by Rajendra Jadhav (Reuters) Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) have bought a record 720 million litres of ethanol from the country's cash-strapped sugar mills for blending, in an attempt to curb fossil fuel imports, industry officials said. The purchases would help
by Adam Monroe (Novozymes/The Hill) ...In our view, the fuels of the future are biofuels and they are already here. There’s only one problem: The very institution that set the wheels in motion to create the biofuels industry is now
(The Center for Public Integrity, InsideClimate News and The Weather Channel) ...With more than 50 wells drilled within 2½ miles of their home, the days when the Buehrings could sit on the deck that Shelby built and lull away an
by Joseph Gerth (Courier-Journal) Two years ago, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell took to the Senate floor to deride President Barack Obama for a speech that called for developing biofuel from algae — dismissing it as nothing more than a “pipe
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) Crop farmers in the northern corn belt who have benefited from ethanol targets are putting on a push to save the current renewable fuel standard (RFS) from proposed cuts by the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal would cut the
(WNAX) A new study by Informa Economics shows the original intended RFS level for 2014 blending of 14.4 billion gallons can be reached through increased consumption of E 85 and E 15. Iowa Corn Growers President Roger Zylstra of Lynneville
by Mike Bryan (BBI International/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Much of the consternation over corn ethanol, including the current debate on the renewable fuel standard, is rooted in America’s ability to produce sufficient corn to meet the needs of food and fuel. This, of
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Dear Congress, Please keep our millions of dollars in tax breaks in place. We only make $93 billion in collective profit per year. This is not enough money to operate our businesses and overcharge our customers.
by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) (The Hill) ... Now is not the time to slam the brakes on 21st century alternative, domestic energy breakthroughs that would increase U.S. productivity, opportunity and prosperity. ... Congress established the RFS as
(Renewable Fuels Association) As of today, approximately 40,000 Americans from all walks of life have submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voicing their opposition to the Agency’s proposed cut to the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Meanwhile, the
by John Davis and Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Cellulosic ethanol is not just a fuel of the future; it’s here today. And at the recent 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit held in Altoona, Iowa, Steve Mirshak from DuPont’s cellulosic division talked with
(Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) ) Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he introduced legislation that would establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in renewable and alternative fuel infrastructure. The Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion and
(4-Traders/National Biodiesel Board) National Biodiesel Board : Senators Introduce Bill to Reinstate Biodiesel Tax Incentive -- Tax Cut Expired Dec. 31 for Third Time in Five Years The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) called on Congress to move swiftly on tax legislation after
by Herman Wang (Platts) California plans to expand its first-in-the-nation Low Carbon Fuel Standard with more aggressive emissions-reduction rules through 2030, even as the current program faces a possible US Supreme Court challenge. ... In the scoping plan, which outlines how CARB
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Good news for mankind worried about getting a more sustainable world: it is expected that the next few years will be decisive for the future of advanced biofuels and bioenergy with the establishment
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... “Renewable chemicals are now defined in the farm bill, an important and long overdue change,” said Matt Carr, BIO Industrial and Environmental Director about that inclusion in the Biorefinery Assistance Program and Biomass Research and Development
(Chesapeake Climate Action Network) Independent study provides lawmakers and the public with first Maryland-specific risk assessment, coming on the heels of violent gas well explosion in PA Advocates call on the General Assembly to pass SB 745 to ensure that
(Khosla Ventures) To: 60 Minutes and CBS Attn: Lesley Stahl, Jeff Fager, David Rhodes, Leslie Moonves On January 5, 2014, CBS’ 60 Minutes aired a segment titled, “The Cleantech Crash” that grossly misrepresented the state of the sustainable energy industry. At
by Douglas L. Faulkner (“The Cleantech Conservative”/Biofuels Digest) ... It does not appear any of the experts are looking at the entire picture of the evolving and increasingly inter-connected agricultural-energy-transportation sector, let alone suggesting a plan with all, or even some, of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Developers: is affordable project finance tough to find? Lenders: want to support green projects, but find that traditional deal structures defeat your best intentions? Help is on the way, via green bond principles and green
by Elizabeth Douglass (InsideClimate News) The American oil industry could be on the verge of winning its war on the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), as the Obama administration weighs changes that could severely undermine the nation's most successful—and most
by Jon LeSage (AutoBlogGreen) Hundreds of thousands of people are waiting for the US Environmental Protection Agency to issue its final ruling on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Over 110,000 signatures were collected by the group VoteVets.org (often politically
by Jane Norman (ABC) A report into the $100m a year ethanol subsidy program says a large part of the excise benefit is not being passed on to consumers via the E10 discount. The Ethanol Production Grants program was introduced
(Crimson Renewable Energy) Crimson Renewable Energy LP (Crimson) of Denver, the largest producer of ultra-low carbon biodiesel fuel in California, announced today that it has been awarded a $5 million grant from the California Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel
by Robert C. Brown and Tristan Brown (The Gazette) In the face of criticism about ethanol, delays in the commercialization of advanced biofuels and the recent development of domestic supplies of fracked gas and petroleum, some people are asking, “Why are
by Robert J. Conrado and Ramon Gonzalez (Science Magazine) Efforts to use natural gas in transportation, either directly or by conversion to a liquid fuel, have been spurred by recent increases in available supply and a growing price spread between
(Baystreet.CA/AccessWire) Extreme Biodiesel, Inc. (PINK:XTRM) today announced that the Company wholly owned subsidiary XTRM Cannabis Ventures has just completed assembly of its first Mobile Hemp To Biodiesel Production Unit. XTRM Cannabis Ventures will begin marketing and posting specs for the Mobile
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Following House passage, the five-year Farm Bill and its Energy Title head to the White House for assent. In Washington, the U.S. Senate voted 68-32 to approve the bipartisan Farm Bill coauthored by Sen. Debbie
by Peter Brown (Biodiesel Magazine/International Procurement Tools Inc.) We may already be over the tipping point where greenhouse gases (GHG) have so altered the delicate balance in nature that climate changes are irreversible. Two worlds have collided and what may
by Shashi Menon (EcoEngineers/Biodiesel Magazine) Over the past two years, the use of nonfood-grade (NFG) corn oil for biodiesel production has grown tremendously. Corn oil biodiesel is eligible for a D4 RIN under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), and California's low
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) The Obama administration gave environmentalists little to cheer about last week, but the game is hardly over. When it comes to climate change, Obama’s rhetoric has been striking and unequivocal (for example here), but with congressional deadlock,
by Matt Kelley (RadioIowa) Legions of people lately have pleaded in public hearings for the federal Environmental Protection Agency to maintain the amount of ethanol required to be blended into gasoline, but Iowa’s top lawyer says there’s another better tactic. Iowa
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (OTCQB: AMTX), an advanced fuels and renewable chemicals company, announced today that its 50 million gallon per year capacity biodiesel and refined glycerin production facility in Kakinada, India has been upgraded to produce high-quality distilled biodiesel. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... More than 15,000 comments were received by EPA. What is the problem that led to a waiver petition? Why does EPA propose to act and how, and when, and in what way? Today, in the
by Michael Jacobson (NEWBio) Michael Jacobson, Professor of Forest Resources at Penn State, recounts his October 2013 visit and conversation with bioenergy entrepreneur and willow grower Stanislaw Dolata, whose willow business is located in northwestern Poland. Jacobson toured Eastern Europe
by Natalie Obiko Pearson (Bloomberg) Novozymes A/S (NZYMB), the biggest producer of enzymes used for biofuels, says Indian interest doubled in the past year as costlier oil spurs demand for alternatives. “India could be one of the biggest markets for us
by Jordan Godwin (Platts) Current-year corn-based ethanol (D6) RINs were assessed at their highest level in nearly four months Monday on firming buying interest and continued uncertainty regarding the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard, sources said. ... RIN prices skyrocketed Thursday in reaction to a
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Barack Obama stressed the need for the nation to “double-down” on clean energy during his Jan. 24 State of the Union address, but neglected to include biofuels in his list of domestically available
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Draws fire from biofuels, environmental groups for emphasis on fossil fuels, back-off on renewables; 110,000 sign VoteVets.org petition in support of RFS ... Biofuels reaction: rhetoric nice, but reversal on RFS hits only clean energy, climate policy
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) In regard to the determination of the Applicable Volume of ethanol and other biofuels allowed for Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits in 2014, Advanced Biofuels USA finds that EPA has disregarded the intent of
by Todd Myers (Voice of the Valley) According to The Seattle Times, Governor Inslee is upset at a Republican claim that a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) would increase the price of a gallon of gas by $1. Recently, some have
(Boeing/PR NewsWire) - Collaboration focuses on research, feedstock production and refining capability - Announcement follows Etihad 777 biofuel demonstration flight in Abu Dhabi Boeing [NYSE: BA], Etihad Airways, Takreer, Total and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology today announced they
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Minnesota, the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, who announced their 2014 Minnesota legislative agenda today at the Minnesota Green Chemistry Conference, is proposing the creation of a new production incentive program for renewable chemicals and
by Jonathan Coppess (FarmDocDaily) ...The heart of the matter is whether the waiver authority Congress provided to the EPA allows it to waive the specific RFS requirements on the basis of the infrastructural challenges posed by the E10 blend wall. EPA's
(25 x '25) The annual Global Forum for Food and Agriculture is currently underway in Berlin and those attending are grappling with a formidable challenge: finding ways to insure food security around the world as population surges by nearly 30
(The PEW Charitable Trusts) How the Department of Defense Leverages Private Resources to Enhance Energy Security and Save Money on U.S. Military Bases The U.S. Department of Defense defines installation energy security as the ability to assure access to reliable sources
(The White House) First QER Will Focus on Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure -- President Obama signed a Memorandum directing his Administration to conduct a Quadrennial Energy Review (QER). This first QER will focus on the development of a comprehensive strategy
by Trinh Theresa Do (CBC News) Singer takes aim at government spokesman's suggestion that even rock stars rely on the oil industry When it comes to Canada's oilsands, Neil Young isn't keen to let the Prime Minister's Office have the last
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) European Commissioners clashed on Friday over what the European Union's climate and energy policy goals for 2030 should be, with time for agreement running short ahead of their planned publication this month, EU sources said. The European
(Middle East Events) The number of Green Buses powered by biofuel within the fleet of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)has risen to 11 buses under a plan based on the Green Economy initiative launched in January 2012 by HH
by Stephen Trimble (FlightGlobal) Boeing will seek approval by the end of this year to clear a green diesel blend as an alternative to Jet-A for turbine-powered aircraft. If approved, Boeing believes this emerging source of renewable fuel can kick-start the
by Meghan Grebner (Browfield Ag News) There’s just a few weeks left for farmers to submit comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed cuts to the Renewable Fuels Standard. The Indiana Corn Growers Association and the Indiana Soybean Alliance are making
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For all the media melodrama displayed at this time last year when the USDA released its tally on the drought-suppressed 2012 corn crop, there’s been predictably little ado over last week’s news that the
(KTIC Blogs) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to slash 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending requirements is unwarranted and economically irrational, according to a new analysis released today by Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD).
Senator Amy Kolbuchar (D-MN) (Post Bulletin) ... Unfortunately, a recent proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency to lower the biofuel targets for 2014 threatens the progress we have made. The EPA's proposed Renewable Fuel Standard rule would, for the first time, allow
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Agriculture, and Secretary of Energy delivered four co-signed letters to the heads of key House and Senate committees and subcommittees, in support of the Navy’s efforts to
by Laura Barron-Lopez (The Hill E2Wire) ... 5. Retreat on Ethanol -- The debate over the country's renewable fuel mandate, which determines how much ethanol and biofuels refiners must blend into the nation's fuel supply, raged in 2013. All the way
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen takes a look back at 2013 for the ethanol industry and a look ahead to what 2014 may have in store. ...Among the topics Dinneen discusses in this end
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The Missouri Corn Growers Association has produced a video that tells “the greatest story never told” – Quiet Revolution: The Ethanol Story. READ MORE WATCH VIDEO
by alana Fraga (RevistaGlobalRural) Petrobras and the state government invested over £ 10 million in cultivation for biodiesel production The castor production in Bahia should have an increase of over 560% in the 2013/2014 harvest in the previous season, according to
(Nebraska Soybean Association/Biodiesel Magazine) As you can imagine, a lot goes into powering the city that never sleeps. Whether it’s helping to fuel America’s largest city fleet, clearing snow off the runway at JFK in the dead of winter, or
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) In a recent farmdocDaily post, Nick Paulson, assistant professor in the University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, addresses renewable identification number (RIN) stocks and the implications of the U.S. EPA’s proposed 2014 volume requirements for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 62 countries. The bulk of mandates continue to come from the
by Juan Forero (The Washington Post) ... The allure for these giants is Brazil itself, where most cars are built to run on the biofuel. An even bigger, largely untapped market awaits in the United States, where environmental standards favor cane-based ethanol
(GreenAir Online) The proposal by the European Commission to include international aviation in its ETS without any international consultation could re-open the threat of trade wars and distract States from focusing on working together to develop a global market-based climate
by Ramu Bhagwat (Times of India) Pune-based Praj Industries which is a pioneer in developing new technology for ethanol production from agricultural waste has signed an agreement with Nitin Gadkari-promoted Purti Sugar to set up a new generation ethanol plant. To be located
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Overcoming the E10 blend wall is priority No. 1 for the ethanol industry, and progress is being made on two fronts. The number of retail stations offering E15 is growing in step with the
by Javier E. David (CNBC) Ethanol requirements for U.S. gasoline appear to be losing friends and influencing the wrong people, with calls growing to reform or scrap the government mandates altogether. The Environmental Protection Agency in November proposed reducing the amount
(Inside EPA) State air board officials this week postponed until March the possible adoption of new rules for biodiesel and other "alternative diesel" fuel blends, in order to consider last-minute concerns raised by South Coast air district officials that the
(South Australia Department of Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy) Developing higher-value forestry products is the key to creating a sustainable future for the forestry industry. A new study into developing more sustainable and higher-value products from the Limestone Coast’s forestry
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Brazil ethanol producers are looking for new areas for future expansion of sugarcane production. Petrobras signed a technical cooperation agreement with Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corp., to develop sugarcane production in the
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reported progress on a number of trade issues with China as a result of the 24th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which wrapped up today in Beijing. The JCCT
by Butch Fernandez (Business Mirror) ... A lawmaker has filed a resolution asking the House Committee on Energy to probe the performance and impact assessment of the Biofuels Act of 2006 and the development of alternative sources of biofuels, following reports that
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) The Obama administration appears ready to give the oil refining industry the perfect gift this Christmas. If left unchanged, EPA’s proposed RFS rule for 2014 could result in codifying the so-called blend wall
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A recent report authored by two University of California, Davis researchers examines the economics of the California low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) program. According to information released by the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies,
(EcoNews) A new study conducted by Drexel University environmental sociologist Robert J. Brulle, PhD, exposes the organizational underpinnings and funding behind the powerful climate change countermovement. This study marks the first peer-reviewed, comprehensive analysis ever conducted of the sources of
by Rob Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At the yearly F.O.Licht's World Ethanol Conference, two speakers spoke about ethanol as a coproduct, focusing on front-end separation of high-value protein from the corn, or recovering the yeast to produce a protein concentrate. ... There were
by Martiin Kidston (Missoulian) If 1 ton of woody debris can produce 50 gallons of fuel, how many gallons of fuel could 42 million acres of dead and dying forests produce? Funded by a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department
by Ari Rabinovitch (Reuters) Israel plans to cut oil use in transportation by 60 percent by 2025, an aggressive target by world standards, and will tap into its newfound natural gas deposits to make it happen. It is also investing heavily
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Gevo Inc., which produces an alternative alcohol in a former ethanol plant in Luverne, Minn., said Monday that the Army has successfully flown a Black Hawk helicopter using a 50-50 blend of jet fuel and
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new study published by the International Council on Clean Transportation and researchers from John Hopkins University determined that making minor changes in existing federal tax incentives for cellulosic biofuels could help unlock much
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Illinois State Representative Donald Moffitt knows agriculture. He grew up on a family farm, on which his son still farms (and Don occasionally helps). This has been a huge asset for him in his role as
by Cezary Podkul (Reuters) * 16 farm-state Senators urge agency not to cut biofuel blending quotas; * Despite EPA administrator's assurances, major changes unlikely - expert; * EPA seeks to put biofuel blending program on "manageable trajectory" The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
On November 27, 2012, CAAFI—in conjunction with FAA and the Department of Energy—hosted a stakeholder workshop to benchmark the cost of producing sustainable bio-based jet-fuel processes. The event was held in advance of the 2012 CAAFI Research & Development Team
(US Department of Energy) The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) recently launched a new Web page that houses information about all of the Office’s research and development efforts in aviation biofuels. The page provides highlights about workshop and project efforts, and
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Six Midwestern governors sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing their support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, which his administration has proposed scaling back in 2014. In a letter to the president, Environmental Protection
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On the sixth anniversary of the signing of the expanded federal renewable fuel standard (RFS) into law, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association hosted a renewable fuels forum for Iowa’s leading Republican candidates seeking the
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Dec. 12, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., introduced two bills that would benefit the biofuels industry. One, H.R., 3758, aims to extend the second generation biofuel producer credit and the special allowance for second
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) CoBank, a national cooperative bank serving rural American industries, has published a report predicting that the U.S. EPA’s proposed 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) volume requirements will have little impact on U.S. ethanol production
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Brazil ethanol industry saw record supplies for the 2013/2014 crush season just being wrapped up, and got a welcome boost from auto executives who said ethanol-powered cars are more viable for reducing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) All those worries about the impact of biofuels on food prices, deforestation, Gulf hypoxia? ... RFS2 fuels have been described as “fantasy fuels”, “government fuels”, derided as “farmer fuels”. Biofuels in general have been, for
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 24 senators, led by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., issued a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Finance on Dec. 16 calling for support of programs that spur investment in
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) (Todd) Sieben (Chairman Central Bank and retired state senator) is currently working with the Illinois General Assembly on passing legislation that would incentivize the use of E15 in Illinois. He explained that for many years there has
(Bangkok Post) The amount of cassava used in producing ethanol will nearly double to 3 million tonnes next year, driven by Commerce Ministry moves to push up the price of the crop. At present, 38% of ethanol produced in the country
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it has invalidated 33.5 million renewable-fuel credits sold by an Indiana company for biofuel it didn’t produce, the fourth time the agency has alleged fraud in the program. The filing
(Diesel Technology Forum) Legislation pending before the District of Columbia City Council banning diesel-powered cars and trucks will get a hearing on January 8, 2014 before the Transportation and Environment Committee. The “Sustainable DC Omnibus Act” introduced on November 29
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new, technology-neutral tax credit for the domestic production of clean transportation fuel? Read on. In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) unveiled the latest package in a series of proposals to overhaul America’s
(AgenceEcofin.com) Farmers, economic and other Malagasy researchers operators are waiting for an implementing decree on fuel ethanol. While the text, waited for more than a year, has not yet been enacted, the various actors in the ethanol industry are willing to
by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (Marshall Democrat News) ... I am very concerned with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent decision to reduce the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirement for next year. It would be lowered by almost 3 billion gallons in 2014,
(National Biodiesel Board) Bipartisan Group Signs Letter Calling for Strong RFS Fifty-four members of Congress representing 24 states called on the Obama Administration Wednesday to boost its proposal for biodiesel production under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) next year. Biodiesel – made
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association announced speakers that will address expansion of the biodiesel market through policy initiatives and broader distribution networks at the 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit and Trade Show taking place at
(Amyris/MarketWatch) Amyris increased to 400 the number of São Paulo city buses running on a blend of Diesel de Cana(TM) In 2014, Amyris plans to produce its fragrance oil molecule from its own manufacturing facility in Brazil, following recent successful scale
by Moises Avila (Phys.Org) Hundreds of scientists are helping Brazil's giant agricultural sector prepare for the effects of climate change and anticipate pests that hit neighboring countries. Spearheading the effort is the Brazilian Agriculture Research Corporation (Embrapa), a state agency
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) AgResource Company president Dan Basse looked at the year in review for grain markets and gave his outlook for the future at the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS 2013 and Seed Expo last week in
(US Department of Agriculture) he U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced the results of the Dec. 3 invitation to sell the remainder of its recently acquired sugar inventory for non-food uses. CCC successfully sold its entire
By Jacqueline Klimas (The Washington Times) ... More than 50 tax incentives will expire on New Year's Eve — ranging from breaks on energy-efficient appliances to biofuel production to investments in businesses that serve low-income communities. Chuck Marr, director of federal tax policy at the Center on
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Energy (DOE) today announced $8 million in research grants to develop non-food feedstocks that can be used for bioenergy. The grants are part of a broader effort by the
by Rudy Ruitenberg (Bloomberg) Oil prices were found to be the main drivers of ethanol and grain prices in a statistical analysis by the United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organization. Ethanol moves in line with oil in the long term, while
(EurekAlert/Dartmouth) For first time, Dartmouth study puts a dollar value on snow's reflection of solar energy Replacing forests with snow-covered meadows may provide greater climatic and economic benefits than if trees are left standing in some regions, according to a Dartmouth
by James Q. Lynch (Quad City Times) Citing national security as well as benefits for clean air, the economy and consumers, Iowa political leaders are urging the Obama administration to travel to Iowa to learn more about the effect of its
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As Senator Barbara Boxer nixes action on Renewable Fuel Standard reform legislation through the Environment and Public Works committee, Senator Dianne Feinstein co-sponsors a bill to strip corn ethanol out of the RFS altogether. Just
(EnergyGlobal) In light of the proposed rule for the 2014 RFS, BIO have utilised the GREET 1.2013 model to estimate the changes in petroleum demand and the associated CO2 equivalent emissions from both 2013 and the statutory RFS levels for 2014. Proposals,
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is very concerned that the dispute about which flights will be included in the European Union emissions trading scheme (ETS) will make ICAO-facilitated
by J. K. Shoemaker, D. P. Schrag, M. J. Molina, V. Ramanathan (Science Magazine) Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) include methane (CH4), black carbon (BC), tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). They are important contributors to anthropogenic climate change, responsible for as much
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For eight o’clock in the morning on the last day of a long BIO Pac Rim conference, Alan Shaw was looking more chipper than most. Of course, news that had just been released that the company
by Clare Foran (National Journal) Senators are working on separate bills to aggressively reduce the amount of corn-based ethanol required under the renewable-fuel standard. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee ranking member David Vitter, R-La., touted legislation
by Lauren D. Quinn, Elise C. Scott, A. Bryan Endres, Tom Voigt, Jody M. Endres (University of Illinois/FarmDocDaily) Media coverage of the controversy surrounding the use of certain non-native feedstocks for bioenergy is as pervasive as invasiveness itself. Plants such as giant reed
(UPI) Corn used for ethanol production could exceed the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate this year due to low prices, a University of Purdue economist said. The department has set a target of 4.9 billion bushels of corn for ethanol production. The
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a hearing Dec. 11 on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2014 volume requirements under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The hearing, titled
(US Department of Agriculture) Program blends homegrown biofuels with conventional fuels, propelling ships, jets and jobs Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus today announced the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Navy's joint "Farm-to-Fleet" venture will
by Sean Bartlett(Platts) A European Council proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive will fail to realize EU targets for greenhouse gas-saving emissions, lead to job losses, and reduce competitiveness across the agricultural and biofuels sectors, associations representing the biofuels
(St. Louis Post Dispatch/Omaha.com) U.S. ethanol makers will be looking to boost exports of the fuel if the federal government, as expected, scales back the amount mandated for use in the domestic market. With low corn prices, thanks to a record
(Agra CEAS Consulting) This Special Study shows that meaningful investments in biofuels in the EU ceased well prior to 2012. The data thus show that the Renewable Energy Directive itself was empirically not a stimulus for biofuels investments, which is how it is
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Americans United for Change launched an advertising campaign to urge farmers, ethanol industry workers, related industries and American consumers to voice their concerns on the U.S. EPA’s renewable fuel standard proposal. The campaign, which directs
by Barbara Lewis (Reuters) Britain has proposed a way to lower the European Union's 2020 target for renewable energy by counting the contribution from biofuels twice, avoiding the need for billions of euros in investment, a document shows. ... Diplomats said the
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Tax provisions critical to the biofuel and biopower industries are set to expire at the end of the month—including the federal renewable energy production tax credit and cellulosic biofuel producer , biodiesel and renewable diesel
(Sustainable Business Oregon) Environmental groups and clean fuels advocates want the state to make it easier to bring alternative energy forms into the state. The state’s Department of Environmental Quality is asking Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission this week to simplify reporting
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) According to the World Energy Outlook fossil fuel consumption subsidies have reached $544 billion in 2012, up from $523 billion in 2011. This news has caused the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance(GRFA) to criticize leaders of the most developed nations
by Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) The Indonesian-Swedish Initiative for Sustainable Energy Solutions (INSISTS) will help the Indonesian government develop policies on environmentally friendly, renewable energy. The initiative will include reducing deforestation caused by oil palm planting, the result of
(AllAfrica.com) Green Fuel plans to set up four new ethanol plants and boost output to 1.5 billion litres annually by 2018, according to a company investment blueprint. Zimbabwe last week increased mandatory blending of fuel to 15 percent and plans to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “Support in Washington for the bioeconomy tends to be more bipartisan than some other issues we work on,” reflected (San Diego Congressman Scott ) Peters. “The impact is felt all over the country — technology
by Bill Northey (The Gazette) ...The renewable fuels industry has the capacity to produce well beyond the levels set by the EPA. What they need now is fair access to the fuel distribution system, which is unfortunately controlled by the
by Laura Sesana (The Washington Times) The petroleum industry’s renewed campaign against Congressionally mandated increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline appears to be working. The result, however—EPA’s proposal to reduce ethanol requirements for 2014—could cost taxpayers and secure petroleum’s hold on
(CDP) Twenty-nine major publicly traded companies based in or operating in the U.S. disclosed an internal price on carbon pollution to CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) in 2013, detailing both the risk and potential business opportunity for
by Roberto Coelho* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The global energy demand will rise 35% by 2035 due to population and economic growth, taking into account environmental and countries’ regulations. Brazil's part of this forecast growth in energy demand can be significantly provided
by Patrick Rucker (TD Waterhouse) Rail safety rules contemplated by U.S. regulators could require multibillion dollar upgrades to a tank car fleet that has helped spur domestic oil production and meet demands of a booming biofuel sector. More flammable liquids such
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Boston Globe) letter to editor: ... But oil companies, as the Globe’s editorial acknowledges, “never wanted the hassle” of renewable fuels. Indeed, that’s exactly why the RFS was necessary in the first place. Rolling back
by John O'Connell (Capital Press) Ethanol plants in Idaho, Oregon and California are making ethanol from beet sugar forfeited by Amalgamated Sugar Co. Pacific Ethanol plants in Burley, Boardman, Ore., and Stockton, Calif., have started making ethanol for the first time utilizing
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) A new “Save the RFS” television ad is now running throughout Iowa, a key state in Presidential elections. The ad was produced by Americans United For Change (AUFC) who says while Big Oil is advertising to elites
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The case for keeping the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as-is is being made today at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hearing in Arlington, Va. Our friends from the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) have shown up in
by Julian Hattem (The Hill RegWatch) Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) took to Washington’s streets on Thursday to push for the reform of a government biofuel program. ... On Thursday, he posted a picture of himself on Twitter riding a pedal-powered vehicle with
(E! Science News/Earth & Climate) The first long-term U.S. field trials of Miscanthus x giganteus, a towering perennial grass used in bioenergy production, reveal that its exceptional yields, though reduced somewhat after five years of growth, are still more than twice
by Lenny Bernstein (The Washington Post) Ninety health, environmental and sportsmen’s groups asked the federal government Thursday to clamp down on the release of methane gas by the petrochemical industry, asserting that the United States cannot reach its goal for
by Mary Rosenthal (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) Algae Biomass Organization Executive Director Mary Rosenthal discusses what Master Limited Partnerships would mean for the algae and other renewable energy sectors. ... In October, I sat on a roundtable discussion at the launch of
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Lockheed Martin's army of engineers has expanded its expertise to bioenergy and biofuels. ... Besides its own facility, some of Lockheed’s projects on file include a share of a $15 million contract to install a wood-fired cogeneration
by Clare Foran (National Journal) The debate over the renewable-fuel standard flared up again this week ahead of a hearing the Environmental Protection Agency will hold on Thursday to solicit feedback on a proposal to lower the 2014 production mandate.
(ePURE) After one year of heated debates on the ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) file, the Lithuanian Presidency has put forward a proposal which no longer incentivises best performing biofuels. The distinction between the performance of the different biofuels seems to have
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, the EPA has scheduled a day of testimony on its proposed 2014 Renewable Fuel volume targets — and a proposed 40 percent slash in the advanced biofuels category to 2.2 billion (ethanol equivalent) gallons,
by Jessica Goad and Matt Lee-Ashley (Center for American Progress) Spanning more than one-fifth of the U.S. landmass, America’s national forests, national parks, and other public lands have long been valued for their ability to absorb and store carbon and other air pollutants.
by Ashley Halsey III (The Washington Post) With Congress facing a major shortfall in transportation funding next year, a House bill introduced Wednesday would raise the federal gasoline tax by 15 cents per gallon to close the gap. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.)
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