by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate is currently considering the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015. To date, lawmakers have introduced more than 275 amendments to the bill, including several that would impact biofuels and bioenergy. ... Several of
(DemocraticUnderground.com) Two congressmen — Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R) and Rep. Theodore Deutch (D), both of Florida, filed paperwork this week to create the Climate Solutions Caucus. The group plans to look at options to address climate change and will serve “to
by Ayesha Rascoe and Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama will launch a long-shot bid next week to impose a $10-a-barrel tax on crude oil that would fund the overhaul of the nation's aging transportation infrastructure, the White House
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first Global Bioeconomy Summit in Berlin Germany released a communique: “We, a community of experts and stakeholders from more than 50 countries, met in Berlin to review the state of bioeconomy in different parts of
(American Coalition for Ethanol) To coincide with the fly-in, ACE created an ‘infographic’ promoting the benefits of the RFS. Titled “The Right Direction: How the RFS is a Map to Progress,” the new infographic pinpoints how the RFS is accomplishing
by David Ripplinger (NDSU Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics) When I returned to the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University in 2010, I expected my research to focus on the economics of liquid biofuels. The
(American Energy Alliance) The Senate is poised to consider broad energy legislation, the first of its kind since 2007. S.2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act, seeks to address various facets of energy policy, from efficiency standards to power supply and
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Ethanol supporters are pushing back against what they say is a “false narrative” regarding Senator Ted Cruz’s victory in the Iowa caucuses. Some political pundits say Cruz’s victory is a sign that the ethanol industry
(KHON2) One month after gas stations were allowed to start selling fuel without ethanol, Hawaii drivers are still stuck with mostly the same blended gasoline. The new law removes the mandate that required up to 10 percent of ethanol in the gas. Many drivers
by Renee Schoof (Bloomberg BNA) A group of farm-state governors and some advocates for clean energy are pressing the Environmental Protection Agency to get tougher on toxic air pollution from motor vehicles in a way that could lead to a bigger
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (Biofuels Digest/re:chem Alliance) For all of 2015’s turbulence in the renewable chemical sector, in one area – US government policy – the industry saw marked progress. For the last two years, the Renewable Chemical &
by Anthony Adragna (Bloomberg BNA) ... Businessman Donald Trump: The Republican front-runner has disputed the notion that human activity significantly contributes to climate change. In 2012, Trump wrote, "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order
by Laura Blewitt and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) ... Biodiesel’s become so cheap in the U.S. that some refiners are being paid to use it. Midwest refiners are paying as little as 64.5 cents a gallon for the fuel after factoring in a $1-a-gallon
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Feb 1 U.S. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz's victory on Monday in corn-rich Iowa could represent a major blow to the nation's controversial biofuels program, reflecting its waning influence over politicians even in the U.S. farm
by C. Boyden Gray (Des Moines Register) The Iowa primary has put into play one of the more obscure issues in the political life of the nation — ethanol, of all things. Donald Trump led off his rant against Sen.
(NBC News Meet the Press) ... CHUCK TODD: Let's talk about two issues here that seem to be potentially tripping you up here in Iowa. One is ethanol. You have come out against these subsidies, you called it a "gravy train." A
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On January 27, the Senate began consideration of the Energy Policy Modernization Act (S. 2012). The bill was shepherded through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Maria
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) On October 28, 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) had been awarded $3.7 million through the Biofuels Infrastructure Program (BIP) to significantly expand
by Anders Fogh Rasmussen (Project Syndicate) The European Union is highly dependent on foreign oil. For every 100 liters consumed within the EU, 90 are imported. Meanwhile, domestic oil production is plummeting, down more than 50% over the last decade. Unless the
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) ... But the media play of ethanol has been inaccurate at times, for example when they refer to a corn ethanol subsidy. “There actually is no subsidy for corn ethanol. We gave that up in 2011. They
(GreenAir Online) The President of the COP21 negotiations in Paris, French foreign minister Laurent Fabius, told the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday that in the year ahead it would be necessary to work with UNFCCC Member States on international
by Ben Potter (Ag Web) Agriculture has not provided many hot-button issues for the candidates of the 2016 presidential election to discuss – with one exception. Because the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is oft-argued, and because the candidates are spending so
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the American Energy Alliance launched a six-figure advocacy initiative urging Congress to reject efforts that fall short of fully repealing the Renewable Fuel Standard. Amid speculation that the Toomey-Feinstein partial repeal language could be
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the USDA has highlighted the economic impacts on rural communities bioenergy investments have made in a new report looking at the $1.1 billion granted for renewable energy through 15,678 individual awards between 2009
(Iowa Department of Agriculture) Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that $2.49 million has been awarded through the “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative to support the installation of 107 new
by Alex Guillen and Jenny Hopkinson (Politico) ... Already, the Republican Texas senator has defied the caucus' usual political gravity by flying high in the polls in Iowa, despite his years of efforts to kill a federal ethanol mandate that supports
by John Stossel (Fox News) ... They support ethanol because Iowa is the first state to vote on presidential candidates. Candidates want to look strong at the start of the race, so every four years they become enthusiastic ethanol
(PSE Healthy Energy) New analysis from PSE Healthy Energy and University of California at Berkeley finds that increased deployment of renewable energy is the best way to meet or even surpass Clean Power Plan targets, as recent scientific measurements of
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) If your glycerin or free fatty acids may find their way into the food or feed supply, you must comply with the daunting Food Safety Modernization Act -- ... Moreover, if you’re a grease collector and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... So, how fast did petroleum expand production, in comparison to low-carbon renewable fuels? ... One thing is clear, renewable fuels are moving fast, by comparison. From 1866 through 1899 (a year when negative attention on the
(National Biodiesel Board) Climate benefits, reducing emissions common vein throughout industry awards -- Biodiesel has many benefits, but its ability to reduce emissions was a main theme of this year’s National Biodiesel Board industry awards. Landmark climate efforts, heavy duty
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ... “The RFS helped kick start the significant volumes of ethanol production we see today, but we cannot rely on the RFS to ensure a continued market,” Durante (Doug Durante, Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) executive
by Thomas Pyle (The Hill/ American Energy Alliance) ... Fortunately for the corn industry, “advanced” biofuels have failed to take off as Congress expected. Moreover, EPA can reduce the volumes Congress called for in the statute, which they have done for several
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) In part because of the success demonstrated in California with its low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), both Oregon and British Columbia have also adopted low carbon transportation policies, and they are setting precedent for the rest
by Graham Noyes (Biodiesel Magazine/ Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP) California will be the biodiesel market to watch in 2016 as the state implements a diverse portfolio of policies that will directly impact the industry. The state’s landmark greenhouse gas
by Carlos Araujo (Biodiesel Magazine/Evonik Corp.) Biodiesel is a real solution to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the threat of climate change the world over. Many countries are adopting plans to reduce greenhouse gases, and biodiesel is an effective part of
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After an extended period of policy uncertainty, the final renewable fuel standard (RFS) rule and a two-year retroactive reinstatement of the $1-per-gallon blenders tax credit are expected to bring stability back to the U.S. biodiesel
(CBC Online) Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton is on the campaign trail and she’ll be making a stop in Carroll prior to the Iowa Caucuses. Late last week Carroll Broadcasting talked with Clinton about lowered Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) set by
by Frédéric Simon (EurActiv) There are virtually “no limits” to what technology can achieve to reduce CO2 emissions from trucks, says Niklas Gustafsson from the Volvo group. What will eventually hold back progress in cutting emissions are wider societal factors,
(Task 39 Newsletter) ... This article briefly introduces the regulative framework in the EU and in Germany before addressing current developments and perspectives of conventional and advanced biofuels. ... The main instruments for decarbonizing the transport sector in the EU
by Andrew Marshall (Stock & Land) Maverick North Queensland MP Bob Katter wants ethanol back on the national fuel agenda to help contain Australia's rising petrol costs. He says serious commitment to renewable biofuels would also dramatically improve air quality in our
(High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal) U.S. consumers used a record of nearly 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2015, reducing America’s carbon emissions by at least 18.2 million metric tons, according to new EPA data released as the industry recently kicked
(NorthernAg.Net) The Montana Farm Bureau is closely following the “Rural Route to the White House,” U.S. presidential election coverage produced and distributed by Agri-Pulse. The American Farm Bureau is officially the exclusive sponsor of this coverage. This effort will convey
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The Minnesota Soybean Growers would like to see the Biodiesel Tax Credit changed from a blender’s to a producer’s credit. Under current law, blenders of biodiesel can claim a one dollar per gallon credit against
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) ... Second, we have both retroactive and forward-facing tax credits. For the first time in years, Congress injected some certainty into the market by extending expired tax provision for 2015 and 2016. The Advanced
by Amanda Bilek (Biomass Magazine/Great Plains Institute) ... In the summer of 2014, the USDA released the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. The release of this roadmap marked the first time that federal agencies made a public commitment to coordinate biogas activities and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This past month, NREL published a critical assessment on the viability of High-Octane Mid-Level Ethanol Blends and the impact on US energy options. The complete assessment is here. NREL writes: The introduction of more stringent standards for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Is ethanol really worth $3.81 for the octane but costs only $1.39 on the market? How could that be? Math majors around the country are frequently perplexed by this one. If you start with 84-octane RBOB
by Nick Cunningham (OilPrice.com) Oilprice.com recently spoke with Carl Larry, Director of Oil and Gas at Frost & Sullivan, a consultancy that conducts research on oil and gas markets, to get his thoughts on the state of oil in 2016. ... OPEC
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Federal Trade Commission has published a rule in the Federal Register finalizing amendments to its rule for automotive fuel ratings, certification and posting. The new rule adopts rating, certification and labeling requirements for
(Canadian Renewable Fuels Association/MarketWired) The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) was proud to host three Canadian bioenergy experts who participated in a special panel series in Ottawa and Toronto entitled Creating Real Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reductions for Transportation with Biofuels. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the entire Iowa Congressional delegation urged the agency to set the next round of Renewable Fuel Standard volume levels in line with the statute –
by Proma Khosla (Mashable) ... "Together we are fighting to preserve our fragile climate from irreversible damage, and devastation of unthinkable proportions," (Leonardo) DiCaprio said in a speech at the Davos Crystal Award Ceremony. "We simply cannot afford to allow the corporate
(Reuters/Business Times) Ethanol producers may feel less pain from sinking oil prices than in previous tough times, as a government rule ensures a minimum use of the biofuel and recent consolidation gives them both financial strength and output flexibility. Oil prices
by By Mikkel Pates (Grand Forks Herald) ... Brian West, deputy director of the Fuels, Engines and Emissions Research Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., said the issue shouldn't be difficult with owners of flex-fuel vehicles that
by Kenneth Riffle (Salina Journal) Opinion: ... Ethanol utilized as an oxygenate in blended gasoline helps control carbon monoxide emissions. As an economic driver, ethanol has strengthened rural communities by adding value to agricultural production. If adhered to, the ethanol incentive model
by James Q. Lynch (The Gazette) Not as much as they used to, poll suggests, but results open to debate -- A free-market think tank has made a seven-figure ad buy to alert caucus goers of the environmental impact of corn
by Jonathan Coppess (University of Illinois/AgFax) Today’s article completes the discussion of EPA’s final rule for the RFS. The previous articles in this series provided background on the RFS, a general review of the final rule and questioned EPA’s definition of the
(National Biodiesel Board) US consumers used a record of nearly 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2015, reducing America’s carbon emissions by at least 18.2 million metric tons, according to new EPA data released as the industry kicks off
(Khaleej Times) The BIOjet Initiative is aligned with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to develop sustainable energy sources to diversify the UAE economy and increase workforce opportunities for Emiratis. -- For the first time ever in the
(Renewable Fuel Association) In response to the anti-ethanol rhetoric that has been dominating the presidential campaign in the run-up to the Iowa caucuses, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sent a one-pager to media outlets to correct the misconceptions regarding ethanol
by Daniel Horowitz (Conservative Review) ... In the same respect, we can say the ethanol mandate is the anchor baby of our economic system. Energy is the lifeblood of a free economy. Much like immigration stands at the nexus of our
by Laura Arenschield (Columbus Dispatch) ... In fact, Ohio ranks eighth nationwide in the volume of natural gas stored below ground. California officials issued emergency-oversight measures last week requiring daily inspections of storage fields using infrared technology to catch leaks. In contrast, Ohio
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $2.05 per gallon for drop-in, non-food advanced biofuels blends. Who would have thought it possible a few years ago. Well, the Navy for one. Their remarkable vision results in Carrier Strike Group 3 operating in a
by Robert E. Kozak and Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) This year, for a change, in the introduction to his remarks at the Washington, DC Auto Show, US Energy Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz pointed out the importance of alternative fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of the Navy is now buying advanced, drop-in, cost-competitive, next gen renewable fuels. The biofuels sought can be blended in a range of 10 to 50 percent with conventional petroleum products and must meet
by Prerna Sharma (Nikkei Asian Review) Global commodity markets are going through one of their worst phases, thanks to sluggish demand and supply gluts. Most agricultural commodities have touched all-time price lows -- down 40% to 50% on average from
(WNAX Radio) A new study commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association shows that the vehicle emissions model used by the EPA is unreliable. RFA Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper says the motor vehicle emissions simulator model doesn’t show the proper
by Richard Martin (MIT Technology Review) As America shifts toward natural gas for energy, decaying pipelines and storage facilities are at risk of leaks and explosions. -- Since it was first detected on October 23, 2015, the natural-gas leak at
by David Alexander (Reuters/Yahoo!) The U.S. Navy will formally deploy its so-called "Great Green Fleet" on Wednesday, sending warships to sea on biofuels even though oil prices have dropped 70 percent since congressional Republicans first criticized the high cost of
(Navy Times) ... The future fleet is poised to operate more on alternative fuels and be less dependent on Middle Eastern oil. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has transformed the services he leads during what has become the longest tenure of a Navy secretary
by David Pitt (Associated Press) Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz received an anti-endorsement from the governor of Iowa, Tuesday, host of the country's lead-off presidential caucus, on account of his failure to support renewable fuels like ethanol. Gov. Terry Branstad, a Republican
by Isaac Khisa (The Independent) ... In the past few years, the firm (Kakira Sugar Ltd, a unit of Madhvani Group) invested heavily in expanding cane crushing and power generation. Now, the ambitious sugar plant is venturing into commercial ethanol production
(Biofuels International) The UK Government is preparing to consult on legislative changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) this year. In correspondence published this week, Patrick McLoughlin, the UK's Transport Secretary, set out plans to decarbonise the UK's transport sector in
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After a decade of ethanol mostly being priced lower than gasoline, the ethanol/gasoline price ratio has been above 1.0 for the past four months. “The hefty premium of ethanol to gasoline threatens the position
(KIOW) There has been a lot of discussion among political candidates regarding the production of ethanol fuels. Some candidates are against the idea while still others have proposed a plan to phase renewable fuel standards out. U. S. Representative Steve
by Anuradha Raghu and Yoga Rusmana (Bloomberg Business) Crude oil’s slump has been so severe that it’s now threatening the government-aided biodiesel programs in the world’s top producers of palm oil. Indonesia may miss its target of raising blending to 20 percent
(Malaysiakini/Reuters) Malaysia is still committed to its plan to raise its biodiesel mandate to 10 percent despite low oil prices, a senior government official said today. Malaysia’s Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Douglas Uggah Embas said they were in the final stages
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Although the cellulosic ethanol industry has had some challenges, there is hope for the year ahead. For some Midwest farmers, cellulosic ethanol's launch in the past two years has allowed them to put their corn
by Sriram Lakshman (The Hindu Business Line) The move will decrease pollution and encourage a diversion in the sugar industry’s output away from sugar and towards ethanol -- India can soon expect a policy on flexible-fuel cars, cars that can run
(Thanh Nien News) E5 is now selling at VND15,339 (68 cents) per liter, 4.3 percent cheaper than 92-RON. Photo: Diep Duc Minh -- The government has ordered Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and six other cities and provinces to switch
(American Soybean Association) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) this week filed a legal brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit regarding their petition for review of EPA rules on Argentinian biodiesel imports under the Renewable Fuel
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 7th, the Florida Treasure Coast Education, Research and Development Authority (TCERDA) held a Kickoff Meeting in Ft. Pierce for their Farm-to-Fly Aviation Biofuel feasibility study. This study is funded by a
by Sara Stefanini (Politico) Getting fuel into a war zone can be deadly. One soldier is killed on average for every 24 convoys sent across the mountains and deserts of Pakistan to supply foreign troops in Afghanistan. That’s why some of the
by David Tracy (Jalopnik) Upset that Volkswagen deceived them into buying a not-so-clean diesel, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari are driving from Colorado to VW’s headquarters in Virginia to return their Jetta SportWagen TDI and drop off 20,000 petitions. ... ... You see,
by Sam LaGrone (US Naval Institute News) Carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) departed Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Wash. for a seven-month Western Pacific deployment on Friday, Navy officials told USNI News. The Stennis Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will be the
(Ethanol Across America) Despite the effectiveness of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in providing an entry ramp to the fuel market, the potential for corn ethanol to contribute to meeting a range of public policy objectives has only scratched the
by William R. Levesque (Tampa Bay Times) ... But the biodiesel industry remains something of an enigma to most Americans despite its production of an estimated 2 billion gallons of fuel in 2015, a figure that is expected to jump by
by Heide Brandes (Reuters) Earthquakes in Oklahoma in the past week, including one of the strongest ever recorded in the state, have led to calls for the governor to make changes to oil and gas drilling regulations and reduce seismic activity
by by Tom Steever (Brownfield Ag News) New York City officials are looking for ways to increase the required blend of biodiesel in fuel. New York City Council Member Costa Constantanides tells Brownfield Ag News that the current standard of a
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Global Cleantech Summit 2015 concentrated on cleantech strategies and business cooperation. Some venture capitalists have already declared cleantech dead as it has undergone the typical innovation life-cycle and has suffered somewhat from hype. However,
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Natural gas developers are providing very restricted information about their methane emissions to investors, according to a report released Monday by a green group. According to an Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) analysis, only 18 of 65 major
(GreenAir Online) ... Of particular relevance is the development by ICAO of a global market-based measure (MBM) for consideration by the 39th Session of its Assembly later this year and intended implementation from 2020. Chris Lyle reviews some implications of
(GreenAir Online) Following the civil penalties handed out to five aircraft operators last June (see article), a further 18 operators of corporate or VIP aircraft and two airlines have been issued with penalties for failing to surrender sufficient EU ETS allowances
(GreenAir Online) Two reports, one an International Monetary Fund (IMF) internal discussion note and the other by the Paris School of Economics (PSE), suggest taxing international aviation fuel or air travel could provide an equitable solution to raising global finance
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) A pair of volunteers holds up a sign near a rally for Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz. It says “I’m caucusing for ethanol in 2016.” The message is clear. Ethanol supporters would like to remind farmers
by Jonathan Coppess (Farms.com/Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois) This article looks specifically at EPA's interpretation of the word 'supply' in the waiver provision 'inadequate domestic supply' and what Congress intended it to mean. ... The waiver authority includes when
by Michelle Ye Hee Lee (Washington Post Fact Checker) ... The Fact Checker will explore an important distinction in the rhetoric over the ethanol mandate that has been mischaracterized by politicians, including Cruz, and even members of the media. The premise set
(DNA India) Gadkari said the new policy will seek to address a wider source of ethanol, including bio-wastes, over and above the main source sugar. -- Government will come out with a new 'larger' policy within a month to promote ethanol
by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) The massive methane spill at the Aliso Canyon storage field has pumped out at least 77,500 metric tons of gas since Oct. 23, and it will be months before the spill can be closed.
by George C. Ford (The Gazette) Authors contend state offers 'discernible advantages' -- A report released Thursday (January 13, 2016) contends Iowa is better positioned than many other states to capture a large share of the emerging biorenewable chemical market,
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) The ethanol industry risks losing its long-standing political clout in presidential elections if Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wins the Iowa caucuses despite the industry's attacks on him, says Iowa Rep. Steve King. “If they fall short, then
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) had a call for information on Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Optima). The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments stating that the Association agrees that “co-optimization of future
(Clean Fuels Community) After a successful two month trial period, one third of London's bus fleet will soon by powered by a biofuel-diesel hybrid, resulting in more than 21,000 tonnes of carbon emissions being reduced annually. Biodeisel producers Argent Energy has
by Timothy P. Carney (Washington Examiner) With some hasty blogging — and exacerbated by an Iowan's mistaken assertion about the ethanol mandate, Ted Cruz's shrewd answering, and the ethanol lobby's odd response — I contributed to some confusion about Ted
by Naveen Thukral (Reuters) The world's top palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia may have to curb plans to channel more of the commodity into biodiesel as tumbling crude oil prices render the edible oil twice as expensive as its
by Cristina Ávila (Brazilian Ministry of the Environment (Google Translation)) Product used in the kitchen will be directed to produce biodiesel by the Environmental Sanitation Company of the Federal District The Ministry of Environment (MMA) begins at home good sustainability practices
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Several U.S. producers, including Genuine Bio-Fuel, Hero BX and the now-defunct Promethean Biofuels, in addition to Miami-based biodiesel exporter and hopeful technology provider Lagosur, sketch out overviews of international developments. ... “Taxation, regulation, cost of production, market
(compiled by Governors' Coalition for Biofuels) ... In the 1980’s, Iowa began investing in renewable energies like ethanol, biodiesel and wind. We were the first state to implement a renewable electric standard which I signed it into law in 1983. At the
by Kyle Feldscher (The Washington Examiner) Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio told a crowd of voters in New Hampshire Tuesday that he wants the United States to lead the world in renewable energy. It's a surprising statement from a lawmaker who
by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) President Obama's final State of the Union address made no mention of an "all of the above" energy policy, nor of natural gas or fracking, and it only mentioned oil to either criticize it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of Agriculture needs no introduction, but within USDA Rural Development is the Energy Division takes a leading role on biorefinery loan guarantees. How does the process work, what are the deadlines, how are applications scored?
(compiled by Biofuels Digest) "Gas under two bucks a gallon ain’t bad, either.” ... We need the same level of commitment when it comes to developing clean energy sources. Look, if anybody still wants to dispute the science around climate change,
(Defour Group/Transportation Fuels Consulting) Dean Drake of the Defour Group LLC (D4) and Gary Herwick of Transportation Fuels Consulting (TFC) have submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy's Request for Information about co-optimization of fuels and engines. Their response reflects their
by Nat Williams (The Southern News Services) ...The reasons include the Great Recession and falling gasoline prices, among a few other things. At issue is the federal mandate for ethanol inclusion as a component of motor fuels, according to Scott Irwin.
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... CARB has said that those meeting the January deadline will be guaranteed a carbon intensity (CI) rating this year. Ethanol pathways will be processed in the first batch, scheduled to be completed by the
by Erin Torkelson (Des Moines Register, Letter to the Editor) Question: What bipartisan, commonsense law enacted in 2005 under President George W. Bush is directly responsible for creating more than 73,000 Iowa jobs, providing more than $5 billion in wages to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, the set-up of the transition from fossil fuels is as pretty and impractical as Dr. Doolittle’s Pushmi-Pullyu. The Digest investigates. -- ... For example, a renewable fuel does not qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Charles Lane (Washington Post) In August 2010, I proposed this wager to a fellow journalist: President Obama’s declared goal was to get 1 million plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars on the road in the United States by 2015. I
by Barbara Vergetis Lundin (SmartGridNews.com) ... "... My Consumers REBATE Act takes the revenue generated from pricing carbon over time and puts it in the hands of consumers to empower individuals to become more efficient in their energy choices," said McNerney
(America’s Renewable Future/Ethanol Producer Magazine) America’s Renewable Future recently released its final candidate report card. The report card places each presidential contender into a good or bad category based on their support for the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS). ARF
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In mid-December, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who is seeking the democratic presidential nomination, introduced legislation that aims to enact long-term extensions of several clean energy tax credits that benefit the bioenergy and biofuel sectors. The
(California Ethanol & Power LLC/Ethanol Producer Magazine) California Ethanol & Power LLC (CE+P) recently announced the certification of the carbon intensity (CI) pathway for its anticipated sugarcane and sweet sorghum ethanol by the California’s Air Resources Board. CE+P’s sugarcane ethanol will
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen has spoken out to reject (American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Jack) Gerard’s claims. “I’m not sure what reality Jack is living in, but it is
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Donald Trump is an unabashed backer of federal support for ethanol, a popular issue in Iowa that could provide the GOP front-runner with an effective closing argument against Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) ahead of the Feb.
(EurekAlert!/University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Second-generation biofuel crops like the perennial grasses Miscanthus and switchgrass can efficiently meet emission reduction goals without significantly displacing cropland used for food production, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Illinois
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Kolmar Group AG's U.S. unit has bought a small Connecticut biodiesel plant, the Swiss commodities trader's first ever acquisition of an asset, in a move that may stir hopes of renewed investment for the struggling biofuel
(Governors' Biofuels Coalition) The Coalition announced today that Missouri Governor Jay Nixon will become chairman and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts will become vice chairman of Governors’ Biofuels Coalition this year. “For more than 20 years, the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition has worked
by Barbara Lewis and Kirstin Ridley (Reuters) Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is unlikely to face U.S.-style fines in Europe over its emissions scandal because of a softer regulatory regime and its home country Germany's determination to protect its car industry, EU sources and
(Environmental Defense Fund) A first-of-its-kind report by Environmental Defense Fund shows that leading oil and gas companies are putting themselves and their investors at financial and reputational risk by failing to adequately disclose meaningful information on emissions of methane. The report,
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) Jan 8 Seven biofuel and agriculture groups have asked a U.S. court to a review the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016, according to a court filing on Friday, kicking off a widely-expected
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Beginning the new year with a few days steeped in agriculture proved a great winter tonic, raising optimism that the seemingly ordinary people tromping through the York County Fair buildings at the Keystone Farm
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Department of the Navy is now buying advanced, drop-in, cost-competitive, next gen renewable fuels. The biofuels sought can be blended in a range of 10 to 50 percent with conventional petroleum products and must meet
by David Weigel (The Washington Post) (Wednesday, January 6, 2016) 11:45 a.m. ... "Because of this EPA wall, the market is currently dominated by low-level ethanol blends, such as 'E10' (10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline)," Cruz writes. "That has prevented
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) They’re here. $2.05 per gallon, at-scale, domestically produced advanced renewable fuels — utilizing non-food feedstocks and based on next-generation technology. The Navy’s 7-year quest to diversify its fuel supply without paying more or changing its
by Robert Moffitt (American Lung Association in Minnesota/Post Bulletin) A Dec. 14 letter to the editor described Rochester's "community responsibility to become energy sustainable." A key component to achieving this goal is increasing the use of clean-burning transportation fuels in the
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily) This is a presentation summary from the 2015 Illinois Farm Economics Summit (IFES) which occurred December 14-18, 2015. A complete collection of presentations including PowerPoint Slides (PPT) and printable summaries (PDF) are available here. The EPA released
(Farm Futures) America's Renewable Future released its final U.S. Presidential candidate report card last week, declaring "good" and "bad" category candidates based on support for the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Iowa-based ARF says it will publicize the report card so 50,000
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg Business) ... Spot biodiesel prices have jumped at least 10 percent because of moves in Washington since Nov. 30, when the Obama administration increased consumption targets for the fuel. About three weeks later, Congress reinstated a $1-a-gallon tax
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Group released its end of year newsletter, which included a comprehensive country profile for biofuels activity in Germany, authored by Franziska Müller-Langer (DBFZ and Nicolaus Dahmen (KIT). The overview includes Background
(Associated Press/Frederick News Post) The Garrett County Commissioners are considering a Deep Creek Lake watershed management plan that would restrict drilling for natural gas in the resort area. ... The plan was drafted in 2014. It would prohibit wellheads on 41,000
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, investors were pleasantly shocked when shares in Aemetis traded up 52% last Thursday. What exactly is happening? In a release, Aemetis credited five factors for the jump: January 1, 2016: California LCFS re-adopted as of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we reach the end of 2015? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and peer into tomorrowland. As the sunset of 2015 gives way
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world,
by Maddie Stone (GizMoDo) One of the worst environmental disasters of the decade is currently underway in a quiet community 25 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Putrid, methane-rich natural gas has been spewing into the air at an estimated rate of
by Laura Barron-Lopez (The Huffington Post) He even wants to bar fossil fuel lobbyists from working in the White House. -- Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) unveiled a forceful climate change plan Monday that sets its sights on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this year’s World Oil Outlook, OPEC writes: The prospects for first generation biofuels are constrained by factors such as land use changes, excessive water usage, and the impact on food production and prices from
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) On Dec. 18, President Obama signed a $1.1 trillion spending bill and accompanying legislative package of tax extenders into law. The legislation includes two-year extensions of several tax credits that benefit the bioenergy sector. On the
(American Forest & Paper Association, American Wood Council/Biomass Magazine) American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman and American Wood Council President and CEO Robert Glowinski have issued the following statements after filing a joint petition for review in the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Federal Trade Commission has announced final amendments regarding ethanol blends above E10 to its fuel rating rule, which determines the fuel rating that appears on pump labels and how octane levels are calculated.
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