(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Argentine biodiesel imports could reverse domestic energy progress Hosting a U.S. Trade Representative on his family farm outside Des Moines, Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, took the opportunity to discuss trade issues relevant to
by Eli Stokols (KDVR.com) President Jimmy Carter called a tax on carbon emissions “the only reasonable approach” to combating climate change during an appearance here Tuesday, but lamented that even piecemeal actions are unlikely to get through a divided Congress. Carter,
by Natalie Obiko Pearson (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) China and Brazil are looking for ways to redirect a global climate debate, which they say unfairly accuses developing nations of delaying limits on fossil-fuel pollution. China wants to blitz attendees at United Nations-led
by Michael Carus (nova-Institute/Bio-Based News) On 23 April 2014 SABIC announced “that it will launch its first portfolio of certified renewable polyolefins, certified under the ISCC Plus certification scheme, which involves strict traceability and requires a chain of custody based on
by Apornrath Phoonphongphiphat (Reuters) Thailand's military government will encourage farmers in the world's biggest rubber producer and exporter to cut down more rubber trees in a bid to restrict supply to help shore up prices, a senior government official said
by Adam Monroe (Roll Call/Americas for Novozymes) ... Every action we can take to clean the air and protect the environment matters. But the number one contributor to CO2 emissions in the U.S. isn’t coal — it’s transportation. Forty-two percent of greenhouse
by Dave Vander Griend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM) The industry must push for change in the way fuels are blended and tested, writes Dave Vander Griend. Growth of the ethanol industry, producers of a clean high-octane fuel, is being blocked by U.S.
by Scott Irwin (University of Illinois) The EPA is apparently going to finalize 2014 RFS rules in the near future. This will at least temporarily bring the tumultuous process to an end that started with the release of the preliminary RFS
by Andy Eubank (Hoosier Ag Today) The Fuels America coalition launched a new campaign featuring one of its largest digital campaigns to date, pointing to actors like the Koch brothers and others who stand to personally gain if America loses
(Fuels America) For months, the EPA has debated the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which sets the amount of affordable, cleaner-burning fuels used in America’s fuel supply. Now — thanks to pressure from oil companies and their allies — they’re
by Edi Hardum (Jakarta Globe) Experts slammed the government for not being serious in pushing the use of biofuel as an alternative source of energy, with data from the government showing that consumption remained low. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s administration
by Benjamin Goad (The Hill) A government report made public Monday finds fault with the Environmental Protection Agency’s analyses of the costs and benefits of its regulations. The Government Accountability Office report concluded that information incorporated into the EPA’s
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Power by people; a simple slogan with the hopes of executing the complex task of changing the way people fundamentally think about the ethanol industry. Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the American Coalition
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Republican U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst defended her support for the renewable fuels standard today and pushed six Iowa TV stations to pull an ad that her campaign claims deliberately distorts her position on
by Amanda Bilek (Biomass Magazine) There is little doubt that allowing biogas-based transportation fuel projects to sell either advanced biofuel or cellulosic compliance credits will give a big boost to U.S. projects. In early July, the U.S. EPA published a final
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Environmental Protection Agency official Paul Machiele visited the American Coalition for Ethanol conference this week in Minneapolis to discuss various issues, including plans for the 2014 volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Machiele, who is director for
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Advanced biofuels and biomass play supporting roles in several scenarios examined in a recent report from the World Bank Group looking at climate-smart development. The report introduces a new comprehensive model developed to take
(GreenAir Online) The potential to reduce UK aviation’s annual carbon emissions by up to 1.7 million tonnes by 2030 through the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels can only be realised with government support, says UK industry environmental strategy group Sustainable Aviation
(The World Bank) The companies we turn to every day for electricity, transportation, consumer goods, and even electronics face risks from climate change. Most need reliable water for production processes and products. Extreme weather and temperatures can hurt their productivity
by Gene Lucht (Iowa Farmer Today) .... But, when the Iowans visited Washington recently a few of them also spoke with members of Congress and congressional staffers from non-ag regions in an effort to educate them about agriculture and about
by Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) It starts out as freeze-dried fungus or bacteria from Denmark and ends up being one of the key ingredients in what some are calling Nebraska’s and Iowa’s shot at the big time when it comes
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A popular breakout session at the 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference discussed the potential impacts the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act may have on plant operations. Paula Emberland of Christian
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Much discussion of the E10 blend wall was to be found at the 2014 American Coalition of Ethanol conference. The last day of events began with retailers who were able to get over the
(Reuters) ... China produces more than 90 percent of the world's rare earths, which are key elements in defense industry components and modern technology from iPhones and disk drives to wind turbines. It imposed strict export quotas in 2010, saying it
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, USDA, EPA and the US DOE published the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap, and concluded that: · Developing a viable biogas industry in the U.S. can boost the economy and provide a reliable, distributed source of renewable energy
(University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences/EurekAlert!) If the hottest new plant grown as a biofuel crop is approved based solely on its greenhouse gas emission profile, its potential as the next invasive species may not be
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All that food waste, all that potential value. What’s being done about all that material heading from the garbage pail to the landfill? Turns out, the State of Hawaii and BioTork are doing a lot.
by Swaraj Baggongkar (Business Standard) To curb petrol import costs, the NDA government is pushing for a 10% ethanol mix in petrol A long-delayed proposal to add 10 per cent ethanol into petrol will most likely force manufacturers to make changes to
by Alexander Bolton (The Hill) Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Rand Paul (Ky.) are trying to avoid an ethanol landmine in Iowa. ... Iowa kingmakers in the party such as Sen. Chuck Grassley want the Republican presidential nominee in 2016 to champion ethanol. That’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... SkyNRG is undertaking its first major feedstock project in South Africa, featuring a nicotine-free energy tobacco crop that’s developed by Sunchem under the name of Solaris. Which is an excellent reminder of how much activity
by Nick Paulson (Farm Doc Daily/University of Illinois) ... However, D4 generation has rebounded substantially since February, averaging more than 227 million RIN gallons from March through June. Through June, a total of 1.209 billion D4 RINs have been generated in
(nacsonline.com) New, non-mandatory rules that go into effect June 1 will allow Missouri gasoline retailers to sell E15, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. With the change, Missouri joins a dozen other states that offer E15. However, not everyone is as pleased with the change. AAA
by (mfrtech.com/BUSINESS WIRE) Over the next 8 years, biofuels are expected to become an important part of the fuel mix for road transportation, accounting for 7.5 percent of liquid fuels consumed in the sector by 2022. Many governments, corporations, and
(The Asian Age) Oil marketing companies could achieve only 1.37 per cent blending of ethanol with petrol against the target of five per cent;... ... But now, the new government will take steps in the sector as it will also help the
(RenewableEnergyWorld.com) New Hampshire, USA -- ... In a move that could restore biofuel market uncertainty in Europe, this week (June 11, 2014) energy ministers are expected to reach political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into
by Margaret Donnelly (Agriland) Ireland imported 126 liters of biofuels in 2013, 84% of what we used, according to An Taisce. An Taisce says the EU biofuels policy is failing to meet one of its key aims, namely, to boost self-sufficiency in terms
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine speaks with three leaders in the U.S. biodiesel distribution space about the growth and opportunities in biodiesel distribution, and the challenges that lie ahead. The marked increase in U.S. biodiesel production over the past
by Jeff Myrick (HutchNews.com) By now, we’re used to it. U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler/Hutchinson, has drawn criticism from Kansans because of his actions in Washington, D.C. And again it involves agriculture, the state’s leading industry and something Huelskamp, a
by Joshua S. Hill (CleanTechnica) Policies designed to minimise and redefine dependence upon oil for transportation have been the talk of many towns around the world over the past several years, leading Navigant Research to posit that gasoline consumption for
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Obama administration Friday formally published proposals in the Federal Register to strengthen safety rules for trains carrying crude oil and other fuels, kicking off a two-month period in which the public can comment. The proposals were prompted chiefly by
by Anne Steckel (The Hill/National Biodiesel Board) ... Afraid of losing their stranglehold on the fuels market, petroleum groups have long complained that the RFS is unnecessary. More recently, their arguments have become more brazen, suggesting that renewable fuels are responsible
By Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) In the arid Imperial Valley of California, Tim Brummels is trying to turn an agricultural cousin of sugarcane into low-carbon ethanol. It’s the kind of climate-friendly project supporters have pined for since Congress in 2005 ordered
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a report that,for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Kansas, one of the more interesting political battles of the US 2014 election season will take place on Tuesday August 4, when Republican (and Tea Party-fave) congressman Tim Huelskamp — who has called for
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) The U.S. biofuel industry is urging the Obama administration to go beyond simply raising proposed targets for use of the fuels, making the case instead for fundamental changes to the government's approach to the renewable fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are 5 Tell-Tale Signs that you have the Boss from Hell. And when it comes to the US federal government and advanced biofuels, all five are kinda pointin’ right at ol’ Uncle Sam. Congress passed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Captain James C. Goudreau, Director, Navy Energy Coordination Office: Stay the course. There is always risk, always naysayers. When we moved from sail to coal, coal to oil, oil to nuclear, there were always people
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 1. The Hot 50 and Hot 30: A perennial favorite. This year, Solazyme topped the list while LanzaTech slipped into second place. ... 2. The Top 100 People: Another perennial. This year, international project developers made
by William Woebkenberg (Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America) In these presentation slides from a July 2014 US Department of Energy EIA conference, Bill Woebkenberg explains Mercedes' support for world-wide B5 biodiesel/FAME blends and the need for greater assurance of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, PUMP, the latest documentary feature film from Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell, will be making its long awaited premiere this September in specially selected theaters around the country. The initial presentations take
by Robert Rubin (The Washington Post) Good economic decisions require good data. And to get good data, we must account for all relevant variables. But we’re not doing this when it comes to climate change — and that means we’re
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) In what could be seen as a sign that an unpopular decision is about to be rendered by the Obama Administration on ethanol and biodiesel, a select group of Senate Democrats have met with the White
by Dr. Lew Fulton (University of California-Davis Institute of Transportation Studies) ... In a new white paper released this week by the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis (ITS-Davis), we measure the incremental changes that are occurring in the U.S.
by Jesse Jenkins (The Energy Collective) Summary While a carbon price is every economists' favorite climate plan, real-world political constraints get in the way (just ask Australia!) In a new paper in Energy Policy, I examine a variety of political economy constraints
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Releases new data on Bakken crude oil to support increased safety measures The U.S. Department of Transportation today released the details of its comprehensive rulemaking proposal to improve the safe transportation of large quantities of flammable materials
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board released the following statement from Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel Thursday after White House adviser John Podesta briefed a group of Senate Democrats on the pending proposal for biodiesel under the
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) An ethanol plant in Nebraska corn country is pumping out fuel made from sugar beets, and corn farmers are suing to stop it - a small-town dispute that offers an unusual take on the debate over
by Mario Sergio Lima (Bloomberg) Brazil is delaying until at least 2015 an increase in the ethanol portion used to blend with gasoline, a government official with knowledge of the decision said. The government will take at least 10 weeks to
by Eric Ng (South China Morning Post) The Hong Kong government will commission a study and consult the biodiesel industry about widening the use of the clean fuel, including its mandatory blending into fossil diesel. The study would look at such issues
by Zerihun Getachew (All Africa) Ethiopia is producing biodiesel from jatropha plant with 56 million birr said Water, Irrigation and Energy Ministry. According to Public Relations Director with the ministry, Bizuneh Tolcha , the production of biodiesel from jatropha is
(Reuters) Negotiators for Southern African states have agreed a new trade pact with the European Union which will give the countries a bigger market for food exports, South Africa's trade and industry department said. ... If ratified by the governments involved, the
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Sustainable practices can turn crop residues and manure into bioenergy without competing with food supplies U.S. agriculture could provide up to 155 million tons of crop residues and 60 million tons of manure to produce clean fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In California, the California Energy Commission recommended awards of $46.6 million to 11 biofuels and biomethane projects. ... The winning projects and award amounts are: Crimson Renewable Energy LP Bakersfield Biodiesel Production Plant Expansion Project–Phase II $5,000,000 American Biodiesel, Inc.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, has introduced legislation that would require fuel suppliers to disclose country-of-origin information for transportation fuels. The bill, titled the “Country of Origin Labeling for Fuels Act,” was introduced July 16
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) were big topics this week as members of the National Corn Growers Association met in Washington DC. ... During the Ethanol Committee meeting, staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new agricultural outlook report published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations predicts that the consumption and production of biofuels will increase
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biofuels Digest) ... But, beyond the RVO numbers, not much has been said about this Administration’s inability to execute on its mandated task to review and approve new pathways under the RFS for feedstocks, technologies and
by Jeremy B. White (Sacramento Bee) Democratic fissures over California's cap-and-trade mandates deepened on Thursday, with a key moderate Democrat introducing a bill to push back a looming rule expected to cause a spike in prices at the pump. Assembly Bill 69
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... On July 7, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine certified a petition for the proposed Clean Energy Initiative amendment. According to Josh Pulliam, a consultant for Yes for Ohio’s’ Energy Future, the political action committee that
by Mark Matsunaga (U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs/The Lemoore Navy News) Ships and aircraft in the next Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise could be running on biofuels, and they won't even need to know it, according to speakers at
(Navigant Research) Viewed as a game changer in the race to commercialize advanced biofuels, aviation and marine biofuels represent a very significant opportunity for emerging producers in the advanced biofuels industry. Demand for advanced biofuels produced from sustainable, non-food feedstocks
(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The American Petroleum Institute (API) is focusing on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its fight to reduce the ethanol blending mandate, conceding that there’s little short-term hope in congressional action. Bob Greco, API’s director of downstream
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
(Sustainable Aviation) - Potential to reduce UK aviation’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tonnes per annum by 2030, and by 18% by 2050, through the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels, finds independent analysis by sustainable energy experts E4tech - Contribution of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, the newly installed Senate, which changed over its membership on July 1st following elections late last year, endorsed a series of bills (already passed in the House of Representatives) eliminating the carbon tax
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Key ruling in Gevo, Butamax case links it to the upcoming Teva case, going before the Supreme Court this fall. In Colorado, Gevo filed a fascinating 8-K this week, relating that a United States District Court judge granted
(US Department of Energy) The Energy Department announced today (July 17, 2014) $3.5 million for an algae project aimed at accelerating the development of sustainable, affordable algal biofuels. This research project supports the Department’s goal of producing 2,500 gallons of
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) A major new report published today (15 July 2014) at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s Annual Conference shows the UK automotive sector has been revitalised by consistently applied policy centred on cutting carbon. Carried out for LowCVP
(VoteVets.org) A Vietnam Veteran from Des Moines is featured in a new television ad campaign, today, praising Congressman Bruce Braley’s work to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard. The ad, sponsored by the veterans organization VoteVets.org, will air in the coming
(EcoEngineers) On July 2nd, 2014, the EPA released the final rules regarding the QAP program requirements for the RFS2. These rules will go into effect as of January 1st, 2015 and have a number of important aspects and changes for producers of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 7, the National Grain and Feed Association announced it submitted an extensive proposal to the Surface Transportation Board, urging the STB to establish new rules and procedures that captive grain shippers could
by Jerry Perkins (Des Moines Register) If Ukraine can build a renewable energy sector based on its vast agricultural production, it won’t need Russian energy and could, perhaps, protect its sovereignty to a much greater extent than it can today
by Heather Meade (Daily Advocate) There are seven operational ethanol plants in Ohio, one of which is located just outside of Greenville - The Andersons, Inc., which was opened in conjunction with the Marathon Petroleum Company out of Toledo, in
(Growth Energy) In response to a recent order by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which called on specific rail providers to resolve backlogs of rail cars for grain orders, but failed to address the substandard rail service for the delivery
by Jim Lane and Mark Riedy (Biofuels Digest) This week in Washington, the Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office announced the Final RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency Projects Solicitation for its up to $4 billion loan guarantee program under Section 1703
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) North Carolina recently awarded six projects a total of $500,000 through the state’s Bioenergy Research Initiative, which is a program of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Special consideration is given to projects
by Bob Dinneen (Roll Call/Renewable Fuels Association) In recent months, the petroleum industry has boasted about U.S. crude oil production reaching its highest level in more than a quarter-century. But what they fail to note is that increased domestic drilling has
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Two U.S. farm-state Senators on Wednesday urged federal regulators to investigate allegations raised by a biofuel trade group that the oil industry uses "strong arm tactics" to prevent widespread use of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline. A
(Europa.EU) ... NER 300 is one of the world's largest funding programmes for innovative low-carbon energy demonstration projects. The programme aims to successfully demonstrate environmentally safe carbon capture and storage (CCS) and innovative renewable energy (RES) technologies on a commercial scale
(Energy Market Price) Electricity prices could double by 2035, while gas prices might increase by 43%, according to forecasts released by the National Grid on Thursday. The research document entitled “Exploring the future of UK energy” says that wholesale electricity price
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new “Consumer Choice Report Card” released by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) grades some of the largest, most well-known retail gasoline chains based on whether they are providing consumers with alternatives to regular gasoline that cost less,
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) Tim Worledge, the Associate Editorial Director of Platts Agriculture relayed some of the history and the status quo of the biofuel industry in Europe during a webinar hosted by Platts and Aspect Enterprise Solutions
(Americans United for Change) With oil prices on the rise in response to the deteriorating situation in Iraq, Americans United for Change announced a major new ad campaign encouraging the EPA not to turn its back on a secure, safe,
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing/Greenwire) The federal policy used to build up the nation's ethanol and advanced biofuel capacity could soon be harnessed to spur the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. In a final rule issued last week, U.S. EPA said it
by John Voelcker (Green Car Reports) ... Now, another country is discussing new regulations that would require both new and imported used vehicles to meet minimum gas mileage standards. That country is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Energy use exceeds growth The reason
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) BP’s 63rd annual Statistical Review of World Energy was recently released. Some key findings. Oil Prices Stay Above $100/Barrel for Third Year In the face of these disruptions and heightened risks to supply, average oil
(Capital Press) As the federal government is set to lower the Renewable Fuels Standard for this year, the National Chicken Council asserts that diverting the corn supply to ethanol has resulted in more than $44 billion in higher feed costs to
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The ethanol industry Monday urged a federal regulator overseeing the nation's railroads to provide relief for shippers of the renewable fuel who have faced delays. Growth Energy, which represents ethanol manufacturers, told the Surface Transportation
by Jan Koninckx (DuPont Industrial Biosciences/Renewable Energy World) Advanced biofuels are no longer a futuristic hope — they are here. This year, three companies including DuPont will turn on commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol biorefineries, the result of billions of dollars in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... We first started tracking hemp back in 2009, when a 43-acre biomass trial launched in California that features hemp as a feedstock. The notoriety of hemp’s cousin, marijuana, has created both passionate supporters and opponents
by Kelly Servick (Science Magazine) A year after the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling that human genes cannot be patented, the biotech industry is struggling to adapt to a landscape in which inventions derived from nature are increasingly hard to
by Paul Waldman (The Washington Post) ... The Congressional Budget Office says that starting next year, the fund won’t have enough money to meet its obligations, and keep in mind that means just the projects that are already in progress. New projects would
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
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