by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) With no end in sight on the turmoil in Iraq and oil prices and gas prices on the rise as a result, Americans United for Change (AUFC) have launched a new ad campaign encouraging the U.S.
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) In addition to the final rule approving crop residue as a cellulosic feedstock, the Environmental Protection Agency yesterday established a “voluntary quality assurance program” for renewable identification numbers, or RINs. The program is designed to maintain liquidity in the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) ... In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we hear from Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis, Dean Drake with the consulting company the Defour Group, Scott Zaremba, president of Zarco Incorporated, and Ken Parrent, the ethanol director for
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The 22nd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition took place in Hamburg, Germany in June 2014. The conference gathered 1085 attendees from 66 different countries: researchers, policy makers, industry and business people to communicate and learn
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The multibillion-dollar Anschutz Exploration Corp., which helped make its founder, Philip Anschutz, one of the richest men in America, filed a lawsuit three years ago against Dryden, a small town in Upstate New York. The issue: Dryden
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a final rule approving additional Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pathways. Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), commented, “We are very pleased that EPA has finalized
by John Sens (EcoEngineers/Biodiesel Magazine) On May 31, the California Air Resources Board held a workshop outlining some of its proposed changes to the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) program. Among the changes proposed were those related to the new
(Renewable Fuels Association) Sadly, drivers are expected to see skyrocketing gas prices this Independence Day as analysts at GasBuddy predict that Fourth of July prices will reach their highest level in six years. Tom Kloza, GasBuddy’s chief oil analyst, remarked, “Fear about what
(Congressman Adam Kinzinger) In a bipartisan letter to President Barack Obama, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and 50 Members of Congress urge the President to increase the amount of biodiesel fuels allowed to enter markets under the 2014
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As several major cellulosic biofuels ventures head for scale in 2014, we look at the companies, the major barriers (as they see them) for further capacity-building, sources for future investment, and a focus on feedstock. In
(BIOtechNOW) ... However, it also takes real marketplace demand—often led by a few significant “early adopters”—to put a new technology to the real-world test. One very large early adopter, which also has a major presence in San Diego, is the
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Ireland, to meet binding EU transport targets, Ireland imported 126 million litres of biofuel in 2013 – some 84% of the total 150 million litres used last year. That’s according to An Taisce – The
(Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics/Biomass Magazine) Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has requested U.S. EPA Inspector General Arthur Elkins investigate whether the Carlyle Group and Delta Airlines improperly influenced the EPA’s proposed renewable fuel standards (RFS). The proposed standards actually
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... You may recall that EPA officials said earlier this year that they expected to have a final rule by the end of spring, or at least the end of June, but that has not happened yet
By Dale Kasler (Sacramento Bee) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, one of the centerpieces of the state’s fight against global warming, survived a significant legal challenge Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a lawsuit brought by oil-industry and out-of-state farm
Money to Burn: Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Canada's Strategy for Vehicle Biofuels by Douglas Auld and Ross McKitrick (Macdonald-Laurier Institute) Authors find that supporting biofuels costs at least three times the value of environmental benefits – if they even reduce greenhouse
(GreanEA Team) Contrary to the high expectations of European biodiesel producers, the demand and prices of biodiesel in Europe fell down significantly. The situation does not seem to improve even with the summer season approaching, which usually used to boost the
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) This week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report, "The Renewable Fuel Standard: Issues for 2014 and Beyond." In the analysis, CBO looks at the possible impacts on emissions, fuel and food prices under
by Manish Raj (The Times Of India) Chemical Industries Association, an apex body representing a cross section of chemical industries based in Chennai, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider promoting algae bio-fuel products. India imports around 180 million tonnes of
(25 x '25/Biofuels Journal) How the Congressional Budget Office reached the conclusion in a report released Thursday that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will raise gas and biodiesel prices is a mystery, given the deep price discount advantages biofuels offer in the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on the U.S. EPA’s Tailoring Rule. While the court invalidated a portion of the rule, it essentially held up EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Finland, VTT and the Government Institute for Economic Research advise The Digest that have completed a study commissioned by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment, assessing the
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) On June 13, the European Union Energy Council announced it has reached a political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into EU biofuel policies. Biofuel trade groups said the move is
(ePure) The European Renewable Ethanol Industry Association (ePURE) has published its first ever State of the Industry Report. The report gives a comprehensive overview of the situation of renewable ethanol production and consumption in Europe today and sets out the opportunities and challenges
(Platts) Global biofuels output is expected to increase 2.7% per year to 135 billion liters in 2019, but withering political support for renewable transport fuels may undermine the industry's medium-term outlook, Anselm Eisentraut, biofuels analyst with the International Energy Agency
(Canadian Biomass Magazine) Strong export markets for Canadian pellets, ethanol and biodiesel continue to drive the national bioeconomy forward despite slow development on the domestic front. An executive panel at the International Bioenergy Conference & Exhibition in Prince George all agreed that
(Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.)) Provides common-sense solution for American-made energy Representative James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chairman of the House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements, today introduced H.R. 4849, the Phantom Fuels Elimination Act. The legislation would repeal
(US Department of Agriculture/Biomass Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced up to $14.5 million in funding for two USDA bioenergy programs made available through the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA's Rural Development announced it is accepting applications from companies seeking
by Matthew Stepp and Megan Nicholson (Christian Science Monitor) Putting a price on carbon doesn't work because no one wants to pay the real cost of using fossil fuels. But funding R&D and demonstration projects that lower clean-energy costs will
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly 100 biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other advocates are traveling to Washington this week to voice concerns about the Obama Administration’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for biodiesel. The biodiesel supporters, who will be visiting with lawmakers
by Todd A. Taylor (Biodiesel Magazine) If you are a biodiesel producer, you already believe in sustainability and taking care of our natural resources. You already have your renewable fuel standard (RFS) pathway and are making the best biodiesel you can
(Bloomberg News) China’s quarantine agency suspended issuing permits to import a U.S.-produced animal-feed ingredient made from corn, said three trading executives whose applications were denied. ... China is the largest buyer of the by-product produced when corn is stripped of starch for ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/Council of the European Union) Received at the Digest from the Council of the European Union: Today’s Energy Council reached a political agreement on the draft directive on indirect land-use change (ILUC) amending the fuel quality
(Vermont Bioenergy Initiative) A new report evaluating grass biomass energy as a potential heating fuel has been released. Grass Energy in Vermont and the Northeast summarizes current research on the agronomy and usage potential of grass as a biofuel, and points to
(25 x '25) With the White House shining a very bright spotlight on its plans for addressing climate change – in particular, the long-awaited proposal to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants under Clean Air Act ‑ it is important that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Corn producers, ethanol producers and crude oil refiners: locked in a rollercoaster of commodity prices, and a battle for market share and profits. As the EPA readies to unleash its view of the future volumes
by Peter Waldman (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The oil industry did some intellectual gymnastics last week over California’s low-carbon fuel standard, a 2007 mandate that gasoline refiners reduce the carbon intensity of their transportation fuels 10 percent by 2020. After arguing for
by Serene Jones (Union Theological Seminary/Time Magazine) New York's Union Theological Seminary--home to famed theologians Paul Tillich, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as a $108.4 million endowment--will be the first seminary in the world to divest from fossil
(US Department of Agriculture) Now Apply for Renewed Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (June 9, 2014) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications June 16 from energy facilities interested in receiving
Dear Mr. Steyer: According to a Washington Post article on June 9th 2014, you will be divested of all your investments in fossil fuel enterprises by the end of this month. As the article discussed, that meant you continued to make
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) One of the rallying cries in favor of liquefying and exporting U.S. natural gas has been to help reduce greenhouse gases in other countries, by crowding out coal in Asia and Europe. Yet tucked into
(Grist) President Obama explained his thinking about climate change during a sit-down interview with New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman; it will air Monday night during the final episode of Showtime’s climate series “Years of Living Dangerously.” Friedman also shared lots of
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency should recognize that carbon emissions from renewable biomass are fundamentally different from those of fossil fuels and that biotechnology can and must play a key role in mitigating fossil carbon emissions, the Biotechnology
(Synthetic Biology Project) Environmental scientists and synthetic biologists have for the first time developed a set of key research areas to study the potential ecological impacts of synthetic biology, a field that could push beyond incremental changes to create organisms
(Boeing) Boeing [NYSE: BA] today (June 5, 2014) released its annual Environment Report highlighting the company's commitments and accomplishments in improving environmental performance for its products and operations. The report also features Boeing's continuing progress in sustainable growth and environmental conservation
by Cindy Zimmerman (Domestic Fuel) ...“The Environmental Protection Agency’s outdated interpretation of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) regulations is preventing the sale of E15 in most of the country during the busy summer driving season, adding billions to travelers’ fuel costs,”
by Manish Raj (The Times of India) CHENNAI: Chemical Industries Association, an apex body representing a cross section of chemical industries based in Chennai, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider promoting algae bio-fuel products. ... While the demand of crude
(Moneycontrol.com) Praj Industries has been on focus post reports suggesting that ethanol blending with petrol could become a reality soon. Praj, which provides technology and machinery for ethanol production, is likely to benefit from the move. In an interview to CNBC-TV18’s Ekta
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Monday June 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took the single largest step to control stationary sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful emissions in the nation’s history. It announced a proposed regulation
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is organizing a renewable energy and energy efficiency trade mission to Peru. Scheduled for November, the policy mission will promote the export competitiveness of U.S. renewable energy
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Time is ticking down for the Environmental Protection Agency to make a decision on how much renewable fuel will be mixed into the nation’s fuel supply, and ethanol and biodiesel groups are pressing for a change
(Finnbay) Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy is organising an international competition to accelerate the commercialisation of biorefinery innovations and the emergence of new biorefineries in Finland. The government is preparing to give €100,000 as an award to the best “Biorefinery
(Governors' Biofuels Coalition/Clean Fuels Development Coalition) Gasoline exhaust is a much greater source of toxic emissions than previously reported, and lethal, ultra-fine particulates are not being adequately regulated and controlled. according to a new White Paper released here today. The paper
by Ronnie Shows (The Hill/Congress Blog) ... For example: when I first heard several months ago that the administration proposed making across the board cuts to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) – the federal policy that requires biofuels in our nation’s fuel
by Amanda Peterka (E&E reporter/Greenwire) The United States may be losing a major opportunity to be a global leader in the growing market for green chemicals because of its overwhelming policy tilt toward biofuels, industry experts say. There are big profit
(American Council On Renewable Energy) Today (June 2, 2014), the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) announced that it has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which sought stakeholder input regarding the biofuel pathways that the DOE's Bioenergy Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) EPA comes down hard on CO2, with proposed rule calling for deep emission cuts, but opts for highly-flexible, state-by-state approach. Carbon Capture and Use not deemed a key strategy, but algae advocates aim to change
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) Biodiesel producers and farmers who raise the feedstocks for the biodiesel industry took to Capitol Hill this week, joining a group of U.S. Senate Democrats in their calls to end policy uncertainty that is hurting their industry. “The uncertainty
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) The manager of a biodiesel refinery from the Nation’s largest biodiesel producer believes the uncertainty in the green fuel’s future will disappear. I caught up with Bryan Christjansen, a general manager for Renewable Energy Group’s Albert Lea,
by Cindy Zimmerman (domesticfuel.com) In the last couple of weeks there have been two derailments of trains carrying crude oil, one in Virginia on April 30 and one in Colorado on May 9. These incidents are just the latest in
by Michael Carus, Lara Dammer, Andreas Hermann and Roland Essel (nova-Institute) nova-paper #4 “Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)” presents a reform proposal that aims at creating a level
by Stephanie Storm (The New York Times) Consumer products containing ingredients made using an advanced form of engineering known as synthetic biology are beginning to show up more often on grocery and department store shelves. A liquid laundry detergent made by
(Forum News Service/SC Times) Opportunities to provide bio-based industrial products exist, but they probably will need to provide price, utility and environmental benefits, especially if they want to compete at a premium to petrochemical substitutes, according to a recent industry
(National Biodiesel Board) One hundred seventeen biodiesel companies and affiliated businesses from 41 states called on President Obama Wednesday to stand behind his past support for the U.S. biodiesel industry by continuing sustainable growth under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Highlighting
(Environmental Working Group) The Environmental Protection Agency’s pending proposal to cut the amount of corn ethanol that must be blended into gasoline in 2014 by 1.39 billion gallons would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 3 million
by Sarah Mason (Arizon State University Light Works) The similarities between the U.S. Navy and civilian cities and industry may not be readily apparent, said Dennis McGinn, U.S. Navy Assistant Secretary for Energy, Installations and Environment, but in the realm of
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
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