M a climate scientist and a former astronaut. Not surprisingly, I have a deep respect for well-tested theories and facts. In the climate debate, these things have a way of getting blurred
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To open ABLC Next, what we like to call the “heads of the 7 families” — or in this case, the heads of seven key trade associations for the advanced bioeconomy, joined us on stage
(Algae Industry Magazine) he Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), has unveiled a new website —recyclecarbon.org — as part of its ongoing campaign to persuade the EPA to explicitly recognize Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies as approved emissions reduction strategies under
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy participated in a market development mission with the U.S. Grains Council and the Renewable Fuels Association to explore export opportunities for U.S. ethanol in Panama and Peru. Alex Marquis, Logistics Manager of Marquis Energy, represented Growth
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... In early 2014, (Senator James M.) Inhofe (R-OK) expressed interest in repealing the RFS, and instead focus on expansion of domestic oil and gas drilling. Inhofe wrote that the RFS should be repealed, “allow[ing] ethanol
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In January 2006, President George W. Bush said “switchgrass” in his State of the Union Address as he enthusiastically envisioned a renewable transportation fuels future.1 Within weeks, the price of switchgrass seed soared, along
(USDA Agricultural Research Service/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The release of a new type of switchgrass specifically designed for bioenergy generation has been announced by USDA researchers and their partners. Agricultural Research Service scientists have spent decades working on different projects that contributed to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, what has been described within the industry as “The growing movement to call out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its ethanol emissions testing procedures” picked up support today as a new study
by Larry Pearce (The Hill) In 1990, Congress passed the Clean Air Act Amendments and directed the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the dangerous chemical additives in gasoline. Today, 24 years later, this law has yet to be enforced
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Probable legal challenges to proposed cuts in the 2014 U.S. biofuel mandate could focus on a two-word phrase dropped from the U.S. law establishing the renewable fuel program back in 2005: distribution capacity. Biofuel producers have argued
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The most prominent casualties of the night, in terms of the Advanced Bioeconomy, were Democrats Mark Udall of Colorado and Kay Hagen of North Carolina, whose crucial support in 2012 saved the Navy’s biofuels
by Bill Scanlon (National Renewable Energy Laboratory/Renewable Energy World) Tucked away in darkness and almost dead, algae can emerge from a frigid and foggy environment to live again — and perhaps even become the seeds for a new beginning that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A bolt-on technology for ethanol plants, costing less than $2 per installed gallon, producing a cellulosic biofuel additive that oxygenates diesel fuel at competitive prices? It’s early stage, but what’s not to like? The
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On October 29, the Mineta National Transit Research Consortium, a U.S. Department of Transportation Center for Excellence, released a peer-reviewed study that examines the emissions profile of a bus fleet run on a biodiesel blend.
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On October 27, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the use of ten percent ethanol in the gasoline supply has lowered gasoline energy’s content by three percent in a 20 year period. According to
The fund solicits projects on systems-level research to better understand molecular and physiological mechanisms that control bioenergy crop vigor, RUE, resilience/adaptability, etc., and systems biology-enabled investigations on the role of microbial communities on multi-scaled interactions of the plant-soil environment in
by Laís Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On October 30, 2014, U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz gave the keynote speech at the event “FAPESP-U.S. Collaborative Research on the Amazon,” promoted by a partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Let me get this straight. The EPA says that emissions from petroleum are bad. Landfilling carbon is really bad. Climate change is really, really bad. Recycling is good. So far, understood. But now the
by Ann Perry (Phys.Org) At the Agricultural Research Service's Bioenergy Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois, field work and bench investigations keep ARS scientists on the scientific front lines of converting biomass into cellulosic ethanol. For instance, one recent research focus has
(Syngenta) Quad County Corn Processors (QCCP) is Quality Assurance Program-certified to generate D3 Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs); Cellerate process technology, enhanced by Enogen® corn enzyme technology, produces cellulosic ethanol from corn kernel fiber; Syngenta to license bolt-on Cellerate process to
(The Crop Site) US - The potential for producing cost-effective cellulosic ethanol that uses plentiful and sustainable cellulosic plant biomass continues to grow, thanks to research at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the
by Yongchun Hong, He Zhang, Junming Sun, Karim M. Ayman, Alyssa J. R. Hensley, Meng Gu, Mark H. Engelhard, Jean-Sabin McEwen , and Yong Wang (ACS Catalysis) In this work, a series of Pd/Fe2O3 catalysts were synthesized, characterized, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... After a decade as the bioenergy technology leader, I just created a new role building a new initiative in water. Water is a critical barrier to sustainable energy in general, and bioenergy in specific. I
(Blue Ridge Biofuels) Want to know what exactly biodiesel is? How it works in your vehicle? Any tips or tricks to help you use it in your car or truck? Unfortunately there is not a lot of information about using
(University of Illinois/Biomass Magazine) Two University of Illinois crop sciences researchers interested in improving plant feedstocks for bioenergy production were selected to receive funding by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a larger Obama administration
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters Africa) Probable legal challenges to proposed cuts in the 2014 U.S. biofuel mandate could focus on a two-word phrase dropped from the U.S. law establishing the renewable fuel program back in 2005: distribution capacity. Biofuel producers have
(North Carolina State University/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Scientists are using biotechnology to chip away at barriers to producing biofuels from woody plants and grasses instead of the corn and sugarcane used to make ethanol. NC State’s Forest Biotechnology Group, which has been
(Green Car Congress) A study published earlier this year in the journal Nature Climate Change that cast doubt on whether biofuels produced from corn residue could meet federal mandates for cellulosic biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy announcednine topics and 26 new subtopics under its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that will help small
by Tamar Haspel (The Washington Post) ... I’m guessing you’d agree that the public debate about GMOs isn’t playing out in a constructive way. Both sides have dug trenches, and they’re lobbing grenades over the wall while nothing much changes. It’s
by Alicia Moulton (U.S. Department of Energy) ... These cellulosic ethanol plants managed by Abengoa, POET-DSM, and INEOS are three of the fifteen active integrated biorefinery projects under the Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office. Also, three new companies were awarded contracts
by Reuben Sarkar (US Department of Energy) Green Racing is helping to bring new levels of "Clean, Fast, and Efficient" to motorsports competition and consumer vehicles through the announcement of this season’s Green Challenge Award and its new Green Racing Protocols. On
(Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group) On October 21, 2014, the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®) submitted petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that biodiesel fuel manufacturers be granted the same Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Despite delays, Fiberight’s plans to produce cellulosic ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Iowa are moving forward. In fact, an equity drive happening now is attracting quite a few interested people and money
(Creative Discovery Museum) Did you know that fuel can be made from things like switchgrass, algae and trees? They’re called biofuels and they are all around us. Creative Discovery Museum has created a new educational website, LearnBiofuels.org that will help you
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/The Hill) In a recently released report entitled “Why Biobased?” the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) answers the question of why America should invest in a biobased economy. The report explores the economic impacts of
by John Hansen (Nebraska Farmers Union/Omaha.com) ... When Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development examined the impact the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has on a family of four, it found an average in fuel savings of $863 per
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The growing use of ethanol in the country's gasoline supply has reduced the average energy content of a gallon of gasoline by about 3 percent during the last two decades, the government said Monday. The
by Lynn Yarriss (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory) Joint BioEnergy Institute Researchers Combine Systems Biology with Genetic Engineering to Improve Production of Isopentenol in E.Coli In the on-going effort to develop advanced biofuels as a clean, green and sustainable source of liquid transportation
by Brooke Coleman (Biofuels Digest/Advanced Ethanol Council) ... It is doubtful that anyone on the Obama energy team regards themselves as having anything in common with someone like Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), who has declared climate change a hoax. Senator
by Aaron Turpen (Torque News) The UAI and the EFC have called the EPA MOVES2014 corn ethanol emissions model "seriously flawed" and are calling for peer review of the emissions estimates in the annual report. The Urban Air Initiative (UAI) and
by Laís Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) At the event “The Power of Opinion: How Americans' Preferences on Energy Point a Way Forward on Climate Change,” held at Georgetown University, Gina McCarthy, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pointed out that
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Oct. 21, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a petition of review filed by the American Petroleum Institute and other groups challenging the E15 misfueling mitigation rule published
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BlueFire Renewables has received a Letter of Intent from The Export Import Bank of China (China EXIM) to provide up to $270 million in debt financing for its 19 million gallon bioenergy project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does the Congressional Budget Office look at biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard? How does $3.00-$6.00 advanced biofuels RINs? A $0.26 per gallon hike in gasoline prices? A $1.27 drop in the price of E85
by Julie Wernau (Chicago Tribune) ... It's (coal rolling) also an apparent response to the Obama administration's fight to lower carbon emissions. Carmakers must have a fleetwide average of 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025 under the Obama
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today (October 22, 2014), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 105 graduate students across the nation will receive $8.6 million in Science to Achieve Results (STAR) fellowship grants to conduct research on topics ranging
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