by Steve Law (Portland Tribune) The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted Wednesday to approve operating rules for the state’s Clean Fuels Program, which mandates an overall 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions from gasoline and diesel fuel over the next
(Genscape/Biodiesel Magazine) After the U.S. EPA's final Quality Assurance Plan rule established a new, unified QAP program over the summer, Q-RINs have been successfully transferred in the RIN market. “[In December] we received confirmation from a RIN buyer that
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ASTM International, an organization which sets industry consensus standards for fuels and lubricants, has voted to approve performance specifications for blends of 6 to 20 percent biodiesel with traditional heating oil. The move is a significant leap
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... NSP is focused on several items at the moment: successful advanced biofuel RFS2 pathways for grain sorghum oil to biodiesel and sweet sorghum to ethanol, a cellulosic RFS2 pathway for biomass sorghum, and improved
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a globally recognised sustainability certification standard for biomaterials, and Elements Software Ltd, a leading web based traceability software provider, are working together to help RSB members track their biofuel feedstocks. Biofuel
by Aaron Turpen (Torque News) The UAI and the EFC have called the EPA MOVES2014 corn ethanol emissions model "seriously flawed" and are calling for peer review of the emissions estimates in the annual report. The Urban Air Initiative (UAI) and
(National Oilheat Research Alliance) Research conducted by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) on blending ASTM D6751 biodiesel with both standard and low sulfur heating oil confirms that blends up to 20 percent biodiesel can be used in heating oil
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
(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
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) MBP Group has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) sustainability certification for their waste material collection, trading and distribution activities. "MBP Group was built on a sustainable background, adding as much value as possible to industrial
by Michael Carus (nova-Institute/Bio-Based News) On 23 April 2014 SABIC announced “that it will launch its first portfolio of certified renewable polyolefins, certified under the ISCC Plus certification scheme, which involves strict traceability and requires a chain of custody based on
(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
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) Thanks to the emerging bioeconomy, renewable substances made from plants can now be found in places as varied as car interiors, laundry detergent, and plastic bottles. But as the industry works feverishly to
(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 Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) In addition to the final rule approving crop residue as a cellulosic feedstock, the Environmental Protection Agency yesterday established a “voluntary quality assurance program” for renewable identification numbers, or RINs. The program is designed to maintain liquidity in the
(ASTM International/Biomass Magazine) Renewable Synthesized Iso-Paraffinic fuel has now been included in ASTM International standard D7566, Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons. A recently approved revision that adds SIP fuel to the ASTM D7566 annex will facilitate use
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) When U.S. biodiesel production began to take off back in 2005, the fledgling industry quickly became familiar with fuel quality issues and concerns. The BQ-9000 quality assurance programs have since been a major contributor to the now
(Amyris/MarketWatch) Renewable Jet Fuel Developed by Total & Amyris Meets Newly Updated ASTM Standard for Jet A/A1. With the newly revised ASTM standard for jet fuel, Amyris and Total (cac:TOTF.PA) today begin to prepare to market a drop-in jet fuel that
(TÜV Rheinland/Eco-Business.com) On 5 June 2014, Hong Kong, TÜV Rheinland Greater China issued its first International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) certificate to one of the largest bio-diesel suppliers and producers in Asia, ASB Bio-Diesel Hong Kong Ltd. The audit was
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) – Ennovor Group has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) sustainability certification for their used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) biodiesel. “As an international certification system, RSB is appropriate for any feedstock in any country thus works
(Joule) Marking another step towards commercial readiness of CO2-neutral fuels, Joule today announced that its Sunflow®-D and Sunflow®-J products meet the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for diesel and jet fuel, respectively. Joule products achieve all accepted standards for fuel
(National Wildlife Federation) Last week, Unilever announced that any product certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) will be considered to be “sustainably sourced” according to their corporate standards. This step helps to simplify the assessment of sustainability of Unilever’s supply chain and reduces the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, Archer Daniels Midland Company announced its intention to exclusively offer Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certified sustainable palm oil to North American customers beginning in 2015. ADM is also working with Wilmar International
(Amyris/GlobeNewsWire) Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS) has completed the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification process and has earned one of the most respected sustainability certifications in the world. Amyris, a leading renewable products company, is one of the first commercial-scale second-generation biomaterial producers and
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
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
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice to its website announcing that it is taking action to improve the petition process for new renewable fuel pathways under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program. According to
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is pleased to announce that Bonsucro certified operators will now be able to access RSB certification through a simplified audit process to demonstrate compliance, therefore saving costs and time. An RSB
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Brazil, Russia, India and China — and throw in South Africa for a complete BRICSA set. The vaunted new economic engines for the 21st century — and, lately, home to a beehive of activity around drop-in,
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is holding two public workshops regarding the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) this week – one to discuss general updates to the LCFS regulation, and the second to discuss updates to the
(US Environmental Protection Agency) Based on extensive input from the public and a broad range of stakeholders, including public health groups, auto manufacturers, refiners, and states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today finalized emission standards for cars and gasoline
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) At the US Department of Agriculture headquarters building in Washington, DC, on January 30, representatives of the USDA and Navy provided an overview of the newly announced Farm-to-Fleet program which will provide a format
(Biofuels International) The Energy Institute (EI), based in the UK, has been working to improve the test methods for predicting winter performance of diesel fuels, particularly those containing significant amounts of biodiesel. ... Enhancements to the method include changes to the sample
(Fleets and Fuels) It’s Good News for Oberon Fuels, and for Volvo-Mack ASTM International has issued a standard for dimethyl ether, a diesel replacement that can be made from organic material ASTM D7901 for DME, the organization says, “is for use
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials is pleased to announce that GreenWood Tree Farm Fund, LP (GTFF) has become the first short rotation forest plantation worldwide to earn certification under the RSB. The RSB certification
by Shashi Menon (EcoEngineers/Biodiesel Magazine) Over the past two years, the use of nonfood-grade (NFG) corn oil for biodiesel production has grown tremendously. Corn oil biodiesel is eligible for a D4 RIN under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), and California's low
(Greenwood/PR Newswire) GreenWood Resources Earns both Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials and Forest Stewardship Council Certifications The GreenWood Tree Farm Fund, LP (GTFF) has become the first short rotation forest plantation worldwide to earn certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).
by Stephen Trimble (FlightGlobal) Boeing will seek approval by the end of this year to clear a green diesel blend as an alternative to Jet-A for turbine-powered aircraft. If approved, Boeing believes this emerging source of renewable fuel can kick-start the
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has invalidated 33.5 million renewable-fuel credits sold by an Indiana company for biofuel it didn’t produce, the fourth time the agency has alleged fraud in the program. The filing
(Neste Oil/Biodiesel Magazine) Neste Oil has achieved its long-term target of using only certified palm oil as an input for its renewable diesel production process. The original target, set in 2009, was that 100 percent of the raw palm oil
(GreenGasTrading) Future Biogas, an established and experienced builder and operator of anaerobic digestion plants in the UK, is to become the first registered producer to join the Biomethane Certification Scheme (BMCS) run by Green Gas Trading Limited (GGT). Explaining the company’s
(Sapphire Energy/PR NewsWire) Agreement to Co-Process Algae Crude Oil with Conventional Crude Oil and Complete Fuel Certifications Sapphire Energy, Inc., one of the world leaders in algae-based Green Crude oil production, and Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX), an integrated energy manufacturing and logistics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t has been an incredibly strong week for innovation, with key announcements that advance the narrative at LanzaTech, Elevance, Earth Energy renewables (e.g. “the technology that once pwoered Terrabon, and PGF Biofuels (the first
(National Committee of the Netherlands) This report aims to provide insight in the quality and in the level of assurance of voluntary standard systems (VSS) for biomass, including soy and palm oil in order to help stakeholders “bet on best quality”. The
(World Wildlife Fund) Brussels, Belgium: A WWF analysis has shown that the standards used to assess biofuel sources fall well short of ensuring that Europe’s push towards increased biofuel use is not contributing to environmental destruction and social exploitation. The study, assessing the
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) PGF Biofuels Ltd. (“PGF Biofuels”), in conjunction with Paterson Grain, and the RSB Services Foundation are pleased to announce that PGF Biofuels has received Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (“RSB”) certification for Resonance® carinata. PGF Biofuels is the first
(Ennovor/PR NewsWire) Customers seeking premium quality, reliable and sustainable biofuels will have greater choice. This follows a $12m investment in expanding the supply chain, production and feedstock capabilities of sustainable energy sector leader Ennovor Group. The enhancements are being financed by a $12 million
(RSB Services Foundation) The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuels and biomaterials production, is pleased to announce that Camelina Company España (CCE), has earned
(Avianca Brasil/Byogy/PR NewsWire) Continuing its commitment to deliver economical, 100% drop-in replacement biofuels, Byogy is delighted that Avianca Brasil has selected the Byogy Renewables Alcohol to Jet ("ATJ") fully renewable aviation biofuel process to source their environment friendly alternate low
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Retka Schill visited the Ineos Bio facility in person in August. She returned from Florida with new insight about how large chemical companies define and carry out plant commissioning. She informs us that the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For industry observers, there is much that is mystifying in the EPA’s draft 2014 production targets for the US 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard. But nothing more mystifying than the biomass-based diesel numbers. ... If there’s any
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) What’s behind the plunge in renewable identification number (RIN) prices? University of Illinois economist Scott Irwin examined the question in another of his ongoing series of FarmDocDaily posts following the dramatic shifts in RINs
by Cezary Podkul and Fabiola Gomes (Reuters) U.S. imports of Brazilian sugar cane ethanol could be cut by more than half if a draft proposal to reduce next year's U.S. biofuel blending mandate is enacted. While the U.S. corn-based ethanol industry
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Butanol has a new ASTM International standard, intended for blends with gasoline at 1 to 12.5 percent volumes to be used as an automotive spark-ignition engine fuel. ASTM D7862 establishes performance requirements and test
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) The Deutz Agripower engines of the series TCD 7.8 L6, TCD 6.1 L6 and TCD 4.1 L4 can be approved for operation with biodiesel as a pure fuel. This is the result of the project successfully completed by
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA Office of Inspector General has released a report recommending ways the agency should improve monitoring activities for the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program. According to the report, the audit was conducted in
(4-Traders.com/Graphene NanoChem plc) Graphene NanoChem (AIM: GRPH), the performance chemicals and advanced materials company, is pleased to announce that PlatClear, the Group's waste-based second generation biofuel and the Group's Senawang chemicals facility ("Senawang") have both received approval from the US
(Biofuels International) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a voluntary sustainability scheme approved by the European Union, has introduced a new report regarding upstream verification for waste materials. The RBS, which covers all types of feedstock and all biomaterial products, outlines
(Amyris) Amyris's Farnesene Production Unit would be First RSB-Certified Plant in Brazil The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuels and biomaterials production, is pleased to
by Alexander Bor (Platts) Ukraine's State Food Grain Corporation, one of the country's largest grain traders, has won a certificate allowing it to export raw materials for biofuel production in the EU, the company said Friday. "After getting access to
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) One of Cargill’s palm oil plantations in Indonesia used for providing a feedstock for biodiesel is certified as a sustainable operation. The company announced the PT Harapan Sawit Lestari (HSL) plantation was awarded the certification under the International
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Fuel Fix) ... The rising cost of RINs turned out to be good economic news for some oil companies, especially those who are producing biofuels and have blending capacity, so they could capitalize on the credits tacked
(Clariant) Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, has received the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) for its sunliquid® demonstration plant in Straubing (Germany), which was opened in July 2012. The certificate confirms that the cellulosic ethanol from agricultural
(Fort Mill Times) Aemetis California Plant Approved for Same Low-Carbon Biofuels Category as Brazilian Ethanol Aemetis, Inc. (OTCQB: AMTX), an advanced fuels and renewable chemicals company, announced today that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted Aemetis approval to produce
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V./Biodiesel Magazine) With 53 percent raw material content, rapeseed oil remains the most important raw material source for the production of biodiesel in Germany, followed by palm oil with 25 percent, and coconut
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice of data availability pertaining to ethanol produced from barley under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following the publication of
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ...Kelly Davis, RFA Director of Regulatory Affairs, says they support the timely implementation of the Tier 3 standards especially the proposal to establish E15 as the certification test fuel beginning in 2017. “We really hope that
by Gerard Wynn (Reuters) Biodiesel could in future ease so-called ethanol "blend wall" concerns facing the U.S. transportation fuel industry, whose capacity to blend corn ethanol in gasoline is nearing its physical limit. The biodiesel industry has ample production capacity and
(GreenCircle Certified LLC/Biodiesel Digest) GreenCircle and the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance are proud to announce that the Sustainable Biodiesel Certification program is officially launched. The announcement came at Willie Nelson's 80th birthday party on June 6 at the Hard Rock Café
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How to get from available field to affordable fuel in 14 steps. The MASBI report is out, and that’s good. ... Last week, the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative, led by United Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell’s UOP, the
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Keeping an ethanol plant in compliance with environmental rules and regulations isn’t just a one-person job. Most ethanol plants employ one or possibly two individuals charged with making sure the facility stays up-to-date with all
by Richard Van Noorden (Nature) Key vote could signal withdrawal of support from biodiesel. The European Union (EU) has spent the past 10 years nurturing a €15-billion (US$20-billion) industry that makes transport fuel from food crops such as soya beans and sugar
(Pesticide and Chemical Policy) The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) says it has been unable to reach a conclusion on GM corn application by Syngenta due to "insufficient data," Agra Europe reports EFSA said Syngenta "failed to provide key information to allow a
by David Glass (DGlassAssociates) A new study was published last week by two researchers at the University of Illinois Energy Biosciences Institute, James S.N. McCubbins and A. Bryan Endres, regarding the length of time the Environmental Protection Agency is taking to review petitions
(E2B) According to the Department of Transport, between 15 April 2012 and 14 January 2013, 965 million litres of renewable fuel were supplied, of which 66 per cent have so proven to be sustainable. 18 per cent of sustainable renewable fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) is pleased to announce that RSB has a new name. Following a decision during a recent meeting of the RSB Assembly of Delegates, the new name of the organization
(GreenAirOnline) Although the entry of airlines into the biofuel marketplace is a significant step in the right direction, the sustainability of this development is of critical importance, says the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The US environmental group argues that
(Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation) A recently published report provides an in-depth overview of the current state of affairs in Dutch biomass trading. "We're satisfied to report a significant increase in certified biomass imports, especially in the
by Matthew L. Wald (The New York Times) Faced with a crop of lemons — too much ethanol, a population of cars not tuned to burn it effectively and a driving public leery of the fuel’s properties — the Environmental
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) ...“The only thing that worries me is the gasoline demand category,” said Jason Ward, an analyst at Northstar Commodity Investments Inc. in Minneapolis. “It’s key because if you start fading on gasoline demand, you will be capped. You
(Clean Energy Report) An initial split between some biofuels groups over EPA's 2013 renewable fuel standard's (RFS) production targets appears to be expanding divisions over other agency fuel policies. Advanced biofuels producers are opposing EPA's Tier III plan to make 15
(Advanced Biofuels USA) As part of the recently proposed Tier 3 motor vehicle fuel and emission regulations, EPA had included a very forward looking idea that could bring higher octane, higher ethanol (E-30) gasoline to the marketplace. Advanced Biofuels USA
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) California-based Community Fuels recently earned BQ-9000 Laboratory certification, making it the first biodiesel producer in the nation to receive this third-party approval. “We are serious about quality and believe that biodiesel with reliable and predictable
(Community Fuels) Community Fuels earned BQ9000 Laboratory certification on March 14th making it the first biodiesel producer in the nation to receive this third party approval. “We are serious about quality and believe that biodiesel with reliable and predictable fuel performance is necessary
(Reuters/Chicago Tribune) The battle between CME Group Inc. and the IntercontinentalExchange moves to the market for biofuel credits next month. CME will launch contracts to trade renewable identification numbers (RINs) on May 13, two weeks after the ICE debuts its RIN
by Aino Siirala (Advanced Biofuels USA) Steve Csonka, as director of Enviro Strategy and Ecomagination, GE Aviation, the world-leading provider of jet engines, gave an overview of the importance of renewable jet fuel specifications leading to commercialization at the Biomass
(TankTerminals.com) April 22, 2013 [OPIS] - Thanks to its transmix operations, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners is seeing only upside from the steep escalation in the value of RINs, having reaped nearly $2 million from their sale in the first quarter,
(CME Group/PR NewsWire) CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, today announced the launch of nine new futures contracts for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs). These contracts will be listed with, and subject to, the rules and regulations
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Lack of transparency makes market analysis difficult. ...The ethanol producer's role in RIN generation is basic: produce the physical gallons and fill in the required information to generate the RINs in the automated EMTS system.
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... (Robert) Murphy simply regurgitates Big Oil’s false argument that the RFS is driving up fuel costs. There’s not a shred of evidence to support that notion, but that’s never stopped these folks before. Murphy
(Argus Media) Biodiesel trade terms are becoming increasingly complicated as buyers and sellers haggle over sustainability clauses, payments terms and water content. Much of the wrangling has appeared over Fame 0 biodiesel compliant with the EU renewable energy directive (RED), known
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Confusion remains over how to interpret and compare various estimates of renewable identification number (RIN) availability, said Nick Paulson, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois.
by Beth Evans (Platts) Kinder Morgan expects to begin biodiesel blending at its terminals in Las Vegas and Phoenix "in the early part of the second quarter," the company said Wednesday. Recently completed modifications at those terminals will allow for receipt,
(Wall Street Journal/The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and American Petroleum Institute (API) filed comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed biofuel Quality Assurance Program. "EPA's proposal is a welcome attempt
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily) ...Here, we present a proposal for implementing the RFS2 through 2015 that recognizes the constraints implied by the E10 blend wall and will avert the impact of the issues identified in the previous
(Farm Futures) National Corn Growers Association says more stringent emissions standards create a place for ethanol's higher octane levels to shine ...The tier 3 standards increase the level of stringency with which vehicle emissions are regulated with the goal of decreasing
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has proposed Tier 3 emission standards for cars and gasoline. The new goals for lower sulfur content got the attention in the first days after the release of the proposed
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Renewable Ethanol Association, ePURE, has released results of a study that determined the double counting mechanism proposed by the European Commission to spur production of advanced biofuels is ineffective. Rather, the organization
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine/MarketWire) Below is breakdown of the latest, sourced information as to why investment in biodiesel is a sound decision written by Ron Kotrba, Editor of Biodiesel Magazine. 1. Jump in on a growing market: The U.S. biodiesel industry
( SCS Global Services/PR NewsWire) SCS Global Services has announced the expansion of its biofuel certification services in Southeast Asia. The veteran third-party environmental certification body will now conduct audits under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) program, which will allow biofuel
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) The German Research Center for Biomass (DBFZ) was commissioned by the German oilseed promotional council (UFOP) to explain the proposals by the European Commission regarding the amendment of the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive in
by David Glass (DGlassAssociates.com) ... The use of genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs) in manufacturing will likely face a fairly straightforward regulatory process in most countries, because such “contained” uses will generally pose far fewer hypothetical concerns about environmental or public
by Anne Steckel (Biodiesel Magazine/National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board recently welcomed the proposed rule from the U.S. EPA establishing the 2013 advanced biofuels requirements under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) at 2.75 billion RINs. The U.S. biodiesel industry
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Teresa Alleman, a senior chemist at National Renewable Energy Laboratory, shared the latest biodiesel fuel quality survey results at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas Feb. 4-7. NREL obtained B100 samples from 53
by Debbie Hammel (National Resources Defense Council) The aviation industry has made reducing carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels key strategic priorities. A number of airlines are now entering the biofuel marketplace, working to source, develop, and invest in
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) EcoEngineers tapped by EPA to help audit RFS compliance. In a small office in the East Village of Des Moines, a handful of engineers and statisticians are hard at work keeping score on how much
(Sustainable Plant) Renewable chemicals company Amyris, Inc. has joined the Bonsucro sugarcane sustainability standard. Amyris is the first advanced biofuels and chemicals company of its kind to join Bonsucro, paving the way for certification of Amyris's renewable products. Bonsucro is a
(RSB Services Foundation) The RSB Services Foundation, which is responsible for the distribution and implementation of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) global sustainability standard for biofuel production, is pleased to announce that SkyNRG is the first biofuel operator worldwide
(PR Web) RSB now recognizes FSC which certifies responsibly managed forests. The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) is pleased to announce its decision to recognize the standard of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) which certifies responsibly managed forests. As RSB and FSC
(Stoel Rives/Biodiesel Magazine) Stoel Rives LLP, a national energy and biofuels law firm, has published a white paper that provides a comprehensive overview of proposed regulatory changes to the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program, specifically the renewable identification number (RIN)
(SFN Today) At the North Carolina Board of Agriculture’s meeting on Tuesday, whether or not to classify Arundo donax as a noxious weed in the state was at the top of the agenda. Vernon Cox, Division Director of the Plant
by Nate Brown (Federal Aviation Administration) Nate Brown, Alternative Fuels Project Manager of the Federal Aviation Administration, presented an update on FAA's efforts at the Biomass 2012 conference. FAA's approach is advancing the use of alternative jet fuels. FAA collaborates via
(RSB Services) The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) which has developed a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuel production, is pleased to announce that Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone (SL) Limited
(AZO Cleantech) Piedmont Biofuels of Pittsboro, North Carolina has been certified under the internationally recognized Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) Program following a third-party assessment conducted by SCS Global Services (SCS). Piedmont Biofuels collects used cooking oil from restaurants in the
(UN Food and Agriculture Organization) The way certification schemes for biofuels are structured makes it difficult for smallholder producers and many developing countries to participate in export markets, according to a new report from FAO. The report, Biofuels and the Sustainability Challenge,
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to identify additional fuel pathways that the Agency has determined meet the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements for biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and cellulosic biofuel
(RSB Services Foundation) The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) which has developed a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuel production, is pleased to announce that Dynamic Fuels, LLC (Dynamic Fuels)
by Jim Lane (BioBased Digest) ... It is a program that encourages companies to voluntarily register the amount of biobased content in their products — and, for those that pass a minimum content threshold, the BioPreferred program and its team
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After U.S. EPA’s much-anticipated renewable identification number (RIN) quality assurance program (QAP) proposed rule was released last week, biodiesel producers and industry stakeholders at the 2013 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas eagerly
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Teresa Alleman, a senior chemist with the fuels performance group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., shared the latest biodiesel fuel quality survey results with attendees at the National Biodiesel Conference &
by David R. Baker (San Francisco Chronicle) The oil industry is mounting a concerted push to roll back biofuel mandates, both in Washington and Sacramento. At the federal level, oil lobbyists have joined with environmentalists and ranchers — a Coalition of the Unlikely — to
by Paul Winter (Biotechnology Industry Organization) Less than a decade ago, the nation’s energy experts projected imports of oil to continue to grow throughout the first third of the century. Both Congress and the President recognized that this was a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Jan. 31 the U.S. EPA published a proposed rule that creates a structured process for buyers of renewable identification numbers (RINs) to verify their validity. Under the proposal, the EPA said that
by Jeff Hove (RINAlliance/Biodiesel Magazine) ...Managing RIN transactions and completing EPA reports has become slightly easier under RFS2 and EMTS rules. RIN marketing, however, has become increasingly difficult in a market that has been rocked with fraud and belligerent acts
(EnAlgae) Sustainable biofuels are at the heart of present and future EU renewable transport policies. Among them, extra incentivised biofuels – e.g. “double-counting” biofuels (whose contribution to EU targets shall be considered to be twice that made by other biofuels)
by Jeff Hove (RINAlliance/EcoEngineers) RINAlliance was established in 2007 to assist petroleum marketers and renewable fuel blenders with EPA blending compliance requirements. Today, RINAlliance serves 130 blenders with EPA reporting and RIN marketing. They currently manage more than 2 million RINs
by Janet McGurty (Biofuels Digest) ...Larger producers of biodiesel like Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland get a higher price for their RINs than the producers with smaller balance sheets. For producers outside of the largest, integrated tier, RINs can fetch
by Robert Rapier (Consumer Energy Report) ...DuPont is currently engaged in two major projects to commercialize advanced biofuels. The first is a 30 million gallon per year corn stover-fed facility in Nevada, Iowa. DuPont has been working on this technology for about 10
by Aino Siirala (Advanced Biofuels USA) Richard L. Altman, Executive director of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), gave a presentation to DOE Biomass 2012. CAAFI is a coalition of airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, energy producers, researchers, international participants
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ...While the biodiesel industry is working with EPA, obligated parties under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) and third-party verifiers to ensure valid generation of renewable identification numbers (RINs)—credits generated with biofuel that can be bought,
(AgiTrade) In a letter to the European Commission in early October 2012, Copa-Cogeca, the EU farmers’ and agricultural cooperatives’ organisation, affirmed its opposition to EC proposals to limit to 5% ‘the use of crop-based biofuels’ in meeting transportation energy needs and
by Whitney McFerron (Bloomberg) Most rapeseed, sugar beet and wheat crops in the U.K. meet environmental standards for use in biofuels, the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board said. Ninety-seven percent of the country’s rapeseed, all of its sugar beets and
by RP Siegel (TriplePundit) While the bio-based economy should be more sustainable than the alternative – any good idea can be implemented poorly. I asked Jesper Hedal Kløverpris, Sustainability Manager for Novozymes, how we can ensure that biofuels are being produced in
(FarmFutures) Qualifies some ethanol plants to produce domestic advanced biofuel The Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced it has approved grain sorghum as an eligible feedstock under the Renewable Fuels Standard. "This is a significant step forward for the sorghum industry," said Bill Kubecka,
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) The European Commission has approved a scheme that would certify as sustainable transport fuel made from palm oil, condemned by environmental groups as one of the most damaging sources of biodiesel. The Commission made public on Tuesday
(RSB Services Foundation/Global Clean Energy Holdings) The RSB Services Foundation, the implementing entity of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) which has developed a global sustainability standard and certification system for biofuel production, is pleased to announce that Global Clean
The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced that it has posted presentations from the 4th International Conference on Biofuels Standards: Current Issues, Future Trends on its web site. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum for
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) You know you have benefited from a conference when you come away from three days of presentations, panel discussions and a solid dose of audience participation with new understandings and clarifications; and with a
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released its draft quality assurance plan requirements as part of its work to restructure the renewable fuel standard program to ensure renewable identification number (RIN) credits generated are valid before entering the marketplace. These
(NewEnergyWorldNetwork.com) By the end of 2015, all palm oil used in the UK government’s food and catering services will be from environmentally-friendly sources, the country’s Environment Minister has announced. ...The Renewable Energy Association (REA) commented on the palm oil statement and
by Charles A. Levesque and Eric W. Kingsley (Innovative Natural Resource Solutions LLC/Biomass Magazine) Increased talk about the use of woody biomass for energy in the U.S. has many people wondering how best to assure that the fuel and feedstock used
by Pete Moss (Biodiesel Magazine) BQ-9000 is the gold standard for quality control in the biodiesel industry. The accreditation program was developed by the National Biodiesel Board to ensure better quality in a rapidly growing market. A study completed in
by Jim Baker (EcoEngineeers/Biodiesel Magazine) Last October, EcoEngineers unveiled its RIN Quality Assurance Program to address RIN fraud that was destabilizing biodiesel RIN markets. At that time, the idea of a RIN QAP was unheard of, and many in the
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) So much biodiesel has been made and sold this year that the federal mandate for use of the biofuel has largely been met, resulting in a sudden loss of demand for the product and
(ASTM International) This Ethanol Fuel Blends specification covers the requirements for automotive fuel blends of ethanol and gasoline for use in ground vehicles equipped with flexible-fuel spark-ignition engines. Fuel produced to this specification contains 51 to 83 volume % ethanol.
by Pete Moss (Biodiesel Magazine) BQ-9000 is the gold standard for quality control in the biodiesel industry. The accreditation program was developed by the National Biodiesel Board to ensure better quality in a rapidly growing market. A study completed in
By John Murawski (News and Observer/Bradenton.com/Bradenton Herald) It's billed as a champion energy crop that yields three times as much ethanol per acre as corn, a fast-growing field grass that's ideal for making clean auto fuel without displacing scarce crop
by Ashley Player (Biodiesel Magazine) You may or may not have noticed that the U.S. EPA released a direct final rule and proposed rule on Sept.17 modifying the definition of heating oil in the renewable fuel standard (RFS2). ... If a
by Reese Ewing (Reuters) Brazilian ethanol is rushing back into the United States after a three-year ebb, drawn less by the severe drought that has inflated corn costs than by biofuel regulations that could more than triple next year's shipments. Even
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) Research supports several California measures that aim to increase the use of renewable fuels and reduce greenhouse gases Researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s College of Engineering – Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) are
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