by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) were big topics this week as members of the National Corn Growers Association met in Washington DC. ... During the Ethanol Committee meeting, staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new agricultural outlook report published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations predicts that the consumption and production of biofuels will increase
by Sam A. Rushing (Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd./Biofuels Digest) ... The problem with CO2 sequestration and carbon reduction schemes is the lack of economic return for many purely sequestration projects, unless government funding or subsidies are guaranteed. Then, the challenge is to
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biofuels Digest) ... But, beyond the RVO numbers, not much has been said about this Administration’s inability to execute on its mandated task to review and approve new pathways under the RFS for feedstocks, technologies and
by Jeremy B. White (Sacramento Bee) Democratic fissures over California's cap-and-trade mandates deepened on Thursday, with a key moderate Democrat introducing a bill to push back a looming rule expected to cause a spike in prices at the pump. Assembly Bill 69
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Growth Energy is attacking the myth that ethanol production increases food prices. Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy notes that time and again, Big Oil, big Food and special interests are attacking the ethanol industry and placing blame on them
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) During the American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen taking place at the Iowa Speedway today, Syngenta announced that they are donating $108,000 to the renewable fuels industry to make flex fuels more widely available. The funds
by Jason Gonderman (Diesel Power Magazine) ... I started my informal biodiesel test with a familiar face, a 2014 Ram 2500, the same truck used for our 1500 vs. 2500 test (“Sibling Rivalry,” March 2014). Why this truck you ask? For
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... On July 7, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine certified a petition for the proposed Clean Energy Initiative amendment. According to Josh Pulliam, a consultant for Yes for Ohio’s’ Energy Future, the political action committee that
(Navigant Research) Viewed as a game changer in the race to commercialize advanced biofuels, aviation and marine biofuels represent a very significant opportunity for emerging producers in the advanced biofuels industry. Demand for advanced biofuels produced from sustainable, non-food feedstocks
(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The American Petroleum Institute (API) is focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its fight to reduce the ethanol blending mandate, conceding that there’s little short-term hope in congressional action. Bob Greco, API’s director of downstream
(Sustainable Aviation) - Potential to reduce UK aviation’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes per annum by 2030, and by 18% by 2050, through the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels, finds independent analysis by sustainable energy experts E4tech - Contribution of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, the newly installed Senate, which changed over its membership on July 1st following elections late last year, endorsed a series of bills (already passed in the House of Representatives) eliminating the carbon tax
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Key ruling in Gevo, Butamax case links it to the upcoming Teva case, going before the Supreme Court this fall. In Colorado, Gevo filed a fascinating 8-K this week, relating that a United States District Court judge granted
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Growers reporting increased yields, revenues with stover harvest. Natural Resources Conservation Service says “By making wise management decisions, removing residue can be done sustainably.” What are the opportunities and the must-knows, for growers and project
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
by Brian F. Keane (Huffington Post) I mentioned to a reporter the other day that I suspect the so-called "Climate Deniers" are not so much denying the science of climate change, but rather they are rejecting the message we've framed for
(VoteVets.org) A Vietnam Veteran from Des Moines is featured in a new television ad campaign, today, praising Congressman Bruce Braley’s work to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard. The ad, sponsored by the veterans organization VoteVets.org, will air in the coming
by Jerry Perkins (Des Moines Register) If Ukraine can build a renewable energy sector based on its vast agricultural production, it won’t need Russian energy and could, perhaps, protect its sovereignty to a much greater extent than it can today
by Heather Meade (Daily Advocate) There are seven operational ethanol plants in Ohio, one of which is located just outside of Greenville - The Andersons, Inc., which was opened in conjunction with the Marathon Petroleum Company out of Toledo, in
(Growth Energy) In response to a recent order by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which called on specific rail providers to resolve backlogs of rail cars for grain orders, but failed to address the substandard rail service for the delivery
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We hear from the whispering winds of Wichita that INVISTA, the redoubtable owner of the Lycra and Stainmaster brands, amongst many others, has introduced the only commercial offering of a bio-derived spandex available globally and
by Bob Dinneen (Roll Call/Renewable Fuels Association) In recent months, the petroleum industry has boasted about U.S. crude oil production reaching its highest level in more than a quarter-century. But what they fail to note is that increased domestic drilling has
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Two U.S. farm-state Senators on Wednesday urged federal regulators to investigate allegations raised by a biofuel trade group that the oil industry uses "strong arm tactics" to prevent widespread use of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline. A
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest has heard from China that Sapphire Energy’s and Sinopec’s algae-derived renewable crude oil project has been selected for the U.S.-China EcoPartnerships program, and that the announcement is being made overnight US time in
(Energy Market Price) Electricity prices could double by 2035, while gas prices might increase by 43%, according to forecasts released by the National Grid on Thursday. The research document entitled “Exploring the future of UK energy” says that wholesale electricity price
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new “Consumer Choice Report Card” released by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) grades some of the largest, most well-known retail gasoline chains based on whether they are providing consumers with alternatives to regular gasoline that cost less,
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) Tim Worledge, the Associate Editorial Director of Platts Agriculture relayed some of the history and the status quo of the biofuel industry in Europe during a webinar hosted by Platts and Aspect Enterprise Solutions
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing/Greenwire) The federal policy used to build up the nation's ethanol and advanced biofuel capacity could soon be harnessed to spur the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. In a final rule issued last week, U.S. EPA said it
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) BP’s 63rd annual Statistical Review of World Energy was recently released. Some key findings. Oil Prices Stay Above $100/Barrel for Third Year In the face of these disruptions and heightened risks to supply, average oil
by Tina Casey (Clean Technica) We’ve been following the Aurora Algae company’s progress in Australia for a couple of years, so imagine our surprise when all of a sudden the company popped up deep in the heart of oil country. Earlier
(Capital Press) As the federal government is set to lower the Renewable Fuels Standard for this year, the National Chicken Council asserts that diverting the corn supply to ethanol has resulted in more than $44 billion in higher feed costs to
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The ethanol industry Monday urged a federal regulator overseeing the nation's railroads to provide relief for shippers of the renewable fuel who have faced delays. Growth Energy, which represents ethanol manufacturers, told the Surface Transportation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We first started tracking hemp back in 2009, when a 43-acre biomass trial launched in California that features hemp as a feedstock. The notoriety of hemp’s cousin, marijuana, has created both passionate supporters and opponents
by Kelly Servick (Science Magazine) A year after the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling that human genes cannot be patented, the biotech industry is struggling to adapt to a landscape in which inventions derived from nature are increasingly hard to
by Paul Waldman (The Washington Post) ... The Congressional Budget Office says that starting next year, the fund won’t have enough money to meet its obligations, and keep in mind that means just the projects that are already in progress. New projects would
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) With no end in sight on the turmoil in Iraq and oil prices and gas prices on the rise as a result, Americans United for Change (AUFC) have launched a new ad campaign encouraging the U.S.
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) ... In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we hear from Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis, Dean Drake with the consulting company the Defour Group, Scott Zaremba, president of Zarco Incorporated, and Ken Parrent, the ethanol director for
by Erlend Skarsaune (Aftenbladet.no) The Biofuel entrepreneurs sued Statoil to clear their names of allegations of corruption. The judge in charge was offered a job by Statoil, accepted, and continued working with the case. The aggrieved parties have fought to be cleared
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... From Massachusetts, word arrived from Joule this week that the EPA has favorably reviewed the company’s Microbial Commercial Activity Notice for Joule’s first commercial ethanol-producing catalyst. This clears the catalyst for commercial use at the
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The 22nd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition took place in Hamburg, Germany in June 2014. The conference gathered 1085 attendees from 66 different countries: researchers, policy makers, industry and business people to communicate and learn
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The multibillion-dollar Anschutz Exploration Corp., which helped make its founder, Philip Anschutz, one of the richest men in America, filed a lawsuit three years ago against Dryden, a small town in Upstate New York. The issue: Dryden
(Renewable Fuels Association) Sadly, drivers are expected to see skyrocketing gas prices this Independence Day as analysts at GasBuddy predict that Fourth of July prices will reach their highest level in six years. Tom Kloza, GasBuddy’s chief oil analyst, remarked, “Fear about what
by John Funk (The Plain Dealer) ... One reason for this year's decline in prices since May is the price of ethanol. Ethanol, which is mixed into every gallon of fuel sold at a level of 10 percent, is much less costly
(Congressman Adam Kinzinger) In a bipartisan letter to President Barack Obama, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and 50 Members of Congress urge the President to increase the amount of biodiesel fuels allowed to enter markets under the 2014
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As several major cellulosic biofuels ventures head for scale in 2014, we look at the companies, the major barriers (as they see them) for further capacity-building, sources for future investment, and a focus on feedstock. In
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Ireland, to meet binding EU transport targets, Ireland imported 126 million litres of biofuel in 2013 – some 84% of the total 150 million litres used last year. That’s according to An Taisce – The
(Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics/Biomass Magazine) Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has requested U.S. EPA Inspector General Arthur Elkins investigate whether the Carlyle Group and Delta Airlines improperly influenced the EPA’s proposed renewable fuel standards (RFS). The proposed standards actually
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... You may recall that EPA officials said earlier this year that they expected to have a final rule by the end of spring, or at least the end of June, but that has not happened yet
by Angela Bowman (Drovers Cattle Network) The USDA’s highly-anticipated Acreage report, released Monday, showed corn planting at 91.6 million acres, down 4 percent from 2013. “This represents the lowest planted acreage in the United States since 2010; however, this is the fifth
By Dale Kasler (Sacramento Bee) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, one of the centerpieces of the state’s fight against global warming, survived a significant legal challenge Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit brought by oil-industry and out-of-state farm
Money to Burn: Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Canada's Strategy for Vehicle Biofuels by Douglas Auld and Ross McKitrick (Macdonald-Laurier Institute) Authors find that supporting biofuels costs at least three times the value of environmental benefits – if they even reduce greenhouse
(The National Biodiesel Foundation) Brimming with visionary ideas, plant scientist and biofuels innovator Dallas Hanks had a knack for bringing stakeholders together to pursue a bigger picture. This treasured member of our biodiesel family succumbed to cancer June 25th, 2014, but
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Today, we look at algae’s promise in 2008 and progress now. Has the industry repositioned? ... Then, it was Aurora Biofuels — now it’s Aurora Algae. Them, it was Solix Biofuels, now it is Solix Biosystems. Then,
(GreanEA Team) Contrary to the high expectations of European biodiesel producers, the demand and prices of biodiesel in Europe fell down significantly. The situation does not seem to improve even with the summer season approaching, which usually used to boost the
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) This week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report, "The Renewable Fuel Standard: Issues for 2014 and Beyond." In the analysis, CBO looks at the possible impacts on emissions, fuel and food prices under
by Manish Raj (The Times Of India) Chemical Industries Association, an apex body representing a cross section of chemical industries based in Chennai, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider promoting algae bio-fuel products. India imports around 180 million tonnes of
(25 x '25/Biofuels Journal) How the Congressional Budget Office reached the conclusion in a report released Thursday that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will raise gas and biodiesel prices is a mystery, given the deep price discount advantages biofuels offer in the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on the U.S. EPA’s Tailoring Rule. While the court invalidated a portion of the rule, it essentially held up EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Branson at BIO. Branson on bio. And some of Branson’s bio. Sir Richard Branson joined BIO CEO Jim Greenwood on stage at the BIO International Convention for a talk on enterprises, the entrepreneurial spirit, a spirit
By Stephanie Thorson (Canadian Biogas Association /Biomass Magazine) Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a little-known fuel that has enormous potential to economically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation, a sector that has high emissions. In the same way that ethanol is blended
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Finland, VTT and the Government Institute for Economic Research advise The Digest that have completed a study commissioned by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment, assessing the
(ePure) The European Renewable Ethanol Industry Association (ePURE) has published its first ever State of the Industry Report. The report gives a comprehensive overview of the situation of renewable ethanol production and consumption in Europe today and sets out the opportunities and challenges
(Platts) Global biofuels output is expected to increase 2.7% per year to 135 billion liters in 2019, but withering political support for renewable transport fuels may undermine the industry's medium-term outlook, Anselm Eisentraut, biofuels analyst with the International Energy Agency
(Canadian Biomass Magazine) Strong export markets for Canadian pellets, ethanol and biodiesel continue to drive the national bioeconomy forward despite slow development on the domestic front. An executive panel at the International Bioenergy Conference & Exhibition in Prince George all agreed that
by Shankar Rampalli (Mordor Intelligence/Renewable Energy World) The verdict on biofuels is in, and the catchphrase seems to be over-promised and under-delivered. Biofuels have been in public use in some form or the other for a long time (remember the
(Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.)) Provides common-sense solution for American-made energy Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements, today introduced H.R. 4849, the Phantom Fuels Elimination Act. The legislation would repeal
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The agricultural industry has reached the point to begin the production of cellulosic ethanol from corn stover. The tipping point has not only been reached in utilizing crop residues, but also in optimizing corn in
by Matthew Stepp and Megan Nicholson (Christian Science Monitor) Putting a price on carbon doesn't work because no one wants to pay the real cost of using fossil fuels. But funding R&D and demonstration projects that lower clean-energy costs will
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly 100 biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other advocates are traveling to Washington this week to voice concerns about the Obama Administration’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for biodiesel. The biodiesel supporters, who will be visiting with lawmakers
by Todd A. Taylor (Biodiesel Magazine) If you are a biodiesel producer, you already believe in sustainability and taking care of our natural resources. You already have your renewable fuel standard (RFS) pathway and are making the best biodiesel you can
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Since its commercial inception in the 1990s, the biodiesel industry has faced obstacles from all sides. The technical merits of the fuel have been challenged time and time again. Manufacturing costs and fuel pricing have been
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producers Magazine) With ethanol plants extracting oil from DDGS, the question of how this affects feeding performance becomes paramount to the livestock and poultry industries. University of Minnesota professor Jerry Shurson talks with Ethanol Producer Magazine about
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/Council of the European Union) Received at the Digest from the Council of the European Union: Today’s Energy Council reached a political agreement on the draft directive on indirect land-use change (ILUC) amending the fuel quality
(25 x '25) With the White House shining a very bright spotlight on its plans for addressing climate change – in particular, the long-awaited proposal to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants under Clean Air Act ‑ it is important that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Corn producers, ethanol producers and crude oil refiners: locked in a rollercoaster of commodity prices, and a battle for market share and profits. As the EPA readies to unleash its view of the future volumes
by Peter Waldman (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The oil industry did some intellectual gymnastics last week over California’s low-carbon fuel standard, a 2007 mandate that gasoline refiners reduce the carbon intensity of their transportation fuels 10 percent by 2020. After arguing for
(National Marine Manufacturer's Association/PR NewsWire) Protecting your boat, outdoor power equipment, snow mobile, motorcycle and small engine equipment just got easier – thanks to a new partnership that reminds consumers to avoid using greater than 10 percent ethanol gas in
by Serene Jones (Union Theological Seminary/Time Magazine) New York's Union Theological Seminary--home to famed theologians Paul Tillich, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as a $108.4 million endowment--will be the first seminary in the world to divest from fossil
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol has gone through many cycles, said Lucy Norton, managing director of Iowa Renewable Fuels. It became popular in the fuel shortages around the oil embargoes in the industry’s early years, and then as
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) The ethanol production industry is in the midst of a long "winning streak" in terms of profits. The current run of historically high profits began in March 2013 and was punctuated
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Diversifying ethanol coproduct streams is big business in today’s market as producers seek to add value to their product portfolios, a major focus of discussion at the 2014 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo
by Rodrigo Orihuela (Bloomberg) Abengoa SA (ABG/P), the Spanish renewable energy company investing in biofuels, is in talks with Japanese car manufacturers and soft-drink makers to help them develop products ranging from bottles to chemicals. “All types of companies -- automotive,
Dear Mr. Steyer: According to a Washington Post article on June 9th 2014, you will be divested of all your investments in fossil fuel enterprises by the end of this month. As the article discussed, that meant you continued to make
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) One of the rallying cries in favor of liquefying and exporting U.S. natural gas has been to help reduce greenhouse gases in other countries, by crowding out coal in Asia and Europe. Yet tucked into
(Grist) President Obama explained his thinking about climate change during a sit-down interview with New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman; it will air Monday night during the final episode of Showtime’s climate series “Years of Living Dangerously.” Friedman also shared lots of
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency should recognize that carbon emissions from renewable biomass are fundamentally different from those of fossil fuels and that biotechnology can and must play a key role in mitigating fossil carbon emissions, the Biotechnology
(Synthetic Biology Project) Environmental scientists and synthetic biologists have for the first time developed a set of key research areas to study the potential ecological impacts of synthetic biology, a field that could push beyond incremental changes to create organisms
(Boeing) Boeing [NYSE: BA] today (June 5, 2014) released its annual Environment Report highlighting the company's commitments and accomplishments in improving environmental performance for its products and operations. The report also features Boeing's continuing progress in sustainable growth and environmental conservation
by Cindy Zimmerman (Domestic Fuel) ...“The Environmental Protection Agency’s outdated interpretation of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) regulations is preventing the sale of E15 in most of the country during the busy summer driving season, adding billions to travelers’ fuel costs,”
by Manish Raj (The Times of India) CHENNAI: Chemical Industries Association, an apex body representing a cross section of chemical industries based in Chennai, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider promoting algae bio-fuel products. ... While the demand of crude
(Moneycontrol.com) Praj Industries has been on focus post reports suggesting that ethanol blending with petrol could become a reality soon. Praj, which provides technology and machinery for ethanol production, is likely to benefit from the move. In an interview to CNBC-TV18’s Ekta
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Time is ticking down for the Environmental Protection Agency to make a decision on how much renewable fuel will be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply, and ethanol and biodiesel groups are pressing for a change
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA joined Growth Energy and others on a USDA trip to China, where signs of rapid growth were everywhere, writes Bob Dinneen. The goal was to develop additional markets for DDGS. ... (T)he
by Ronnie Shows (The Hill/Congress Blog) ... For example: when I first heard several months ago that the administration proposed making across the board cuts to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) – the federal policy that requires biofuels in our nation’s fuel
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers looking for the next big market for distillers grains may want to seriously consider aquaculture feed. “For a variety of reasons, we’re just at beginning phases of seeing the potential for a significant
by Amanda Peterka (E&E reporter/Greenwire) The United States may be losing a major opportunity to be a global leader in the growing market for green chemicals because of its overwhelming policy tilt toward biofuels, industry experts say. There are big profit
by Gabriella Dunn (Des Moines Register) ... Iowa's budding advanced biofuels industry stretches from Emmetsburg in the west to Marion in the east. Although business and political challenges remain, engineers have concocted an expensive cocktail of enzymes too small to see with
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Today (June 2, 2014), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) announced that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which sought stakeholder input regarding the biofuel pathways that the DOE's Bioenergy Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) EPA comes down hard on CO2, with proposed rule calling for deep emission cuts, but opts for highly-flexible, state-by-state approach. Carbon Capture and Use not deemed a key strategy, but algae advocates aim to change
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The summer driving season is now hitting the United States, and the Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, Ron Lamberty, says many motorists might not realize it, but they could be
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) The manager of a biodiesel refinery from the Nation’s largest biodiesel producer believes the uncertainty in the green fuel’s future will disappear. I caught up with Bryan Christjansen, a general manager for Renewable Energy Group’s Albert Lea,
by Cindy Zimmerman (domesticfuel.com) In the last couple of weeks there have been two derailments of trains carrying crude oil, one in Virginia on April 30 and one in Colorado on May 9. These incidents are just the latest in
by Michael Carus, Lara Dammer, Andreas Hermann and Roland Essel (nova-Institute) nova-paper #4 “Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)” presents a reform proposal that aims at creating a level
by Stephanie Storm (The New York Times) Consumer products containing ingredients made using an advanced form of engineering known as synthetic biology are beginning to show up more often on grocery and department store shelves. A liquid laundry detergent made by
(Forum News Service/SC Times) Opportunities to provide bio-based industrial products exist, but they probably will need to provide price, utility and environmental benefits, especially if they want to compete at a premium to petrochemical substitutes, according to a recent industry
(National Biodiesel Board) One hundred seventeen biodiesel companies and affiliated businesses from 41 states called on President Obama Wednesday to stand behind his past support for the U.S. biodiesel industry by continuing sustainable growth under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Highlighting
(Environmental Working Group) The Environmental Protection Agency’s pending proposal to cut the amount of corn ethanol that must be blended into gasoline in 2014 by 1.39 billion gallons would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 3 million
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA). The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) hosted a briefing, on May 22, on Capitol Hill, examining the current and projected impacts of climate change in the Southeast, and efforts to manage these risks.
By Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Imagine a world without non-renewable energy sources, where we just use sun, wind, and biomass to generate our electricity for industries and homes, and fuel for transportation. Is it a dream? I
by Jim Lane (Biofuel Digest) Thought the 2014 volume debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard was tough enough?What about the ticking bomb inside the RFS — that could completely flat-line the value of cellulosic RINs and make it near impossible
by Calen May-Tobin (Union of Concerned Scientists/Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative ) ... In our report Donuts, Deodorant, Deforestation, UCS was one of the first groups to highlight how little the fast food sector as a whole has done to address palm-driven deforestation.
(Biofuel Journal) The summer driving season is now hitting the United States, and the Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, (ACE) Ron Lamberty says many motorists might not realize it, but they could be eligible to get a little extra
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act, following mark-up, is reported to not include any attempts to undermine the Defense Production Act’s Advanced Drop-In Biofuels Production Project, which protects the military’s ability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think algae biofuels are real and near? Or, think it’s a promotional scheme for attracting finance for nutraceuticals and academic bridges-to-nowhere? The barriers might be more, or less, daunting than you think. Let’s look at
by Gabe Elsner (Energy and Policy Institute/Renewable Energy World) Fossil fuel-funded front groups repeatedly spread disinformation on renewable energy standard and net metering policies in an effort to overturn pro-clean energy laws in 2013 and 2014. A new report details the efforts of
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Enlightening and Shocking are apt words that describe the eighth episode of the Years of Living Dangerously that was screened on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 20. The event, hosted by the Senate Climate
by Paul E. Gutermann (Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP/Lexology.com) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held this week that the Department of Energy (DOE) complied with its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in providing
by Justine Fredericksen (Daily Journal News) Cash-strapped Yokayo Biofuels is for sale ... "The grant was to install an enzymatic process that would increase our capacity by about 75 percent, which would dramatically increase the yield we get, and dramatically change
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) EPA’s proposed rule went too far in correcting a problem largely of the refiners’ own making. It’s in the nation’s interest to put the final RFS rule back on course. Last year, it appears
(25 x '25) Ethanol’s role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was underscored this week in a forum of biofuel value chain partners, conservation and greenhouse gas experts organized by the 25x’25 Alliance at the request of the
by Maxx Chatsko (The Motley Fool) The global aviation industry accounts for roughly 2% of all greenhouse gas emissions. On a per-passenger basis, a flight on an airplane emits far more greenhouse gases than the same trip in a car.
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The land of 10,000 lakes becomes the first for another 10… a 10 percent biodiesel mandate. The move from a B5 to B10 blending requirement for summer months starting this July 1st was welcomed by the
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) With the impact of climate change becoming evident by the day, many of the United States iconic landmarks are at risk as never before. On the 20th of May, 2014, The Environmental and Energy
by Jacob Barker (St. LouisPost-Dispatch) It’s hard to find a gas station these days that doesn’t sell a 10 percent ethanol blend. A 15 percent mix, now that it’s available, probably won’t become as common anytime soon. New rules that take
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The migration from first-gen to next-gen biofuels is becoming less ‘Invisible’ — and the new landscape is not, by anyone’s estimation, an ‘Ordinary World’. If Aemetis’ latest earnings hadn’t rocked your world quite enough, here
(Government Accountability Office) The federal government supports the development and use of alternative jet fuels through both broad and targeted initiatives. Broad national strategies promote the development of a variety of alternative fuels—including alternative jet fuel—to help achieve national goals, such as securing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
by Reuben Brewer (The Motley Fool) Solazyme (NASDAQ: SZYM ) and FutureFuel (NYSE: FF ) are two relatively small companies largely focused on the emerging bio-fuel market. However, they aren't the only players in the space. And some of the other companies, like DuPont (NYSE: DD ) , operate on a
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Appropriations Committee has released its fiscal year 2015 agricultural appropriations bill, which aims to reduce funding levels for several Farm Bill Energy Title programs. A markup session on the legislation was held May
by John Kemp (Reuters Africa) Fossil fuel subsidies cost governments in emerging markets more than $500 billion every year and are a major contributor to climate change, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The biggest
by Jim Dukart (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol plants in Indiana account for some 600 jobs, with an additional 4.9 jobs created for every job at an ethanol plant. The industry has pumped $1.5 billion in direct capital into the state
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) An oil pipeline ruptured in Los Angeles on LA Street yesterday and in response Americans United For Change said, “Like oil spills? You’ll love what happens after dismantling the Renewable Fuel Standard. 50,000 gallons of crude oil
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (May 15, 2014), 33 advanced biofuel companies, led by the Advanced Ethanol Council and Biotechnology Industry Organization, sent a letter to President Barack Obama to express the industry’s concern about the proposed rule for the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) With a final decision in the Renewable Volume Obligates (RVOs) expected in June, the biodiesel industry is getting increasingly vocal about the damage that regulatory uncertainty has already caused their industry. Biodiesel
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB recognizes the complex realities of smallholder production systems and is committed to make the RSB certification requirements more accessible to small producers, in order to facilitate their entry into the mainstream sustainable biomaterials market and
(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
(ABC Rural) ... The ethanol and biodiesel industries face grant cuts worth millions of dollars. The Ethanol Production Grants program will be scrapped from July 2015, saving the government $120 million. The Dalby Biorefinery, in Queensland, is Australia's only grain biofuel producer. Agforce grains
by Stacy Shackford (Cornell Chronicle) ... A $499,998 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture – one of two awarded to Cornell as part of a $12 million program – will allow researchers to delve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Pennsylvania, the 11th World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, produced by BIO, opened today with a flurry of announcements and presentations. Here are hot slides ... and links to presentations. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The following is excerpted from KiOR’s most recent 10-Q quarterly report, as filed with the SEC. “We have substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern. To continue as a going concern, we must
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.K.-based Renewable Energy Association has published the results of an analysis that determined the renewable energy supports more than 100,000 jobs in the U.K. and has attracted almost £30 billion ($50.95 billion) in
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent poll of 1,000 Americans shows 65 percent support the renewable fuel standard, writes Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. And, 78 percent favor requiring auto makers to
(National Biodiesel Board) Policy setbacks in Washington are taking a major toll on the most successful advanced biofuel in the U.S., according to a nationwide survey of biodiesel producers released Wednesday. The survey, conducted by the National Biodiesel Board, found that nearly
(Sierra Express Media) Addax Bioenergy (SL) Limited has been fully and formally certified under the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This is said to quite an achievement and everyone involved has to be commended. RSB is recognized as being the
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) While H.R. 5 signed by Gov. Herbert encourages biodiesel use in Utah, exactly how the state plans to do so is less than clear ... The bill expresses support for the continued development and implementation of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a letter to President Obama, leaders of America’s renewable fuel industry urge the Administration to rethink its proposal to weaken the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard – a proposal that is at odds with the
By Coral Davenport (The New York Times) The accelerating rate of climate change poses a severe risk to national security and acts as a catalyst for global political conflict, a report published Tuesday by a leading government-funded military research organization concluded. The CNA Corporation Military
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