by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There was high drama in Washington, DC as the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference got underway and President Trump readies to meet at the White House with a number of biofuels leaders about the RFS and bioeconomy policy
by Robert J. Samuelson (The Washington Post) ... It’s true that the Trump administration has withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, making any transition harder. But the problems transcend President Trump’s disengagement, as a new study from the oil giant BP makes clear. Reading it,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, ABLC 2018 opens amidst a flutter of government rollbacks of deployment support but the hope of regulatory relief, breakthroughs in financial structuring, a decisive shift in early-stage projects to nutrition & health, and an
by Kevon Paynter (Yes! Magazine) Portland, Ore., climate activists celebrate a win against Big Oil as city- and state-level initiatives gain momentum across the country. -- ... A key piece of Shell’s arctic drilling fleet, the vessel had arrived in Portland for
by Robert Rapier (Forbes) ... This year begins the ninth year of cellulosic ethanol mandates in the U.S. Today I want to give a brief review of cellulosic ethanol, review the original targets, and examine the current status of the industry. ... The 2007
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic victory for algae and other microbial technologies, Congress late last night approved a two-year budget agreement that establishes a $35 per ton tax incentive for carbon captured and recycled from power plants or industrial facilities
(U.S. Department of Energy) Last spring, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) conducted its seventh biennial external review of its research, development, and communications portfolio. More than 40 external subject matter experts from industry, academia, and
by Amy Harder (Axios) ... The effort, called the Carbon Capture Coalition, is a rebranded and broadened version of an earlier group, called the National Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiative, which had a narrower focus. That coalition focused primarily on advocating for
(Scion/Scoop) Study proves New Zealand could forge a green transport fuels future -- New Zealand could build a renewable low-carbon transport fuels industry - but only if the nation decides to act. A report by Crown Research Institute Scion outlines how the country
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... BIO is the only trade association that advocates for the diverse policies that support the entire biobased economy – the full value chain of technologies and infrastructure to convert renewable, low-carbon, low-cost
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump has asked for more talks between representatives of the oil and corn industries after a meeting on Tuesday failed to yield an agreement on how to help refiners cope with the country’s
(European Automobile Manufacturers Association) The European Commission presented its Clean Mobility Package on 8 November 2017. Besides a number of legislative and non-legislative initiatives, the Commission also launched an Action Plan on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure as well as investment solutions for
(International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 41) The fourth IEA Bioenergy Task 41 workshop on Bio-CC(U)S was organized in Brussels 16 January 2018. The topic of the workshop was Market and regulatory issues related to Bio-CCUS. The workshop was a full day event divided
by Steve White (Nebraska TV) Nebraska farmers grow their own market through ethanol. It creates jobs, but it also provides hometown demand for corn and they’re optimistic Pres. Trump will help the industry. Farmers like Bill Schuster of Hamilton County can’t imagine
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the U.S. farming community are speaking out ahead of a Feb. 27 White House meeting on the Renewable Fuel Standard, urging President Donald Trump to avoid seeking change that would weaken the nation’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week marks the 10th anniversary of the first demo flight on biofuel which was done by Virgin Atlantic. LanzaTech CEO Jennifer Holmgren shared the factoid that, since that day, more than 100,000 commercial flights have used
by Tim Nicholson & Justin Hilliard (GoAutoMedia/Cars Guide) Nissan has confirmed it is looking at range-extender hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell and biofuel powertrain options for its future line-up of light-commercial vehicles, including the Titan large pick-up. When questioned about possible future LCV powertrains
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA joined 14 other exhibitors at the University of Maryland College Park recently to bring education about biofuels to students, faculty and businesses interested in sustainability and engaged in renewable energy and
by David Merritt Johns, Gerald M. Oppenheimer (Science Magazine) Over the past quarter-century, historical research has revealed how major industries from tobacco to lead to petroleum have meddled in science to conceal the hazards of their products. Drawing on secret industry
(Gas for Climate/NGV Journal) Renewable gas used in existing gas infrastructure could play an important role in reducing Europe’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero by mid-century, according to a study published by the Gas for Climate initiative. Such a reduction
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump has called a meeting early next week with key senators and Cabinet officials to discuss potential changes to biofuels policy, which is coming under increasing pressure after a Pennsylvania refiner blamed the regulation
by Emma Foehringer Merchant (GreenTechMedia) Expanded credits in the budget bill could “absolutely make the difference” for the economic viability of carbon capture and sequestration. -- Among the energy credits tucked inside the budget deal eked out in early February lies a controversial measure: carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) There is a need to maintain the EU’s main source of protein feed that are the co-product of biofuels, the European farmers association Copa-Cogeca told EURACTIV.com as the Commission announced its intention to draw up an EU-wide “protein
(The Hindu) Cost of the unit, which will use agricultural waste, will be Rs. 966 crore; it is expected to provide jobs for around 80 persons Since the Centre has given top priority for second generation (2G) ethanol production, Mangalore Refineries and
by Roberto Samora (Reuters (Google translation)) JBS Biodiesel, a biofuel unit of global meat giant JBS, will invest R $ 5.5 million to add chicken and pork fats to biodiesel production as a way to expand the matrix of its raw
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Ethanol industry and oil refiners both feel threatened; Biofuel mandate divides two states that voted for Trump -- Top Trump administration officials are planning two summits to discuss possible changes to the U.S. biofuel mandate, according to
by Ray Baker (Journal Standard) Adkins Energy is excited to welcome Casey’s, the first gas station in Freeport to offer E15 fuel. E15 is 85 percent regular gasoline and 15 percent ethanol, and it gives all of us a cleaner, greener,
(ICIS) -US ethanol trade groups on Wednesday slammed the European Commission’s review to extend antidumping duties on US fuel ethanol. The 9.5% duties are set to expire at the end of this month, but on Tuesday the European Renewable Ethanol Association (e-Pure) announced it will
by Meghan Gordon and Brian Scheid (Platts) Reforming the US biofuel mandate will be tricky and will likely have to be done by Congress, not by the Trump administration, according to a recent top energy adviser to the White House. "I don't
(Biofuels International) Growth Energy calls on US government to support biofuels sector -- Biofuels are crucial to improving the US energy outlook, according to an expert from ethanol trade association Growth Energy. Chris Bliley, Growth Energy’s vice-president of regulatory affairs, says that the
(National Biodiesel Board) Commerce Department Finds That Argentina and Indonesia Sell Biodiesel Imports Below Fair Value in US -- The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition won a final antidumping determination from the Commerce Department. The department found that biodiesel imports
by Abby Smith (Bloomberg Environment) Automakers seek consistency in EPA, NHTSA programs as agencies weigh standards’ future; Environmentalists say push is meant to soften vehicle limits -- Automakers may already get what they want this spring as the Trump administration eyes lower
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 21, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, spoke at a rally against the Renewable Fuel Standard hosted by Philadelphia Energy Solutions Inc., a refiner that recently blamed the RFS and renewable identification number (RIN) prices
(AGQM/Biodiesel Magazine) The University of Rostock demonstrates in current research results that off-road engines conforming to exhaust emission category EU Stage IV are suitable for operation with pure biodiesel. The German government’s climate protection plan 2050 intends a reduction of the greenhouse
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A biofuel blending mandate for motor vehicle fuels is being considered in the Hawaii legislature this session. In January, Hawaii Sen. Lorraine Inouye introduced Senate Bill 2019 (SB2019) that requires transportation fuel sold in the state to
by Thomas Wilson and Jack Farchy (Bloomberg) Output at Congo’s artisanal mines probably rose at least half; Metal vital to many electric vehicles has tripled in 18 months -- The appetite for electric cars is driving a boom in small-scale cobalt production
(Biofuels International) A new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says the EU could double the renewable share in its energy mix, cost effectively, from 17% in 2015 to 34% in 2030. In order to reach long term decarbonisation goals, the report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy has a key project called Co-Optima, which aims to determine key fuel properties that enable improved engine efficiency, provide key science to enable high efficiency combustion modes, and capitalize on unique
by Christiana Mayer (East Oregonian) We are continually bombarded with news about new oil drilling and fracking, but that’s not the only solution for domestic fuel production or the only path toward loosening OPEC and Russia’s grip on energy supplies —
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new legislative bill to fund more ethanol blender pumps across South Dakota is set to go before the state Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Thursday, Feb. 20. The bill is being proposed by
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) ... “There are a lot of positives of NAFTA as it relates to agriculture in Indiana; and all throughout the value chain and economy we would feel the impact should the U.S. withdraw from NAFTA,”
by Chrysa Glystra (Platts) The European Commission announced Tuesday it will initiate an expiry review of the antidumping duty against US fuel ethanol imports, with the duty staying in the place for another 15 months while the investigation takes place. The duty
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Throughout 2016 and 2017, a rail terminal built to accept crude oil for the largest East Coast refinery often sat idle, with few trains showing up to unload. Although little oil flowed, plenty of money did. Under a deal Philadelphia
by John Herath (Ag Pro) As the United States looks to craft a clean fuel future for transportation, biofuels should not be lost behind electric vehicles according to Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association. "To say that an electric vehicle has no
(The Herald) Fuel prices shot up recently before Government intervened by reducing import duty on fuel to stem the price madness that rose as a result. Questions have been raised as to the contribution of the multi-million dollar investment by Green
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says while electric cars are probably ten years away from becoming a “meaningful reality”, it’s a trend the ethanol industry needs to discuss. “Electric vehicles are going to come.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s February 2018 Farm Income Forecast predicts net farm income will decline by or 6.7 percent this year. According to Growth Energy, the expected drop underscores the need for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard. The
(Bioenergy International) Sustainable biofuels are among the best solutions available for decarbonising transport and mitigating climate change, according to a new study. Published as the EU begins trilogue negotiations its renewable energy policy for the 2020-2030 period, the report from the
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Members and supporters of the Iowa Biodiesel Board wore “I heart biodiesel” pins as they met with state legislators and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday for the annual Biodiesel Day on the Hill. The group tied the message
by Carli Lourens (Bloomberg) South Africa’s proposed mandatory blending of biofuels with gasoline and diesel may signal the start of a biofuels industry and boost sorghum output sixfold, an economist at the farmers’ body Grain SA said. The government’s September release of draft
by Ron Lamberty (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) ACE's Ron Lamberty reviews a letter the Petroleum Marketers of America recently sent to the Federal Trade Commission. ... It’s reasonable to want to tear the letter apart and point out the pieces of
by Jim Grey (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Canada) The story of the Canadian biofuels sector is remarkable. From its infancy, the industry has continued to drive Canada’s circular economy, supporting the agricultural sector while continually creating environmentally sustainable economic growth in
(Unilever) Unilever and Indonesian government-owned palm oil plantation company PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in Indonesia to support local mills and smallholder farmers to produce palm oil according to the standards of no
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Texas Senator John Cornyn’s plan to overhaul U.S. biofuels policy faces resistance from the oil and ethanol sectors, reducing chances of a reboot to the controversial regulations, sources familiar with the matter said. The plan, which the sources said
by Emily Druckman (Renewable Fuels Association) A new analysis from the University of Illinois shows that the conditions that caused high conventional biofuel (D6) RIN prices are changing rapidly and that “…it is not out of the realm of possibility for D6 RINs
(Biofuels International) Biofuels are crucial to improving the US energy outlook, according to an expert from ethanol trade association Growth Energy. Chris Bliley, Growth Energy’s vice-president of regulatory affairs, says that the forecasts in the recently released US Energy Information Administration’s (EIA)
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Ethanol industry group have been asking, yet getting little feedback from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on an overlooked aspect of the Renewable Fuel Standard: the production of cellulosic ethanol using corn fiber at
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission told senators Thursday the Environmental Protection Agency hasn't been able to provide the CFTC with enough quality data on the biofuels trading market for CFTC regulators
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) DSM and Evonik have given a name to their joint venture to produce omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from natural marine algae for animal nutrition — something that’s been traditionally been made from wild-caught fish
In his article suggesting scrapping Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards in favor of a Clean Air Act life cycle analysis-based methodology for CO2 transportation emission reduction, Bob Kozak advised, "(I)f anyone asks what will be the economic incentive for a
by Robert Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 54.5 miles/gallon has become a significant issue since the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Besides the Administration’s near religious fervor against
by Maqsood Maniyar (Times of Oman) Oman has a great potential to provide algae for synthesis of biofuel, observers in the field of biology have stated. The Sultanate, with its wadis and seas, is an excellent source of algae that can be
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) “If we do not break the lock-in effect of our dominant fuel sources, we may in fact facilitate mother nature in breaking the lock-out of her dominant species,” wrote Stephen L. Bi in The
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) The American Petroleum Institute has come out against a campaign by small refineries to avoid their obligations under the US biofuel mandate, according to a letter released Tuesday. More than two dozen refineries with throughput of less than
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today hailed the release of two studies by the Department of Energy that find ethanol-based high octane fuels can deliver substantial fuel economy improvements and emissions reductions when paired with optimized internal combustion
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Feb. 13, U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt met with members of the forest products industry and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to discuss a range of environmental issues. Pruitt also provided Sununu with a letter
by PTI, Guwahati (India TV) Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) will utilise bamboo as main biomass for producing bioethanol under the project at Owguri Chapori village in Golaghat (Assam). ... The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by wildlife activist Rohit Choudhury seeking quashing of
by Jeremy Gilpin, Jordan Blanchard, and Cindy Thyfault (National Rural Lenders Association/Biofuels Digest) There has been a keen focus the last few weeks for President Trump and the USDA with the release of the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report, President
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Trump administration Monday proposed significantly slashing a handful of controversial loan and research programs at the Department of Energy (DOE). The cuts to programs meant to help develop innovative energy technologies, which President Trump outlined in his budget
by John Voelcker (Green Car Reports) It's accepted wisdom among electric-car fans and advocates that within a few years, mass-market car buyers will start snapping up battery-electric cars. First, battery prices have to come down to the point that electric vehicles aren't
by Tim Pearce (Daily Caller) Two environmental groups sued the Trump administration Friday over the threat that the 2018 renewable fuel volume standards pose to endangered species. The Sierra Club and the Gulf Restoration Network are targeting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(South Dakota State University/Biomass Magazine) Can farmers produce at least 1 billion tons of biomass per year that can be used as biofuels feedstock? That’s the question that researchers are trying to answer, according to North Central Regional Sun Grant Center Director
(Transparency Market Research/Globe Newswire) Global Ethanol Market could rise at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast timeframe 2017–2022 to touch a hefty valuation of US$105.0 Billion by the final forecast year 2022. -- The global ethanol market is characterized by the
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic victory for algae and other microbial technologies, Congress late last night approved a two-year budget agreement that establishes a $35 per ton tax incentive for carbon captured and recycled from power plants or industrial facilities using algae
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Congress passed its budget deal, and among the items in the deal was a retroactive restoration of the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit for 2017. The bill did not include a
by Cliff Gladstein (ACT News) For several years there have been significant efforts to capture and divert fugitive renewable gases toward the transportation sector where, as a replacement for diesel in heavy duty vehicles, the fuel can do tremendous good. This
By Dan Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Antwerp, Belgium, is known for diamonds and fine chocolates. But what shined there a couple of weeks ago was the Conference of the European Biogas Association (EBA). [caption id="attachment_93154" align="alignleft" width="194"] Danilo Gusmao at the
by Mike Carr (The Hill/New Energy America) President Trump has pledged a theme of “energy dominance.” It’s not the first time Washington has had this thought. During the years I worked at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee we grappled with
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) An expected increase in ethanol demand in Brazil, boosted by the country’s economic recovery and a new programme to raise biofuel use, will initially be met by fuel produced from corn, an industry official told Reuters on
by Scott Warfield (CERES Project Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... The big game changer for financing, profitability and financial returns of anaerobic digester (AD) projects regardless of feedstock is carbon offset credits and specifically California’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) which provides
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As Minnesota prepares to implement its 20 percent biodiesel (B20) requirement in diesel fuel May 1, a series of workshops will be held across the state beginning Feb. 12 in Saint Paul. The “Be Ready for
by David Morgan (Reuters) ... Just weeks after approving a sweeping tax code overhaul, the Republicans said they would examine as many as 35 “tax extender” measures to see if they should remain on the books. ... “The goal is not to get
The biggest news out of Novozymes this month is its new yeast platform for starch-based ethanol, while also introducing the first product, Innova Drive. A completely new yeast strain, the product can reduce fermentation time by up to two hours compared
by Katrina Cornish and Corinne Young (re:chem/Bioemergent Materials, The Ohio State University/Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises) Bioenergy/biofuel/platform chemical biomasses, whether grown (crops) or collected (forestry waste and municipal wastes of various kinds), still struggle with commercial competitiveness against the low cost, enormous scale, and market
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has released a memo produced by his energy policy staff that finds that Renewable Fuel Standard blending requirements and the cost of renewable identification numbers (RINs) have little to do with
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The particulars are the subject of a white paper from a team at Propel Fuels — Rob Elam, Will Faulkner, Chris LaPlante, Parker Chase — and available here. Un-Penalizing the Poor The topics include regressive taxes that penalize
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted the 2017 Project Peer Review on March 6–9, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. During the event, approximately 192 projects in BETO’s research, development, and demonstration portfolio were
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) As debate rages on about whether the price of biofuels credits in the Renewable Fuel Standard are putting small refiners out of business, a little-known analysis by a Harvard University economics professor last summer
by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Maximiliano Rizzi and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) Indonesia plans to file a case against the U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Court of International Trade over anti-subsidy duties imposed on Indonesian biodiesel shipments, a Trade Ministry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When it comes to the future of the combustion engine, what are the future developments from a scientific viewpoint? That’s the ambitious topic that Gennadi Zikoridse of the University of Applied Sciences Dresden took on in this recent presentation. Combustion
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In 2007 the US government established a national strategy for the development of advanced biofuels made using non-edible biomass. After 10 years we are still short of achieving the targets of this plan
(GreenAir Online) ICAO’s proposed rules for States and aeroplane operators on the administration; monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of CO2 emissions; carbon offsetting requirements; and emissions units under the CORSIA scheme have been circulated to the UN agency’s 192 member States
by Mark Chediak, Dana Hull and John Lippert (Bloomberg) Official sees ‘war’ if state’s rule-setting rights revoked; Air Resources Board planning zero-emissions bus proposal -- ... The state has special authority under the 1970 Clean Air Act to make its own pollution
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The latest data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that gasoline consumed in 30 states and the District of Columbia in 2016 contained more than 10 percent ethanol on average, breaking through the so-called E10 Blend
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Times) The oil industry’s campaign to undermine the growth of domestically produced renewable fuels such as ethanol has certainly been ramped up lately. Today they’re callously capitalizing on the financial woes of one of the
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) (Google translation)) Global standard values overestimate nitrous oxide emissions in rapeseed cultivation -- A network of eight partners under the coordination of the Thünen Institute (TI) for agri-climate protection engaged in a
The latest joint OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook spawned this fascinating 10 year outlook of global biofuel markets and agricultural feedstocks. This model based projection, validated through global expert consensus, includes major food commodities and biofuels driven by the outlooks on population, GDP, fossil
by Daniel Lane and Joel Stone (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... These disruptive technology innovations have happened many times throughout history and are discussed in the popular book The Innovator’s Dilemma, by Clayton Christensen. He coined the phrase in describing a process
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Environmental groups have long been against palm oil plantations on these crucial climate fighting forests. But consumers are using more palm oil products, from cosmetics to biofuels to food ingredients, and the demand for
by Todd Neeley (AGFAX) President Donald Trump set out an agenda during the State of Union address on Tuesday that includes a plan to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. ... The Trump plan calls for about $200 billion in federal dollars invested, to spark
by P.J. Griekspoor (American Agriculturalist) Sen. Roberts urged farmers to be ready to ‘sound off’ in support of farmer-friendly legislation. -- March will be the month the 2018 Farm Bill comes to the Senate floor. At least that’s the best guess of Senate
(Argus Media) Marathon Petroleum said it expects US legislators to propose changes to federal fuel mandates this spring. Senators and US Representatives would soon propose changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), chief executive Gary Heminger said during a quarterly earnings call
The biofuels-related portion of the 2018 election campaign season is off to a quick start with Jeff Broin, founder and CEO of POET, making a case for including the expansion of ethanol markets via year-round consumer choice of E15 across the
(Air Transport Action Group) The aviation industry today welcomed a move by the European Parliament to ensure that sustainable aviation fuel is a key component of the future of air transport. The European Parliament this week adopted its position on
(The Fence Post/Hagstrom Report) Jeff Broin, founder and CEO of POET, the South Dakota company that builds and manages ethanol plants, brought his view that the government needs to authorize the sale of E15 blend year-round to a State of the
by Terry J. Mazanec (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Most modern refineries comprise more than 20 individual unit operations, each of which is a complex process on its own. And different refineries are optimized for different blends of crude oil, different
by Joelle Simonpietri (Biofuels Digest) On Jan 21st 2018, Carlyle-backed Philadelphia Energy Solutions(PES), the largest refinery complex on the U.S. east coast at 335,000 barrels per day, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, blaming Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance costs. In the week since the filing, the Washington Examiner reports
by Natasha Geiling (ThinkProgress) Currently only one state in the country has an economy-wide cap on carbon. These states want to change that -- Lawmakers from nine states announced on Wednesday that they would be forming a coalition to help pass carbon pricing
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Biofuel mandate overhaul mulled by Congress after bankruptcy; Unions and Pennsylvania politicians seek immediate action -- The bankruptcy of Philadelphia Energy Solutions LLC, the biggest refiner on the U.S. East Coast, has invigorated efforts to overhaul a 13-year-old federal
by Philip Blenkinsop and Sybille de la Hamaide (Reuters) The European Commission has begun a new investigation into whether Argentine biodiesel exporters benefit from unfair subsidies, following a complaint in December by the European Biodiesel Board (EBB). The EU’s official journal said on
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) More industry players chose to develop and build new capacity rather than buy plants -- The North American biofuels industry experienced the fewest merger and acquisition transactions in recent history in 2017. There were only
(California Advanced Biofuels Alliance) On January 19th, CABA joined biofuels groups in opposing AB 1745. Here is the text of the letter: Dear Assembly Member Ting: It is after careful deliberation that the undersigned organizations respectfully express opposition to AB 1745, a bill
(Trucking Info) Fontana Truck Stop Center has an ideal location. It’s just off one interstate and near another, both of them taking traffic to and from Los Angeles. It’s also in an industrial area populated with distribution centers, manufacturers and equipment
by Cheryl Kalisch Gordon (Rabobank/The Land) Only a month after the European Union confirmed Australian canola would satisfy the new 2018 greenhouse gas requirements for use in EU biodiesel, a proposal to alter the EU’s overarching renewable energy policy has
by Kelly M0oij (Audubon Society/Tap Into New Brunswick) ... A decade removed from RFS beginnings has given ample time for evaluation and it’s time to reform the program. As a start, Congress must work to promote biofuels made from sources other
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) President Donald Trump did mention energy in his first State of the Union address, albeit briefly. “We have ended the war on American energy, and we have ended the war on beautiful clean coal,” said the president. “We are
by Sybille de La Hamaide (Reuters) France’s approval of conversion kit allowing petrol cars to use fuel containing up to 85 percent of ethanol will boost demand for mostly crop-based ethanol next year, French ethanol producers said on Tuesday. Consumption of ethanol, mainly
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week in the Digest, we begin a Special 8-part Series: The State of the Advanced Bioeconomy: Challenges and Priorities for 2018. As we head into the final month before ABLC 2018, these in-depth examinations from a group
by ShivikaMittal, Erik O.Ahlgren and P.R.Shukla (Energy Policy) -Barriers hindering biogas dissemination in urban and rural biogas systems are identified. -Decomposition and logical problem analysis tools are used for assessment. -Key areas of improvements in existing policies are identified. Biogas has emerged
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cargill recently announced plans to expand its portfolio at its starches and sweeteners plant in Krefeld, Germany, with advanced biofuels, vegetable wheat protein and industrial wheat starches. The expansion to a wheat processing facility allows
(Reuters/NASDAQ) The European Commission will next week launch an investigation into whether Argentine producers exporting biodiesel to the bloc are benefiting from unfair subsidies, people familiar with the case said. The Commission, which oversees trade policy across the 28-nation bloc, is expected
Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, a new report from MIT Sloan professor John Sterman supports the growing argument that burning wood pellets for power is worse for the climate than burning coal, because of the short-term effects and the “potentially irreversible impacts
(Bangkok Post) OPG Tech Co, a local palm oil trader, is gearing up for oil palm plantation and biodiesel production in Laos after seeing limited business opportunities in Thailand. OPG plans to develop the plantation on a 16,000-hectare plot, about 100,000
by Joseph Bebon (NGT News) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has announced that sales of Redeem, its renewable natural gas (RNG) vehicle fuel brand, grew by 32% in 2017, up from 60 million gallons in 2016 to 79 million gallons in 2017. According to the
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 22, 2018, the 15th International Conference on Renewable Mobility titled “Fuels of the Future” was opened up by a discussion with Members of the European Parliament, as well as representatives from the
by Mayank Aggarwal (LiveMint) Survey also recommends ‘congestion pricing’ for vehicles, expanding and improving public bus system to reduce private vehicle use, and phasing out old vehicles to reduce pollution -- The Economic Survey released on Monday suggested conversion of agricultural waste into
by Dan Crisler (The Public Opinion) As Glacial Lakes Energy and its partners continue to promote 30 percent ethanol (E30) fuel blends for use in gas vehicles, two City of Watertown departments have jumped on board. Housing two of the largest vehicle
by Tom Quimby (Hard Working Trucks) With both Ford and Chevy recently announcing diesel engine options for their 2019 ½-ton pickups, it’s safe to say that the nation’s oil-burners, despite ongoing emissions controversy, are not going away anytime soon. And interest in
by Louis Verchot (Quartz) ... Positive agricultural interventions could achieve up to 6% of reduction emissions needed to achieve the Paris Agreement goals—showing that this sector is not only part of the problem, but part of the solution to climate change. ... In Bonn at
by Philip Blenkinsop and Bernadette Christina Munthe (Reuters) The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled in favor of several challenges by Indonesia to anti-dumping duties imposed on its biodiesel exports to the European Union, saying the measures needed to be changed. The ruling is
by Miranda Green (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing for a unified national fuel emissions standard for automobiles, a move that could significantly impact California's stringent car emissions standards. EPA air and radiation head Bill Wehrum, speaking at the Washington Auto
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) A major US ethanol trade group is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to be more transparent in weighing requests from small refineries to get out of their obligations under the US biofuel mandate. EPA has reportedly received more than
by Swaraj Baggonkar (Money Control) The ministry of road transport and highways is urging automotive companies to introduce flex engines that can run with ethanol content as high as 100 percent. -- Union minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that the market will
By Ooi Tee Ching (New Straits Times) Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will retaliate if the EU’s ongoing discrimination and attack on the palm oil industry becomes legislative, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong. On April 4 last
In 2018, the Commission will make comprehensive proposals for the next generation of financial programmes for the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, which is the EU's long–term budget. The Commission's proposals will be designed to make it possible for the EU
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The biofuel and petroleum industries are back in court as both sides argue the Environmental Protection Agency should have implemented the Renewable Fuel Standard differently in 2017. Attorneys for biofuels and petroleum interests filed court
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) More than two dozen small U.S. refineries are seeking waivers from the nation’s biofuels law, an unusually high number that reflects growing oil industry resistance to the program, according to sources familiar with the matter. Prices of the
by Vanessa Macdonald (Times of Malta) Marlene Farrugia gets chemistry lecture -- Fuel importation company Enemed will not be offering a blend of petrol and ethanol any time soon, even though it may generate fewer emissions during use. Energy Minister Joe Mizzi was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The clearest intersecting theme is bio-methanol. Let’s see why. For one, Södra has much more going on than Silva, and we reported on a major development in December when we related that Södra will invest more
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine spotlights four companies—a respected producer, a service-oriented wholesaler, a 200-year old chemical firm, and a fuel conditioning company—that enable biodiesel's role as an effective change agent. PQ Corp. ... John Votta, global business director for PQ’s silica
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Continued investment and expansion took place in the U.S. biodiesel sector throughout 2017, despite rising political uncertainty and a lapsed tax credit. Here is an overview of some of the activity, plus a special sidebar story
(National Biodiesel Board) Annual awards highlight 25 years of biodiesel success -- As the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates 25 years, the National Biodiesel Board’s annual awards recognize a diverse group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to biodiesel. From
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 18th, 2018, the Canadian Institute of Forestry hosted a webinar for the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Task 37 which publically addressed that there is a need to harmonize methane emission measurements
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... (B)iodiesel companies are pressing Congress to pass the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit, which expired more than a year ago for the fifth time in its existence. On Jan. 17, 75 companies and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Even though the petroleum and biodiesel industries rarely see eye to eye on U.S. energy policy, the two factions find common ground in a new threat to all liquid fuels—electric vehicles. The opening general session of
(Global Newswire) Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) announced today (December 4, 2017) the launch of a public awareness campaign on the environmental and economic benefits of biofuels mandates. Dubbed ‘Facts Don’t Lie’, the campaign is designed to educate the public on the
In an Ethanol Producer Magazine article, Urban Air Initiative's David Hallberg explains how, with proper adherence to Clean Air Act regulations, ethanol can substitute for carcinogens in our fuel. "(I)t is increasingly clear that gasoline exhaust is the primary carrier
by David Hallberg (Ethanol Producer Magazine) (T)he U.S. Department of Energy's adherence to laws, and a proposal from the Urban Air Initiative to escape the aromatics dilemma. -- ... Hopefully Pruitt has established a precedent that will apply to one of
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) RIN values do affect fuel prices, but Ron Lamberty, senior vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol, says it’s not the effect many assume. -- ... A higher RIN, they say, increases the price of
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Washington, D.C., events provide opportunities for constituents to meet with lawmakers and help influence biofuels policy. -- Getting the ear of members of Congress, state legislators or regulatory bodies is not always easy. So many
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