By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA). The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) hosted a briefing, on May 22, on Capitol Hill, examining the current and projected impacts of climate change in the Southeast, and efforts to manage these risks.
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Just as a good-sized portion of the country is hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend, Fuels America launches an ad campaign to remind drivers just how much they are saving at the pump, thanks to ethanol and
By Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Imagine a world without non-renewable energy sources, where we just use sun, wind, and biomass to generate our electricity for industries and homes, and fuel for transportation. Is it a dream? I
by Jim Lane (Biofuel Digest) Thought the 2014 volume debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard was tough enough?What about the ticking bomb inside the RFS — that could completely flat-line the value of cellulosic RINs and make it near impossible
(Biofuel Journal) The summer driving season is now hitting the United States, and the Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, (ACE) Ron Lamberty says many motorists might not realize it, but they could be eligible to get a little extra
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act, following mark-up, is reported to not include any attempts to undermine the Defense Production Act’s Advanced Drop-In Biofuels Production Project, which protects the military’s ability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think algae biofuels are real and near? Or, think it’s a promotional scheme for attracting finance for nutraceuticals and academic bridges-to-nowhere? The barriers might be more, or less, daunting than you think. Let’s look at
by Gabe Elsner (Energy and Policy Institute/Renewable Energy World) Fossil fuel-funded front groups repeatedly spread disinformation on renewable energy standard and net metering policies in an effort to overturn pro-clean energy laws in 2013 and 2014. A new report details the efforts of
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Enlightening and Shocking are apt words that describe the eighth episode of the Years of Living Dangerously that was screened on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 20. The event, hosted by the Senate Climate
by Brendan Nicholson (The Australian) Australia's defence ties to the US have taken on a green hue, with the Royal Australian Navy planning to make all its ships and aircraft biofuel-capable within six years. READ MORE
by Paul E. Gutermann (Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP/Lexology.com) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held this week that the Department of Energy (DOE) complied with its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in providing
(AgenceEcoFin.com) ... But Mauritius will now demonstrate strong commitment, after blowing 10 million euros for non-compliance with EU indicators relating to the production of electricity. " With regard to the use of ethanol in Mauritius, we make no judgment. If Mauritius wants to take
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) EPA’s proposed rule went too far in correcting a problem largely of the refiners’ own making. It’s in the nation’s interest to put the final RFS rule back on course. Last year, it appears
(25 x '25) Ethanol’s role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was underscored this week in a forum of biofuel value chain partners, conservation and greenhouse gas experts organized by the 25x’25 Alliance at the request of the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The land of 10,000 lakes becomes the first for another 10… a 10 percent biodiesel mandate. The move from a B5 to B10 blending requirement for summer months starting this July 1st was welcomed by the
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) With the impact of climate change becoming evident by the day, many of the United States iconic landmarks are at risk as never before. On the 20th of May, 2014, The Environmental and Energy
by Jacob Barker (St. LouisPost-Dispatch) It’s hard to find a gas station these days that doesn’t sell a 10 percent ethanol blend. A 15 percent mix, now that it’s available, probably won’t become as common anytime soon. New rules that take
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Washington, the Navy’s Director of Operational Energy, Chris Tindal, advises the Digest: “As of two weeks ago, the Navy has fully approved MILSPECs for JP-5, JP-8, and F-76 for the F-T and HEFA pathways. As
(Government Accountability Office) The federal government supports the development and use of alternative jet fuels through both broad and targeted initiatives. Broad national strategies promote the development of a variety of alternative fuels—including alternative jet fuel—to help achieve national goals, such as securing
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Appropriations Committee has released its fiscal year 2015 agricultural appropriations bill, which aims to reduce funding levels for several Farm Bill Energy Title programs. A markup session on the legislation was held May
by John Kemp (Reuters Africa) Fossil fuel subsidies cost governments in emerging markets more than $500 billion every year and are a major contributor to climate change, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The biggest
by Jim Dukart (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol plants in Indiana account for some 600 jobs, with an additional 4.9 jobs created for every job at an ethanol plant. The industry has pumped $1.5 billion in direct capital into the state
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) An oil pipeline ruptured in Los Angeles on LA Street yesterday and in response Americans United For Change said, “Like oil spills? You’ll love what happens after dismantling the Renewable Fuel Standard. 50,000 gallons of crude oil
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (May 15, 2014), 33 advanced biofuel companies, led by the Advanced Ethanol Council and Biotechnology Industry Organization, sent a letter to President Barack Obama to express the industry’s concern about the proposed rule for the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) With a final decision in the Renewable Volume Obligates (RVOs) expected in June, the biodiesel industry is getting increasingly vocal about the damage that regulatory uncertainty has already caused their industry. Biodiesel
(ABC Rural) ... The ethanol and biodiesel industries face grant cuts worth millions of dollars. The Ethanol Production Grants program will be scrapped from July 2015, saving the government $120 million. The Dalby Biorefinery, in Queensland, is Australia's only grain biofuel producer. Agforce grains
by Stacy Shackford (Cornell Chronicle) ... A $499,998 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture – one of two awarded to Cornell as part of a $12 million program – will allow researchers to delve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, Archer Daniels Midland Company announced its intention to exclusively offer Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certified sustainable palm oil to North American customers beginning in 2015. ADM is also working with Wilmar International
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.K.-based Renewable Energy Association has published the results of an analysis that determined the renewable energy supports more than 100,000 jobs in the U.K. and has attracted almost £30 billion ($50.95 billion) in
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent poll of 1,000 Americans shows 65 percent support the renewable fuel standard, writes Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. And, 78 percent favor requiring auto makers to
(National Biodiesel Board) Policy setbacks in Washington are taking a major toll on the most successful advanced biofuel in the U.S., according to a nationwide survey of biodiesel producers released Wednesday. The survey, conducted by the National Biodiesel Board, found that nearly
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) While H.R. 5 signed by Gov. Herbert encourages biodiesel use in Utah, exactly how the state plans to do so is less than clear ... The bill expresses support for the continued development and implementation of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a letter to President Obama, leaders of America’s renewable fuel industry urge the Administration to rethink its proposal to weaken the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard – a proposal that is at odds with the
By Coral Davenport (The New York Times) The accelerating rate of climate change poses a severe risk to national security and acts as a catalyst for global political conflict, a report published Tuesday by a leading government-funded military research organization concluded. The CNA Corporation Military
by Daniel Parry (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory/Renewable Energy World) Navy researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Materials Science and Technology Division, demonstrate proof-of-concept of novel NRL technologies developed for the recovery of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2)
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The top executive with seed and chemical maker DuPont said Tuesday that Congress and the Obama administration must preserve a law requiring ethanol to be blended into the gasoline supply. Ellen Kullman, DuPont's chief executive, said
(Biofuels International) xperts in Mozambique are meeting to discuss strategies for producing clean energy to reduce pollution and costs in the import of fossil fuel. Mozambique is looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by producing ethanol from sugarcane. Jaime Himede, the country's
by Joanna Schroeder (Domestic Fuels) Several recent media reports have reported that the “blend wall” cost refiners nearly $1.35 billion last year. The blend wall is the amount of ethanol that can be blended into the fuel supply. Today is this considered
by Cesary Podkul and Jeff Mason (Reuters) Six months ago the U.S. oil industry scored a surprise win against farm groups when the Obama administration proposed slashing the amount of ethanol refiners must blend into gasoline, a move that could
by Byron Dorgan (Roll Call) ... But today, I’m concerned about the administration’s recent proposal that would put an end to the growth of this emerging American energy industry. The EPA proposal, if left unchanged, would signal a retreat on our
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... In mid-April, Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) wrote to the FDA commissioner, urging the agency exempt raw agricultural commodities, distillers grains and other byproducts. In the letter, Johanns wrote, “I am concerned about FDA
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pending legislation in New Hampshire aims to limit corn ethanol in gasoline to 10 percent. The bill passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives on March 25 and was introduced in the state Senate
by Steve Baragona (Voice of America) ... Another benefit, according to Bob Dinneen, head of the ethanol trade group the Renewable Fuels Association, is that corn absorbs the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as it grows. “We are produced from agricultural crops and residues
by Maxx Chatsko (The Motley Fool) ... President Bush believed America could reduce gasoline consumption from 142 billion gallons in 2007 to just 114 billion gallons in 2017. The biggest reduction would come from a projected annual production of 35 billion gallons
by Chris Hausman (News-Gazette) ... The critics of renewable fuels fall into three groups — the oil industry, dyed-in-the wool environmentalists, and free market think tanks.Even the "unbiased" Associated Press (AP) has participated in ethanol bashing. While each of these
by Janet Adkison (RFD TV) China is a growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Recognizing the country’s potential, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host an agriculture trade mission set to begin next week. The travel roster includes officials from
by Tom Doran (AgriNews) An economic impact study found far-reaching benefits of renewable fuels for America’s workers and the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by John Dunham and Associates and released by Fuels America, determined the entire renewable fuels supply drives
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) In a letter to President Obama sent today, leaders of America’s renewable fuel industry are urging the Administration to rethink its proposal to weaken the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard – a proposal that is at odds with the National
(25 x '25) The 25x'25 Alliance commends the U.S. Global Change Research Program for its candid appraisal of changing climate conditions that are currently effecting agricultural production and could have a broad negative impact on the nation's farmers, ranchers and forestland owners
(25 x '25) The mission of the 25x’25 Alliance has been consistent since its inception 10 years ago: promote to policy makers and regulators the role of farms, ranches and forestlands in developing clean, sustainable sources of energy to help
by John Kingston (Platts: The Barrel) Anna Temple of WoodMac tried at the annual AFPM meeting to put one aspect of the ethanol issue into a highly consumable number: eight. The Houston-based downstream consultant, in one part of her presentation, said the Renewable Fuel
by Ayesha Rascoe and Cezary Podkul (Reuters) A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday threw out an oil industry challenge to the Obama administration's 2013 biofuel mandate, ruling that the government has "wide latitude" to decide whether to modify renewable fuel
(CIRES) During two days of intensive airborne measurements, oil and gas operations in Colorado’s Front Range leaked nearly three times as much methane, a greenhouse gas, as predicted based on inventory estimates, and seven times as much benzene, a regulated
by Ropate Valemei (Fiji Times) Villagers on Koro Island are making use of the abundance of coconut trees and using their copra-making skills to produce enough energy to light up their homes and power alliances. Nacamaki Village was host to the Koro
(Renewable Energy Association) Lack of clear policy framework for sustainable biofuels sees UK lose out as investments and jobs go overseas The REA is frustrated by the lack of concrete measures to improve the policy framework for sustainable biofuels in Government decisions
(Americans United for Change/Biodiesel Magazine) Pro-renewable fuel standard, pro-American jobs groups Americans United for Change and VoteVets.org held a press call April 30 to reveal damaging IRS documents showing that Saudi oil money is clearly helping finance the millions of dollars
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... “The oil industry has made a concerted, organized, well-financed attack on the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said (Agriculture Secretary Tom ) Vilsack when asked about the EPA’s proposal to lower volume requirements for the RFS. “A lot of
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency explained her agency’s proposal to lower the volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting meeting in Washington DC this
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Interested in transforming liquid fuels – and wondering “where are the gallons”? The secret lies in re-structuring the financing of alternative fuels. Today, in part I of three: the Situation. A Digest reader this week sent
by Zoe Casey (Renewable Energy World) From direct government support to tax breaks and the cost of negative externalities like pollution, subsidies to the power sector take many different — and often hidden — forms. In fact, the exact definition of a subsidy
by Dana Milbank (The Washington Post: Opinion) On the eve of the Obama administration’s release Tuesday of a report warning about grave consequences of climate change, presidential counselor John Podesta went into the White House briefing room and crowed about fossil-fuel production in
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The food versus fuel debate arose once again in front of Congress. At last week’s U.S. House Ag Subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., opponents and proponents of the Renewable Fuels Standard presented their arguments on the RFS
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) issued the following statement Tuesday after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a petroleum industry challenge to the 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements: “The court’s decision today
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The government of Ontario, Canada, issued its new biodiesel mandate regulations for the province April 1, and some biodiesel stakeholders, including members of the Ontario Biodiesel Producers Association, are frustrated and concerned with how the government
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office has announced a request for information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on the eight representative biofuel pathways it has selected to guide its research and development strategy. The Office also is seeking input
(Platts) Dan Oh, CEO of Renewable Energy Group, the largest U.S. biodiesel producer, discusses if can the industry survive if it loses critical government support. WATCH VIDEO
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) Is the alternative energy industry losing the influence-peddling war to fossil fuels? Perhaps you caught the editorial in Sunday’s New York Timestaking “the Koch Brothers and their conservative allies” to task for “spending heavily to fight incentives for renewable
(Diesel Technology Forum) If District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray had his druthers there would be no diesel powered cars in the District. ... The problem with the proposal is that the Mayor seems to ignore the fuel savings and emissions
(Bloomberg Government) The final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard requirements remain in limbo. The EPA is now reviewing public comments on the agency’s proposal to cut the nation’s biofuel target by close to 16 percent. What do the proposed changes mean for
(Drive.com.au) NSW'S E10 unleaded fuel mandate is a ''debacle'' and is costing the state's motorists millions, according to an international study. The Texas Tech University research found motorists had a ''significant aversion'' to the ethanol blended product. With the push
by Patrick McLoughlin (Platts) Renewable fuels in the US will continue to be dogged by uncertainties while awaiting decisions from the environmental authorities on some key issues, Neste Oil said Friday. The Finnish refiner, which specializes in renewable biofuel diesel production from
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) Hardly any of Canada’s biodiesel mandate is being filled by domestically produced product. “Last year we exported 100 percent of our production and then imported the equivalent to meet our mandate,” said Scott Thurlow,
by Loni Prinsloo (Business Day Live) ... South Africa has been producing sugar on a large scale since the first Indian labourers docked in Durban in 1860. The sweet cane has been processed mostly to be used in food and drink. However,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Canadian government has announced a plan improve rail safety. It includes a requirement to phase out certain railcars used to carry ethanol and crude oil over a three year period. Some DOT-111 railcars
By Ellen Chang(MainStreet)The use of corn-produced ethanol in gasoline is an outdated method to lower greenhouse emissions while ethanol generated with natural gas yields a cleaner and cheaper fuel, experts said. Corn-based ethanol is "definitely a failed and outdated attempt at lowering
By Timothy Cama (The Hill E2Wire) Sixty-five percent of people in the United States support the renewable fuel standard (RFS) that mandates production and blending of a certain amount of fuel from renewable sources, according to a survey commissioned by Renewable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On ABLC's opening morning, we have some of the top slides -an inside look from Inbicon, Ensyn, GranBio, Sapphire Energy, LanzaTech - hot topics such as product portfolios, refinery integration, policy cliffs, the use of
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Manufacturers Performance Report that assesses the automobile industry’s progress toward meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for cars and light trucks in the 2012 model year – the
(Renewable Fuels Association) Wonder how much cash ethanol can save you at the pump? Have questions about its role in weaning America off petroleum? Check out RFA's video "5 Reasons to Love the RFS." The two-and-a-half-minute short outlines how the
by Aessandra Rosete (Platts) Any increase in Brazil's blending mandate for anhydrous ethanol into gasoline could stretch capacity and as a result change ethanol trade flows with the US, according to Platts unit Kingsman. A possible increase in the anhydrous ethanol
by Jared Serbu (Federal News Radio) The Navy says it will create two new acquisition vehicles this year to ensure it has a stable supply of advanced biofuels. The service says the high-tech liquid fuels won't cost it any more than the
by Rob Johansson and Seth Meyer (FarmDocDaily/USDA) Building on the discussion of RIN pricing and stock holding (here) we explore what a 'healthy' RIN bank may look like, estimate RIN stocks for 2014. The availability of RIN stocks will interact with final mandates
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (April 23, 2014), Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), testified before the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) forum on Rail Safety: Transportation of Crude Oil and Ethanol. In his testimony, Dinneen focuses
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday slashed its target for 2013 use of cellulosic biofuel to less than a million gallons, after the industry failed to meet goals for production of the fuel last year. The agency
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Fuels America coalition launched a new campaign dubbed “Oil Rigged” on Earth Day to counter what biofuels industry leaders called Big Oil’s deliberate campaign to distort the facts. The campaign includes the
by Jordan Godwin (Platts) The proposed blending targets in the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard will likely be revised higher, advocates for multiple industries said Monday. Proponents of the ethanol, biodiesel, advanced biofuels, petrochemicals and biotechnology industries, who were speaking during the Advanced
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In the meetings, hallways and conference sessions at Biofuels Digest’s Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference near Washington, DC, the following issues, rumblings, lessons and congratulations abounded. Criticism of the Obama administration and its lack of enthusiastic
(Canadian Biomass) The Government of Ontario has released new rules for the use of biodiesel in the province's fuel supply. New rules, which went into effect April 1, are being phased in over three years. By 2017, the amount of biofuel blended
(U.S Department Of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) regularly engages fellows in the sciences through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program. The program provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to gain
by Jess Oestmann (The Hays Daily News) When it comes to developing alternatives to fossil fuels and foreign oil, should the United States move forward or backward? That's the issue before the federal Environmental Protection Administration as it decides whether to reverse
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing this week on advanced biofuels. Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow of Michigan says advanced biofuels are here now, and they are an important part of the energy title in the recently
by Rob Johansson and Seth Meyer (USDA/FarmDocDaily) ... It is clear that the bankable (and borrowable) nature of RINs allow obligated parties to optimize their compliance costs over time. In the past, pre-blendwall, it was relatively inexpensive to generate and save surplus RINs allowed
(US Department of Energy) In support of the Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Department of Energy issued a draft loan guarantee solicitation today for innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects located in the U.S. that avoid, reduce, or sequester
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN IPCC) released their “Bioenergy and Climate Change Mitigation: An Assessment” report in Berlin on Sunday that confirmed that biofuels production is economically beneficial and that Indirect Land Use
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Two Iowa retailers are each getting $125,000 in state funding to help finance installation of blender pumps that will dispense a higher concentration of ethanol and biodiesel. The Creston-based Farmers Cooperative will install two blender
(PR NewsWire) Updating WWII "War Bond" Model to Spark Job Creation, Energy Security, Clean Energy, and Increased Energy Efficiency Clean energy boosters on Capitol Hill are borrowing a page from World War II "war bonds" by introducing today a new bill
(Diesel Technology Forum) Proven and potential solutions to improve the air quality and the environmental profile of major U.S. ports is the focus today of a port stakeholder summit organized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A number of representatives from
by Clifford Krauss (The New York Times) ... But even as Abengoa and other companies prepare to produce significant amounts of cellulosic ethanol, using corn stalks and wheat straw as opposed to corn itself, the appetite for such fuels seems to
(UK Environment Agency) Standard rules to operate a low impact part A installation for the production of biodiesel. These rules will allow the operator to operate a Part A low impact installation for the production of biodiesel at a specified
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (FuelFix) Researchers found higher-than-expected emissions of a potent greenhouse gas emanating from Pennsylvania wells, according to a study published Monday that adds to concerns about the environmental footprint of natural gas. The study, conducted by Purdue and Cornell universities
by Will Campbell (The Canadian Press/Huffington Post) An environmental analyst says the rise of oil and gas production as Canada's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions adds further weight to calls for the federal government to bring in long-promised regulations
by John M. Urbanchuk (ABF Economics, Agriculture and Biofuels Consulting, LLP) The impact of biofuel production mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on U.S. consumer food prices has once again emerged as an issue in public debate. The impact of
by Holly Jessen (Biomass Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack testified about the farm bill and the rural economy, during a U.S. House of Representatives Committee hearing. As part of that, he talked about the USDA’s work to create markets
(25 x '25) The 25x'25 Alliance welcomes the recognition by an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change work group report released this weekend that renewable energy is a critical element necessary to curb rising global temperatures and the changes in climate
by Anna Locke and Giles Henley (Overseas Development Institute) • People worry that using crop-based biofuels to increase the volume of low-carbon fuels could worsen hunger in poor countries by pushing up global food prices and endangering local food security. • ODI research finds that
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On April 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the U.S. EPA’s final rule for 2013 renewable fuel standard (RFS). The petitioners are asking
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) pertinent to CARB’s draft indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis. Geoff Cooper, RFA’s senior vice president, notes in his submission that RFA is greatly concerned
by Henry C. Jackson (Associated Press/The Republic) ... Heitkamp came directly to the Senate from the energy industry, where she worked for 12 years, including as a director of Dakota Gasification Company, a coal and natural gas company. Before that, as
(25 x '25) Feedstock, Equipment, Conservation, Farm and Energy Groups Tell EPA Not to Compromise Full Potential of Biofuels Concerns over the future of biofuels in a future national energy strategy were aired before some pretty influential parties this week, as
by Meg Cichon (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) As China’s demand for biofuels grows, it may follow the same production overcapacity boom and subsequent reality check as the solar industry showed in recent years. While the Chinese government attempts to address its pollution problem and deal
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate Agriculture Committee yesterday held a hearing on the economic benefits of advanced biofuels in creating jobs and lowering gasoline prices. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA’s policies with regard to bioenergy were among the topics discussed during a recent EPA budget hearing held by the House Committee on Appropriations. During the event, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy addressed
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday a recent uptick in gasoline consumption should be considered by the Environmental Protection Agency when it determines how much renewable fuel should be blended into the motor fuel
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/US News and World Report) Ethanol is less expensive than gas, and consumers will benefit more if it's used. Logic is nowhere to be seen in petroleum analyst Gregg Laskoski’s call to reduce or revise the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) A crop that has had an undeserved stigma attached to it could now become a source for biodiesel and ethanol. The recently passed and signed Farm Bill contains a provision that would allow hemp to be grown
(US Department of Energy) U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz today highlighted key improvements to the Department’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program at the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Legislative Summit. The ATVM Loan Program plays a
(25 x '25) Risk is a word closely associated with the agriculture industry ‑ and rightfully so. Farming and ranching are some of the most risk-prevalent callings on the planet, given the vagaries of weather, markets, soil conditions, technology and
by Kevin Jeffries (25 x '25) ... Lower demand for renewable fuels means lower prices for corn, soybeans and other crops. Generally, producers account for lower prices by shifting to more profitable crops and by cutting back on investments like conservation
(StudentsDivest.org) From April 4th to 6th, 300 students from over 75 colleges and universities from across the United States and Canada will gather at San Francisco State University for the 2nd annual student-led Fossil Fuel Divestment Convergence. In February 2013,
by Johnny Green (The Weed Blog/The Joint Blog) Hawaii’s House Committee on Agriculture, and the state’s House Judiciary Committee, have both voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 2175, a proposal to establish a two-year research program to study the effectiveness of using hemp
(The Medi-Telegraph) One of the main topics of the meeting between Italian Defence Secretary Domenico Rossi and US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus was the cooperation programme on alternative fuels between Italy and the United States. ... Today, at the bio-refinery Eni
by Paul Winters (Biotechnology Industry Organization) If left unchanged, the Obama administration’s proposal to slash use of biofuels in 2014 would increase emissions of greenhouse gases next year, according to a new white paper from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Brent Erickson,
by Kelly Baumgarten (KHAS TV) ...On Wednesday, Attorney General Jon Bruning toured a facility that seems to be thriving. Bruning was at Chief Ethanol in Hastings. He talked about the importance of ethanol to Nebraska's economy, but also the role ethanol could play
by Ehren Goossens (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Royal DSM NV (DSM), the world’s largest vitamin manufacturer, expects to begin producing cellulosic ethanol in the U.S. by July as the government considers reducing the amount of renewable fuel that oil companies will be
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Agricultural Research Institute and Cyprus Energy Agency recently held a seminar to present work based on new micro-algae research and technology development that aims to contribute to the goals of the EU’s long-term strategy on climate
(GreenAirOnline) The early excitement of demonstration flights and subsequent approvals for the use of some types of biofuel blends on passenger flights has given way to the less headline-grabbing ‘hard yards’ of establishing supply chains to provide airlines with cost-competitive
(GreenAirOnline) Norway’s state-owned airport operator and air navigation services provider Avinor has pledged to contribute up to 100 million Norwegian kroner ($16.5 million) over a ten-year period to help develop an aviation biofuel sector in the country. Announcing the move
(GreenAirOnline) With a crucial vote in the European Parliament this week, MEPs will be presented with two choices that will likely determine the future of the Aviation EU ETS until at least 2016. As the lead environment committee (ENVI) voted
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) U.S. energy markets cannot absorb the levels of biofuels required by law to be blended into the fuel supply in 2014, Environmental Protection Agency head Gina McCarthy said on Thursday, defending a controversial proposal to slash the target
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) As new negative advertising hits Iowa today skewering Democrat Bruce Braley for insulting farmers, a positive ad thanking the U.S. Senate candidate also goes up today. The pro-veterans political organization VoteVets.org is spending $245,000 on
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) In March, U.S. EPA announced it is making changes to the fuel pathway petition process under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), in order to “enable more timely and efficient decision-making.” EPA is asking new petitioners
(UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. )/Biodiesel Magazine) The European resolution and discussion situation with respect to European Commission proposals for amendments to the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive only permits one conclusion at
by Timothy Cama (The Hill E2Wire) Four members of the House who want the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to be lowered wrote to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ask what problems the agency has faced in writing regulations for
by Jeannine Otto (AgriNews) Defend, expand, export. ... “We need to make sure that people understand this entire standard is under attack. Folks in Congress, some folks in Congress, would like to do away totally with the entire Renewable Fuels Standard and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Ron Wyden, released his “Chairman’s Mark” of the “Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency Act of 2014″ (EXPIRE Act). The Chairman’s Mark extends all expired advanced biofuels tax provisions 2 years
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today’s editions of the New York Times and Politico have published a good-humored, but factual takedown of Big Oil’s false, hypocritical attacks against clean, renewable ethanol. The full page ad, which is published in Politico and all DC
(Omaha World-Herald) ... The first commercial production of cellulosic ethanol began in 2013, and this year biomass plants in Iowa will be taking the lead in expanding capacity. The facilities will take crop waste and non-edible plants and convert them into
(25 x '25 Alliance) The 25x'25 Alliance and the Energy Future Coalition applaud an International Panel on Climate Change work group for recognizing the valuable role that bioenergy, including biofuels, can play in addressing a changing climate. The second of
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) ... Examples of said policy certainty include renewal of the United Kingdom’s Renewables Obligation, a clearer picture of what meeting sustainability criteria entails, and movement outside of the U.K., in markets including the Netherlands and Asia. ... Unlike
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) EurObserv’ER has released the 2013 edition of its annual renewable energy report, which determined that final energy consumption from renewable resources increased significantly in 2012. The report, titled “The State of Renewable Energies in Europe,”
by Nompumelelo Magwaza (Independent Online/Business Report) he Local sugar industry would need to be highly subsidised to kick-start the production of fuel grade ethanol, the SA Sugar Association (Sasa) said last week. Production had been in the pipeline since 2007,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... One of the latest entries is a study out of the UK’s University of Southampton, with assist from researchers in Scotland and Italy, that delves into the pros and cons of the soil amendment known
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Wearing a tie and sporting a “Don’t Mess with the RFS” button, 10-year-old Ethan Fagen was the youngest of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Biofuels Beltway marchers this week on Capitol Hill. Ethan came along with
(Federal Trade Commission) The Federal Trade Commission is proposing changes to its Fuel Rating Rule, which determines the fuel rating that appears on fuel pump labels, how octane levels are calculated, and helps to inform consumers about proper fuel for
(Algae Biomass Organization) A new survey of the algae industry conducted by the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) broadly shows an industry that is growing, from increased production of biomass and oils, to increased hiring, to a wider variety of end products. The
by Brent Erickson, Matt Carr, and Paul Winters (Industrial Biotechnology) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a significant change to the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014 and beyond, which will have an impact on greenhouse gas (GHG)
by James Henry (AgriNews) ... President Don Villwock stressed during Indiana Farm Bureau’s Spring Conference in Indianapolis that weather cannot be farmers’ main topic of conversation. “We need to stay on point. We need to stay on agriculture-only issues,” he said. “For
by Caitlin Davis (The Hopewell News) A $250,000 grant to aid the Vireol ethanol plant in Hopewell has reached a roadblock. The grant would help facilitate the opening of the plant, which currently has not begun operations. Vireol, a British company, purchased
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