(Oak Ridge National Laboratory) By optimizing the production of terpene in eucalyptus plants, researchers hope to reduce this organic compound’s volatility and ultimately increase energy yields per plant. Terpene, a hydrocarbon, can be converted in sufficient quantities into a biofuel,
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency should recognize that carbon emissions from renewable biomass are fundamentally different from those of fossil fuels and that biotechnology can and must play a key role in mitigating fossil carbon emissions, the Biotechnology
(Synthetic Biology Project) Environmental scientists and synthetic biologists have for the first time developed a set of key research areas to study the potential ecological impacts of synthetic biology, a field that could push beyond incremental changes to create organisms
by Eric Freedman (Great Lakes Echo) A federal appeals court has rejected a challenge to an environmental assessment of a $100 million construction subsidy for an ethanol plant in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) had assessed the project’s
by Cindy Zimmerman (Domestic Fuel) ...“The Environmental Protection Agency’s outdated interpretation of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) regulations is preventing the sale of E15 in most of the country during the busy summer driving season, adding billions to travelers’ fuel costs,”
by Rafaela Relvas (BioNews Texas) Researchers at Texas A&M University conducted a study that brought new insights regarding bioenergy sorghum, finding that, more than an energy supply, it may offer a “sink” for greenhouse gases. ... The team worked in a field near
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Monday June 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took the single largest step to control stationary sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful emissions in the nation’s history. It announced a proposed regulation
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is organizing a renewable energy and energy efficiency trade mission to Peru. Scheduled for November, the policy mission will promote the export competitiveness of U.S. renewable energy
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Time is ticking down for the Environmental Protection Agency to make a decision on how much renewable fuel will be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply, and ethanol and biodiesel groups are pressing for a change
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA joined Growth Energy and others on a USDA trip to China, where signs of rapid growth were everywhere, writes Bob Dinneen. The goal was to develop additional markets for DDGS. ... (T)he
by Ronnie Shows (The Hill/Congress Blog) ... For example: when I first heard several months ago that the administration proposed making across the board cuts to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) – the federal policy that requires biofuels in our nation’s fuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill Implementation Continues at Brisk Pace with Universities and State Cooperative Extension Programs Now Set to Help Educate Farmers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $6 million
(Gas Technology Institute) In a recently completed project, Gas Technology Institute (GTI) worked with Haldor Topsoe, Inc. on an integrated biorefinery to make renewable “drop-in” gasoline, successfully producing a high-octane transportation fuel. The use of renewable gasoline could reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Today (June 2, 2014), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) announced that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which sought stakeholder input regarding the biofuel pathways that the DOE's Bioenergy Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) EPA comes down hard on CO2, with proposed rule calling for deep emission cuts, but opts for highly-flexible, state-by-state approach. Carbon Capture and Use not deemed a key strategy, but algae advocates aim to change
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) Biodiesel producers and farmers who raise the feedstocks for the biodiesel industry took to Capitol Hill this week, joining a group of U.S. Senate Democrats in their calls to end policy uncertainty that is hurting their industry. “The uncertainty
by Stephanie Storm (The New York Times) Consumer products containing ingredients made using an advanced form of engineering known as synthetic biology are beginning to show up more often on grocery and department store shelves. A liquid laundry detergent made by
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released renewable identification number (RIN) generation data for April, reporting that both D3 cellulosic biofuel and D7 cellulosic diesel RINs were generated during the month. EIA data indicates 643 D3 cellulosic biofuel
(National Biodiesel Board) One hundred seventeen biodiesel companies and affiliated businesses from 41 states called on President Obama Wednesday to stand behind his past support for the U.S. biodiesel industry by continuing sustainable growth under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Highlighting
(Environmental Working Group) The Environmental Protection Agency’s pending proposal to cut the amount of corn ethanol that must be blended into gasoline in 2014 by 1.39 billion gallons would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 3 million
by Sarah Mason (Arizon State University Light Works) The similarities between the U.S. Navy and civilian cities and industry may not be readily apparent, said Dennis McGinn, U.S. Navy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment, but in the realm of
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) invites students, researchers, public and private organizations, and members of the general public to submit poster abstracts for consideration for the annual Biomass Conference Poster Session. The Biomass 2014 conference theme focuses on
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA). The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) hosted a briefing, on May 22, on Capitol Hill, examining the current and projected impacts of climate change in the Southeast, and efforts to manage these risks.
(US Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new funding for six universities to research cleaner technologies and fuels for cooking, lighting, and heating homes that will help improve air quality and protect the health of
by Christopher Harress (International Business Times) ... For Mabus (Ray Mabus, the secretary of the Navy), who had come to New York for Fleet Week, the real story was taking place on the drawing boards, where the Navy is being transformed
By Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Imagine a world without non-renewable energy sources, where we just use sun, wind, and biomass to generate our electricity for industries and homes, and fuel for transportation. Is it a dream? I
by Jim Lane (Biofuel Digest) Thought the 2014 volume debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard was tough enough?What about the ticking bomb inside the RFS — that could completely flat-line the value of cellulosic RINs and make it near impossible
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act, following mark-up, is reported to not include any attempts to undermine the Defense Production Act’s Advanced Drop-In Biofuels Production Project, which protects the military’s ability
by Brendan Nicholson (The Australian) Australia's defence ties to the US have taken on a green hue, with the Royal Australian Navy planning to make all its ships and aircraft biofuel-capable within six years. READ MORE
by Brett Israel (Georgia Institute of Technology) When making cellulosic ethanol from plants, one problem is what to do with a woody agricultural waste product called lignin. The old adage in the pulp industry has been that one can make
by Paul E. Gutermann (Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP/Lexology.com) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held this week that the Department of Energy (DOE) complied with its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in providing
by Justine Fredericksen (Daily Journal News) Cash-strapped Yokayo Biofuels is for sale ... "The grant was to install an enzymatic process that would increase our capacity by about 75 percent, which would dramatically increase the yield we get, and dramatically change
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) EPA’s proposed rule went too far in correcting a problem largely of the refiners’ own making. It’s in the nation’s interest to put the final RFS rule back on course. Last year, it appears
(25 x '25) Ethanol’s role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was underscored this week in a forum of biofuel value chain partners, conservation and greenhouse gas experts organized by the 25x’25 Alliance at the request of the
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) With the impact of climate change becoming evident by the day, many of the United States iconic landmarks are at risk as never before. On the 20th of May, 2014, The Environmental and Energy
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, a panel of experts discussed the importance of blue carbon and the ramifications of its release in a “Managing Our Planet” seminar series developed jointly by George Mason University,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Washington, the Navy’s Director of Operational Energy, Chris Tindal, advises the Digest: “As of two weeks ago, the Navy has fully approved MILSPECs for JP-5, JP-8, and F-76 for the F-T and HEFA pathways. As
(Government Accountability Office) The federal government supports the development and use of alternative jet fuels through both broad and targeted initiatives. Broad national strategies promote the development of a variety of alternative fuels—including alternative jet fuel—to help achieve national goals, such as securing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
(Biofuels International) The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) are researching the use of biofuels in their flights by undertaking a joint testing project under the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Appropriations Committee has released its fiscal year 2015 agricultural appropriations bill, which aims to reduce funding levels for several Farm Bill Energy Title programs. A markup session on the legislation was held May
by Jim Dukart (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol plants in Indiana account for some 600 jobs, with an additional 4.9 jobs created for every job at an ethanol plant. The industry has pumped $1.5 billion in direct capital into the state
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) An oil pipeline ruptured in Los Angeles on LA Street yesterday and in response Americans United For Change said, “Like oil spills? You’ll love what happens after dismantling the Renewable Fuel Standard. 50,000 gallons of crude oil
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (May 15, 2014), 33 advanced biofuel companies, led by the Advanced Ethanol Council and Biotechnology Industry Organization, sent a letter to President Barack Obama to express the industry’s concern about the proposed rule for the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) With a final decision in the Renewable Volume Obligates (RVOs) expected in June, the biodiesel industry is getting increasingly vocal about the damage that regulatory uncertainty has already caused their industry. Biodiesel
by Arthur J. Ragauskas, Gregg T. Beckham, Mary J. Biddy, Richard Chandra, Fang Chen, Mark F. Davis, Brian H. Davison, Richard A. Dixon, Paul Gilna, Martin Keller, Paul Langan, Amit K. Naskar, Jack N. Saddler, Timothy J. Tschaplinski, Gerald A. Tuskan,
by Stacy Shackford (Cornell Chronicle) ... A $499,998 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture – one of two awarded to Cornell as part of a $12 million program – will allow researchers to delve
(e! Science News) The U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory has created a faster, cleaner biofuel refining technology that not only combines processes, it uses widely available materials to reduce costs. Ames Laboratory scientists have developed a nanoparticle that is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The following is excerpted from KiOR’s most recent 10-Q quarterly report, as filed with the SEC. “We have substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern. To continue as a going concern, we must
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent poll of 1,000 Americans shows 65 percent support the renewable fuel standard, writes Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. And, 78 percent favor requiring auto makers to
(National Biodiesel Board) Policy setbacks in Washington are taking a major toll on the most successful advanced biofuel in the U.S., according to a nationwide survey of biodiesel producers released Wednesday. The survey, conducted by the National Biodiesel Board, found that nearly
(Associated Press/The Republic) Purdue University is teaming up with the U.S. Navy on a project to help the military tap into alternative power sources. Purdue President Mitch Daniels and U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus signed an agreement Thursday to work together to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a letter to President Obama, leaders of America’s renewable fuel industry urge the Administration to rethink its proposal to weaken the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard – a proposal that is at odds with the
By Coral Davenport (The New York Times) The accelerating rate of climate change poses a severe risk to national security and acts as a catalyst for global political conflict, a report published Tuesday by a leading government-funded military research organization concluded. The CNA Corporation Military
by Daniel Parry (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory/Renewable Energy World) Navy researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Materials Science and Technology Division, demonstrate proof-of-concept of novel NRL technologies developed for the recovery of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2)
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The top executive with seed and chemical maker DuPont said Tuesday that Congress and the Obama administration must preserve a law requiring ethanol to be blended into the gasoline supply. Ellen Kullman, DuPont's chief executive, said
by Rick Smith (The Gazette)"First-in-the-nation" plant to convert municipal solid waste and other trash into cellulosic biofuel No Martians are landing, but loads of steel began arriving on Monday for the takeoff of project to expand and revitalize the shuttered ethanol
by Joanna Schroeder (Domestic Fuels) Several recent media reports have reported that the “blend wall” cost refiners nearly $1.35 billion last year. The blend wall is the amount of ethanol that can be blended into the fuel supply. Today is this considered
by Cesary Podkul and Jeff Mason (Reuters) Six months ago the U.S. oil industry scored a surprise win against farm groups when the Obama administration proposed slashing the amount of ethanol refiners must blend into gasoline, a move that could
by Byron Dorgan (Roll Call) ... But today, I’m concerned about the administration’s recent proposal that would put an end to the growth of this emerging American energy industry. The EPA proposal, if left unchanged, would signal a retreat on our
by Layne Cameron, Curtis Wilkerson, Krista Eastman and John Ralph (Michigan State University/Renewable Energy World) What began 20 years ago as an innovation to improve paper industry processes and dairy forage digestibility may now open the door to a much
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In mid-April, Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) wrote to the FDA commissioner, urging the agency exempt raw agricultural commodities, distillers grains and other byproducts. In the letter, Johanns wrote, “I am concerned about FDA
by Andrew Childers (Bloomberg BNA) Light-duty vehicle manufacturers achieved more greenhouse gas emissions reductions in model year 2012 vehicles than was required by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an annual EPA report. On average, 2012 vehicles emitted 10 grams less carbon
by Andrew Childers (Bloomberg BNA) Light-duty vehicle manufacturers achieved more greenhouse gas emissions reductions in model year 2012 vehicles than was required by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an annual EPA report. On average, 2012 vehicles emitted 10 grams less carbon
by Steve Baragona (Voice of America) ... Another benefit, according to Bob Dinneen, head of the ethanol trade group the Renewable Fuels Association, is that corn absorbs the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as it grows. “We are produced from agricultural crops and residues
by Maxx Chatsko (The Motley Fool) ... President Bush believed America could reduce gasoline consumption from 142 billion gallons in 2007 to just 114 billion gallons in 2017. The biggest reduction would come from a projected annual production of 35 billion gallons
by Janet Adkison (RFD TV) China is a growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Recognizing the country’s potential, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host an agriculture trade mission set to begin next week. The travel roster includes officials from
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) OBIC hosted a webinar on Bioproducts World Showcase & Conference on April 25th 2014. OBIC at Ohio State University integrates academia and industry and creates bioproduct clusters. OBIC’s mission is to accelerate commercialization of
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) In a letter to President Obama sent today, leaders of America’s renewable fuel industry are urging the Administration to rethink its proposal to weaken the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard – a proposal that is at odds with the National
(25 x '25) The 25x'25 Alliance commends the U.S. Global Change Research Program for its candid appraisal of changing climate conditions that are currently effecting agricultural production and could have a broad negative impact on the nation's farmers, ranchers and forestland owners
(25 x '25) The mission of the 25x’25 Alliance has been consistent since its inception 10 years ago: promote to policy makers and regulators the role of farms, ranches and forestlands in developing clean, sustainable sources of energy to help
by Ayesha Rascoe and Cezary Podkul (Reuters) A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday threw out an oil industry challenge to the Obama administration's 2013 biofuel mandate, ruling that the government has "wide latitude" to decide whether to modify renewable fuel
(CIRES) During two days of intensive airborne measurements, oil and gas operations in Colorado’s Front Range leaked nearly three times as much methane, a greenhouse gas, as predicted based on inventory estimates, and seven times as much benzene, a regulated
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of almost $1 million in grant funding to programs that educate consumers about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use.
(Americans United for Change/Biodiesel Magazine) Pro-renewable fuel standard, pro-American jobs groups Americans United for Change and VoteVets.org held a press call April 30 to reveal damaging IRS documents showing that Saudi oil money is clearly helping finance the millions of dollars
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... “The oil industry has made a concerted, organized, well-financed attack on the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said (Agriculture Secretary Tom ) Vilsack when asked about the EPA’s proposal to lower volume requirements for the RFS. “A lot of
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency explained her agency’s proposal to lower the volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting meeting in Washington DC this
by Dana Milbank (The Washington Post: Opinion) On the eve of the Obama administration’s release Tuesday of a report warning about grave consequences of climate change, presidential counselor John Podesta went into the White House briefing room and crowed about fossil-fuel production in
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The food versus fuel debate arose once again in front of Congress. At last week’s U.S. House Ag Subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., opponents and proponents of the Renewable Fuels Standard presented their arguments on the RFS
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) issued the following statement Tuesday after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a petroleum industry challenge to the 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements: “The court’s decision today
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has announced a request for information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on the eight representative biofuel pathways it has selected to guide its research and development strategy. The Office also is seeking input
(Bloomberg Government) The final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard requirements remain in limbo. The EPA is now reviewing public comments on the agency’s proposal to cut the nation’s biofuel target by close to 16 percent. What do the proposed changes mean for
(Biofuels International) The Navy plans to create two new acquisition vehicles this year to ensure it has a consistent supply of advanced biofuels. As an indication of their development, the service says the biofuels will not be any more expensive
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. DOE has announced its intent to offer up to $4 billion in Section 1703 loan guarantees to support a wide variety of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, including those for drop-in
(Algae Industry Magazine) The California Energy Commission (CEC) has just issued their “final” report on the Offshore Membrane Enclosures for Growing Algae (OMEGA) approach to algae cultivation and wastewater remediation. Outlining the research findings for the multiyear OMEGA project,
By Timothy Cama (The Hill E2Wire) Sixty-five percent of people in the United States support the renewable fuel standard (RFS) that mandates production and blending of a certain amount of fuel from renewable sources, according to a survey commissioned by Renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On ABLC's opening morning, we have some of the top slides -an inside look from Inbicon, Ensyn, GranBio, Sapphire Energy, LanzaTech - hot topics such as product portfolios, refinery integration, policy cliffs, the use of
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Manufacturers Performance Report that assesses the automobile industry’s progress toward meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for cars and light trucks in the 2012 model year – the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On Friday April 18, 2014, American Process shipped its second commercial ethanol cargo and sold the first cellulosic ethanol RINs from its Alpena Biorefinery. These are the first cellulosic ethanol RINs generated since the beginning of
by Jared Serbu (Federal News Radio) The Navy says it will create two new acquisition vehicles this year to ensure it has a stable supply of advanced biofuels. The service says the high-tech liquid fuels won't cost it any more than the
Tomorrow (April 25, 2014), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe will open the USA Science and Engineering Festival, which hosts student teams from colleges and universities across the country who exhibit sustainable projects and compete for EPA’s
by Rob Johansson and Seth Meyer (FarmDocDaily/USDA) Building on the discussion of RIN pricing and stock holding (here) we explore what a 'healthy' RIN bank may look like, estimate RIN stocks for 2014. The availability of RIN stocks will interact with final mandates
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (April 23, 2014), Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), testified before the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) forum on Rail Safety: Transportation of Crude Oil and Ethanol. In his testimony, Dinneen focuses
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday slashed its target for 2013 use of cellulosic biofuel to less than a million gallons, after the industry failed to meet goals for production of the fuel last year. The agency
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Fuels America coalition launched a new campaign dubbed “Oil Rigged” on Earth Day to counter what biofuels industry leaders called Big Oil’s deliberate campaign to distort the facts. The campaign includes the
by Jordan Godwin (Platts) The proposed blending targets in the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard will likely be revised higher, advocates for multiple industries said Monday. Proponents of the ethanol, biodiesel, advanced biofuels, petrochemicals and biotechnology industries, who were speaking during the Advanced
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) After Day 1 at Biofuels Digests’s ABLC which served up depression, aggravation and despair; the group of intrepid travelers on the journey to a bio-based economy pulled themselves together and renewed what a number
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In the meetings, hallways and conference sessions at Biofuels Digest’s Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference near Washington, DC, the following issues, rumblings, lessons and congratulations abounded. Criticism of the Obama administration and its lack of enthusiastic
(U.S Department Of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) regularly engages fellows in the sciences through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program. The program provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to gain
by Jess Oestmann (The Hays Daily News) When it comes to developing alternatives to fossil fuels and foreign oil, should the United States move forward or backward? That's the issue before the federal Environmental Protection Administration as it decides whether to reverse
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department today (April 15, 2014) announced up to $10 million in funding to advance the production of advanced biofuels, substitutes for petroleum-based feedstocks, and bioproducts made from renewable, non-food-based biomass, such as agricultural residues
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Growth Energy yesterday filed a joint response in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in opposition to the American Petroleum Institute’s and
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture) Innovations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are bringing researchers one step closer to developing "green" biofuel production systems farmers can use to meet on-farm energy needs, or to produce renewable fuels for commercial
The 2014 Asia Pacific Clean Energy Summit and Expo will be held jointly with the Pacific Defense Energy Summit and Showcase and the Islands Innovation Summit and Showcase at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, September 15 – 17. The event is the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing this week on advanced biofuels. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow of Michigan says advanced biofuels are here now, and they are an important part of the energy title in the recently
by Rob Johansson and Seth Meyer (USDA/FarmDocDaily) ... It is clear that the bankable (and borrowable) nature of RINs allow obligated parties to optimize their compliance costs over time. In the past, pre-blendwall, it was relatively inexpensive to generate and save surplus RINs allowed
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration/PR NewsWire/Yahoo!News) An HU-25C jet from NASA's Langley Research Center will be in California next month as part of a flight test to assess biofuel and other jet fuel alternatives. News media representatives are invited to
(US Department of Energy) In support of the Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Department of Energy issued a draft loan guarantee solicitation today for innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects located in the U.S. that avoid, reduce, or sequester
by Clifford Krauss (The New York Times) ... But even as Abengoa and other companies prepare to produce significant amounts of cellulosic ethanol, using corn stalks and wheat straw as opposed to corn itself, the appetite for such fuels seems to
(Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego/Biodiesal Magazine) Fossil fuel use, even with the environmental and economic security challenges it poses, remains the dominant source of energy in the U.S. But its 80-percent share of the energy supply could be diminished
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (FuelFix) Researchers found higher-than-expected emissions of a potent greenhouse gas emanating from Pennsylvania wells, according to a study published Monday that adds to concerns about the environmental footprint of natural gas. The study, conducted by Purdue and Cornell universities
by Holly Jessen (Biomass Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack testified about the farm bill and the rural economy, during a U.S. House of Representatives Committee hearing. As part of that, he talked about the USDA’s work to create markets
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On April 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the U.S. EPA’s final rule for 2013 renewable fuel standard (RFS). The petitioners are asking
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... A China Lake-based research team finds terpene fuels that add 13% to the performance, compared to fossil fuels. We take a look at the new breed of renewable fuels — with a Q&A to explore
by Henry C. Jackson (Associated Press/The Republic) ... Heitkamp came directly to the Senate from the energy industry, where she worked for 12 years, including as a director of Dakota Gasification Company, a coal and natural gas company. Before that, as
(25 x '25) Feedstock, Equipment, Conservation, Farm and Energy Groups Tell EPA Not to Compromise Full Potential of Biofuels Concerns over the future of biofuels in a future national energy strategy were aired before some pretty influential parties this week, as
(National Aeronautics and Space Administration/PRNewsWire) NASA has signed separate agreements with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to conduct a series of joint flight tests to study the atmospheric effects of emissions from jet engines burning alternative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate Agriculture Committee yesterday held a hearing on the economic benefits of advanced biofuels in creating jobs and lowering gasoline prices. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Hydrocarbon fuel from seawater and nothing else? Is it possible? Not only possible, but demonstrated as a process, and tested in a model plane. How does it rate on the Hooey scale? The Digest investigates. In
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s policies with regard to bioenergy were among the topics discussed during a recent EPA budget hearing held by the House Committee on Appropriations. During the event, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy addressed
(US Environmental Protection Agency) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy testified today (April 9, 2014) before the Senate Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations at a hearing to discuss EPA’s proposed FY
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday a recent uptick in gasoline consumption should be considered by the Environmental Protection Agency when it determines how much renewable fuel should be blended into the motor fuel
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/US News and World Report) Ethanol is less expensive than gas, and consumers will benefit more if it's used. Logic is nowhere to be seen in petroleum analyst Gregg Laskoski’s call to reduce or revise the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) A crop that has had an undeserved stigma attached to it could now become a source for biodiesel and ethanol. The recently passed and signed Farm Bill contains a provision that would allow hemp to be grown
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On March 28, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the results of biofuel testing completed onboard the training ship State of Michigan. The tests compared operational, vibration and air emissions differences between regular ultralow
(NYU Langone Medical Center/Biomass Magazine) An international team of scientists led by Jef Boeke, director of NYU Langone Medical Center’s Institute for Systems Genetics, has synthesized the first functional chromosome in yeast, an important step in the emerging field of synthetic biology,
(US Department of Energy) U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz today highlighted key improvements to the Department’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Legislative Summit. The ATVM Loan Program plays a
by Lisa Song and Jim Morris (InsideClimateNews.org) Gas drilling facilities have sporadic emission spikes that spew toxins harmful to human health, but states rarely monitor these fleeting events. People in natural gas drilling areas who complain about nauseating odors, nosebleeds and
by Kevin Jeffries (25 x '25) ... Lower demand for renewable fuels means lower prices for corn, soybeans and other crops. Generally, producers account for lower prices by shifting to more profitable crops and by cutting back on investments like conservation
(The Medi-Telegraph) One of the main topics of the meeting between Italian Defence Secretary Domenico Rossi and US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus was the cooperation programme on alternative fuels between Italy and the United States. ... Today, at the bio-refinery Eni
by Paul Winters (Biotechnology Industry Organization) If left unchanged, the Obama administration’s proposal to slash use of biofuels in 2014 would increase emissions of greenhouse gases next year, according to a new white paper from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Brent Erickson,
by Ehren Goossens (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Royal DSM NV (DSM), the world’s largest vitamin manufacturer, expects to begin producing cellulosic ethanol in the U.S. by July as the government considers reducing the amount of renewable fuel that oil companies will be
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) U.S. energy markets cannot absorb the levels of biofuels required by law to be blended into the fuel supply in 2014, Environmental Protection Agency head Gina McCarthy said on Thursday, defending a controversial proposal to slash the target
(RT.com) Scientists have scored a breakthrough in high-energy biofuels by producing a bacterium that synthesizes highly-efficient pinene, a hydrocarbon made by trees. It could soon replace existing alternatives and usher in a new era of rocket engines. Researchers have struggled for
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) In March, U.S. EPA announced it is making changes to the fuel pathway petition process under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), in order to “enable more timely and efficient decision-making.” EPA is asking new petitioners
(US Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This panel will focus on the agency’s
by Timothy Cama (The Hill E2Wire) Four members of the House who want the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to be lowered wrote to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ask what problems the agency has faced in writing regulations for
by Jeannine Otto (AgriNews) Defend, expand, export. ... “We need to make sure that people understand this entire standard is under attack. Folks in Congress, some folks in Congress, would like to do away totally with the entire Renewable Fuels Standard and
(Omaha World-Herald) ... The first commercial production of cellulosic ethanol began in 2013, and this year biomass plants in Iowa will be taking the lead in expanding capacity. The facilities will take crop waste and non-edible plants and convert them into
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The $163.9 million Illinois Basin-Decatur Project celebrated as new milestone as its carbon sequestration project stored 750,000 metric tons carbon dioxide from Archer Daniels Midland Co.’s ethanol plant in Decatur, Ill. “We are here today
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released renewable identification number (RIN) generation data for February, reporting that more than 1.21 billion RINs were generated during the month across all five fuel categories. EPA data shows 7,072 D3
(University of Maryland/PR Newswire) A team of four students from the Georgia Institute of Technology developing a new electrical power grid technology with an Internet-like control architecture won the third annual ACC Clean Energy Challenge and the Department of Energy's $100,000 grand prize, competition officials announce
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) ... Examples of said policy certainty include renewal of the United Kingdom’s Renewables Obligation, a clearer picture of what meeting sustainability criteria entails, and movement outside of the U.K., in markets including the Netherlands and Asia. ... Unlike
(Extension.org) Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows. Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can
by Lynn Yarris (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a multi-institutional partnership led by Berkeley Lab, have identified the genetic origins of a microbial resistance to ionic liquids and successfully
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Wearing a tie and sporting a “Don’t Mess with the RFS” button, 10-year-old Ethan Fagen was the youngest of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Biofuels Beltway marchers this week on Capitol Hill. Ethan came along with
(Federal Trade Commission) The Federal Trade Commission is proposing changes to its Fuel Rating Rule, which determines the fuel rating that appears on fuel pump labels, how octane levels are calculated, and helps to inform consumers about proper fuel for
by Phillip Fiorini and Cynthia Sequin (Purdue University) Purdue University researchers are launching a company focusing on an innovative process that could revolutionize how lignocellulosic biomass is used to make biofuels and other bio-based products and chemicals. Spero Energy Inc., which is based
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Gevo reports its 4Q results and adds back some ethanol production, we look at the short-term gains and the long-term implications. Why ethanol, why now — what’s the latest news mean from this signature
by Brent Erickson, Matt Carr, and Paul Winters (Industrial Biotechnology) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a significant change to the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014 and beyond, which will have an impact on greenhouse gas (GHG)
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