by Emmanuel Desplechin (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ePURE) In Europe, biofuels continue to be the predominant source of clean transportation fuels, and we will still need low-carbon fuels like ethanol beyond 2030. Policymakers need to make sure the Green Deal does not
by Richa Mishra, TV Jayan (The Hindu Business Line) Commitment to EBP scheme gives sugar industry confidence to set up distilleries -- To ensure that the country does not miss any opportunity to generate its own fuel and bring down import
by Jim Talent (The Gazette) ... Oil companies have requested special access to a $600 billion lending facility at the Federal Reserve, and the administration seems keen to deliver. The president just announced that the Secretary of Energy and Secretary
by Alex Snodgrass (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services) US ethanol producer Green Plains said it still expects China to stick to the first phase of the US-China trade agreement that requires ethanol purchases. Green Plains remains optimistic about China and their role
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Aviation’s current reliance on fossil fuels, its expected continued growth rate following the COVID-19 pandemic, the service lifespan of aircraft, and the lack of nonliquid fuel alternatives make it a challenging sector to decarbonize, especially
(The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA)/Biofuels Digest) The ambitious European Commission strategy to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 has recently been set in motion as the European Green Deal. The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA),
(National Farmers Union) The government’s proposal to introduce E10 petrol in 2021 came after years of NFU lobbying to introduce the biofuel to petrol stations across the UK. Last year the NFU wrote to various government departments outlining how implementing
by Michael Bakas (Distributed Energy Systems/Ameresco/Biofuels Digest) In the final weeks of 2019, the American Gas Foundation updated its nearly decade-old report assessing the market and technical potential for renewable natural gas (RNG) supply and emissions reductions. One of the biggest takeaways was
(Scania/NGV Journal) When Kuopio Municipality in Finland tendered refuse collection, Urbaser’s Finnish subsidiary was in pole position for the contract. Urbaser had the advantage of offering its services using six Scania’s biogas trucks, which was decisive. In additional to the superior
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin led 60 Democratic lawmakers in a letter to House leadership Monday opposing any efforts by the fossil fuel industry to use Covid-19 recovery legislation to "confer immunity" for climate change or pollution, citing efforts that
by Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) Ethanol to benefit as people avoid mass transit: Green Plains; For now, biofuel plants have idled as drivers stay home -- There’s light at the end of the tunnel for the battered American ethanol market, according to
(Nexstar Media Wire/Fox40) Midwest lawmakers say biofuel producers should be getting the same support and protection as oil companies. Coronavirus shutdowns have slashed the demand for gasoline, and while the White House is pledging to buy 75 million barrels of oil, ethanol
by Jamieson Murphy (North Queensland Register) ... Nuffield scholar and a fourth generation farmer Steven Hobbs said if the federal government got the bioenergy strategy right, the industry could be "quite phenomenal". He began experimenting with alternative fuel sources nearly 20 years
by Iris Kumpmann (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft/Tech Xplore) ... Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT in Oberhausen have been looking into alternative climate-friendly fuels. They are now able to produce a renewable biofuel that can be converted
by Jake Rinehart (KEYC News) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Monday the U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to make up to $100 million available in competitive grants for activities that are designed to expand the availability and sale
by Scott Richman(Renewable Fuels Association) The report “The 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): COVID-19 Impacts” released last week by the Congressional Research Service demonstrates a conflicted understanding of the mechanics of the RFS, leading to vague and erroneous conclusions about whether compliance will
by Fred Ghatala (Atlantic Council) The aviation sector has been working to decarbonize, but it faces unique challenges since decarbonization options that may work for ground or maritime transport are generally not feasible for air travel. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) present an
(Algae Biomass Organization) The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has released the first European standard for algae and algae products, an important milestone for establishing common baselines for an industry that is beginning to impact more markets than ever. Known as EN 17399:2020
(MarketsandResearch.biz/MarketWatch) MarketsandResearch.biz has released a recent industry research report titled Global Biodiesel Market 2020 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2025 which spotlights on the study of past, present and future look of the industry. The report provides an assessment of the
by Chris Bliley (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... When it comes to transportation emissions, newsrooms around the world generally preserve their biggest headlines for the urgent, high-stakes battle against climate change. Biofuels are a major part of that conversation, and
by Emily Holden (The Guardian) Revealed: Oil and mining firms – some with ties to Trump officials – taking advantage of funding, review shows -- US fossil fuel companies have taken at least $50m in taxpayer money they probably won’t have
by Allison Good, Taylor Kuykendall and Dan Testa (S&P Global) ... The coronavirus pandemic may accelerate a shift from fossil fuel spending to investments in renewable energy, but the pace of that transition depends heavily on how governments direct economic recovery
(Biofuels International) Malaysian palm oil producers have been urged to use technology to improve yield as the industry wrestles with concerns about sustainability, the chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) revealed. Malaysia, the world’s second biggest palm oil producer,
by Mike Gatto (CalMatters) ... However, experts tell us that it may take decades for electrics to replace the millions of light-duty cars and trucks on our roads — and even longer to realize universal access to affordable, zero-emission vehicles and
by Karl Plume (Reuters) Global commodities trader Cargill Inc [CARG.UL] starting this spring will pay American farmers for capturing carbon in their field soils and cutting fertilizer runoff, an executive said. The Soil & Water Outcomes Fund, a partnership with
Mike Gill, Kristie L. Ebi, Kirk R. Smith, Lorraine Whitmarsh and Andy Haines (The BMJ Opinion) Mike Gill and colleagues explain how the implementation of of fossil fuel labelling could have a significant impact on the awareness of climate change. This article is part of The BMJ’s Health
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuels Strategies) ... According to a new IRENA study, accelerating investment in renewable energy would help tackle the climate crisis, provide a post COVID-19 stimulus and would in effect pay for itself. IRENA notes that investments
by Jake Spring and Nayara Figueiredo (Reuters) Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said on Thursday she was “frustrated” that measures to help the country’s ethanol and sugarcane sector have not been announced yet, after predicting supports would be unveiled last
(Renewable Fuels Association) A coalition of ethanol and farm groups today sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency opposing the American Petroleum Institute’s recent petition requesting reconsideration of the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) final rule. API claims reconsideration of the
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) As a sudden drop in demand decimates the oil industry, international efforts are underway to ride the lull in fossil fuel consumption to expedite the clean up of the world’s energy sector. Even as the coronavirus
(Transport Topics) The California Air Resources Board has conditionally approved a slate of regulatory amendments intended to more closely monitor the additives blended into B20 biodiesel that so far have not been deemed effective at mitigating oxides of nitrogen in
by Alexander Weiss, Caroline Parker, Hope Bigda-Peyton, Kara Hoving, Matthew Burnett (Cafe Law and Policy Lab) State support for anaerobic digester technology is growing rapidly. This technology, which is rarely profitable without government support, promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
by Saleha Mohsin, Ari Natter and Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg/RigZone) The Trump administration may announce as soon as Thursday a plan to offer loans to the ailing oil industry possibly in exchange for a financial stake, according to two people familiar
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) ... (Former Agriculture Secretary Tom) Vilsack said the biofuel industry hasn’t been invited to the White House like the airline or oil industries have to discuss ways to help cover their losses. A number of conservative
(Explica) The biodiesel sector is pleading with the government to anticipate the mixture of 13% of biofuel to diesel by July 1, as a way to contribute to the development of the sector and stimulate the economy in the midst of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If you’ve noticed that DOE is taking on a much more fundamental bit of science than we’ve seen in the past decade — a move away from catalyzing demonstrations and scale-up and towards more fundamental
(Government of Canada) In late 2016, the Government of Canada announced that it would consult with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, industries, and non-governmental organizations to develop a clean fuel standard to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions through the increased
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Missed the recent DigestConnect discussion where The Digest shared the latest on the U.S. goal of 36 billion biofuels gallons by 2022 and where we are now? Check out this slide guide that takes a
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa, on April 28 announced the introduction of the Clean Fuels Deployment Act of 2020. The bill aims to provide funding for installing and converting fuel pump infrastructure to deliver higher blends
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Pressure is mounting on President Donald Trump to change the Renewable Fuel Standard in light of the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19. A number of tax, environmental and political think tanks sent a letter
(Minnesota Department of Agriculture) On April 6, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture hosted a meeting of the Minnesota Governor's Council on Biofuels which included presentations from Jeremy Martin, Clean Transportation Program, Union of Concerned Scientists, speaking on Relative environmental effects
(Car and Driver) Are you thinking about switching to a biodiesel-compatible vehicle or running your current diesel car or truck on biodiesel fuel? Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of biodiesel vs. diesel, what's driving the market, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cow poop. It’s a problem for farmers across the country, something that has to be dealt with, something that environmentalists and vegetarians often cite as a reason to cut your steak intake, but Vanguard Renewables
(Biofuture Platform) On Abril 27th, the final step for the full operationalization of Brazil´s National Biofuels Policy (RenovaBio) was taken, as decarbonization credits (CBIO) start being sold in the Brazilian stock exchange. From today, certified biofuel producers will be able to
(Urban Air Initiative) That is the conclusion of a new peer reviewed technical paper published in the Journal of Air & Waste Management, validating previous research efforts by the Urban Air Initiative that find when ethanol is added to gasoline, it significantly reduces
by James Osborne, Sergio Chapa and Erin Douglas (Houston Chronicle) ... The mass shutdown of Texas oil fields has begun after an unprecedented crash that last week drove crude prices into negative territory for the first time in history. From
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, in a letter sent to the European Commission, Copa and Cogeca express their concerns about the potential consequences of the Covid-19 crisis on the vegetable oils, biodiesel, protein-rich by-products like rapeseed and sunflower meals
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant takes us on a journey on how carbon emissions can be reduced by advanced biofuels, more specifically, how lignocellulosic ethanol made from agriculture residues like straw, non-food materials, and waste can make an immediate impact,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... In comes news of public-private investments, rural economic development and employment, and even human health. With two new executive position veteran hires, up to 8 new plant managers, and putting to use a
by Adele Peters (Fast Company) ... Fracking companies have lost billions over the past decade. Some investors may be even more reluctant to invest in the sector now. “I think on the financial side, I would think twice as a
by Kelby Wingert (The Messenger) ... With fewer cars on the roads, fewer people commuting to work and fewer families traveling for vacations, gasoline prices across the nation began to drop. And while consumers at the pump are enjoying the lowest
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) U.S. Senators concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on rural America say what started out as a health crisis is quickly becoming a financial crisis as well. On a call with reporters Thursday, Senate Democratic Policy
(EcoEngineers) EcoEngineers is filming its conversations and making them accessible to the public in a video series called Eco Insights. We're inviting you to have a front-row seat to some of the daily conversations our experts have with each other. We want
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to consider whether it will review a challenge to the Renewable Fuel Standard point of obligation on May 15. Court documents related to the challenge were distributed to the
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... I want build on the theme that now, when we’ve been knocked down and are on the mat is when we need support, but from an additional angle—to preserve some sense of energy
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) The much-awaited re-visit of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) as part of the new Green Deal should get rid of “prejudices” and take advantage of technologies and products already placed on the market, a biodiesel stakeholder
by Mark Abramowitz (Coalition for Clean Air) It was the summer of 1984, and I was a young air quality scientist for CBE, then called Citizens for a Better Environment (now Communities for a Better Environment). I had been an active
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to make adjustments to certain laboratory tailpipe emission testing procedures for automobiles, light trucks, and heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans as the result of a test fuel change that was finalized
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) An ag economist expects Washington lawmakers will be revisiting the Renewable Fuel Standard. Scott Irwin with the University of Illinois says, “I think we’re going to see the mother of all political battles over the RFS
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) ... “Working with Congress to find a pathway forward to come up with a minimum octane standard with some sort of carbon metric is what we believe to be the next step,” Palmer (Mark Palmer,
by Will Englund (Washington Post) President Trump said Tuesday he has ordered his administration to come up with a plan to provide federal assistance to the oil and gas industry in the United States, which has been staggered by the
(Nanyang Technological University) Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) have launched a report that outlines how companies can use alternative fuels to power their ships. This will help them meet the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) long-term greenhouse gas (GHG)
(Lloyds Register and University Maritime Advisory Services) ... This paper is an example of this collaboration; it examines three important elements of zero-carbon fuels when compared with traditional fossil-based fuels. All candidate fuels considered in this paper have some emissions
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum/Progressive Dairy) ... In California, home of the nation’s most progressive climate policy that is now nearly a decade old, the Air Resources Board motto is, “Electrify everything possible and use low-carbon fuels in everything
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... One of the benefits of diesel technology is its ability to operate on a variety of advanced biofuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel. These fuels are recycled from waste animal fats and vegetable oils and are capable up
by Benjamin Leard and Virginia McConnel (Resources for the Future (RFF)) The rapid transformation of the US transportation sector is partly due to three policies that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light duty vehicles: the federal corporate average fuel
by Frank Jossi (Energy News Network) Verified thermal energy credits could do for methane capture what renewable energy credits did for wind and solar power. -- A Wisconsin company is the first to sign up for a new renewable natural gas
(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) The North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA), working in partnership with Solutions from the Land (SfL), filed today its latest Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA) submissions to global climate negotiators. Farmer-led work groups formulated 35 recommendations
(Oklahoma Farm Bureau) ... The Harvard team's recent findings underscore the need to power more of our transportation system with non-petroleum-based fuels, like ethanol. The research team looked specifically at polluted areas beleaguered by fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5). Motor vehicle emissions
(Outlook The News Scroll) The government on Monday approved that surplus rice available with Food Corporation of India (FCI) can be converted into ethanol in order to manufacture alcohol-based hand sanitisers and also for blending with petrol. The decision was taken
by David Roberts (Vox) Oil and gas companies were already facing structural problems before Covid-19 and are in long-term decline. -- ... I wrote about how shortsighted it is for Republicans (enabled by learned Democratic passivity) to reject aid for the
(Renewable Fuels Association) As the COVID-19 pandemic and crude oil glut continue to ravage world fuel markets, U.S. ethanol sales in 2020 could fall by more than $10 billion and the industry’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) could drop by
by Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) The American Conservation Coalition, a conservative youth climate group, unveiled a climate policy framework Tuesday that offers a guide to Republican lawmakers as they try to message their budding climate policy agenda. The group also hopes its
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, EPBR reports that the Brazilian Development Bank, BNDES, does not have the resources to fulfill the financing line demanded by the ethanol sector to help with the Covid-19 impact of drastic price and demand drops
(MINSHIP) Bavarian ship management company MINSHIP and its subsidiary MINMARINE have announced that a bulk carrier in their fleet of managed vessels, M/V Trudy, has successfully bunkered biofuel at the Port of Rotterdam. The biofuel bunkered by the 2009-built, 30,790-dwt bulk
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Xebec is reducing carbon emissions in the gas grid by accelerating the adoption of renewable gases, focusing on both renewable natural gas and renewable hydrogen. With a $100 million in order backlog that validates the
by Chloe Sorvino (Forbes) Soft drink and beer makers are scrambling for access to CO2, a key ingredient in the carbonization used to make their products after coronavirus shutdowns have closed off their access to the chemical. “The supply is rapidly deteriorating,”
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) U.S. ethanol producers struggling with the largest downturn in the history of the industry were disappointed to hear that the new $19 billion USDA aid program will provide no direct help for them. “While we appreciate that USDA’s new program
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is weighing whether to let oil refineries skip on adding ethanol to their fuels, a move being requested by governors in oil-rich states who say the industry can’t afford the expense of
by John Elkington (Fast Company Press) Green Swans draws on Elkington's first-hand experience in some of the world's best-known boardrooms and C-suites. Using case studies, real-world examples, and profiles on emergent technologies, Elkington shows how the weirdest "Ugly Ducklings" of
(University of Maine) Incentivizing both sequestration and avoidance of emissions— using a carbon rental or carbon tax and subsidy approach — versus only a carbon tax encourages protection of natural forests by valuing the standing stock, according to a new study
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Haldor Topsoe had a great 2019. A leader in high-performance catalysts and proprietary technologies for the chemical and refining industries, their R&D spend is 8% of revenue and have developed more than 150 different catalysts.
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... Regarding ethanol, (Agriculture Secretary Sonny) Perdue talked about helping the export market, but he did not talk about providing direct aid to ethanol. On a webinar Wednesday with a Democratic-leaning group, "Focus on Rural,"
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Europe has been a strong customer of Canadian canola, but there are concerns over slumping biodiesel demand -- The European Union should continue to be a top customer for Canadian canola despite slumping biodiesel demand in that
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... The oil refining industry and its backers have asked the Trump administration to help the industry weather the pandemic by reducing a regulatory requirement that they blend billions of gallons of corn-based ethanol into their gasoline
(National Corn Growers Association) This may be a tumultuous time for corn farmers and ethanol producers. But then again, the ethanol industry's entire history has been a roller coaster ride. In this episode, NCGA CEO Jon Doggett revisits the battles that got us
by Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) Some ethanol plants who just spent thousands of dollars altering equipment to make hand sanitizer are fuming after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reversed its guidance that relaxed alcohol regulations for hand sanitizer production. FDA updated policy guidelines Wednesday that
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The “Blockchain database for sustainable biofuels” project is jointly led by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) and Bioledger and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a blockchain-based database solution for the European sustainably-certified biofuels market, with
by Michael Bates (NGT News) U.S. Gain has completed a gas processing facility at Clover Hill Dairy in Campbellsport, Wis., that will enable the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) for transportation fuel and other uses. “Many of the large farms already have
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) The governors of five U.S. states have asked the Trump administration for a nationwide waiver exempting the oil-refining industry from the nation’s biofuel laws to help it survive a demand meltdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, according
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Most people in the U.S. have probably never heard of cyperus esculentus, but Victor Garlington, managing partner at BioEconomy Solutions, believes it is the next big thing in biomass-based diesel feedstock. The company has grand
by Paul Nazzaro (Biodiesel Magazine/Advanced Fuel Solutions) ... For those of us who have long believed in biodiesel as the solution to keeping the heating oil industry alive and prosperous, it was our hope that by having all levels of
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen discusses policy achievements of 2019, highlights from the 2020 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, and challenges that lie ahead -- ...Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and renewable jet fuel
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... “We are surviving day by day,” Peterson (Chris Peterson, president of Hero BX) said. “All our people are still employed.” According to Peterson, Hero BX owner Pat Black strives to provide stability for his staff
by Emily Holden (The Guardian) EPA chief Wheeler says current soot regulations are adequate despite research that shows stricter rules could save thousands of lives -- Under the current standard, which was set in 2012, polluters can emit enough soot to
by Nathan Anderson (Columbia Daily Tribune) Already hurting from the upheaval caused by a long-lasting trade war, U.S. farmers are now expected to lose billions in income as the novel coronavirus pandemic touches all areas of the agricultural marketplace. U.S. farmers will lose
(The Nation Thailand) he Energy Ministry has postponed plans to promote the use of biofuels until the Covid-19 outbreak is eased. The ministry had initially told oil refineries to stop producing gasohol 91 as of June 1 in a move to promote
by Laurie Bedord (Successful Farming) ... Cattle require a specific diet to maintain proper nutrition and weight gain. For the past 10 years, Jon Auten has used the co-product from ethanol production as a source of energy and protein in his cattle
(Natural Resources Institute Finland/Phys.Org) Post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must safeguard and stimulate the preservation of carbon-rich soils through protection of peatlands. Functional peatlands are the most space efficient long-term carbon store and sink in our planet's biosphere. However, croplands on peat
(Neste) Neste has joined an alliance of cross-party political decision-makers, businesses, NGOs and other stakeholders in a call for a Green Recovery after the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis in Europe. The alliance places the fight against climate change at the core of
by Jamil Hijazi (The Payne Institute for Public Policy) Despite the trade war with China and the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the United States of America (U.S) faces the continuous problem of resource dependence and resource insecurity of its processed Rare
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is soliciting applications for seven advisory teams (A-Teams), including the Ethanol A-Team. According to the USGC, A-Team members gain expertise on trade policy and market development topics. In addition, their input helps
by Brentan Alexander (Forbes) ... But for advanced biofuels, which qualify for a broad set of renewable credits, their unique diversification of revenue streams is providing protection against the price destruction occurring in the fuels marketplace. ... Potential feedstocks for advanced biofuel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA released a proposed rule on April 13 that aims to streamline and modernize the agency’s existing fuels regulations. In the rulemaking, the EPA said it is proposing “some slight modifications to the
by Emily Holbrook (Environment & Energy Leader) The market for renewable aviation fuel (RAF) is expected to witness a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 56.05% from 2020 to 2025. Government policies have been one of the major factors in driving
(ePURE) Dramatic shift in demand and possibility of imports could threaten European industry -- European renewable ethanol producers have asked the European Commission to consider addressing challenges that have arisen from shifting market conditions as a result of the COVID-19 health
by Ana Mano and Roberto Samora (Reuters) Brazil plans to announce this week measures to support its ethanol sector, which has been battered by falling demand and a sharp drop in gasoline prices due to turmoil in oil markets, Agriculture Minister
by P. Scott Schearer (Natinal Hog Farmer/Informa Business Media ) Legislative Watch: Biofuels feeling COVID-19 impact; CO2 shortage hits food industry; more loan flexibility needed; expanding beef pricing inquiry; USMCA moving forward. -- ... A bipartisan group of Senators is
by Matt Carr (New Energy America/The Hill) The novel coronavirus pandemic could not have come at a worse time for America’s clean energy industry. After overcoming years of attacks by the Trump administration, the resultant loss of demand is threatening to decimate
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association thanked the bipartisan House Biofuels Caucus today for urging Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to utilize funds made available to USDA as part of the recently passed CARES Act to assist ethanol producers who
by Jenna Higgins Rose (River Cities' Reader) Iowa Biodiesel Board points to successful state policies behind growth -- A report released by the Iowa Department of Revenue shows biodiesel-blended fuel represented 69.9 percent of the total reported sales of on-road diesel
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) ... Once our nation gets through the current uncertainty that is ahead of us in the near term, I believe the future of biodiesel and renewable diesel in America is extremely bright. ... Biodiesel, renewable diesel,
(The Hagstrom Report/The Fence Post) Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said today that he will send a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to use the Commodity Credit Corporation to help the ethanol industry. Grassley said he
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A completely interesting example of what is known as the Straw Man fallacy appeared in coverage of a study that appears in this month’s Nature Sustainability, on electric vehicle emissions. The lead author of the study, University of Nijmegen’s Dr
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a request by refiners for an en banc hearing of the January case that voided three small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard, Pro's Eric Wolff reports. READ
(Diesel Technology Forum) States that have enacted greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs for the transportation sector, including low-carbon fuel requirements, are realizing significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions thanks to the use of advanced biofuels including biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule on March 31. The rule sets corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and
(IHS Markit/FO Licht) There is also early evidence that as restrictions have been lifted in China, more people there are preferring to travel by private cars or taxis rather than taking public transport—it is highly likely this will happen in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At last week’s Digest webinar, Mark Laurenzo from the Iowa Economic Development Authority shared this illuminating presentation on Iowa’s key value propositions, activity from the biosciences industry in the state where bioscience R&D expenditures per
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Few countries blend ethanol beyond 10% right now but are targets moving? What about biodiesel targets, mostly set below 7% volume in some countries? How about the 18 countries that plan to ban of phase out
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “In our space, on a myopic level, we are so used to getting battered around, we’ll get through this too—but on a broader level the dynamics in which we operate will be substantially different,” said Gene
(Urban Air Initiative) The EPA is working on another emission testing program, one that will cost $25 million and last five years. This comes on the heels of a previous emissions study funded by the EPA. When the Urban Air Initiative
(SEA-LNG/NGV Journal) SEA-LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition, has released the latest in its series of independently conducted reports. The CE Delft study analyses the availability and costs of bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG and concludes that both could become available in sufficient quantities
by Theodor Goumas (ART Fuels Forum/EurActiv) Last week, a large group of EU-based biofuel producers and associations raised a red flag over reports that some member states are considering or are already dropping the mandates on renewable energy in transport in
(Aberdeen News/U.S. Grains Council) U.S. ethanol is helping meet fuel supply needs in Australia — the result of a domestic supply gap and engagement by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its ethanol industry partners. “U.S. ethanol is not subject to tariffs
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... RFA told The Digest that about 4.4 billion gallons of capacity has come offline since March 1, plus what was already idle, the total is about 5.2 billion gallons idle – that’s approximately
(Reuters/NewsMax Finance) The U.S. biofuel industry has asked the Trump administration for funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation to help it survive a demand slump triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) -- 38% of voters support a bailout for the oil and gas industry, compared to 54% backing for a renewables industry bailout. -- Republicans are nearly as supportive of a renewables bailout (49%) as
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA published a notice on March 12 announcing 42 states and territories failed to submit state plans under the 2016 emissions guidelines for existing municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. The March 12 notice represents
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The United Kingdom’s Department of Transportation just released this plan for decarbonizing transportation across the board, from rail and aviation to road vehicles like buses, cars, freight and heavy duty trucks. The UK’s plan includes
by Ross Mazur and Joel Braden (Sustainable Fuels Consulting LLC/Biofuels Digest) ...Carbon-neutral Electricity For all of us whose product is sold in an LCFS or RFS-2 market, carbon-free electricity could bring additional value (see B.O.T.E. profitability analysis below). Although
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was wrong to withhold information about how it devised its new fuel efficiency standards, a panel of judges ruled just a day after the Trump administration rolled back Obama-era mileage standards. The
by Doug Vine (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions) ...Generally, economywide decarbonization can be achieved through large-scale deployment of energy efficiency, transforming to net-zero electricity production, and electrifying end-use consumption wherever plausible. However, low-carbon fuels (e.g., renewable natural gas, biofuels,
(Advanced Biofuels Canada) Clean Fuel Standard is key to attracting over $12 billion in advanced biofuels projects -- ... To inform clean fuel sector development, Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) conducts an annual member survey to capture project-based data on capital investments
(The Fuels Institute/Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. biomass-based diesel, comprised of both biodiesel and renewable diesel, has increased rapidly in a relatively short time span to become a leading source of alternative transportation fuel. According a new report released March 26 by the Fuels
(National Council for Science and the Environment) The NCSE 2020 Annual Conference: Science in Environmental Decision-Making, held January 6–9, 2020, in Washington, D.C., provided a forum for collaboration and engagement, harnessing collective vision and energy toward what is possible when scientific research is
Ed de Jong, Heinz Stichnothe, Geoff Bell and Henning Jørgensen (EIA Bioenergy) Since the first issue of the IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report on bio-based chemicals in 2011, the importance of a circular economy has become evident. In the transition to
(FNR/AdvanceFuel) More than 600 participants from 25 countries attended the conference and took part in the presentations and discussions regarding possible options for a more sustainable future mobility serving under the goals of the Paris Agreement and the obligations of the
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The BIOFIT consortium has now published a handbook on “Technical options for retrofitting industries with bioenergy”. The handbook includes arguments for retrofitting, describes the retrofitting process and its impact on public perception, summarizes the European biomass potential and logistics
(European Biogas Association/NGV Journal) The European Biogas Association (EBA) has participated in a research on the state of play of the biomethane market in Europe. The report provides a general European overview, together with an in-depth mapping at country level of
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) USDA’s 2020 Prospective Plantings report released Tuesday estimates planted acres for corn this year at 97.0 million acres, up 8 percent or 7.29 million acres from last year. But when farmers were surveyed a month ago, coronavirus had yet
"EPA’s rule assumes that electric vehicles have no “upstream” greenhouse gas emissions related to their use; in other words, the agency completely ignores emissions related to producing electricity from coal, natural gas, and other sources and distributing the electricity to
by Sean Szymkowski (Road Show) The changes, wrapped into the SAFE Vehicles Rule, will result in less stringent CAFE improvements through 2026. -- The SAFE Vehicle Rule, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lowers
by Zoey Shipley and Miro Korenha (Our Daily Planet) NPR and PBS Frontline recently announced a new joint investigation which has revealed that since the 1980s, “the plastics industry spent tens of millions of dollars promoting recycling through ads, recycling projects, and public relations, telling people
by Lila Holzman, Mike O’Boyle and Daniel Stewart (As You Sow/Energy Innovation) This report serves to inform investors about the evolving risks associated with the use of natural gas within the power sector. At a time when investors are paying
by C.J. Evans (Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/American Diversified Energy/Biofuels Digest) The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC) has been working on Capitol Hill for the past two months to advocate for FY2021 federal programs and funding that are of importance to the
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) The new rule will improve the U.S. car and light truck fleet’s efficiency by 1.5 percent a year, versus nearly 5 percent under current law. The new rule will improve the U.S. car
by Sean Turner (Fleet Owner Magazine/ACT News) Do you currently operate clean vehicles in California? Or, are you thinking of making a transition to lower emission technologies? If so, your fleet has the potential to generate enough money to pay for
(South Dakota Farmer's Union) In addition to feeding and fueling the world, farmers across the Corn Belt are helping sequester carbon by raising corn for ethanol, livestock feed and Fourth of July barbecues. “Corn is one of only a handful of grasses
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