by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) The Obama administration appears ready to give the oil refining industry the perfect gift this Christmas. If left unchanged, EPA’s proposed RFS rule for 2014 could result in codifying the so-called blend wall
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A recent report authored by two University of California, Davis researchers examines the economics of the California low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) program. According to information released by the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies,
by Lisa Deeney (Agriland) A new European research project seeks grass crops that could be grown and harvested on marginal lands, away from areas suitable for food crops. According to the researchers, grass could be used to produce biofuels. The advantage of
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Researchers at the Energy Biosciences Institute at the University of Illinois evaluated woody and grassy biomass feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production at Illinois. Twenty-one species of short-rotation woody biomass were included in the study.
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At the yearly F.O.Licht's World Ethanol Conference, two speakers spoke about ethanol as a coproduct, focusing on front-end separation of high-value protein from the corn, or recovering the yeast to produce a protein concentrate. ... There were
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Illinois researchers reported results from a decade of field trials with miscanthus, the first plots to be planted in the U.S. The average annual yield of miscanthus grown in seven Illinois locations over
by Martiin Kidston (Missoulian) If 1 ton of woody debris can produce 50 gallons of fuel, how many gallons of fuel could 42 million acres of dead and dying forests produce? Funded by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Asia looks at petroleum reserves and exploration and concludes: our future is in biomass. As we wrote in 2012: “There’s only one complete region for biofuels where abundant feedstock, lack of oil & gas production, rising energy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new study published by the International Council on Clean Transportation and researchers from John Hopkins University determined that making minor changes in existing federal tax incentives for cellulosic biofuels could help unlock much
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Illinois State Representative Donald Moffitt knows agriculture. He grew up on a family farm, on which his son still farms (and Don occasionally helps). This has been a huge asset for him in his role as
by Cezary Podkul (Reuters) * 16 farm-state Senators urge agency not to cut biofuel blending quotas; * Despite EPA administrator's assurances, major changes unlikely - expert; * EPA seeks to put biofuel blending program on "manageable trajectory" The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Six Midwestern governors sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing their support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, which his administration has proposed scaling back in 2014. In a letter to the president, Environmental Protection
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On the sixth anniversary of the signing of the expanded federal renewable fuel standard (RFS) into law, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association hosted a renewable fuels forum for Iowa’s leading Republican candidates seeking the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Dec. 12, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., introduced two bills that would benefit the biofuels industry. One, H.R., 3758, aims to extend the second generation biofuel producer credit and the special allowance for second
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving rural American industries, has published a report predicting that the U.S. EPA’s proposed 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) volume requirements will have little impact on U.S. ethanol production
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Brazil ethanol industry saw record supplies for the 2013/2014 crush season just being wrapped up, and got a welcome boost from auto executives who said ethanol-powered cars are more viable for reducing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All those worries about the impact of biofuels on food prices, deforestation, Gulf hypoxia? ... RFS2 fuels have been described as “fantasy fuels”, “government fuels”, derided as “farmer fuels”. Biofuels in general have been, for
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 24 senators, led by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., issued a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Finance on Dec. 16 calling for support of programs that spur investment in
by Gregg Hennigan (KCRG.com) Iowa City will enter into negotiations with a company that says it could turn most of the city’s garbage into ethanol. But residents, environmentalists, representatives from the recycling industry and labor union officials urged the city to delay
(Diesel Technology Forum) Legislation pending before the District of Columbia City Council banning diesel-powered cars and trucks will get a hearing on January 8, 2014 before the Transportation and Environment Committee. The “Sustainable DC Omnibus Act” introduced on November 29
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new, technology-neutral tax credit for the domestic production of clean transportation fuel? Read on. In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) unveiled the latest package in a series of proposals to overhaul America’s
(AgenceEcofin.com) Farmers, economic and other Malagasy researchers operators are waiting for an implementing decree on fuel ethanol. While the text, waited for more than a year, has not yet been enacted, the various actors in the ethanol industry are willing to
by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (Marshall Democrat News) ... I am very concerned with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent decision to reduce the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirement for next year. It would be lowered by almost 3 billion gallons in 2014,
by Kathleen M. Howley (Bloomberg) ... Now, as corn prices start to decline, bankers and agricultural economists are predicting a slowdown in farmland prices that could turn into a bust. “I can see the fear in farmers’ eyes when they think of
(National Biodiesel Board) Bipartisan Group Signs Letter Calling for Strong RFS Fifty-four members of Congress representing 24 states called on the Obama Administration Wednesday to boost its proposal for biodiesel production under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) next year. Biodiesel – made
(Algae.Tec/Biodiesel Magazine) Algae.Tec Ltd. announced receipt of a validation report from Sydney Environmental and Soil Laboratory Pty Ltd., a National Association of Testing Authorities approved company. Algae.Tec Chairman Roger Stroud is extremely pleased with the results of the validation that confirms
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced speakers that will address expansion of the biodiesel market through policy initiatives and broader distribution networks at the 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show taking place at
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) AgResource Company president Dan Basse looked at the year in review for grain markets and gave his outlook for the future at the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS 2013 and Seed Expo last week in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, Biofuels Digest announced the opening of voting for the 2013-14 Top 100 People in Bioenergy. In all, more than 250 company executives, trade association leaders, policymakers and researchers around the world are on
By Jacqueline Klimas (The Washington Times) ... More than 50 tax incentives will expire on New Year's Eve — ranging from breaks on energy-efficient appliances to biofuel production to investments in businesses that serve low-income communities. Chuck Marr, director of federal tax policy at the Center on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The story of Pareto Biotechnologies, RuBisCo, the pesky failures of evolution, and help for those who have fallen and can’t get up, via a right-sized approach. Not too high a goal, not too low. Not
(EurekAlert/Dartmouth) For first time, Dartmouth study puts a dollar value on snow's reflection of solar energy Replacing forests with snow-covered meadows may provide greater climatic and economic benefits than if trees are left standing in some regions, according to a Dartmouth
by James Q. Lynch (Quad City Times) Citing national security as well as benefits for clean air, the economy and consumers, Iowa political leaders are urging the Obama administration to travel to Iowa to learn more about the effect of its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Senator Barbara Boxer nixes action on Renewable Fuel Standard reform legislation through the Environment and Public Works committee, Senator Dianne Feinstein co-sponsors a bill to strip corn ethanol out of the RFS altogether. Just
(EnergyGlobal) In light of the proposed rule for the 2014 RFS, BIO have utilised the GREET 1.2013 model to estimate the changes in petroleum demand and the associated CO2 equivalent emissions from both 2013 and the statutory RFS levels for 2014. Proposals,
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is very concerned that the dispute about which flights will be included in the European Union emissions trading scheme (ETS) will make ICAO-facilitated
by J. K. Shoemaker, D. P. Schrag, M. J. Molina, V. Ramanathan (Science Magazine) Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) include methane (CH4), black carbon (BC), tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). They are important contributors to anthropogenic climate change, responsible for as much
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For eight o’clock in the morning on the last day of a long BIO Pac Rim conference, Alan Shaw was looking more chipper than most. Of course, news that had just been released that the company
by Clare Foran (National Journal) Senators are working on separate bills to aggressively reduce the amount of corn-based ethanol required under the renewable-fuel standard. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee ranking member David Vitter, R-La., touted legislation
by Lauren D. Quinn, Elise C. Scott, A. Bryan Endres, Tom Voigt, Jody M. Endres (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Media coverage of the controversy surrounding the use of certain non-native feedstocks for bioenergy is as pervasive as invasiveness itself. Plants such as giant reed
(UPI) Corn used for ethanol production could exceed the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate this year due to low prices, a University of Purdue economist said. The department has set a target of 4.9 billion bushels of corn for ethanol production. The
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a hearing Dec. 11 on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2014 volume requirements under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The hearing, titled
by Sean Bartlett(Platts) A European Council proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive will fail to realize EU targets for greenhouse gas-saving emissions, lead to job losses, and reduce competitiveness across the agricultural and biofuels sectors, associations representing the biofuels
(St. Louis Post Dispatch/Omaha.com) U.S. ethanol makers will be looking to boost exports of the fuel if the federal government, as expected, scales back the amount mandated for use in the domestic market. With low corn prices, thanks to a record
(Agra CEAS Consulting) This Special Study shows that meaningful investments in biofuels in the EU ceased well prior to 2012. The data thus show that the Renewable Energy Directive itself was empirically not a stimulus for biofuels investments, which is how it is
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Americans United for Change launched an advertising campaign to urge farmers, ethanol industry workers, related industries and American consumers to voice their concerns on the U.S. EPA’s renewable fuel standard proposal. The campaign, which directs
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) Britain has proposed a way to lower the European Union's 2020 target for renewable energy by counting the contribution from biofuels twice, avoiding the need for billions of euros in investment, a document shows. ... Diplomats said the
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Tax provisions critical to the biofuel and biopower industries are set to expire at the end of the month—including the federal renewable energy production tax credit and cellulosic biofuel producer , biodiesel and renewable diesel
(Sustainable Business Oregon) Environmental groups and clean fuels advocates want the state to make it easier to bring alternative energy forms into the state. The state’s Department of Environmental Quality is asking Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission this week to simplify reporting
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to the World Energy Outlook fossil fuel consumption subsidies have reached $544 billion in 2012, up from $523 billion in 2011. This news has caused the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance(GRFA) to criticize leaders of the most developed nations
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “Support in Washington for the bioeconomy tends to be more bipartisan than some other issues we work on,” reflected (San Diego Congressman Scott ) Peters. “The impact is felt all over the country — technology
by Bill Northey (The Gazette) ...The renewable fuels industry has the capacity to produce well beyond the levels set by the EPA. What they need now is fair access to the fuel distribution system, which is unfortunately controlled by the
by Laura Sesana (The Washington Times) The petroleum industry’s renewed campaign against Congressionally mandated increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline appears to be working. The result, however—EPA’s proposal to reduce ethanol requirements for 2014—could cost taxpayers and secure petroleum’s hold on
(CDP) Twenty-nine major publicly traded companies based in or operating in the U.S. disclosed an internal price on carbon pollution to CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) in 2013, detailing both the risk and potential business opportunity for
by Roberto Coelho* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The global energy demand will rise 35% by 2035 due to population and economic growth, taking into account environmental and countries’ regulations. Brazil's part of this forecast growth in energy demand can be significantly provided
by Patrick Rucker (TD Waterhouse) Rail safety rules contemplated by U.S. regulators could require multibillion dollar upgrades to a tank car fleet that has helped spur domestic oil production and meet demands of a booming biofuel sector. More flammable liquids such
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Boston Globe) letter to editor: ... But oil companies, as the Globe’s editorial acknowledges, “never wanted the hassle” of renewable fuels. Indeed, that’s exactly why the RFS was necessary in the first place. Rolling back
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) A new “Save the RFS” television ad is now running throughout Iowa, a key state in Presidential elections. The ad was produced by Americans United For Change (AUFC) who says while Big Oil is advertising to elites
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The case for keeping the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as-is is being made today at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hearing in Arlington, Va. Our friends from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) have shown up in
by Julian Hattem (The Hill RegWatch) Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) took to Washington’s streets on Thursday to push for the reform of a government biofuel program. ... On Thursday, he posted a picture of himself on Twitter riding a pedal-powered vehicle with
(E! Science News/Earth & Climate) The first long-term U.S. field trials of Miscanthus x giganteus, a towering perennial grass used in bioenergy production, reveal that its exceptional yields, though reduced somewhat after five years of growth, are still more than twice
(Royal DSM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Royal DSM, together with DONG Energy, announced it has demonstrated the combined fermentation of C6 and C5 sugars from wheat straw on an industrial scale. The combined fermentation results in a 40 percent increase in ethanol
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
by Steve Byrns (AgriLife Today) Pecos is usually egg-frying hot, bone dry and much of the groundwater is brackish, but Texas A&M AgriLife Research personnel know the area is prime real estate for conducting algae research, something they’ve been doing successfully
by Lenny Bernstein (The Washington Post) Ninety health, environmental and sportsmen’s groups asked the federal government Thursday to clamp down on the release of methane gas by the petrochemical industry, asserting that the United States cannot reach its goal for
by Mary Rosenthal (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) Algae Biomass Organization Executive Director Mary Rosenthal discusses what Master Limited Partnerships would mean for the algae and other renewable energy sectors. ... In October, I sat on a roundtable discussion at the launch of
by Clare Foran (National Journal) The debate over the renewable-fuel standard flared up again this week ahead of a hearing the Environmental Protection Agency will hold on Thursday to solicit feedback on a proposal to lower the 2014 production mandate.
(ePURE) After one year of heated debates on the ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) file, the Lithuanian Presidency has put forward a proposal which no longer incentivises best performing biofuels. The distinction between the performance of the different biofuels seems to have
by John Phair (Petroliatopic.com) The ethanol industry has a strong presence in Southwestern Ontario, converting corn into fuel at plants in Chatham and in Sarnia's Chemical Valley. But now a Sarnia-based organization is proposing that the stalk from the corn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Here, as the EPA delves into the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard, today is your response on who would pay what for which renewable fuel. The highlights 1. For E85, you indicated that you would switch
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, the EPA has scheduled a day of testimony on its proposed 2014 Renewable Fuel volume targets — and a proposed 40 percent slash in the advanced biofuels category to 2.2 billion (ethanol equivalent) gallons,
by Jessica Goad and Matt Lee-Ashley (Center for American Progress) Spanning more than one-fifth of the U.S. landmass, America’s national forests, national parks, and other public lands have long been valued for their ability to absorb and store carbon and other air pollutants.
by Ashley Halsey III (The Washington Post) With Congress facing a major shortfall in transportation funding next year, a House bill introduced Wednesday would raise the federal gasoline tax by 15 cents per gallon to close the gap. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Ethanol gained on speculation that rising production won’t be enough to keep up with demand and bolster stockpiles. The additive’s discount to gasoline, based on January contracts, narrowed 0.47 cent to 96.07 cents a gallon. Motor fuel consumption is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Qantas, Shell, AISAF, SkyNRG, Solena and others collaborate on on an illuminating supply chain analysis of sustainable aviation fuels. Which one is technically ready, but feedstock-starved? Which one has affordable feedstock but the technology
by Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) Sugar and ethanol mills in Brazil probably will keep shutting even after the government raised prices for gasoline, because it won’t be enough to lift demand for the competing biofuel. About 20 mills are likely to shut in the next two
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Brazil, Raizen has started construction on a 10 million gallon per year cellulosic ethanol plant using Iogen Energy technology. The $100 million project, located adjacent to Raízen’s Costa Pinto sugar cane mill in Piracicaba,
(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
by Rachel Passmore (NewBIO) ... The shrub willow lifecycle begins with a place to plant the seeds. Part of NEWBio's research focuses on the use of land that is undesirable for food production, land that contains "marginal soils". According to Dr.
(Federal Register/Environmental Protection Agency) EPA has received a number of petitions for a waiver of the renewable fuel standards that would apply in 2014. The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) submitted a joint
(Federal Register/Environmental Protection Agency) Under section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency is required to set the renewable fuel percentage standards each November for the following year. Today's action proposes the annual percentage standards for cellulosic
(Platts) A report released Tuesday calling for a well defined advanced biofuel policy framework in the EU up to 2030 and beyond has been given full support by the group of international auto manufacturing and oil companies responsible for its
by Herman K. Trabish (GreenTech Media) ... “Based on statements from President Obama and his administration, 'all of the above' is the de facto U.S. national energy policy -- but that means many different things to different people,” Texas Renewable Energy
by Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) Ethanol prices in Brazil, the world’s second-biggest producer, need to fall below 60 percent of gasoline costs for motorists to switch to the biofuel, boosting domestic demand, according to consultants Datagro Ltd. Brazil’s flex-fuel cars can be filled up with
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ... Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) along with Representative Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have written a letter for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Gina McCarthy expressing concern over the proposed rule regarding the RFS. The proposed 2014 rule reduces the
by Christopher Leonard (The Washington Post) ...Yet, the operating profit margins of the top four meatpackers rose steadily between 2007 and 2010, even as the economy stagnated, according to USDA data. Between 2009 and 2010, operating profit margins for the Big
(Friends of the Earth Europe) Illegal and harmful production of palm oil in Indonesia is continuing, reveals a new report released today by Friends of the Earth. The study concludes that voluntary guidelines, such as those established by the Round Table
by James Palen (The Daily Transcript/San Diego Source) ... Brawley-based California Ethanol + Power is bringing the matter closer to home. The company has yet to build its first facility, but by possibly the first quarter of 2014, it looks to break ground on
by Matthew Daly (Associated Press/ABC News) The National Park Service has withdrawn "inappropriate" comments about a proposed rule regulating hydraulic fracturing operations on public lands. Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis says no one in management reviewed the staff comments, which he
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) High gas prices?! They’re a scandal, all right. Turns out, alternative fuels are affordable fuels. And getting them distributed — well, here’s a chance for Iowa to show the way. ... As the noted energy writer, Robert
by Lauren Quinn (University of Illinois/Renewable Energy World) ... “When the topic of potential invasion by non-native biofuel crops has been raised at conferences I’ve attended, the ecologists in the room have suggested we use biomass from existing invaders instead,” said Lauren
(Biofuels International) The paper industry in Old Town, Maine, US has been stuck in gradual decline for some years now. However, one company - Old Town Fuel and Fiber (OTFF) - is said to be 'on the cusp' of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Ceres points towards minimal plantings of its sweet sorghum hybrids in its key market of Brazil for next year, investors ask two questions. Will sweet sorghum realize its vast potential, and when? Just when many
by William I.Y. Byun and Philipp Barrage (Greenpower Fuels Singapore/London School of Economics/Renewable Energy World) ... For example, from the palm harvest itself, when wastewater and waste biomass such as husks, shell kernels and fibers are stripped away, only about 10 percent
by Ben Geman (The Hill E2Wire) The White House will seek new public comment on the “social cost of carbon" (SCC), a metric that helps regulators estimate the benefits of rules that cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Office of Management and
by Herman Wang (Platts) Much of the rhetoric surrounding the US Renewable Fuel Standard centers around the notion of home-grown fuels enhancing American energy security and independence. That puts Leticia Phillips in a bit of a delicate situation, as she advocates
by Seth Borenstein (Associated Press/US News and World Report) The United States is spewing 50 percent more methane — a potent heat-trapping gas — than the federal government estimates, a new comprehensive scientific study says. Much of it is coming
by Thomas Beaumont (Associated Press) ... Now, Iowa's senior political leaders are pondering how to shore up political support for the corn-based fuel at a time when its economic and environmental benefits are under attack . The latest blow came this month,
(Americans United for Change) What a difference a day makes for Big Oil. The oil industry scored a big victory on Friday, November 15 as the U.S. EPA released a draft rule that – if allowed to stand – rolls
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) So, the EPA hands down cruel cutbacks in renewable fuel targets as the Administration reels under Obamacare pressure. What happened to biofuels, why is “everyone’s friend” biodiesel getting the shaft, what’s next? And what is
by Bill Chameides (Duke University The Green Grok) OK, folks, Thanksgiving approaches. For most of you it’s the beginning of the holiday season — family, parties, and presents. For us at TheGreenGrok it means it’s time for selecting the biggest turkey
by Michael Wines (The New York Times) Gov. John W. Hickenlooper of Colorado proposed on Monday tough new limits on leaks of methane and other gases from well sites and storage tanks. Supporters called the limits, which would exceed existing
by Ben Geman (The Hill E2Wire) The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) floated 103 ways to help cut the deficit Wednesday, and one option takes out a much bigger bite than any other: A carbon tax. A $25-per-ton tax that rises 2 percent annually
Excerpts from a November 10, 2013, letter from 74 African organizations to US President Barack Obama. Dear President Obama, We are African organizations working for the realization of a healthy and just environment for the people of our countries. We believe that
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association held a media teleconference Nov. 21, to address the issue of whether the U.S. EPA has the statutory authority to lower the total renewable fuel standard (RFS) numbers, as reflected
(25 x '25) Disappointment, outrage, confusion, “betrayal,” “punch to the gut,” “pulls the rug out,” “huge step backwards” – all are characterizations of the reactions from the renewable energy sector over the administration’s proposal announced last week to slash biofuel
by Mara Lemos Stein (The Wall Street Journal) A push is on to get more energy from nonedible plants ...Amid growing pressure to make less ethanol from edible crops, some have pinned their hopes on nonfood plant materials. Such fuels are
(Green Air Online) The Carbon War Room, a global non-profit founded by Sir Richard Branson, is bringing together a ‘brains trust’ to collaborate in designing an innovative financial structure that would help the advanced renewable jet industry scale up commercial
The Greater London Authority (GLA) wishes to evaluate the potential to reduce the emissions and carbon footprint of the bus fleet in London by using up to B30 biodiesel instead of petrodiesel. Additional sustainability benefits would be achieved by using
by Dave Keating (European Voice) MEPs must choose between accepting a weak Council position on control of biofuel or handing the issue to the next Parliament Attempts by the European Commission to rein in the use of so-called “first generation” biofuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In November 2011, the Digest ran a story on a remarkable proposition — advanced by Richard Hamilton, CEO of Ceres — that biofuels companies – on the “level playing field” theory advanced by opponents of
by Bruce Dorminey (Renewable Energy World) Shrub willow — the short rotation crop that kept the world in wicker baskets for centuries — is gradually finding new life as a cold-resistant biomass, particularly in upstate New York where it’s augmenting traditional
by Joel Davis (The Daily Times) Nearly four years after the ribbon was cut on one of the world’s first cellulosic ethanol demonstration facilities in Vonore, hopes for a commercial-scale biorefinery being constructed in the state still remain unfulfilled. The biofuel
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) During a webinar held Nov. 14 four experts talked about corn oil extraction from the viewpoint of animal nutrition, corn oil markets, its financial impact on ethanol plants and taking the technology to the
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The record corn supply has multiple implications for the ethanol industry. The USDA’s Nov. 8 supply/demand report pegged the 2013 corn crop at 13.989 billion bushels, a new record at more than 700
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new paper from the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University indicates that if the U.S. EPA does significantly reduce the renewable fuel standard (RFS) renewable volume obligations, it would mean only
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) A bipartisan group of 32 U.S. senators from across the country sent a letter Nov. 14 asking the Obama administration to support reasonable growth in the biodiesel industry next year under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The
by Michael Davidson (East Winds/The Energy Collective) We are heading into the second week of UN climate negotiations in Warsaw (refered to as COP 19), where 194 countries are busy laying the groundwork for an international treaty hopefully to be
by Wallace E. Tyner (PennEnergy/Purdue University) ... First, with the new IPCC report it is abundantly clear that global warming and climate change represent a clear and present danger not only to the US but for the entire planet. The only
by Wallace E. Tyner (PennEnergy/Purdue University) ... So what is behind the differences in both my suggested values and the EPA proposal? The biggest difference in my original post and EPA is in the level of the corn ethanol mandate. EPA
by Alex Morales (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Fossil-fuel subsidies paid by industrial nations are more than five times the climate aid provided to poorer nations that need funds to reduce emissions and adapt to global warming, a study showed. Industrialized countries paid $58.7
by Seth Meyer and Rob Johansson (US Department of Agriculture/FarmDocDaily) ...Alternatively, if the EPA's estimates of the potential for E85 consumption are too high and the actual blend wall is lower than the estimated13 billion gallons, then the potential use of domestic
(Journal Star) ... There’s little doubt the industry is under attack by a misguided and misinformed alliance of tea party Republicans and erstwhile environmentalists. Better for ethanol supporters to save their energy for the renewed attacks that are sure to come
by Herman Wang (Platts) Even before the US Environmental Protection Agency signaled last week that it planned to cut its biofuels mandate for 2014, US ethanol makers were already bullish on the prospects of growing exports, banking on what looks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you were buying higher blends of renewable fuels this year, you saved on dollars per mile. So many blends, so many fuels, and a commodity price roller-coaster to navigate. Who’s the biggest fuel smartie? We
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. biodiesel industry has grown significantly this year, but if the U.S. EPA’s final 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) volume obligation for biomass-based diesel looks anything like its proposal released Nov. 15, significant setbacks could
by John Kingston (Platts) The University of California-Davis has a new study out about California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Once you get past the standard dry academic writing, much of it is fairly startling. We care about the source of the report
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Two new organizations have entered the fight for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) today as concerns about the future of the RFS deepen with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)proposed 2014 renewable fuels volumes going south. VoteVets.org and Americans United
by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (The Daily Nonpareil) ... The predictable efforts to smear ethanol’s reputation ignore the renewable fuel’s valuable contributions to clean energy, rural development, job creation and U.S. energy independence. The latest round of misguided untruths disregards the
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Waukon Feed Ranch in northeast Iowa will begin offering E15 for 2001 and newer cars, trucks and other vehicles. It becomes the state’s ninth registered E15 retailer. ... Now, most motorists have access to E10, but
(GlobalBioBusiness) Ever since 1975 Brazil has been offering E100 in all its fuel pumps. E100, or 100% ethanol, has often been considered a much cleaner option than E85, which is 85% ethanol plus 15% low-grade gasoline, which is the option
by Jim Greenwood (Roll Call/Biotechnology Industry Organization) During a time when partisan politics rule the day, it is sometimes hard for pragmatic bipartisan efforts to cut through the clutter and get the attention they deserve. American workers in the emerging
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is defending the Obama Administration’s proposal to cut the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the amount of renewable fuels to be blended
by Evan Halper (Los Angeles Times) On a recent Navy voyage, alternative fuel cost $26 a gallon, and millions are being invested in bioenergy firms. Some experts worry there won't be sufficient benefits. When the U.S. Navy sailed an imposing fleet near Hawaii
by Whitney McFerron (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Argentina, the world’s biggest biodiesel exporter, is increasing shipments of the fuel on stronger U.S. demand, Oil World said. Argentine exports of biodiesel made from soybean oil will climb to 450,000 metric tons in the three months
by Daniel F. Morris (Resources Magazine) ... Although putting a price on carbon may possibly have regressive impacts, economic estimates can overstate these impacts by using short-term or nonrepresentative income measures. In fact, some research suggests that a carbon tax may even
by Joshua Linn and Virginia McConnell (Resources Magazine) ...The motivation for these policies is that many consider electric vehicles to be essential for achieving the long-term goals of dramatically reducing vehicles’ oil consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In reality, GHG
by Roger A. Sedjo, Brent L. Sohngen, Anne Riddle (Resources for the Future) A concern of many environmentalists is that the use of biomass energy will decimate the forests. Searchinger et al. (2008, 2009) examined this issue related to corn ethanol
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) New study concludes that biofuels can be part of climate-energy solution. The debate has been raging for years. Can biofuels, fuels derived from recently alive plant materials (or manure), serve as the fuel of choice to
by Jeffrey D. Sachs (The Washington Post/Earth Institute at Columbia University) ...Through all of this, Congress sits supine. And it’s no mystery why: The oil and gas industry has spent about $1.5 billion on registered lobbying in the past 15 years and hundreds
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the EPA released its 2014 proposed standards and volumes for renewable fuels. The volumes, as widely expected, include substantial reductions from the statutory standards in the original Energy Independence & Security Act. The announced proposed volumes
(Reuters/The Western Producer) U.S. ethanol output could reach 14 billion gallons in 2014: ADM chief U.S. production of corn-based ethanol could reach 14 billion gallons in 2014 because of positive margins for processors and demand from buyers, Archer Daniels Midland Co.’s
by Jonathan Fahey (Associated Press) The first trickle of fuels made from agricultural waste is finally winding its way into the nation's energy supply, after years of broken promises and hype promoting a next-generation fuel source cleaner than oil. ... Cellulosic makers
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The “now hiring” sign is up online for Emmetsburg, Iowa, where the nation’s largest maker of ethanol used for motor fuel is putting the final touches on a manufacturing plant that will rely not
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Douglas Tiffany, assistant extension professor at the University of Minnesota, discussed the economics of co-locating torrefaction, ethanol and coal power plants at the University of North Dakota on Nov. 6. “What we wanted to get
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Slow pace, low yields have depressed KiOR’s share prices, but tripled production and revenue has recently delighted the markets. What’s up with the cellulosic biofuels leader? Good news, bad news? ... You have one of the first
By Dina Cappiello (Associated Press/StarTribune) The hills of southern Iowa bear the scars of America's push for green energy: The brown gashes where rain has washed away the soil. The polluted streams that dump fertilizer into the water supply. Even the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association responded to an Associated Press ethanol story that’s set to be published in news outlets around the country tomorrow. The IRFA was able to view an early version of
by Matt McGrath (BBC News) The world is spending half a trillion dollars on fossil fuel subsidies every year, according to a new report. The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) says rich countries are spending seven times more supporting coal, oil and gas
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