by General Charles F. Wald and David W. Conover (Bipartisan Policy Center/The Hill/Congress Blog) News reports indicate that some Senators may seek to repeal a provision of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) during Thursday’s consideration of
by Senator Mark Udall (Politico) The Pentagon released its first-ever operational energy strategy last month — a plan that could dramatically cut costs and save service members’ lives. The plan is not about fielding a new weapons system, but rather
(MyCentralOregon) Legislation introduced by Senator Ron Wyden and Michigan's Debbie Stabenow to promote the implementation of viable alternatives to oil passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Thursday. Wyden said the Alternative Fuels Vehicles Competitiveness and Security Act will increase
(25 x '25) The House of Representatives seems to have gotten things backwards. Lawmakers there say they were shoring up national security and supporting U.S. military fuel flexibility when they voted to end a provision in federal law that requires
(Platts) A plan by US senators to end ethanol subsidies on July 31 could prove bullish for the European market, trading sources said Wednesday. "It should be pretty supportive, the EU needs the [US ethanol] supply," one source said. ...Europe's ethanol market
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) (Biodiesel Magazine) Q. Why do you support the production of biodiesel? A. Too much of America’s energy comes from fossil fuels imported from countries that don’t like us. We can reduce dependence on foreign oil, and be
by Larry Bivins (SCTimes) Sen. Amy Klobuchar urged oil companies Tuesday to follow the lead of the ethanol industry and give up government subsidies to help defray the nation’s burgeoning deficit. In a speech on the Senate floor, Klobuchar
by Pete Kasperowicz (The Hill) The House on Monday night rejected an amendment proposed by the Republican Study Committee that would have cut $3.25 billion from the Energy and Water Appropriations Act, effectively gutting the Department of Energy's alternative energy funding
by Brooke Coleman (Advanced Ethanol Council/The Washington Post) Letter to Editor: ...The compromise that Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) have announced is not perfect. But it rightly involves using innovations in U.S. ethanol policy
(California Ethanol Vehicle Coalition) Continuing her long support for oil industry interests at the cost of clean, domestic, renewable fuels, California Senator Dianne Feinstein announced today she has taken yet another step to raise taxes, increase reliance on imported oil,
(US House Committee on Science, Space and Technology) Today the Energy & Environment Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the science behind the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to grant a waiver permitting the use of mid-level ethanol blends of up
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar) Agreement would put savings toward deficit reduction, infrastructure U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today announced that a bipartisan agreement has been reached that allows for a transition to a
by Mary Rosenthal (Algal Biomass Organization) A few weeks ago we let you know of attempts being made to repeal Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which prohibits the Department of Defense from procuring fuels
(The Washington Post) ...Either way, the supports must go. Congress has protected ethanol three ways: with a $6 billion-a-year tax subsidy to those who blend it into gasoline, a tariff on competing imports and a mandate that billions of gallons
(Office of Senator Dick Lugar) Senator Dick Lugar today introduced his Practical Energy Plan exclusively via Facebook. Lugar was joined in the live stream by Dave Conover, Senior Vice President of the Bipartisan Policy Center and former Bush Administration official. Video
by Andrew Restuccia (The Hill/E2Wire) President Obama pressed lawmakers Wednesday to cut a slew of oil industry tax breaks as part of a deal to raise the debt ceiling, arguing that the alternative is to slash funding for education, medical
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Today (June 29, 2011) U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tom Udall (D-NM) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act today in an effort to eliminate dependence on foreign
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen abandoned the podium and chose to speak off the cuff during his keynote presentation delivered to attendees of the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo on
by Jonathan Fahey (Forbes) ...Congress, when it passed legislation in 2007 that subsidized advanced biofuels to the tune of $1.01 per gallon (on top of the 51-cent standard ethanol credit) and mandated that the country use a growing amount of
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) EESI published an issue brief on policies that subsidize the production of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas). In recent years, major international institutions such as the G20, International Energy Agency, and the Organization of
by Senator Mike Johanns (York News-Times) ...Ethanol helped keep $34 billion of our money at home last year instead of going to other countries for foreign oil. ...Though these benefits are significant, today's fiscal realities require us to rethink our approach
by William Petroski (Des Moines Register) ...Santorum, who is seeking the Republican presidential nomination, said he advocates phasing-out the existing tax incentive for ethanol production, commonly known as the blenders’ credit, by reducing the credit 9 cents annually over each
(AP/Bloomberg/The Washington Post) If a $5 billion-a-year federal subsidy that helped build the ethanol industry comes to an end, it will likely mean two things, experts who have followed its development say. First, it doesn’t guarantee an end to the high
(Platts) ...But even if hypothetically the subsidies did end June 30, it would in all likelihood not affect corn and ethanol demand, owing to the current prices between the two, and conventional gasoline, Morgan Stanley said in a report. ...At current
(StarTribune) Why is one fuel being targeted but another -- oil -- isn't? ...The best way to pay down the nation's $14.3 trillion debt? "Reducing wasteful spending a billion dollars at a time,'' Coburn said. Coburn has a point about the ethanol
by Darren Goode (Politico) ...The biodiesel industry is embarking on a multimillion-dollar nationwide outreach campaign — its first ever — intended as a coming out party after spending its initial years lurking in the shadows of an ethanol industry that
(Platts) Brazilian ethanol interests Friday praised a largely symbolic vote in the US Senate Thursday that aimed to end that country's ethanol subsidies six months early, but noted the South American country needs to keep its supply to itself for
(Associated Press) Oil companies' tax breaks, if left in place, would cost the U.S. Treasury $44 billion over the next decade. President Obama wants to eliminate the cost, and a Senate proposal would eliminate them only for the five biggest
by Ben Geman (The Hill/E2Wire) A top Navy official said Friday (June 3,2011) that the department isn’t interested in developing coal-based transportation fuels as an alternative to oil, noting there are more promising options. Tom Hicks, the Navy’s deputy assistant secretary
by Steven Mufsonand Lori Montgomery (The Washington Post) The Senate on Thursday approved an amendment that would end tax credits for ethanol that refiners blend into motor fuel in a vote closely watched as a sign of whether Congress can
by David Shepardson (The Detroit News) ...The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers — the trade group representing Detroit's Big Three automakers, Toyota Motors Corp. and eight others, joined a coalition of groups in opposing the "Open Fuel Standard Act of 2011,"
(National Biodiesel Board) America’s Advanced Biofuel Supporting Thousands of New Jobs While Generating Billions in Household Income, Tax Revenues The U.S. biodiesel industry will grow to support more than 74,000 jobs throughout the economy by 2015 while creating some $4 billion in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, on a cloture vote in the Senate to proceed to an amendment that would end the current ethanol tax incentive immediately, Senator Coburn’s amendment lost 40-59, falling 20 votes short of the sixty votes needed to
by Lori Montgomery (The Washington Post) A majority of Senate Republicans appeared to break Tuesday with two decades of GOP orthodoxy against higher taxes, voting to advance a plan to abruptly cancel billions of dollars in annual tax credits for
by Russell Berman (The Hill/E2Wire) House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said Monday that the elimination of energy subsidies should be considered as part of a comprehensive tax reform package rather than the debt reduction talks that Vice President Biden
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Earlier today, Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) created waves when they announced their new biofuels bill the Ethanol Reform and Deficit Reduction Act. This act is designed to address federal budget issues while phasing
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) along with a bipartisan group of nine other Senate colleagues have introduced the Ethanol Reform and Deficit Reduction Act. The bill is designed to modify the current Volumetric
by Darren Goode (Politico) Sen. Tom Coburn has pulled the trigger and is forcing a long-sought vote on an amendment repealing billions in annual tax incentives for ethanol. The Senate will vote Tuesday afternoon on Coburn’s motion limiting debate on his amendment
by Philip Brasher (Des Moines Register) The ethanol industry faces a pair of critical test votes in the Senate. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., has forced a vote next Tuesday on ending the industry’s 45-cent-per-gallon subsidy, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.,
(BIO-Tech Now) The World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology explored ways that biotechnology can help meet both military and commercial aviation fuel needs. BIO’s World Congress in Toronto hosted a general plenary session, “Civilian and Military Aviation Fuels: Can Biotech Make a
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) this week introduced legislation that would require all gasoline sold in the U.S. to carry country-of-origin labeling (COOL). ...Growth Energy president Jim Nussle says the law would create more market transparency for American consumers
by David Shepardson and Christina Rogers (The Detroit News) General Motors Co. CEO Dan Akerson wants the federal gas tax boosted as much as $1 a gallon to nudge consumers toward more fuel-efficient cars, ... And while he is eager
by Brent Erickson (BIO/Biofuels Digest) To carry out military and humanitarian missions around the world, U.S. forces require reliable fuel supplies and secure supply lines. The military is as much at the mercy of high oil and gasoline prices as
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Shale Natural Gas Does Not Belong in Pro-Environmental Legislation A new legislative analysis by Advanced Biofuels USA concludes that the Open Fuel Standard (OFS) is bad for advanced biofuels and will add to environmental damage if passed and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Instead of simply not collecting a portion of the fuel tax, the consumer is charged the whole amount, which is collected by the gas station and paid to the government. The government analyzes all this.
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) A proposal called the Open Fuel Standard (OFS) has recently been included in a number of bills (HR 1687 is one example) submitted for consideration by the US Congress. These OFS provisions go beyond
(The Hill/E2Wire) Twenty Senate Democrats are ramping up political pressure on the White House to ensure that any deficit-reduction deal with Republicans strips billions of dollars in tax breaks for major oil companies. The group — led by Sen. Robert Menendez
by Robert F. Dorr (Air Force Times) ...Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz has been the driving force behind the service’s conservation movement, both because it saves the environment and it saves money. And for that he deserves a salute. Schwartz couldn’t
by Brooke Coleman (Advanced Ethanol Council/Biofuels Digest) ...Often lost in the counter-productive and backward-facing public obsession with corn ethanol are the clear attributes of the ethanol molecule itself. A recent study, “Ethanol – the Primary Renewable Liquid Fuel,” makes the case
(Algae Industry Magazine) ...The Fuel Feedstock Freedom Act (S. 1085), gives individual states the option not to participate in the corn ethanol portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). It also expands the cellulosic biofuel carve-out to include algae and
(25 x '25) The 25x'25 Alliance recognizes that all sectors must make sacrifices to achieve true reductions in spending and the national deficit. However, draconian cuts to a number ofUSDA renewable energy programs included in a larger farm and food spending billadopted
by Mike McAdams (Biorefining Magazine/Advanced Biofuels Association) I recently had the privilege of testifying before the Energy and Power Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce and share with its members the incredible progress the advanced biofuels
(US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee) The House Appropriations Committee today (May 23, 2011) released the subcommittee draft of the fiscal year 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which will be marked up in the Agriculture Subcommittee tomorrow. The legislation continues the
by Jason Clayworth (Des Moines Register/Juice) What once would have been considered a bold, even politically suicidal, call to do away with ethanol subsidies has become the position of some key industry trade groups, paving the way for candidates like
(KELOLAND.com) ...High fuel costs are once again fueling the debate about alternative energy sources. And with ethanol one of South Dakota's biggest industries, both politicians and ethanol supporters say now's the time to pump up its benefits. ..."With ethanol 80 cents
(Minnesota Public Radio News) The Assertion: The state and federal government should continue subsidizing ethanol Ethanol's promise as America's path to energy self-sufficiency once seemed strong. But in recent years, that attraction has been tempered. Even supporters of ethanol, such as
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) On May 11, Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., introduced legislation that would authorize the U.S. Department of Defense to engage in 15 year contracts for advanced biofuels. The bill, titled the “Domestic Fuel for Enhancing National
by Andrew Restuccia (The Hill/E2Wire) The Senate on Tuesday rejected a bill that would have ended $21 billion worth of tax breaks for large oil companies, but Democrats vowed to revive the measure as part of high-stakes negotiations on the
by Robert Zubrin (Pajamas Media) Rising food prices are the result of rising oil prices, not a growing market for ethanol. ...There is not a fixed amount of grain in the world. Farmers produce in response to demand. The more customers,
(Advanced Biofuels Association/PR NewsWire) Sending a significant signal of industry unity to Capitol Hill, the leading advocates of the U.S. biofuels industry sent Congress a message today that urged lawmakers "to stand firm in the face of calls to waive
by Alexander Bolton (The Hill/E2Wire) Senate Democrats stepped up their push to repeal tax breaks for major oil companies Friday by unveiling a report showing that it would not affect gas prices. The report by Congress’s Joint Economic Committee found
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the House Armed Services Committee OK’d a defense budget bill that exempted the Department of Defense from Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which had since 2007 required that fuels purchased
by Don Siefkes (E100 Ethanol Group/Biofuels Digest) ...As article after article in Biofuels Digest has pointed out, the ethanol industry knows how to make ethanol from a variety of feedstock and could make 66 billion gallons/yr of fuel grade ethanol
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Biofuels Digest) ...Lost in the drone of mudslinging is a realization that this debate is about 20th century technologies and energy sources. The discussion is about whether or not to develop more oil and other
by Andrew Restucci (The Hill/E2Wire) Senate Democrats intend to attach a measure repealing billions of dollars in oil industry tax breaks to a broader package aimed at lowering the deficit, a top Democrat said Wednesday. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has
by Denise Ross (The Daily Republic) Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., called for an end to taxpayer subsidies for oil and natural gas companies Wednesday, saying instead the United States should invest in further ethanol production and improving the infrastructure
(The State Column) U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced bipartisan legislation to ease the pain at the pump and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. The American Alternative Fuels Act (S. 937) breaks down the barriers
(The State Column) U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced bipartisan legislation to ease the pain at the pump and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. The American Alternative Fuels Act (S. 937) breaks down the barriers
by Julie Harker (Brownfield) National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson is calling on Congress to end tax subsidies for the oil industry and investing that money, instead, in biofuels. In his letter sent to US House and Senate leaders, Johnson said,
by Ben Geman (The Hill/E2Wire) Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who is likely to face a tough reelection battle next year, floated plans Monday to kill billions of dollars' worth of oil industry tax breaks. Democratic plans to end tax incentives and
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., imagines a world where consumers could drive up to the pump in a standardized vehicle and choose - be it biofuels, methanol, coal-to-liquid fuel or gasoline, depending on the best
by Robin Bravender (Politico) Senate Republicans are pushing a plan to morph the Energy Department and the EPA into one giant agency. A bill introduced Thursday by Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C) would combine the DOE and the EPA into a new agency
by Carl Hulse (New York Times) Linking two of the politically volatile issues of the moment, Senate Democrats say they will move forward this week with a plan that would eliminate tax breaks for big oil companies and divert the savings
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) ...But when Senator Tom Harkin was asked about his sense of support for the Grassley-Conrad Bill on Thursday, he said that it has some risks. Harkin supports Grassley’s bill, and is one of the original co-sponsors. But
(Advanced Biofuels Association) Developing renewable energy alternatives is an inevitable part of our shared global future and America should help lead the way through the commercialization of advanced biofuels technologies, that's the message Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) President Michael McAdams
(Renewable Fuel Association) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Growth Energy, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today praised the legislation offered by a bipartisan group of senators, led by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley,
by Elise Foley (Huffington Post) Eager to prove that Republicans don't want to end oil subsidies despite public GOP opposition, House Democrats plan to force a voteThursday on a measure that would block a major tax break for the five largest
(Senator Chuck Grassley) Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Kent Conrad of North Dakota today introduced bipartisan legislation to update ethanol tax policies in an effort to boost domestic energy production and increase America’s energy independence and security. The bill also has
by Ben Geman (The Hill/E2Wire) Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) is planning a committee vote before Memorial Day on legislation that would create a federal “Clean Energy Deployment Administration” to jump-start the commercialization of green
by Jim Snyder (Bloomberg) ...Senators Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, and Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican, said the 45-cent credit, which is given to oil refiners for each gallon of ethanol they blend with gasoline, was unjustified given the U.S. deficit. The break
by Steen Riisgaard (Huffington Post Green) ...More complicated types of biomass -- corn cobs, wood chips, waste paper -- are far more difficult to turn into energy. But this type of biomass--known as "cellulosic biomass" -- is plentiful and renewable.
by Ben Geman (The Hill/E2Wire) Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) struck while the iron was hot Thursday and vowed to shepherd a plan through the panel that ends billions of dollars in tax breaks for the largest oil
by Darren Goode (Politico) House Speaker John Boehner says he’s open to calls from the White House to curb some of the $4 billion in oil and gas subsidies and tax incentives, as Washington continues to feel the heat over
by Heather Thorstensen (AgriNews.com) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to create more supply and demand for renewable fuels nationwide, said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. ...During a media briefing, he discussed how the government isfunding research into different
(AlbertLeaTribune.com) Get ethanol at the pumps. That’s what the farmer owners of the Poet Glenville ethanol plant told Sen. Al Franken they would like to see. The comments came during a meeting Wednesday at the plant. “We want consumers to have a
by Zachary A. Goldfarb (The Washington Post) President Obama urged Congress on Tuesday to take “immediate action” to end tax subsidies for oil and gas companies, as he attempts to limit the political fallout of surging gas prices. A day before oil
by Kirsten Korosec (BNET) ...How can maintaining subsidies for the fossil fuels industry, while cutting incentives and funding for cleaner sources, be called anything but corporate welfare? Ironically, one of the stated primary goals of the GOP budget crafted by Rep. Paul
by David Di Martino (The Hill) As far as winning messages go, the national Republicans had one in 2010: It's jobs, stupid. Well, it wasn’t that specifically, but they did hammer the president and the Democrats in Congress for not focusing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association, the Advanced Biofuels Association, the Algal Biomass Organization, the Advanced Ethanol Council, and BIO pledged to work cooperatively to preserve the status quo on the Renewable Fuel Standard through
by Philip Brasher (Des Moines Register) ...“The single most important thing that Congress can do for advanced biofuels is to provide a stable policy environment,” Jan Koninckx, DuPont’s global biofuels business director, told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Propel Fuels’ CEO Matt Horton explained to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources how the federal government must participate in establishing the alternative fuel infrastructure of the future. “With the primary location of the
by Dan Froomkin (Huffington Post) A freshman Republican congressman from Wisconsin has broken rank with his GOP colleagues by calling on lawmakers to re-evaulate the multi-billion-dollar subsidies the federal government doles out to already highly-profitable oil and gas companies. Rep. Reid
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Food and environmental lobby groups took their anti-ethanol message to the Capitol Visitors Center April 14, staging a “Corn Ethanol Policy Forum” that included planned remarks from several legislators as well as analysts from
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Biofuels Digest) There is no greater hurdle to the expansion of the American biofuels industry than the artificial barriers to the market. Through flawed policy and outdated regulation, these barriers serve as a mandate for the
(Advanced Biofuels Association) A consistent commitment by Congress that avoids the ups and downs of public opinion will be crucial to the success of transforming America's energy policy to cleaner and renewable sources, that's what Michael McAdams, president of the
(Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati) On April 12, 2011, the House Appropriations Committee released the final Continuing Resolution bill for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 (the CR).1 As described below, the CR amends the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) authority
by Daniel J. Weiss and Richard W. Caperton (GreenTechMedia) Paul Ryan’s budget proposal eviscerates green technology projects, but leaves massive subsidy loopholes for the oil industry. House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan’s(R-WI) proposed FY 2012 budget resolution is a backward-looking plan
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Senate energy committee held a two-hour hearing April 7 to discuss proposed legislation to expand the domestic biofuels market, but expanded its scope through testimony and committee member questions to cover nearly every
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) During Thursday's Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Shane Karr, Vice President of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Auto Alliance, stated automakers would commit to a dialog with Congress and the appropriate federal
(MarketWire/Algal Biomass Organization) Recipients' Support of Algae Critical to Accelerating Industry's Growth and Reducing Major Barriers to Commercialization The Algal Biomass Organization, the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, presented its first annual Algae Industry Leadership Awards to United
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Will these biofuels projects make the expected steps towards commercialization? There was a strong response to yesterday’s Top Story about technologies that were approaching make-or-break milestones in 2012. But what about 2011, asked some? What
by Jerry Hagstrom (AgWeek) Senate Agriculture Commitee Chairman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., says the Senate will proceed on its own schedule on the farm bill and should finish the bill as quickly as possible, but she will not promise to finish
by Philip Brasher (Des Moines Register) Even as President Barack Obama renewed his push for next-generation biofuels, an industry official warned that cuts in biomass subsidies could discourage farmers from providing corn residue and other needed feedstocks. If farmers “see the
by Kate Galbraith (New York Times) Cellulosic ethanol could be poised for a surge — finally. Around the country and especially in the Midwest, a number of proposed plants that would turn corn cobs, wheat straw and other plant-based feedstocks
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) During a U.S. Senate committee hearing on March 30, Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said that focusing on advanced biofuels for homegrown energy is in the best interest of the United States. “I think that
by Mary Rosenthal (Biofuels Digest/Algal Biomass Organization) ...Our federal tax policy actually discourages the production of low-carbon, renewable algae-based fuels, including drop-in gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, as well as ethanol, by failing to provide them the same incentives accorded
(AP/MSNBC) ...Even if Obama's efforts can reduce U.S. demand for foreign oil, experts say that is unlikely to bring down the cost of gasoline, since oil is priced globally and increased demand from China and other developing nations continues to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, 34 cleantech CEOs, are trying to make sure the DOE doesn’t drop its loan guarantee program despite threats of budget cuts from Congress. Signatories to the letter include Abengoa Bioenergy EVP Christopher
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) A multitude of leading energy trade associations today wrote to Congressional leaders with a request for Congress to maintain support and funding for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) including the Loan Guarantee Program. The program, in
by Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Waterloo) (GlobeGazette) ...For too long, we’ve depended on foreign countries for our oil — and we’ve sacrificed our independence and our national security in the process. But there’s no one, easy solution to the problem. We need
(Congressional Budget Office) The federal government collects revenues from taxes paid by highway users, mostly from those levied on gasoline and diesel fuel, and credits them to the Highway Trust Fund. Those revenues and others are subsequently used for federal spending on
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) US Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) recently introduced Senate Bill S.599, the “Securing America’s Future with Energy and Sustainable Technologies Act” or SAFESTA. This bill contains numerous amendments to existing
(OPIS) ...According to sources familiar with the proposal, the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) have agreed to phase down the current 45 cts/gal ethanol tax credit over three
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the USDA has called the heads of nearly every major biofuels association into a “friendly, open” discussion, but on an urgent timetable, to discuss opportunities to find common ground and synchronize biofuels industry
(BIOtechNOW) Industry leaders point out that biotech-enabled advanced biofuels spur job growth and reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil. Three leading biotechnology trade groups are urging Congress to protect important bioenergy program funding. In a Feb. 25 letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry
(IowaPolitics.com) Floor Speech of Sen. Chuck Grassley Ethanol and Energy Independence Delivered Monday, March 07, 2011 ...We must look to alternative and renewable resources so we can improve our energy and national security. This includes supporting energy from wind, biomass, hydroelectric, solar,
by Matt Hartwig (Renewable Fuels Association/Baltimore Sun) The Sun may have cut back its foreign bureaus, but your editorial writers ("End subsidies for corn-based ethanol," March 14) must still be aware of the turmoil in North Africa and the Middle
(Wallaces Farmer) ...NCGA (National Corn Growers Association) delegates attending the meeting in Tampa, Fla., adopted ethanol policy that states "NCGA supports reforming existing ethanol tax policy. Ideas to replace existing tax law, in the following priority order, should be a variable
by Robert E. Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) With the oil industry, a 150-year old mature enterprise, still receiving at least 2.5 times the subsidies of the renewable fuel industry ($72 billion 2002-2008, Environmental Law Institute 2009 study), it is disingenuous
By Stephanie Dreyer (Growth Energy/RenewableEnergyWorld.com) Smithfield, the world's largest producer and processor of pork, reported record profits this quarter as the global economy continues to recover and exports rise. ...Despite these record earnings, just yesterday the American Meat Institute supported legislation introduced from Senators
(Senator Amy Klobuchar) Bill would reduce U.S. dependence on oil, strengthen rural economies, and spur innovation in the energy sector U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) introduced legislation today that focuses on developing and deploying safe, reliable domestically
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Tom Buis, CEO, Growth Energy: “Anyone who blames ethanol for pain at the pump simply hasn’t looked at the market, where ethanol is historically cheaper than gasoline. In fact, ethanol is the cheapest motor fuel
by Mark Clayton (Christian Science Monitor) As President Obama and Congress look for budget cuts, some experts say federal energy subsidies are ripe for trimming. Among oil companies, nuclear power, and coal, who gets what from US taxpayers? ...But the American
by Jean Chemnick (Greenwire/New York Times) ...The 2007 energy law requires EPA to consider land-use changes in other countries that result from fuel production when calculating a fuel's carbon footprint. But before he agreed to support the climate change bill
by Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa) At a political event in central Iowa last night, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer promised to end ethanol subsidies if he’s elected president. Roemer’s comment didn’t wow the crowd in the heart of the nation’s
by Elana Shor (Greenwire/New York Times) ...Major oil companies, Hartwig added, "make $50 billion a quarter in profits, yet still get billions of dollars of permanent subsidies in the tax code each and every year. Is that a wise
by Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind (IndyStar) ...Washington over the years has failed to focus sufficient attention on our oil vulnerability and generate momentum behind substantive, concrete proposals with definable goals. In 1999, former CIA director James Woolsey and I published
by Gene L. Dodaro (Comptroller General of the United States/US Government Accountability Office) ...Domestic ethanol production: Congress supported domestic ethanol production through a $5.4 billion tax credit program in 2010 and through a renewable fuel standard that applies to transportation fuels used in
by Ben Geman and Mike Lillis (The Hill/E2Wire) House Democrats on Tuesday used debate on a short-term spending package to force a largely symbolic vote on ending tax breaks for major oil companies like Exxon and Shell. The "motion to recommit"
(Growth Energy) Today, as Congress returns to Washington, DC, we are sending lawmakers a timely message through a strategic ad campaign: “Say No to OPEC – Say Yes to America.” The ad campaign includes a display ad in Roll Call and
by Brent Yacobucci (Congressional Research Service) The CRS (Congressional research Service) is a “nonpartisan, analytical, research and reference arm of the Library of Congress”. In this presentation, CRS specialist in energy and environmental policy Brent Yacobucci covers how climate change
by Andrew Kaiser (OregonLive.com) ...America is addicted to cars. And why shouldn't we be? Cars get us where we want to go quickly and safely. Cars offer enjoyment and, like the clothes we wear, can serve as an outward reflection
by Henry Blodget (Huffington Post) ...Over the long term, of course, given a finite supply of oil and ever-increasing demand for it, oil prices are going to keep on rising. And remaining in denial about that -- and postponing the
by Phil Brasher (Des Moines Register) Cutting the deficit is more important than protecting the ethanol industry if it comes to that, says Sen. Chuck Grassley, long the biofuel industry's most powerful ally in Congress. Grassley said Tuesday that he would
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The response to all this worry over oil? The United States House of Representatives in a new series of measures just passed, is doing its level best to ensure the failure of the only at-scale,
by William R. Stone, Jr. (Journal Star) ...As an old ranch hand, I've never made much of being an environmentalist, but I support protecting the environment more than most of the rabid environmentalists I've met. So since ethanol became available
by Mike Casey (Renewable Energy World) The national conversation about wasteful welfare for highly profitable dirty energy corporations has gone from the dramatic statement by the Chief Economist of the International Energy Agency that fossil fuel subsidies are one of the
(Fuel Fix) President Barack Obama today defended his plan to raise tens of billions of dollars for the federal government by axing tax incentives long enjoyed by the oil and gas industry. Congress has already rejected two earlier calls by Obama to
by Mary Rosenthal (Algal Biomass Organization/Biofuels Digest) ...(T)argeted investments in clean energy technologies like advanced biofuels, including those derived from algae, will grow our country’s economy, foster the creation of new industries, create tens of thousands of jobs in the
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) On a day when Libya teeters on the brink of civil war and cuts oil production, Retired Vice Admiral Denny McGinn takes little comfort from an announcement by the remaining members of OPEC that it will
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) ..."The fact is the industry has pretty much been built," USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber told reporters on the sidelines of a Commodity Markets Council conference. "This isn't a question of just saying 'cut it off.'
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Essentially, despite rising banking sector profits and good results from stress tests, the bank financing market has not returned for biofuels – the financing source for whom the USDA loan guarantee was developed in the
(Des Moines Register) The U.S. House has rebuffed key initiatives to expand the market for corn ethanol, a sign that the industry's once legendary political clout is weakening with the conservative gains in Congress. The Republican-controlled House voted 285-136 early
by Andrew Restuccia (The Hill/E2Wire) Top Senate Democrats are calling on House Republicans to agree to a plan to eliminate oil industry tax breaks as a means of reducing the deficit. The proposal comes as House Republicans have pledged to cut
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Washington, there’s chaos this week, as members of the House of Representatives offer dozens, if not hundreds, of amendments to the continuing budget resolution designed to keep the government funded while the country hammers
by Nathan Hurst (The Detroit News) Ag committee chair Stabenow backs bill to benefit growers, processors Michigan farmers and food processors are hopeful that having one of the state's senators leading the debate over the 2012 farm bill will benefit
by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby (Farm News) ..."I'm very excited that we're going to be racing on ethanol in the Cup Series, the truck series and the Nationwide series," said NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace, who was in Des Moines on Tuesday
by Darren Goode (Politico) With Republicans controlling the House and ramping up oversight and investigations of the Obama administration, focus at least initially in the next Congress will be on the Senate to lay a potential pathway for legislative compromise
(AgWired.com) President Obama made some folks in the ag industry happy with his State of the Union (SOTU) address Tuesday talking about the importance of both biofuels and free trade agreements. Corn farmers and representatives of the renewable fuels industry were especially pleased
by Ben Geman (The Hill) The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s agenda this year includes new scrutiny of ethanol. A spokesperson for committee Democrats said a hearing is in the offing but hasn’t been scheduled yet. Whenever it occurs, the session
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