(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
by Larry Pearce (The Hill) In 1990, Congress passed the Clean Air Act Amendments and directed the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the dangerous chemical additives in gasoline. Today, 24 years later, this law has yet to be enforced
by Anjaya Anparthi (The Economic Times/India Times) The ethanol-run bus pilot project is set to witness yet more uncertainty in coming days. The agreement signed between Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Swedish bus maker Scania Commercial Vehicles India Limited will
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) Probable legal challenges to proposed cuts in the 2014 U.S. biofuel mandate could focus on a two-word phrase dropped from the U.S. law establishing the renewable fuel program back in 2005: distribution capacity. Biofuel producers have argued
(United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) The report entitled: "The State of the Biofuels Market: Regulatory, Trade and Development Perspectives" offers a comprehensive snapshot of today's biofuels market and how it contributes to enhancing access to renewable energy sources
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The most prominent casualties of the night, in terms of the Advanced Bioeconomy, were Democrats Mark Udall of Colorado and Kay Hagen of North Carolina, whose crucial support in 2012 saved the Navy’s biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A bolt-on technology for ethanol plants, costing less than $2 per installed gallon, producing a cellulosic biofuel additive that oxygenates diesel fuel at competitive prices? It’s early stage, but what’s not to like? The
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On October 27, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the use of ten percent ethanol in the gasoline supply has lowered gasoline energy’s content by three percent in a 20 year period. According to
by Justin Gillis (The New York Times) ... Despite growing efforts in many countries to tackle the problem, the global situation is becoming more acute as developing countries join the West in burning huge amounts of fossil fuels, the Intergovernmental Panel
(Balkans News) The European Commission has adopted a proposal to implement existing obligations in the 2009 amendment of the Fuel Quality Directive. Article 7a of the Fuel Quality Directive obliges suppliers to reduce by 6% the life cycle greenhouse gas
by Laís Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On October 30, 2014, U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz gave the keynote speech at the event “FAPESP-U.S. Collaborative Research on the Amazon,” promoted by a partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) Add another file to the Big Oil hypocrisy dossier. Yesterday (October 30, 2014), the American Petroleum Institute (API) released a study arguing that the fracking boom has led to dramatically lower prices for
by David Fondler (Pioneer Press/TwinCities.com) To Randall Doyal, ethanol seems like a no-brainer: a renewable, domestically produced automotive fuel that reduces the need for imported oil; that burns clean, reducing harmful greenhouse gases and pollution; that boosts farmers and rural economies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Within the next 12 months, I want to see Australia develop strategic policies aimed at: reducing its almost exclusive reliance on imported, liquid fossil fuels for transport energy; mitigating the annual addition of large quantities
(UFOP/Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen) Without a continuation of binding for all Member States targets of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector, the Union fears for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) to phase out
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Let me get this straight. The EPA says that emissions from petroleum are bad. Landfilling carbon is really bad. Climate change is really, really bad. Recycling is good. So far, understood. But now the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does a technology take municipal solid waste and turn it into liquid fuels and chemicals? What’s the “death of landfill” all about in terms of creating value streams from waste streams? We take you
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Oct. 24, the European Council issued a statement announcing it has agreed on the 2030 climate and energy policy framework for the European Union. The council has endorsed a binding EU target of at
by Louise Downing (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Italy today became the first member of the European Union to mandate the use of renewable fuel made from inedible crops. The law requires that gasoline and diesel contain at least 1.2 percent advanced biofuel,
by Beatriz Pupo, Alessandra Rosete (Platts) An increase in Brazil's subsidized gasoline prices by state-owned oil company Petrobras is understood to be getting ever closer. And the company's board of directors will meet Friday to again discuss the matter, but there are
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters Africa) Probable legal challenges to proposed cuts in the 2014 U.S. biofuel mandate could focus on a two-word phrase dropped from the U.S. law establishing the renewable fuel program back in 2005: distribution capacity. Biofuel producers have
(GreenAir Online) Even with improvements in aircraft technology, airline efficiencies and operational improvements, together with the introduction of biofuels, there will be a sizeable carbon gap between commercial aviation forecasts and industry targets by 2023, according to a study by consultancy
(Life Cycle Associates, LLC for the Washington State Office of Financial Management) ... Governor Inslee’s Executive Order 14-04, directed the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to commission an update to the earlier analysis to reassess the impacts of an LCFS with
by Tamar Haspel (The Washington Post) ... I’m guessing you’d agree that the public debate about GMOs isn’t playing out in a constructive way. Both sides have dug trenches, and they’re lobbing grenades over the wall while nothing much changes. It’s
(EBB-EU.org) ...(T)he undersigned associations and companies representing all the steps of the EU biofuels chain would like to underline the following points: • The EU transport sector, being largely dependent on fossil fuels and on massive fuel and crude oil
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) With the mid-term elections around the corner, we asked several candidates running for office their views on biofuels. The candidates were selected on their current committee positions at the federal and state level. Considering the fact that
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the US, Fuels America has launched a six-figure TV and radio campaign in Minnesota, Michigan, and Nebraska thanking American renewable fuels champions Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Collin Peterson, Rep. Lee Terry and Rep. Gary
by Alicia Moulton (U.S. Department of Energy) ... These cellulosic ethanol plants managed by Abengoa, POET-DSM, and INEOS are three of the fifteen active integrated biorefinery projects under the Energy Department’s Bioenergy Technologies Office. Also, three new companies were awarded contracts
(Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group) On October 21, 2014, the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®) submitted petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that biodiesel fuel manufacturers be granted the same Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
(Associated Press/The Maui News/Bellingham Herald) A group backed by biotech companies raised more than $7.9 million to fight a Maui ballot initiative calling for a moratorium on genetically modified organisms. Campaign Spending Commission records for the group called the Citizens Against
by Alex Nicolson (Renewable Energy World) ... Economists recognize the existence of these costs and call them “externalities.” Other than this recognition, externalities are still not assigned to their correct sources. As just one example, consider the enormous U.S. military budget,
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/The Hill) In a recently released report entitled “Why Biobased?” the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) answers the question of why America should invest in a biobased economy. The report explores the economic impacts of
by John Hansen (Nebraska Farmers Union/Omaha.com) ... When Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development examined the impact the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has on a family of four, it found an average in fuel savings of $863 per
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The growing use of ethanol in the country's gasoline supply has reduced the average energy content of a gallon of gasoline by about 3 percent during the last two decades, the government said Monday. The
by Richard Weiner (Fredrikson & Byron/Biodiesel Magazine) The Council of the European Union has recently enacted regulations that require the member states of the European Union to impose sanctions against Russian individuals and companies in response to Russia’s military action in
by Laura Barron-Lopez (The Hill) Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is preparing legislation that will put a price on carbon and he plans to introduce it next month. Whitehouse announced the legislation during a conference at New York University on
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, as the first African Sustainable Transport Forum gets under way in Nairobi, Kenya, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) called on forum attendees to adopt biofuels friendly policies and regulations that would kick-start the increased use
by Brooke Coleman (Biofuels Digest/Advanced Ethanol Council) ... It is doubtful that anyone on the Obama energy team regards themselves as having anything in common with someone like Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), who has declared climate change a hoax. Senator
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two weeks from Election Day, Bob Dinneen told a crowd of international grain and animal feed buyers gathered in Seattle that whichever party controls Congress next year will “have the gavel” on energy and
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) An ethanol association is working hard to grow the ethanol industry in South Africa and nearby countries. Right now, an association staff member said, the industry feels very small and far behind the U.S.
by Aaron Turpen (Torque News) The UAI and the EFC have called the EPA MOVES2014 corn ethanol emissions model "seriously flawed" and are calling for peer review of the emissions estimates in the annual report. The Urban Air Initiative (UAI) and
(National Biodiesel Board) Policies supporting biodiesel production would win a resounding vote of confidence if they were on the ballot in next week’s elections, according to a nationwide survey released Tuesday. Three out of four voters (75 percent) support a tax
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... To Aemetis, a route to improved margins that will also help the environment. Here’s how. News arrives from Aemetis, via its latest SEC filings, that the company has “entered into an agreement with Denmark-based Union
by Laís Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) At the event “The Power of Opinion: How Americans' Preferences on Energy Point a Way Forward on Climate Change,” held at Georgetown University, Gina McCarthy, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pointed out that
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Oct. 21, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a petition of review filed by the American Petroleum Institute and other groups challenging the E15 misfueling mitigation rule published
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, BlueFire Renewables has received a Letter of Intent from The Export Import Bank of China (China EXIM) to provide up to $270 million in debt financing for its 19 million gallon bioenergy project
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does the Congressional Budget Office look at biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard? How does $3.00-$6.00 advanced biofuels RINs? A $0.26 per gallon hike in gasoline prices? A $1.27 drop in the price of E85
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Over the past year we have seen some remarkable developments in the sector, starting right here in Alberta with the completion and opening of the Enerkem advanced biofuels plant in Edmonton. And, in Italy,
by Julie Wernau (Chicago Tribune) ... It's (coal rolling) also an apparent response to the Obama administration's fight to lower carbon emissions. Carmakers must have a fleetwide average of 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025 under the Obama
(U.S. Congressional Budget Office) Presentation by Terry Dinan, Senior Advisor in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies Division. With Ron Gecan and David Austin, both of CBO, posted. READ MORE
(Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) today sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to provide documents regarding oil industry efforts to influence the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Last May, following
(Institute for Energy Research) Congress and President Bush determined that the United States should be producing specified amounts of cellulosic biofuel as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The trouble with the approach in 2007, which
(economictimes.indiatimes) NEW DELHI: Chemicals & Fertilisers Ministry has written to the Petroleum Ministry conveying concerns of chemical industry that compulsory blending of ethanol has led to rise in its prices and reduced availability. ... "The chemical industry apprehends that mandatory blending of ethanol
(National Algae Association) The National Algae Association is pleased to see commercial algae production taking place in the US, and is encouraging all US-based algae producers to label their algae products made in America “Made in the USA.” Those that qualify should
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... I am responsible for developing the communication & branding approach to ensure delivery of DSMâs messages on the bio-renewable age to all internal & external stakeholders, including marketing communications and external affairs management. The
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Oct. 14, Gov. Terry McAuliffe officially unveiled the 2014 Virginia Energy Plan, which aims to provide a strategic vision for energy policy within the state. According to information released by the governor’s office,
(The Hill) The Pentagon is integrating climate change threats into all of its "plans, operations, and training" across the entire Defense Department, signaling a comprehensive attempt to tackle the impacts of global warming. In a 20-page report released on Monday, the
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Renewable Fuels Association’s (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen has submitted a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) where he expresses concern over their analysis of indirect land use (ILUC). He writes, “serious
by Kamis (AntaraNews.com) The use of crude palm oil (CPO) as biodiesel fuel can reduce the state expenditure by US$2.43 billion, according to the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). "The state expenditure could be economized by using CPO as
by Caitlin Kennedy (Biotech NOW) National Geographic’s October issue contains an in-depth article, “The Next Green Revolution” on how plant biotechnology will be one part of a multifaceted solution to feeding a rapidly growing population in the face of climate change. Climate change and population
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Macedonian government joins as signatory for MOU. 100 million liter cellulosic refinery could start construction in 2016. ... (N)ews arrives from Skopje, Macedonia that the Republic of Macedonia today joined a MOU to facilitate the development of
by Vanessa Dezem and Gerson Freitas Jr. (Bloomberg) GranBio Investimentos SA, the Brazilian biotechnology company that opened the southern hemisphere’s first cellulosic ethanol plant last month, is close to announcing a partner for its second facility. The new plant will be comparable
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a sign of growing awareness among policy makers of carbon utilization as a climate change mitigation platform, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) today paid a joint visit to ABO platinum member BioProcess Algae
by Seth Borenstein (AP/SFGate.com) Cheap and plentiful natural gas isn't quite a bridge to a brighter energy future as claimed and won't slow global warming, a new study projects. Abundant natural gas in the United States has been displacing coal,
by Ayesha Rascoe (Reuters) The Obama administration is trying to balance its support for renewable fuels with awareness of infrastructure constraints at gas stations as it finalizes targets for 2014 biofuel use, agency officials said on Tuesday. But with only 11
(The Green Optimistic) Advanced biofuels will have to make up 0.6% of all types of petrol and diesel used to power cars and trucks in Italy as of 2018. With this new regulation, the country becomes the first in Europe
by Isabel Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition will be launching to obtain continuous funding for the low carbon fuels industry through California legislation until 2016. The target legislation would establish multiple programs including rotating loans, funding
(ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Brussels--On the occasion of a high-level Policy Conference in Brussels, ePURE is calling for European policy makers to introduce a long-term policy framework to support the broadening of Europe’s network of biorefineries by 2030. Such a framework would
(Amazon.com) ... War is a poor substitute for strategic vision, and decisions made in the heat of imminent conflict are often limited by the emotions of the moment. In Don’t Wait for the Next War, Wesley K. Clark, a retired
by Amy Yee (The New York Times) The red-and-white Boeing 737 looked like any other plane on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport. But on a clear day last July, the plane became the first commercial flight powered by a
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) In Minneapolis, industry officials say federal government erred in setting low targets for biofuels delivered at the pump. Leaders of the nation’s biofuels industry on Monday accused the Obama administration of undermining the commercial success
by Jennifer Runyon (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) There was never any conflict between using corn for food or for ethanol since corn growers send most of their product to animal feedlots. That product isn’t even meant for human consumption anyway. It was an abundant year
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land use change (LUC) for corn ethanol has been ratcheted down by Argonne National Laboratory. The recently published manual for the Carbon Calculator for
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) ... “Pump” explores the history of the American fueling infrastructure, how it has led to today’s oil-dominated market, and what we can do to break petroleum’s stranglehold. Americans have long been fed up with having
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted a notice to its website announcing it has taken action to improve and streamline the pathway petition process under the renewable fuels standard (RFS). In March, the agency issued a
by Ken Silverstein (Forbes) Big Oil can’t put the brakes on a new renewable fuels factory in Iowa — one that will seek to supplement petroleum with next-generation cellulosic ethanol. The “Project Liberty” facility will consume 285,000 tons of biomass
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) USDA’s new report “Why Biobased?” is the first comprehensive federal quantification of the job opportunities and other economic benefits of the growing biobased products and renewable chemical industry. The Biotechnology Industry Organization today thanked Agriculture Secretary Tom
(Renewable Fuels Association) E85 retailers in the St. Louis area may be purposely price gouging Missouri drivers, according to an in-depth case study released today by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). During the 2014 summer driving season, average E85 prices
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
October 6, 2014—Columbus, OH -- Robert Kozak of Atlantic Biomass Conversions contributes his thoughtful approach to answering these questions* posed by Biofuels Digests’s Jim Lane: “As the first wave of cellulosic biorefineries launch — is there really enough affordable feedstock
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) Building on the LowCVP's recent studies on fuels decarbonisation a new Transport Energy Task Force has been established. The Task Force will help the Government to examine and formulate options for meeting the 2020 RED renewable transport fuel
(25 x '25) ... UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon brought government, finance, business and civil society leaders to New York because it is recognized that climate change is not a theory or a concept, but is, in fact, an immediate problem, having
by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) (The Hill) Ethanol and biodiesel are important to the national economy and U.S. energy independence. It’s frustrating when a powerful agency and top executive branch leaders in Washington, D.C., don’t seem to get it. ... The EPA
by Jerry Perkins (BioFuels Journal) ... RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen outlined the issues facing the Washington, DC-based ethanol advocacy organization which has 172 members, including 50 producer members, 79 associate members, 31 supporting members, and 12 members of the allied Advanced
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cellulosic ethanol production could contribute up to 9 million cellulosic D3 renewable identification numbers (RINs) in 2014, if active plants achieve full capacity in the last four months of the year, suggests a
by Sean Broderick (CHS/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Chinese MIR 162 (Syngenta trait corn) issues are still not resolved, leaving significant amounts of contracted tonnage that needs to move a different direction. River logistics are still an issue with barge rates that
by Curtis Tate (McClatchy News Service/Star Tribune) The industry disputes finding that ethanol is more volatile than crude. Ethanol producers are pushing back hard against new rail safety rules after a federal study found that ethanol poses hazards equal to or
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) on Tuesday filed comments with the European Commission challenging unfair trade duties that have blocked U.S. biodiesel from being exported to Europe since 2009. NBB urged the commission to allow duties on U.S.
(The Crop Site) UK - The Government’s quarterly Energy Trends publication reveals a record contribution from bioenergy for keeping the lights on and our cars moving whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ... Over the same period, sustainable biofuels such as biodiesel and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, chairman and vice chairman of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, sent a letter urging the Obama Administration to ensure the development of domestically produced renewable fuels by amending
(US Department of Energy) There is an urgent need to accelerate energy crop development for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. Recent technological advancements have now made it possible to extract massive volumes of genetic, physiological, and environmental
(Operation Free) Truman Project Executive Director Mike Breen Highlights Need for Expanded Sources of Renewable Energy Former U.S. Army Captain and Truman Project Executive Director Mike Breen spoke at the 2014 Algae Biomass Summit. During his headline address, he highlighted the
by Bartholomew L. Mcleay (Kansas City Star) ... Congress led rural America to believe strict volume purchase requirements in RFS for corn ethanol, for example, would keep them safe. The law is clear. RFS is not to be reduced through 2022
by Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) (The Hill) 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
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In advance of important climate change meetings set for Septemeber, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance sent an open letter to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, outlining ethanol's power to reduce GHG emissions,
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rather than creating programs to convince retailers to sell higher blends of ethanol, the industry should talk to fuel retailers and create programs that address what marketers really need, writes Ron
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Biodiesel produced from corn distillers oil (CDO) is assigned an extremely low carbon intensity (CI) score under the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, making it a tremendously attractive compliance option for regulated
(Honeywell) Emerald Biofuels LLC to produce renewable diesel under U.S. Department of Defense program UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that its advanced process technology will be used to produce renewable diesel for the U.S. military through the U.S. Department of
by Cassandra Profita (KUOW.org) A project proposed in Lakeview, Oregon, would turn woody biomass from logging into biofuels for Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Navy and Marines. The biofuel would have fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional jet fuel and diesel, but
by Vanessa Dezem (Bloomberg) Brazilian policies to cap gasoline prices may lead 30 ethanol and sugar plants to file for bankruptcy, Valor Economico said, citing a report from a research firm. The mills, with a combined capacity to process 60 million metric
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, the Algae Biomass Organization announced a “We the People” petition to the White House aimed at securing US EPA approval of carbon capture and use technologies to meet the emissions reductions targets set
(American Petroleum Institute) The Clean Air Act explicitly prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from increasing the biomass-based diesel mandate for the 2014 compliance year, wrote American Petroleum Institute (API) Downstream Group Director Bob Greco in a letter sent
(Inter Press Service) Cuba's sugar industry hopes to become the main source of clean energy in the country as part of a programme to develop renewable sources aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting the environment. The
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) The World Bank said Monday that 73 national and 11 regional governments and some 1,000 companies will join forces to push for policies setting a price on carbon emissions to encourage a shift to cleaner energy
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have tested a fuel of the future in a fleet test since January. Initial results prove the high quality and excellent properties of sunliquid 20 fuel (contains 20 percent ethanol coming from straw). With
by Sébastien Pouliot and Bruce A. Babcock (Iowa State University) Past studies that examine the impact of ethanol mandates on fuel prices make the assumption that ethanol and gasoline are perfect substitutes because they are both sources of energy in transportation fuels. These
(Air Transport Action Group) The aviation sector joined other business and government groups at the United Nations Climate Summit today to announce a commitment on climate action between the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, and
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) In November 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed waiving a substantial portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandated volumes for 2014 and reducing the use of biofuels in U.S. transportation compared to 2013.1 The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable jet fuel makes another remove forward — as a new study concludes that delay on implementing RFS2 could be the equivalent of building 5.5 new coal-fired power plants in terms of CO2. In New York,
(University of California-Irvine) Abundant supplies of natural gas will do little to reduce harmful U.S. emissions causing climate change, according to researchers at UC Irvine, Stanford University, and the nonprofit organization Near Zero. They found that inexpensive gas boosts electricity
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Department of Defense has awarded $210 million under the Defense Production Act to Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio towards the construction of biorefineries that produce cost-competitive, drop-in military biofuels. Under the grants, the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate is once again addressing energy tax incentives. On Sept. 17, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing, titled “Reforming America’s Outdated Energy Tax Code,” to discuss possible paths forward to
(Renewable UK) Leading renewable energy trade bodies have come together to launch “key tests” for the political parties ahead of the next general election. The grouping, which includes ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association), BHA (the British Hydropower Association), the
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) Renewable fuels advocates want Vice President Joe Biden to tell them if it's true that he pushed to reverse the Obama administration's support for a mandate they believe aids Iowa's economy. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
(Green Mountain Power) GMP collaborates on Innovative Farm-to-Energy Biodiesel Test Beautiful fields of sunflowers growing in Newbury and Shaftsbury will have an unusual future: the flowers’ seeds will be converted to biodiesel and livestock feed. The fuel will be used in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Declining gasoline demand, blend walls, lack of blender pumps, a fight over E15 ethanol, food vs fuel — it all looks pretty dire for the US Renewable Fuel Standard target of 36 billion gallons of renewable
by Robert Pollin, Heidi Garrett-Peltier, James Heintz, and Bracken Hendricks (Center for American Progress) ... This report quantifies the level of investment required for the United States to align emissions reductions with international goals in an economically beneficial and
by Jarvis Cocker (Creative Time Reports/The Guardian) ... You whisper now, but could it be that there is a higher power than … THE ECONOMY? I know that sounds a bit sacrilegious, but could it be that THE ECOLOGY is actually the
by Antonio Maria Bonomi, Paulo Barbosa and Susan van Dyk (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter #37) Brazil was the leader in biofuels production and exports until the USA became the world’s largest biofuel producer in 2006 and the leading exporter of biofuels
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