(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. “From academia to business, we congratulate
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) The Obama administration is trying to balance its support for renewable fuels with awareness of infrastructure constraints at gas stations as it finalizes targets for 2014 biofuel use, agency officials said on Tuesday. But with only 11
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA issues $91M loan guarantee conditional commit to Cool Planet. Obama Administration back building of the company’s first commercial plant in Louisiana, as it opens its first commercial-scale Cool Terra operation in California. In California, Cool
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Flying high above the California desert, NASA researchers recently took to the skies for the second year in a row with a DC-8 and other aircraft to study the effects on emissions and contrail formation
(US Enviromental Protection Agency) “Each year, the projects and designs created by the P3 teams surpass expectations,” said Lek Kadeli, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “These students are creating sustainable solutions for our everyday needs,
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (October 9, 2014) up to $13.4 million for five projects to develop advanced biofuels and bioproducts that will help drive down the cost of producing gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) In Minneapolis, industry officials say federal government erred in setting low targets for biofuels delivered at the pump. Leaders of the nation’s biofuels industry on Monday accused the Obama administration of undermining the commercial success
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Roanoke Times) ... What about the auto industry? How did it respond to E15? More than 70 percent of new cars sold today are warrantied for E15 use. In fact, all new General Motors, Ford,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The state of R&D so far. 4 NAABB advances have brought the cost of algae biocrude oil down to $7.50 per gallon. 3 roadblocks remain between today’s cost and $3.00. In our two-part series, we look first
by Jennifer Runyon (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) There was never any conflict between using corn for food or for ethanol since corn growers send most of their product to animal feedlots. That product isn’t even meant for human consumption anyway. It was an abundant year
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land use change (LUC) for corn ethanol has been ratcheted down by Argonne National Laboratory. The recently published manual for the Carbon Calculator for
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted a notice to its website announcing it has taken action to improve and streamline the pathway petition process under the renewable fuels standard (RFS). In March, the agency issued a
by Ken Silverstein (Forbes) Big Oil can’t put the brakes on a new renewable fuels factory in Iowa — one that will seek to supplement petroleum with next-generation cellulosic ethanol. The “Project Liberty” facility will consume 285,000 tons of biomass
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) USDA’s new report “Why Biobased?” is the first comprehensive federal quantification of the job opportunities and other economic benefits of the growing biobased products and renewable chemical industry. The Biotechnology Industry Organization today thanked Agriculture Secretary Tom
(Global BioBusiness) A former cofounder of biofuel maker KiOR says he tried to warn other board members about problems with KiOR’s technology. The claims come from Mr. Paul O’Connor, who cofounded the company and worked there until June 2012 and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
by Lisa Anderson (Reuters) Protecting the infrastructure of American cities from the effects of climate change is rising on the agenda of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to a top agency official. "Increasingly, we've moved not only from a
by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) (The Hill) Ethanol and biodiesel are important to the national economy and U.S. energy independence. It’s frustrating when a powerful agency and top executive branch leaders in Washington, D.C., don’t seem to get it. ... The EPA
by Jerry Perkins (BioFuels Journal) ... RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen outlined the issues facing the Washington, DC-based ethanol advocacy organization which has 172 members, including 50 producer members, 79 associate members, 31 supporting members, and 12 members of the allied Advanced
by Curtis Tate (McClatchy News Service/Star Tribune) The industry disputes finding that ethanol is more volatile than crude. Ethanol producers are pushing back hard against new rail safety rules after a federal study found that ethanol poses hazards equal to or
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, chairman and vice chairman of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, sent a letter urging the Obama Administration to ensure the development of domestically produced renewable fuels by amending
(US Department of Energy) There is an urgent need to accelerate energy crop development for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. Recent technological advancements have now made it possible to extract massive volumes of genetic, physiological, and environmental
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 10 leaders, 10 enterprises, 10 paths to scale — what’s really key to making algae a commercial crop for feed, fuel and pharma, soon? This week at the Algae Biomass Summit, a pair of key sessions
(Operation Free) Truman Project Executive Director Mike Breen Highlights Need for Expanded Sources of Renewable Energy Former U.S. Army Captain and Truman Project Executive Director Mike Breen spoke at the 2014 Algae Biomass Summit. During his headline address, he highlighted the
by Bartholomew L. Mcleay (Kansas City Star) ... Congress led rural America to believe strict volume purchase requirements in RFS for corn ethanol, for example, would keep them safe. The law is clear. RFS is not to be reduced through 2022
by Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) (The Hill) Imagine a future where America controls its own energy destiny — a future in which we stop spending $1 billion per day on foreign oil and start investing those funds to rebuild our
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The idea of wet biomass storage has yet to catch on in the cellulosic industry, despite long-term use in the pulp and paper industry. Jim Hettenhaus is a passionate advocate of wet biomass storage. ...
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pelletizing corn stover offers some tantalizing prospects. Where it is virtually impossible to load a truck to maximum weight with bales, one could with pellets. The densification process improves bulk density by a
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many dedicated energy crops hold promise as feedstocks for next-generation ethanol. Extensive R&D is still needed, however, to overcome the challenges in making these plants viable for commercial applications. ... This year, $12.6 million was awarded to
(Honeywell) Emerald Biofuels LLC to produce renewable diesel under U.S. Department of Defense program UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that its advanced process technology will be used to produce renewable diesel for the U.S. military through the U.S. Department of
by Cassandra Profita (KUOW.org) A project proposed in Lakeview, Oregon, would turn woody biomass from logging into biofuels for Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Navy and Marines. The biofuel would have fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional jet fuel and diesel, but
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the Algae Biomass Organization announced a “We the People” petition to the White House aimed at securing US EPA approval of carbon capture and use technologies to meet the emissions reductions targets set
(American Petroleum Institute) The Clean Air Act explicitly prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from increasing the biomass-based diesel mandate for the 2014 compliance year, wrote American Petroleum Institute (API) Downstream Group Director Bob Greco in a letter sent
(US Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0001162, entitled “Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)”. The TABB FOA seeks alternative
by Sergei Blair (Town and Country) Although it may look like an ordinary tall grass, scientists from Penn State's Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County, said switchgrass—commonly found across much of the eastern and southern Unites States—can be the next best source
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) She’s officially listed as Deputy Director of the Bioenergy Technology Office at DOE — but I count at least two terms as interim director, and totaling I believe over a year in that post. ... Valerie’s seen
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) What do biofuels look like on the Wisconsin landscape? Some might think of corn or switchgrass. But what about that herd of cows? What you can’t see might fool you. Cows are walking natural biodigesters, says CALS
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) In November 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed waiving a substantial portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandated volumes for 2014 and reducing the use of biofuels in U.S. transportation compared to 2013.1 The
[caption id="attachment_56190" align="alignleft" width="300"] Entrance to industrial Harvey Canal, Harvey, Louisiana[/caption] by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Golden Leaf Energy’s Troy A. Clark grew up in Louisiana. Studying chemical engineering at Tulane University brought him into contact with the oil industry.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Department of Defense has awarded $210 million under the Defense Production Act to Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio towards the construction of biorefineries that produce cost-competitive, drop-in military biofuels. Under the grants, the
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) Renewable fuels advocates want Vice President Joe Biden to tell them if it's true that he pushed to reverse the Obama administration's support for a mandate they believe aids Iowa's economy. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... This is Blake Simmons — known primarily as the Vice President of Deconstruction at JBEI — which sounds like he’s the Galactic Master-Blaster of lignocellulose. And, yes, he is indeed, as one of the primary forces
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Declining gasoline demand, blend walls, lack of blender pumps, a fight over E15 ethanol, food vs fuel — it all looks pretty dire for the US Renewable Fuel Standard target of 36 billion gallons of renewable
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Traversing the maze of U.S. EPA's proposed RIN Quality Assurance Plan was daunting, but after 16 months, the final rule provides a simpler pathway to getting markets back on track. After several damaging cases of biodiesel
by Delayne Johnson (Des Moines Register/Quad County Corn Processors) This month, our company, Quad County Corn Processors, will debut an innovative new technology that promises to make one of Iowa's signature agricultural products — corn — go even further. Over a
by Elizabeth Zubritsky (NASA) A laser-based instrument being developed for the International Space Station will provide a unique 3-D view of Earth’s forests, helping to fill in missing information about their role in the carbon cycle. Called the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) lidar, the
by Rick Smith (The Gazette) Fiberight opening pushed later into 2015 Maryland-based Fiberight LLC had expected to begin construction in June on a $15 million facility to grab organic material in garbage to convert into ethanol at a corn-ethanol plant it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the first wave of cellulosic biorefineries launch — is there really enough affordable feedstock for the next wave? Can growers make enough money to justify the switch…and risk? ... It’s not all that different with the first
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Fuels America has debuted their USA Today full-page advertisement which warns that the EPA’s proposal to fundamentally alter the Renewable Fuel Standard would seriously undermine his Administration’s efforts to combat climate change, promote
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Key figure and company director Paul O’Connor resigns. Allegations relating to possible inside trading, suppression of 3rd party technology report laid by the Board against O’Connor. O’Connor makes allegations concerning “KiOR’s management team and KiOR’s technology”. In
by Chase Ezell (Earth911) ... Currently most of those emissions are being emitted directly into our outdoor environment. Now what if there was a way to capture those emissions, use photosynthesis and turn the byproduct into usable fuels? Still sound too good to be
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) President Obama’s bold vision to transition the nation to a cleaner energy future is about to be derailed by one of his most potent adversaries: himself. To the great consternation of many of the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Researchers working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a variety of switchgrass that produces bigger yields and more biofuel. Rob Mitchell with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Nebraska gives credit to retired
by Tina Casey (CleanTechnica) …What you do is you take long, durable plastic bags, fill them with a nutrient-rich growing medium (wastewater, in this case), throw in some algae, and let sunlight work its magic. The algae grow quickly in the
by Lori Nicholson (IWP News) EPA's recent decision in its "Tier III" vehicle emissions rule to increase the amount of ethanol in certification fuel used to determine an automobile's compliance with the standard could complicate automakers' ability to meet separate
By Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Well, plenty. We reported on progress with Section 9003 loan guarantees earlier this week - today, we have a recap of the major other activities, including the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, BioPreferred, Business and Industry
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill program will benefit wildlife and outdoor recreation activity in California Bay Delta Region, Mississippi, Red River Basins and others Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that $328 million in conservation funding is being invested to
by Pamela Rockwell* (Advanced Biofuels USA) It was fitting that the VIII annual ISO DATAGRO New York Sugar and Ethanol Conference took place in the Empire Room of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The event is sponsored jointly by
(Oberon DME/GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oberon Fuels Inc. ("Oberon"), the first company to announce plans to commercialize biogas-based dimethyl ether ("DME") fuel production in North America, announced today that the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has approved its DME for
by Michael T. Klare (Huffington Post) … U.S. oil consumption is on an upward trajectory, climbing by 400,000 barrels per day in 2013 alone -- and, if current trends persist, it should rise again both this year and next. … Accompanying all this is a little noticed
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM’s 20 million gallon cellulosic ethanol plant opens with hoopla, and heartfelt messages about the spirit of innovation, and a time for technology change and policy firmness. “Once, we all lived off the land, sun, wind
(Algae Industry Magazine) The U.S. Energy Department has announced $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels... Cellana, LLC, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was selected to receive the $3.5 million grant to develop a
(US Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office) BETO has created a new Web page for OPERATION #BioenergizeME, where students, educators, and anyone interested in the future of the U.S. energy industry can learn more about the promises and challenges in
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) There are two big topics during the Farm Progress Show this year: the corn crop and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). During the show, I had the opportunity to speak with Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey
by James Urquhart (Chemistry World) Ionic liquids – salts that are liquid at room temperature – could potentially be made more cheaply and greenly by recycling by-products from biofuel production processes, according to US researchers. These ionic liquids derived from biofuel
by Anna Austin (Biomass Magazine) The USDA recently issued a notice of contract proposals for its Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, which provides payments to producers to support and expand production of advanced biofuels. According to the NOCP, $15 million is available for
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Though the USDA Rural Energy for America Program has been hugely successful since it was first implemented in the 2002 Farm Bill, numerous changes have been implemented over the years in order to maximize program value. To
(Joint BioEnergy Institute/Biomass Magazine) Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint BioEnergy Institute have unveiled the first glycosyltransferase clone collection specifically targeted for the study of the biosynthesis of plant cell walls. The idea behind what is being called “the
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse.com) An official with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) that the renewable fuels standard (RFS) is still important to the agency despite the delayed rollout of the 2014
by Matt DiLallo (Motley Fool) ... America's military actually consumes as much energy as the entire population of Nigeria, and there are 140 million people living in Nigeria. Suffice it to say, the military uses a lot of oil, which is
by Dr. Doria Gordon (The Nature Conservancy/Biofuels Digest) Cultivation of bioenergy crops is predicted to increase to between 27 and 120 million acres by 2022 in order to meet the renewable energy needs of the U.S. and the Environmental Protection
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has finalized its 2014 renewable volume obligation (RVO) rule for the renewable fuels standard (RFS) and submitted it to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review on Friday, Aug.
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) ... The 2007 Mobile Source Air Toxics rule is projected to reduce toxics emitted from highway vehicles and nonroad equipment, which are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health and environmental effects, by 330,000 tons in
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) DE-FOA-0001162, entitled “Targeted Algal Biofuels and Bioproducts (TABB)”. The TABB FOA seeks
by Ben Geman and Clare Foran (National Journal) Gina McCarthy wants children to have an understanding of climate science, but current policy leaves plenty of students without it. ... Irish America magazine scored an interview with McCarthy, who grew up in a Boston area family
(25 x '25) Making sure the federal accounting system for biogenic carbon emissions—ensuring that it is an accurate system, and taking into scientific account the unique features of biomass in the carbon cycle is front and center for over 100
by Susan Sharon (MPBN News) "Effective immediately all Old Town mill operations will be indefinitely suspended." That was the message employees at the Old Town Fuel and Fiber Co. received Wednesday evening. The written statement went on to say that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, USDA released its August World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. The 2014 corn crop is estimated at 14.032 billion bushels. That is 172 million bushels higher than the previous record established
by Michael Wang and Jennifer Dunn (Huffington Post/Argonne National Laboratory) ... A proposed City of Chicago ordinance that would require most gas stations to offer E15 fuel - 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline - is one example of a smaller
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of the powerpoint decks. But how do you get a hold of the great Q&A that follows the presentations — or the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Bioenergy: America's Energy Future is a short documentary film showcasing examples of bioenergy innovations across the biomass supply chain and the United States. The film highlights a few stories of individuals and companies who are passionate
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) At the Department of Energy’s two-day conference Biomass 2014: Growing the Future Bioeconomy, technologies, feedstocks, and innovation in the bioenergy sector were on display. Attendees celebrated three U.S. advanced cellulosic biofuel refineries that are close
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) As the 2014 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) rule continues to work its way through the interagency review process in Washington, there are now indications that it may not be made public until after the
by Bob Tita (Wall Street Journal) Thousands of Tank Cars Are Likely to Be Scrapped or Redeployed Under Federal Safety Move ... With production capacity for new tank cars about 35,000 cars a year, industry analysts say the railcar industry could
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants that will be awarded to organizations to provide critical financial and technical assistance to recipients to develop and strengthen their capacity to carry
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Argentine biodiesel imports could reverse domestic energy progress Hosting a U.S. Trade Representative on his family farm outside Des Moines, Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, took the opportunity to discuss trade issues relevant to
(Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. ) Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a non-profit economic development organization based in East Hartford, Conn., was awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to work on Phase II of a project
by Hugh R. Morley (The Record/NorthJersey.com) ... A Ridgewood businesswoman has pleaded guilty to a charge that she took part in a $100 million biofuel fraud as a top executive of two Bergen County alternative-energy companies that authorities say carried
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the White House Council on Environmental Quality, in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced the winners of the annual Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and President’s Environmental Youth Award, (PEYA) recognizing
(Virent) Registered Fuel Can Now be Used in On-Highway Motor Vehicles Virent announced it has successfully received fuel registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its BioForm® Gasoline in blends of up to 45%. As a registered fuel, Virent’s biogasoline can now
by Adam Monroe (Roll Call/Americas for Novozymes) ... Every action we can take to clean the air and protect the environment matters. But the number one contributor to CO2 emissions in the U.S. isn’t coal — it’s transportation. Forty-two percent of greenhouse
by Dave Vander Griend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM) The industry must push for change in the way fuels are blended and tested, writes Dave Vander Griend. Growth of the ethanol industry, producers of a clean high-octane fuel, is being blocked by U.S.
by Scott Irwin (University of Illinois) The EPA is apparently going to finalize 2014 RFS rules in the near future. This will at least temporarily bring the tumultuous process to an end that started with the release of the preliminary RFS
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) The Fuels America coalition launched a new campaign featuring one of its largest digital campaigns to date, pointing to actors like the Koch brothers and others who stand to personally gain if America loses
(Fuels America) For months, the EPA has debated the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which sets the amount of affordable, cleaner-burning fuels used in America’s fuel supply. Now — thanks to pressure from oil companies and their allies — they’re
(US Department of Agriculture) For the First Time, USDA Climate Hubs Get New Tools to Gauge Progress in Building Drought-Resistant Healthy Soil The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (July 31, 2014) released a report that, for the first time, provides
by Benjamin Goad (The Hill) A government report made public Monday finds fault with the Environmental Protection Agency’s analyses of the costs and benefits of its regulations. The Government Accountability Office report concluded that information incorporated into the EPA’s
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Power by people; a simple slogan with the hopes of executing the complex task of changing the way people fundamentally think about the ethanol industry. Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the American Coalition
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst defended her support for the renewable fuels standard today and pushed six Iowa TV stations to pull an ad that her campaign claims deliberately distorts her position on
by Amanda Bilek (Biomass Magazine) There is little doubt that allowing biogas-based transportation fuel projects to sell either advanced biofuel or cellulosic compliance credits will give a big boost to U.S. projects. In early July, the U.S. EPA published a final
by Nick Mariano (The Southern Illinoisan) A Southern Illinois college is hoping to offer the first national certification in the country for training in biofuels processing, the instructor for the program said Tuesday. Southeastern Illinois College is among a consortium of
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Environmental Protection Agency official Paul Machiele visited the American Coalition for Ethanol conference this week in Minneapolis to discuss various issues, including plans for the 2014 volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Machiele, who is director for
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) It starts out as freeze-dried fungus or bacteria from Denmark and ends up being one of the key ingredients in what some are calling Nebraska’s and Iowa’s shot at the big time when it comes
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A popular breakout session at the 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference discussed the potential impacts the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act may have on plant operations. Paula Emberland of Christian
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, USDA, EPA and the US DOE published the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap, and concluded that: · Developing a viable biogas industry in the U.S. can boost the economy and provide a reliable, distributed source of renewable energy
(University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences/EurekAlert!) If the hottest new plant grown as a biofuel crop is approved based solely on its greenhouse gas emission profile, its potential as the next invasive species may not be
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) There’s been considerable debate as to whether farming conservation practices should remain voluntary or be made mandatory. But Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack believes voluntary programs are working and that farmers are embracing new conservation
by Alexander Bolton (The Hill) Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Rand Paul (Ky.) are trying to avoid an ethanol landmine in Iowa. ... Iowa kingmakers in the party such as Sen. Chuck Grassley want the Republican presidential nominee in 2016 to champion ethanol. That’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... SkyNRG is undertaking its first major feedstock project in South Africa, featuring a nicotine-free energy tobacco crop that’s developed by Sunchem under the name of Solaris. Which is an excellent reminder of how much activity
by Nick Paulson (Farm Doc Daily/University of Illinois) ... However, D4 generation has rebounded substantially since February, averaging more than 227 million RIN gallons from March through June. Through June, a total of 1.209 billion D4 RINs have been generated in
by (mfrtech.com/BUSINESS WIRE) Over the next 8 years, biofuels are expected to become an important part of the fuel mix for road transportation, accounting for 7.5 percent of liquid fuels consumed in the sector by 2022. Many governments, corporations, and
(RenewableEnergyWorld.com) New Hampshire, USA -- ... In a move that could restore biofuel market uncertainty in Europe, this week (June 11, 2014) energy ministers are expected to reach political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into
by Zoe Martin (Iowa Farmer Today)MONTICELLO — After years of research, biofuels in the aviation industry are almost ready for take off. The requirements to replace jet fuel at 40,000 feet present a challenge, but airplane manufacturers such as Boeing have
by Elizabeth Summer (livescience.com/Phage Biocontrol, Inc.) The beneficial microbes that convert milk into yogurt and act in people's guts to promote digestive health cause big problems in ethanol fermentation tanks. When fermenting corn to create ethanol, lactic acid bacteria can contaminate the
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) A team of researchers, led by Professor Charles E. Wyman, at the University of California, Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering have developed a versatile, relatively non-toxic, and efficient way to convert raw agricultural and forestry
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Obama administration Friday formally published proposals in the Federal Register to strengthen safety rules for trains carrying crude oil and other fuels, kicking off a two-month period in which the public can comment. The proposals were prompted chiefly by
by Anne Steckel (The Hill/National Biodiesel Board) ... Afraid of losing their stranglehold on the fuels market, petroleum groups have long complained that the RFS is unnecessary. More recently, their arguments have become more brazen, suggesting that renewable fuels are responsible
By Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) In the arid Imperial Valley of California, Tim Brummels is trying to turn an agricultural cousin of sugarcane into low-carbon ethanol. It’s the kind of climate-friendly project supporters have pined for since Congress in 2005 ordered
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a report that,for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities.
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) The U.S. biofuel industry is urging the Obama administration to go beyond simply raising proposed targets for use of the fuels, making the case instead for fundamental changes to the government's approach to the renewable fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are 5 Tell-Tale Signs that you have the Boss from Hell. And when it comes to the US federal government and advanced biofuels, all five are kinda pointin’ right at ol’ Uncle Sam. Congress passed
by Anne Artz (Triangle Coalition for STEM Education) Five Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows (AEF) and a group from the Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) together designed a high school competition to promote student understanding of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Captain James C. Goudreau, Director, Navy Energy Coordination Office: Stay the course. There is always risk, always naysayers. When we moved from sail to coal, coal to oil, oil to nuclear, there were always people
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. The Hot 50 and Hot 30: A perennial favorite. This year, Solazyme topped the list while LanzaTech slipped into second place. ... 2. The Top 100 People: Another perennial. This year, international project developers made
by William Woebkenberg (Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America) In these presentation slides from a July 2014 US Department of Energy EIA conference, Bill Woebkenberg explains Mercedes' support for world-wide B5 biodiesel/FAME blends and the need for greater assurance of
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) In what could be seen as a sign that an unpopular decision is about to be rendered by the Obama Administration on ethanol and biodiesel, a select group of Senate Democrats have met with the White
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is working on promoting exports of U.S. ethanol through a partnership between USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). “We’ve been working since late March, early April
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers in Montana are looking at an enzymatic treatment for barley that produces a high-value protein concentrate, describing ethanol as the process coproduct. Feed barley has been an important crop in Montana that has
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Releases new data on Bakken crude oil to support increased safety measures The U.S. Department of Transportation today released the details of its comprehensive rulemaking proposal to improve the safe transportation of large quantities of flammable materials
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board released the following statement from Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel Thursday after White House adviser John Podesta briefed a group of Senate Democrats on the pending proposal for biodiesel under the
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) An ethanol plant in Nebraska corn country is pumping out fuel made from sugar beets, and corn farmers are suing to stop it - a small-town dispute that offers an unusual take on the debate over
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, has introduced legislation that would require fuel suppliers to disclose country-of-origin information for transportation fuels. The bill, titled the “Country of Origin Labeling for Fuels Act,” was introduced July 16
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) were big topics this week as members of the National Corn Growers Association met in Washington DC. ... During the Ethanol Committee meeting, staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biofuels Digest) ... But, beyond the RVO numbers, not much has been said about this Administration’s inability to execute on its mandated task to review and approve new pathways under the RFS for feedstocks, technologies and
(South Florida State College) Beginning this fall, South Florida State College (SFSC) will offer a Bioenergy Education Program to provide students with a foundation of environmental sciences and renewable energy. With a rising interest in green chemistry, sustainability, and escalating oil
(Navigant Research) Viewed as a game changer in the race to commercialize advanced biofuels, aviation and marine biofuels represent a very significant opportunity for emerging producers in the advanced biofuels industry. Demand for advanced biofuels produced from sustainable, non-food feedstocks
(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The American Petroleum Institute (API) is focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its fight to reduce the ethanol blending mandate, conceding that there’s little short-term hope in congressional action. Bob Greco, API’s director of downstream
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (July 17, 2014) $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels. This research project supports the Department’s goal of producing 2,500 gallons of
(EcoEngineers) On July 2nd, 2014, the EPA released the final rules regarding the QAP program requirements for the RFS2. These rules will go into effect as of January 1st, 2015 and have a number of important aspects and changes for producers of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 7, the National Grain and Feed Association announced it submitted an extensive proposal to the Surface Transportation Board, urging the STB to establish new rules and procedures that captive grain shippers could
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The International Trade Administration recently published a notice in the Federal Register announcing it is reestablishing the renewable energy and energy efficiency advisory committee and accepting nominations for its membership. The committee was first established
by Chuck Crumbo (GSA Business) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded two grants totaling $150,000 to the S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance aimed at developing transportation biofuel investments for commercial and military use. The alliance, which announced the grants at Wednesday’s
(Growth Energy) In response to a recent order by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which called on specific rail providers to resolve backlogs of rail cars for grain orders, but failed to address the substandard rail service for the delivery
by Jim Lane and Mark Riedy (Biofuels Digest) This week in Washington, the Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office announced the Final RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency Projects Solicitation for its up to $4 billion loan guarantee program under Section 1703
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Two U.S. farm-state Senators on Wednesday urged federal regulators to investigate allegations raised by a biofuel trade group that the oil industry uses "strong arm tactics" to prevent widespread use of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline. A
(Optimus Technologies/MarketWatch) As an alternative to CNG, creates new opportunities for advanced biofuel providers. Optimus Technologies today (July 8, 2014) announced two significant milestones that are changing the U.S. commercial truck industry. First, it is the first to receive U.S. EPA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest has heard from China that Sapphire Energy’s and Sinopec’s algae-derived renewable crude oil project has been selected for the U.S.-China EcoPartnerships program, and that the announcement is being made overnight US time in
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