by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Blend Wall Busters, R&D Bang for the Buck and Policy Stability rate slightly behind. Better Technical Readiness Assessment rates much lower. Readers come up with 63 alternative “calls to action”. A new Digest poll
by Paul Bledsoe (The Washington Post) A dramatic 40 percent drop in oil prices since June has prompted new discussion aboutraising the long-static federal gasoline tax and has many states considering gas tax hikes as well. At the federal level, Congress
by Jeff McMahon (Forbes) ... International Energy Agency director Maria van der Hoeven and U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz appeared together Thursday at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington DC, where van der Hoeven presented the findings of IEA’s 2014 review
(Times of India) The government is set to come out with policies to introduce clean fuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol and electricity for public transport vehicles and school buses in big cities to tackle air pollution, road transport minister Nitin
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The government of Finland announced Dec.17 that it granted $36.8 million (€30 million) to help build a cellulosic ethanol plant. A separate project to produce biogasoline, biodiesel and smaller amounts of other renewable products
by Steve Law (Portland Tribune) Another showdown looms in Salem between Big Oil and environmentalists, but this time environmentalists appear to have the upper hand. Heavy lobbying last year by the Western States Petroleum Association helped stall the state’s Clean Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After a year-long talk fest, the BPC emerges with a report on RFS reform, and lays an egg. Was the process doomed from the start by an insistence of “RFS reform” as a topic for
(Reuters America Latina) Cosan SA, Brazil's biggest producer of sugar and ethanol, said on Wednesday that two potential upsides in 2015 could brighten the outlook for the country's ethanol sector, which has struggled with government policy in recent years. Speaking before
(Roll Call) ... The legislation would allow the Defense Department to continue buying biofuels in bulk but raises the threshold for qualifying purchases. The department has to consider “the fully burdened cost” of the fuels and whether their price is competitive
(FarmEnergy.org) The big news from our nation’s capital this past week has been the passage of the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2015, which began on October 1st. The federal government had been operating on funding extensions and was facing
by Alicia Moulton (US Department of Energy) Going “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house” this holiday season could require a significant amount of gasoline if you’re traveling by car. Before you hit the road to visit relatives
(US Department of Energy) On June 11–12, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) hosted a workshop in Lakewood, Colorado, to discuss research and development (R&D) opportunities related to the
by Katie Valentine (ThinkProgress) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has big plans for carbon reductions in his state, as outlined in climate change and transportation proposals announced by the governor’s office this week. On Tuesday, Inslee announced a proposed tax on
(North Country Public Radio) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration will move to prohibit fracking in the state, citing unresolved health issues and dubious economic benefits of the widely used gas-drilling technique. Acting Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said years of research
by Kevin Drawbaugh (Reuters) Dozens of temporary tax breaks, including big ones for business research, wind power and foreign profits, were renewed by the U.S. Senate late on Tuesday, putting to rest worries that further delays in dealing with the
by Godfrey Mtimba (Daily News) The new Zanu PF provincial executive here has promised to give businessman Billy Rautenbach the green light to continue his multi-million ethanol project in the vast Nuanetsi ranch in Mwenezi. Zanu PF acting chairman Paradzai Chakona
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) published a report outlining 40 different options that it said could improve the country’s ethanol mandate. The BPC said it set out to find a “middle ground” for reforming the Renewable
(Denmark Climate, Energy and Building Ministry / google translation) The Danish energy industry today launches a new voluntary industry agreement on sustainable biomass. The agreement must ensure that we are now applying sustainable biomass in our energy system. This is
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The Minnesota ethanol industry is evolving even in the face of growth challenges including continued uncertainty around the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Since 2007 the industry has improved by leaps and bounds in terms of technological
by Tim Naumetz (The Hill Times Online) The federal government failed to spend a total of $321-million Parliament approved for “environmentally responsible” programs last year—nearly one-third of the money that was available for that purpose—while spending more than the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are times for TED Talks about wondrous advances in technology and the future that awaits us. Then, there are times for Teddy Talks: of practical progress, problem solving, and turning wondrous advances into
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Falling oil prices show the "high risk" of fossil fuel investments compared with renewable energies, the U.N.'s climate chief said on Monday at the start of 190-nation talks on a deal to slow global warming. The Dec.
(Airbus/Biomass Magazine) Airbus Group Inc. continues its commitment to promote innovation and advance environmentally-friendly aviation initiatives by supporting development of sustainable fuels with the potential of reducing lifecycle carbon emissions. Airbus Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with
(UPM/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels, an industry coalition to promote advanced biofuels, met on Dec. 4 at the European Parliament with Members of the European Parliament, Commission representatives, and stakeholders in Brussels. LSB, chaired by UPM’s Marko Janhunen,
by Dina Cappiello (Associated Press/Seattle pi) When Republicans take control of Congress next month, top on their agenda will be undoing environmental regulations they claim will harm the economy, chief among them President Barack Obama's plans to limit
by Steve Shaffer (Capitol Weekly) ... More than two millennia later, Sacramento has its own version of the Flat Earth Society—the California Air Resources Board (ARB). Only this time, the debate isn’t over the shape of the Earth; it’s over
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Boom times for two-product strategies? Can feed markets offer relief for the challenges on the fuel side? ... A two-product strategy is no guarantee of good times during period of rapidly falling energy prices. But
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Lawmakers vented their frustration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday over its repeated delays of the annual ethanol mandate. The Wednesday hearing in the House Oversight Committee’s subpanel on energy came weeks after the
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) submitted comments to the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Energy yesterday calling on Congress to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) includes timely approval for advanced biofuel pathways as
by Dina Cappiello (Associated Press) Heat-trapping pollution released into the atmosphere from rising exports of U.S. gasoline and diesel dwarfs the cuts made from fuel efficiency standards and other efforts to reduce global warming in the United States, according
by Mitra Taj (Reuters) World leaders have a "golden opportunity" with plunging oil prices to put a price on carbon emissions since cheaper fuel makes the move less risky politically, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday. Crude prices have
by Matt Carr (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) ... To control carbon dioxide (CO2), the agency (Environmental Protection Agency) places a significant emphasis on burying emissions underground (carbon capture and sequestration or CCS), but I believe it should equally encourage the
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has again called on the California Air Resource Board (CARB) to adjust its current indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis to better reflect real-world land use patterns. In written comments submitted on
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The fate of the Chicago E15 ordinance is still unknown. Passed by the city council’s finance committee on Monday, a vote by the full council was deferred Dec. 10 for at least a month.
by Baroness Kramer (Department for Transport) £25 million advanced biofuels demonstration competition is launched to support the development of a domestic advanced biofuel industry. I have today (10 December 2014) launched the government’s £25 million advanced biofuels demonstration competition to support the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) US biodiesel leader heads for the EU – what’s up with used cooking oil, and what is REG’s path forward with the German-based biodiesel producer? In Iowa, Renewable Energy Group and IC Green Energy announced
by James C. Greenwood (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and other missteps are being misinterpreted or misconstrued as a sign that the program is
(Office of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt) Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has asked a federal appeals court to block new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that discourage the use of ethanol by requiring states to adopt conclusions about ethanol
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) Today, as COP 2014 is fully underway in Lima, Peru, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) reiterated that biofuels, like ethanol, are presently one of the most commercially viable, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reducing transport fuel
by Zarina Zakarian (New Straits Times) Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) aims to be the world’s leader in biodiesel by tripling its production capacity to 350,000 tonnes a year by 2016. The country’s largest biodiesel exporter will spend US$47.5
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices in the 60s — what does that mean for the global economy, energy markets, and alternative fuels in the short-term and long-term? As if tough financing conditions and policy instability weren’t worrying enough
(African Development Bank Group) The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) approved a US $580,000 preparation grant for the expansion of Green Energy & Biofuels (GEB) Bio-refinery project in Nigeria. The project is a pilot of Small & Medium Entrepreneurship
by Talla Buford (The Center for Public Integrity) ... By 2018, the land (Stacey) Ryan and other holdouts have fought to keep will be consumed by an $8.1 billion ethane cracker and a multibillion-dollar gas-to-liquids facility, a massive addition to
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization) The underlying legal constructs of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) remain in working order, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule and its other regulatory missteps. Over the
(WNAX.com) Renewable Fuels Association officials are not surprised oil industry groups are looking at suing EPA over their delay in getting out the 2015 RFS volumes. RFA Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper doesn’t think the American Petroleum Institute or American
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network highlights the impact of the Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement on U.S. ethanol exports. The agreement went into force in May
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new report prepared by economic research firm The Brattle Group showed that the proposed Department of Transportation rule on rail tank cars could cost the economy as much as $60 billion and projected
by Emily Cassidy (Environmental Working Group) Corn ethanol production has soared to record heights this year, and with large harvests and low corn prices, that means record profits for the industry. ... ... Production has soared in large part because of
by Jeff Guo (The Washington Post) Assateague, a 37-mile-long smear off the shores of Maryland and Virginia, is the East Coast’s climate change canary. It’s one of the most vulnerable islands in America, almost certain to be one of the
by Alex Morales (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) A major threat to fossil fuel companies has suddenly moved from the fringe to center stage with a dramatic announcement by Germany’s biggest power company and an intriguing letter from the Bank of England. A
by Tom Hamburger (The Washington Post) Oil, gas and coal interests that spent millions of dollars to help elect Republicans this year are moving to take advantage of expanded GOP power in Washington and state capitals to thwart Obama administration
(Biofuels International) Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels (LSB), an industry coalition to promote advanced biofuels, met on 4 December at the European Parliament with Members of the European Parliament, Commission representatives, and stakeholders in Brussels. LSB, which is chaired by
by Mario Parker (The Washington Post/Bloomberg) The U.S. is adding ethanol to the list of fuels it dominates in world markets. Exports of the additive derived from corn rose 31 percent this year to the highest level since 2011, meeting demand
by Antoine Schellinger (South Texas Law Review/SSRN) Seven years after the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, the United States is entering the heart of renewable fuels legislation that was implemented as RFS2 by the EPA. The
(Elsevier) Bioenergy: Biomass to Biofuels examines all current and emerging feedstocks and the advanced processes and technologies enabling the development of their end products, ranging from solid (wood energy, grass energy, and other biomass) to liquid (biodiesel from oil seed
(United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) Publishes 2014 Biennial Assessment and Overview of Climate Finance Flows Report. Annual public and private flows from developed to developing countries ranged from $40 to $175 billion. Dedicated multilateral climate funds -
by Scott Jamieson (Canadian Biomass Magazine) Executives from Canada's biofuels industry are looking at efficiencies and diversification as tools to ensure the sector's continued growth. That was the main message shared with a packed room at the first day of
(Sustainable Aviation) Sustainable Aviation (SA), a coalition of the UK’s airlines, airports, manufacturers and air navigation service provider NATS, has launched its latest Road-Map, which considers the opportunities for sustainable aviation fuels. The Road-Map identifies the potential for a 24
(Thanh Nien News) Filling stations across Ho Chi Minh City will begin selling biofuel this week. Under a government plan that went into effect in December, the city will gradually replace 92-octane gasoline (A92) with E5--five percent of which is
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing) The two new members headed to the House from Iowa are so far untested in a political office but are likely to add to the GOP voice against environmental regulations. David Young and Rod Blum rode
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Futures) Actions taken by EPA to help keep RFS alive have actually backfired and brought more attacks in defending Congress’ intent. ... Wally Tyner, Purdue University ag economist, said it’s quite ironic that EPA likely proposed lower corn-based
by Kevin Kalhoefer and Denise Robbins (Media Matters) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it will delay its decision about the 2014 levels for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires oil refiners to blend renewable fuels into the
by Alex Lawler, Amena Bakr and Dmitry Zhdannikov (Reuters) Saudi Arabia's oil minister told fellow OPEC members they must combat the U.S. shale oil boom, arguing against cutting crude output in order to depress prices and undermine the profitability of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 14 perspectives on policy, technologies and geographies of compelling interest in the new year -- At ABLC Next this year in San Francisco — naturally, the focus is on “what’s next” in technology, finance, deployment
by Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) recently held a briefing on the technologies involved in commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic ethanol is produced from agricultural residues such as corn stover and wheat straw
by Carole Abourached* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Derrick Morgan, Vice President for the Institute for Economic Freedom & Opportunity hosted a presentation on the moral case for fossil fuels November 17, 2014 at the Heritage. According to Morgan, there should not
by Alan Neuhauser (U.S. News and World Report/MSN.com) No clucking way. Turkey prices are still higher than average, the American Farm Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics found last week – but don’t blame the Environmental Protection Agency's renewable fuel standard. The
(25 x '25) Federal regulators have stumbled again in following the congressionally approved roadmap for expanding and accelerating biofuel development and use, announcing Friday they will not finalize 2014 blending requirements under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) until sometime next
by Roberto Coelho* (Advanced Biofuels USA) As discussed at the recent F.O. Licht’s conference, Sugar and Ethanol Brazil, the current status of the installed capacity in Brazil has grown enormously in recent years with the launch of 29 new power plants
by Nicholas Bergin (Lincoln Journal Star) The biofuels industry is gearing up for a fight, a national industry spokesman said Monday. Doug Durante, executive director of Bethesda, Maryland-based Clean Fuels Development Coalition, predicted lawsuits over the Environmental Protection Agency’s
by Reed Fujii (Recordnet.com) State energy officials awarded Pacific Ethanol Inc. $3 million to help develop grain sorghum as a low-carbon feedstock, replacing some of the corn traditionally used, at its plants in Stockton and Madera. The award came at the
by Emily Parkinson (Financial Review) Australia’s struggling biofuels industry has had an annus horribilis. First came the budget decision to scrap the excise-free status the sector believed would be in place until 2021. “It threw us completely,” Andrew White, chief
(Global BioBusiness) The EunergyCane Consortium officially started operations with the signing of an agreement with the city of Motril in Spain which will create Europe's first sugarcane research center. The consortium is a group of public and private European entities such
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... My regulatory work focuses on the RFS, LCFS, and Cap & Trade. My transactional work involves maximizing the value of environmental attributes, and developing and negotiating various agreements including joint ventures, feedstock and offtake agreements.
(Correio do Brasil) The Official Gazette published on Friday normative instruction suspending the incidence of PIS / Pasep and Contribution to Social Security Financing (COFINS) in the acquisition of raw materials for the production of biodiesel. The goal, said the IRS
by Evan Halper (Los Angeles Times) As biotech masterminds and venture capitalists scramble to hatch a new generation of environmentally friendly fuels that can help power the average gasoline-burning car, they are confronting an unexpected obstacle: the White House. Yielding to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s on the short list to succeed the embattled Nebraska Republican, and what does that mean for Advanced Biofuels? ... The Good News: Support for the Navy’s advanced biofuels program varies within the Pentagon, but it’s generally
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But in the meantime, it appears to be an open-and-shut case that “new sugars” are the new sugar — and specifically that stevia might be the new sugar. Supporters of the idea that
by Alex Morales (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) Fossil fuels are reaping $550 billion a year in subsidies and holding back investment in cleaner forms of energy, the International Energy Agency said. Oil, coal and gas received more than four times the $120
The California Energy Commission (CEC) held a workshop November 24, 2014, in Sacramento regarding its 2014 Draft Integrated Energy Report Update (2014 IEPR). The CEC prepares this biennial report to assess major energy trends in California and make policy recommendations. California
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Industry Organization) ...EPA should formally withdraw the proposed rule and issue a final rule as soon as possible, fully correcting their misinterpretation of waiver authority and methodology for setting the annual renewable fuel volumes. Setting
(GreenAirOnline) By agreeing to develop a global market-based mechanism (MBM) for international civil aviation, ICAO’s 38th Assembly has set the expectation that such a scheme will be adopted in 2016 and that it will be operational by 2020. ICAO has
(Euractiv) The French bioethanol industry is leading the campaign to raise the proportion of biofuel in Europe’s transport fuel mix to 15%, while the European Commission continues to hold the sector on a short leash. EurActiv France reports. ... Bioethanol is produced
by Deborah Sontag and Robert Gebeloff (The New York Times) North Dakota took on the oversight of a multibillion-dollar oil industry with a regulatory system built on trust, warnings and second chances. ... Blowouts represent the riskiest failure in the oil business.
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. Senate includes a provision that would encourage carbon utilization technology. The Algae Biomass Organization has spoken out to applaud the bill, which calls for greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations that
by Anne Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has never before made such a clear and emphatic endorsement of biomass, commented Biomass Power Association President Bob Cleaves on release of the agency’s updated biogenic emissions framework. At least not for the 15
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Policy uncertainty has adversely impacted the U.S. biodiesel industry, but media reports would have you believe the sector is teetering on collapse. The facts show otherwise. There have been numerous reports in the past several months
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) UNICA is looking forward to working with Brazil's newly re-elected President Dilma Rouseff on putting the right policies in place for the country's future, writes Leticia Phillips. Brazil’s sugarcane ethanol industry has grown along with the U.S.
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) Lately, cellulosic ethanol plant startups have basked in the bioenergy limelight. While less celebrated, anaerobic digesters are adding value to operations and seem to be trending in blueprints. When ethanol plants can provide excess sugar to
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The EPA's long-awaited announcement on the RFS targets for 2014 were finally announced today. And the announcement? No decision on the 2014 RFS targets would be made in 2014. But what does this announcement mean? At first glance,
by Don Jenkins (Capitol Press) A consultant says ethanol made from Brazilian sugarcane could help Washington reduce carbon emissions. Midwest ethanol producers are lobbying Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to not adopt a low carbon fuels standard. An industry advocacy group, Growth Energy,
by Paul Kenney (North Platte Bulletin) Recent reports from the University of Nebraska clearly document the impressive economic benefits that occur when the corn, cattle and ethanol industries are efficiently integrated. Economists describe the economic “bounce” we realize in the
by Melanie Sloan (The Hill) Late last year, without warning, the White House did a 180-degree shift on its renewable fuels policy. But until the spring of this year, no one had any idea why. In May, according to Reuters, the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. EPA announced it is delaying finalization of the long-awaited 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard Renewable Volume Obligations until 2015. The proposed 2014 rule ran into a steamroller of opposition from renewable fuel groups,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Shell VP Matthew Tipper, at ABLCNext: “We will likely begin manufacture in the southeast United States. We plan to be operational by late this decade. “We believe our best bet is woody biomass and energy
by Reanna Trudell and Daniel Adams (US Department of Energy) ... Our scientists have identified corn stover, which includes the corn plant’s stalks, husks, cobs, and leaves, as a plentiful and reliable feedstock for producing bioenergy. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS,
(US Department of Energy) This Multi-Year Program Plan (MYPP) sets forth the goals and structure of the Bioenergy Technologies Office. It identifies the research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities the Office will focus on over the next five years and
(The Economic Times) Keen to ensure success of ethanol blending in petrol, the Prime Minister's Office held parleys with the ministries of food and petroleum to clear bottlenecks to ensure adequate supplies so that the programme can be extended across
by Andrew Anderson (Faegre Baker Daniels/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Although several new requirements in the FSMA may impact ethanol plants, writes Andrew Anderson of Faegre Baker Daniels, the preventative control rule is likely the one that will have the most significant
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Nov. 19, the U.S. EPA released a revised framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from stationary sources. According to a notice published by the EPA, the second draft of the framework
by Logan Wroge (Twin Cities Daily Planet) ... “A token amount of renewable energy isn’t going to cut it. We need a total transition,” said Simone Childs-Walker, a member of the student group Fossil Free Minnesota. The Legislative Energy Commission
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (November 18, 2014), the Feed Food Fairness Campaign, backed by members of the livestock and fast food industries, ran a one-sided advertisement in the popular Beltway publication “Politico” inaccurately blaming the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for
(Jamaica Observer) A study is underway to select local crops for biofuel production, in an effort to expand Jamaica's sources of energy supply. Manager for renewable energy and energy efficiency at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Dr Peter
(25 x '25) As often and as vigorously as the Obama administration pronounces its support of cleaner forms of energy and efforts to curb global climate change, the failure of EPA in its rule-making process to adopt sensible policies that
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) According to an analysis of vehicle owners manuals for model year 2014 and 2015 cars, conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), two-thirds of new car owners’ manuals approve the use of E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The International Energy Agency has released its annual World Energy Outlook, revealing that fossil fuel consumption subsidies reached $550 billion in 2013. According to the IEA these subsidies are failing to help those around
by Kristy Moore (Renewable Fuels Association) It is never acceptable to sensationalize the facts to the point where they are no longer facts. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) learned this lesson when releasing its study “Corrosion of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... NSP is focused on several items at the moment: successful advanced biofuel RFS2 pathways for grain sorghum oil to biodiesel and sweet sorghum to ethanol, a cellulosic RFS2 pathway for biomass sorghum, and improved
(California Energy Commission) Grants for alternative and renewable fuel projects totaling nearly $8 million also approved The California Energy Commission approved $13.5 million for energy efficiency measures to 14 schools in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin County and Orange
by Tim Walz (D-Minn.) (AgWeek) Imagine a future where America controls its own energy destiny — a future in which we stop spending $1 billion per day on foreign oil and start investing those funds to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A Canadian farmer and hot rodder recently talked with me about altering engines for pure ethanol. If E85 were widely available, the work racers are doing in this area could be applied to street
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A new analysis of real-world land use data by Iowa State University raises serious concerns about the accuracy of models used by regulatory agencies regarding “indirect land use changes” (ILUC) attributed to biofuels production. The study, conducted
by Rajeev Jayaswal (Economic Times) The oil ministry has circulated a Cabinet note for inter-departmental consultation on allowing 5 per cent blending of environment-friendly biofuels in diesel that would be consumed by bulk users such as the railways and defence
(Renewable Fuels Association) A Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) analysis of model year (MY) 2015 warranty statements and owner’s manuals reveals that auto manufacturers explicitly approve the use of E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) in approximately two-thirds of new
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biofuels now account for 1 percent of global energy use, a new report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development finds. “The State of the Biofuels Market: Regulatory, Trade and Development Perspectives” provides a
by Katherine Tweed (GreenTechMedia) Global subsidies for fossil fuels totaled nearly $550 billion in 2013. Countries around the globe have committed to reducing subsidies for fossil fuels, primarily oil and gas. But that commitment is not being put into practice quickly
by Natalie van Hoose (Purdue University) ... Growers can manage the potential risks linked to extreme rain events and soil degradation by using adaptive strategies such as planting cover crops, using no-till techniques, increasing the biodiversity of grasses and forage
(Ecofys) European calculation rules substantially underestimate the climate benefit of biofuels in the transport sector. Their greenhouse gas emissions should be compared with the emissions of the fossil fuels that they replace in the market. These ‘marginally’ replaced fossil fuels
by Kennedy Mupeseni (Times of Zambia) An energy expert has said Government should establish a low interest-rates biofuel fund to be accessed by Zambians for various operations in biofuel value chains. Biofuel Association of Zambia (BAZ) chairperson Thomson Sinkala said Government
(World Health Organization) WHO recommendations, released today, highlight the dangers of burning fuels like unprocessed coal and kerosene in the home, and set targets for reducing emissions of health-damaging pollutants from domestic cookstoves, space heaters and fuel-based lamps. The new "WHO
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) Mike McAdams discusses work on Capitol Hill, founding of the Advanced Biofuels Association and the importance of engaging in the ongoing public debate about renewable fuels. “We’re the people you hire to protect you from the
(Platts) The new 2014 Renewable Fuel Standards biodiesel mandate is expected to be far lower than the industry's production capacity, sources have told Platts. Traders and brokers polled by Platts estimated that the new 2014 standard would be anywhere from
(National Corn Growers Association) In a letter sent to President Obama this week, the National Corn Growers Association and several agricultural allies asked him to intervene with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding its proposed cuts in the 2014 volume
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, as part of the Administration’s all-of-the-above energy approach, the Department of Energy has selected four projects to receive funding for next-generation gasification systems that also reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Awardees will receive approximately $16
(Food Safety News) The “pro” side in the debate over the benefit of genetically modified foods got a big boost from science this month, with an international study funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
by N Madhav (Business Standard) The initiative would work to deliver a model for production using crops like energy sorghum, bamboo, pearl millet and switch grass In a significant step towards generating biofuels from non-food plant sources, the US-India joint consortium for
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA signed on to a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the agency to adopt Volkswagen of America’s proposal for establishing the E85 weighting factor (“F factor”) for model year
(MarketWatch/Fuels Institute) There are opportunities to grow the E85 market — but only if prices remain significantly below those of regular grade gasoline and the automobile industry continues to produce flex-fuel vehicles at historic rates, according to a new report
by Piers J. Sellers (The New York Times) I’M a climate scientist and a former astronaut. Not surprisingly, I have a deep respect for well-tested theories and facts. In the climate debate, these things have a way of getting blurred
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy submitted initial comments to the state of Washington on their draft report regarding the potential implementation of a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Growth Energy’s comments outline how an implementation of a LCFS could potentially
by Al Costa (Global Biobusiness) ...To this end, it becomes increasingly clear that "verticality" is a key issue. This means crops which occupy little space horizontally and as much space vertically. After all, a crop is free to be
(The Guardian) US, UK, Australia giving tax breaks to explore new reserves despite climate advice that fossil fuels should be left buried Rich countries are subsidising oil, gas and coal companies by about $88bn (£55.4bn) a year to explore for new reserves,
by Anjaya Anparthi (Times of India) Swedish bus maker Scania's ethanol-run bus was introduced in Nagpur two-and-a-half months ago, for a three-month pilot project, in association with Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). However, as the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) only recently approved
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To open ABLC Next, what we like to call the “heads of the 7 families” — or in this case, the heads of seven key trade associations for the advanced bioeconomy, joined us on stage
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Liquid Light took the #1 spot in the 2014-15 “40 Hottest Smaller Companies in the Advanced Bioeconomy” rankings, published today in The Digest, the world’s most widely-read advanced bioeconomy daily. It was the first
(Algae Industry Magazine) he Algae Biomass Organization (ABO), has unveiled a new website —recyclecarbon.org — as part of its ongoing campaign to persuade the EPA to explicitly recognize Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies as approved emissions reduction strategies under
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) is being overhauled, and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) is requesting input during the rulemaking comment period by November 17th. Two of the issues most important
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (R)e:chemTM was born out of necessity to spearhead US policy for rapid deployment of the renewable chemical industry and resultant cross sector manufacturing growth. ... Re:chemTM’s specific priorities over the next 12 months are securing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In many ways, REG is the entire industrial biotech business in a nutshell. They’re fermentation (through REG Life Sciences), and thermocatalytic (through REG Geismar and their extensive biodiesel business). They use both sugars and
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... In early 2014, (Senator James M.) Inhofe (R-OK) expressed interest in repealing the RFS, and instead focus on expansion of domestic oil and gas drilling. Inhofe wrote that the RFS should be repealed, “allow[ing] ethanol
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In January 2006, President George W. Bush said “switchgrass” in his State of the Union Address as he enthusiastically envisioned a renewable transportation fuels future.1 Within weeks, the price of switchgrass seed soared, along
(Business Standard) Speaking during the Conference on Biofuel 2014 here today, the Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Godkari said that his Government would take all efforts to remove hurdles in the increased production and usage of biofuels
by Laís Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The final round of the Brazil election happened on October 26th, 2015, and Dilma Roussef, from the Workers Party (PT), was re-elected with 51.4% of the votes. This election was full of unexpected events
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) ... Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, another ethanol group, agrees that “biofuels policy is bipartisan and always has been.” But he also looks for more pressure on ethanol in the Senate – not from new
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are the highlights of industry association reaction to the US Midterms, in which US voters turned sharply right and handed control of the Senate and House to the Republican Party. ... Iowa Senator-elect Joni Ernst, South Dakota
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, what has been described within the industry as “The growing movement to call out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its ethanol emissions testing procedures” picked up support today as a new study
by David Robers (Grist) ... Instead, in practice, the other perspective focuses on finding ways for poor countries to leapfrog the fossil-heavy development path taken by today’s rich countries, directly onto a more sustainable, low-carbon path. (Jamais Cascio has a
by Brad Plumer (Vox) In the run-up to the 2014 midterms, a lot of green groups were hoping that this might finally be the election when climate change became a defining issue. ... True, there were small shifts in attitude here and there.
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is in the midst of an overhaul of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Two of the issues most important to the low carbon fuels industry are the carbon intensity curve and cost containment
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