(Reuters) European Union countries are split over plans to introduce an EU-wide carbon tax on fuel, which could be proposed early next year. The idea, which EU officials say has gained fresh momentum after losing impetus earlier this year, is
(National Resources Defense Council 92-page report) The algae biofuels industry is comprised of many pathways to produce fuels from algae and is developing rapidly, with most companies operating in “stealth” mode. This makes measuring progress toward the promise of algae
The German Marshall Fund on September 25, 2009, sponsored a debate at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on biofuels and indirect land use change. The debaters were Tim Searchinger, transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund and co-author
Advanced biofuel producers announced the formation of the Low Carbon Synthetic Fuels Association (LCSFA), with members including TRI, Rentech Inc., Velocys, CHOREN, Flambeau River Biofuels/Johnson Timber, AP Fuels and World GTL. The LCSFA was formed to address existing legislative and
Regarding international indirect land use change analysis: A recent report on biofuels from the General Accounting Office, a nonpartisan, watchdog arm of Congress, confirms what level heads have been advocating for more than a year: There is no scientific consensus
By Mike Mande (The East African) Tanzania has suspended investments worth millions of dollars after a storm of protest over the eviction of farmers to make way for biofuels. The EastAfrican has learnt that the country will not start any new
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, and the US Environmental Protection Agency have published a "State Bioenergy Primer: Information and Resources for States on Issues, Opportunities, and Options for Advancing Bioenergy" aimed at state-level policy makers and available to
Brazilian ethanol produced from sugarcane can help the United States meet its advanced renewable fuel targets, while helping reduce emissions. This is one of the conclusions presented by the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The Caribbean Basin Ethanol Producers Group, which consists of Trinidad Bulk Traders Ltd., Gasohol de El Salvador, LAICA of Costa Rica, Petrojam Ltd., Jamaica Ethanol Co., and Jamaica Broilers Group, said in a
by Cole Gustafson (INFORUM) ... (Indirect land use change) LUC is thought to occur in response to rising U.S. grain prices. As additional U.S. grains are used to produce biofuels, prices for those grains rise due to a limited supply. These
(the Nebraska Farmer) ... USDA estimates that Nebraska corn farmers will bring in 1.55 billion bushels of corn this year and average 169 bushels per acre. Both numbers would be records--with production surpassing the 1.47 billion produced in 2007 and
World Growth report exposes how attempts by environmental NGOs to restrict production, trade of palm oil (a sustainable oil) would harm successful strategies to end poverty, restrict opportunities for developing countries to reduce emissions. Today (September 29, 2009) at the
Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Bangkok to Fargo, biofuels scientists have hit back at what they term faulty research and misguided priorities – with a series of presentations on palm oil, indirect land use change, and food vs fuel. READ
The continuous world-wide tendency to increase engine performance and reduce emissions has necessitated the development of new generations of enhanced diesel fuel injection equipment, supporting the achievement of stringent legislation targets. Rising injection pressures and multiple injections result in higher
by Joseph M. Dougherty (Deseret News) ... The test plot of ground where the seeds were harvested Wednesday is designed to mimic the side of Utah highways, which could be used to grow safflowers instead of the grasses that the Utah
by Seth Borenstein (AP) President Barack Obama is calling on the world to end massive government subsidies that encourage the use of fossil fuels blamed for global warming. The president, who is set to host the G-20 economic summit opening
(Environmental Law Institute) The largest U.S subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to research released by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu announced the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects will speed the
by Alan Bjerga and Peter Cook (Bloomberg) Archer Daniels Midland Co., the world’s largest grain processor, expects improved yields will deliver enough crops during the next 40 years to supply rising demand for ethanol without hurting the food supply. Archer
Biofuels Digest published a 5-part series on where the industry is obtaining financing in the year since the seizure of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and collapse of Lehman Brothers triggered the global financial meltdown. In Part I of the series,
(Chattahbox) The new study released by the Environmental Law Institute entitled, “Estimating U.S. Government Subsidies to Energy Sources: 2002-2008,” provides the Obama administration with an additional weapon for the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies in the United States. According
With this report (Industrial Biotechnology: More than Green Fuel in a Dirty Economy?), the World Wildlife Fund sets out to explore the magnitude and nature of this (industrial biotechnology) sector in (its) search for pathways toward a green economy and
A Conversation on Southern Energy describes the current and future role of energy in Southern economic development. The report is full of regional and individual state data about existing and alternative energy sources. The report also includes recommendations necessary to
The Council on Sustainable Biomass Production (CSBP) is a multi-stakeholder organization established in 2007 to develop comprehensive voluntary sustainability standards for the production of biomass and its conversion to bioenergy. CSBP intends for its Standard to serve as the foundation
In an unprecedented initiative, Brazil proposed a new bill of law that will restrict the lands permissible for sugarcane farming and processing. If passed, the bill sent today to the National Congress by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will
(25 x '25) As Congress continues its debate on comprehensive climate legislation, any measure adopted must adequately recognize and incentivize the extensive benefits biomass and the production of biofuels can provide to address global climate change. The 25x’25 Carbon Work
Twenty miles north of Salt Lake City, a flowery, red and yellow safflower crop is being harvested. These test plots at the roadside simulation lab at Utah Botanical Center are part of an innovative “Freeways-to-Fuel” project sponsored by the Utah
by Anna Austin (Biomass Magazine) ... DOE Program Manager Michael Fraser identified characteristics to strengthen the financial review of project applications. Information on third–party supply and off-take agreements to support revenue and cost projections, or having a reliable source of
Europe has established a floor of 35%, i.e., any biofuel entering Europe must reduce emissions by at least that amount when compared to a diesel benchmark. According to the European analysis, using palm oil to make biodiesel results in GHG
(Today's Trucking) In just a few weeks Manitoba will become the first province in Canada to mandate biodiesel. ... All diesel fuel sold in the province as of Nov. 1 must contain a B2 average (2 percent biodiesel), Energy Minister
... We believe scientific data aren't available on a global basis to be able to accurately determine the extent to which biofuel production causes land use changes in remote locations or the greenhouse gas emissions that might exist. The possible
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Kentucky has developed a 21-member executive task force to facilitate the development of a statewide sustainable biomass and biofuels industry and to educate state legislators on the ability to utilize local biomass to achieve
by Katrina Landis, CEO BP Alternative Energy ... Biofuels provide a useful case study to illustrate some of the most important factors involved in developing renewable sources of energy. While demand for oil is projected to remain strong in most
(AFP)French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced plans to impose a new carbon tax next year on oil, gas and coal as part of a drive to combat global warming. The plan would make France the biggest economy in Europe to impose
(CBC News) Manitoba is about to become the first province in Canada to mandate the use of biodiesel. Starting Nov. 1, all diesel fuel sold in the province must contain an average of two per cent biodiesel, Energy Minister Jim
On September 10, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing about the national security threats posed by our reliance on fossil fuels and efforts underway by the U.S. armed services to reduce total energy use and transition
... The New Fuels Alliance submitted a letter co-signed by 20 leading advanced biofuel companies to Senators Boxer (D-CA) and Kerry (D-MA) asking for balanced carbon accounting in any upcoming climate legislation. The letter comes in the wake of the
The 25x'25 Carbon Work Group (CWG) has been engaged for more than a year in a process of identifying key policy options for delivering climate change solutions from the land and allowing the agricultural and forestry sectors to be rewarded
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels is an international initiative bringing together farmers, companies, non-governmental organizations, experts, governments, and inter-governmental agencies concerned with ensuring the sustainability of biofuels production and processing. The Roundtable is hosting a series of meetings, teleconferences, and
by O.Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Two top officials in the Environmental Protection Agency who've never visited an American farm were in Iowa today, at Senator Chuck Grassley's invitation. They toured Grant Kimberly's farm near Maxwell. ... Senator Grassley says he wants
"(W)e do intend for Transportation Biofuels in the United States to act as a tool to provide an overview of the current status of major developments in the biofuels industry. We highlight recent changes in biofuels production processes, biomass development,
By Todd Neeley (The Progressive Farmer) Cattleman Bill Couser hit on the crux of the matter when it comes to the future of advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol, during a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee field hearing on biofuels Tuesday. Couser, from
Fourteen major Brazilian organizations representing the agribusiness, planted forests and bioenergy sectors announced today the creation of the Brazilian Climate Alliance, to provide concrete, constructive proposals in global climate change negotiations. The group's main focus is Brazilian government's positioning in
by Steve Gorman (Reuters) The Prius hybrid automobile is popular for its fuel efficiency, but its electric motor and battery guzzle rare earth metals, a little-known class of elements found in a wide range of gadgets and consumer goods. That
by Jerry Warner and P.W. Singer (Brookings Institution) ... Underlying this effort are two complementary objectives. First, a significant percentage of the overall reduction in baseline energy will come from the department converting from petroleum to alternative forms of energy
by Peter W. Singer (The Washington Examiner) ... Our Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy not just in America, but the world. It burns more petroleum in the course of its operations than any other private or
by Dave Vander Griend (Ethanol Across America) ...As commodity prices have returned closer to norms prior to the dramatic speculation-driven increase, we need to take a deep breath and understand the truth. We are meeting the increase in demand for
by Laurent Lardon, Arnaud Helias, Bruno Sialve, Jean-Philippe Steyer and Olivier Bernard (Environmental Science and Technology) This paper provides an analysis of the potential environmental impacts of biodiesel production from microalgae. High production yields of microalgae have called forth interest of
by Nicholas Zeman (Biodiesel Magazine) The National Biodiesel Board said last week that the Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension Act, a piece of legislation introduced to the U.S. Senate last week by Sens. Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell
... (Christian Aid's report)Growing Pains urges governments to adopt a new vision on biofuels, seeing them as a force for rural development in poor countries, rather than a silver bullet solution to climate change. ‘Christian Aid believes that the best approach
by Scott Stearns (Voice of America News) Africa is central to the worldwide growth in biofuels, with Dutch, American, Swedish, Japanese, German, and British firms all competing for farmland to grow the next generation of energy producing crops. Some farmers
by Doreen Hemlock and Jaideep Hardikar (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) The neatly planted rows of jatropha trees in Delray Beach are sprouting round, green fruit that can be crushed into oil to run diesel engines. Teri Gevinson founder of Ag-Oil LLC,
From the report: ... Objective independent studies now emerging on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 suggest that the costs to the agriculture and forestry sectors from its cap and trade provisions are on net modest. At
(Reuters) Makers of biofuels and plastics and chemicals made from crops want U.S. senators to change the climate bill to give them free pollution permits that would be needed to emit greenhouse gases under the legislation. Companies that make the alternative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, the state Department of Energy Resources, in coordination with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, announced that it would ban all biofuels not made using waste feedstocks from qualifying under the
(The International News) The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) launched ethanol blended fuel called ‘E10 gasoline’ here on Saturday which would be cheaper by Rs2.40 per litre compared to petrol. ... Federal Minister for Privatisation and Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed
by Cath Everett (BusinessGreen.com) Corn ethanol industry accuses EPA of influencing independent panel to boost support for controversial biofuel carbon life cycle regulations. An independent peer review of proposed US biofuel regulations has only served to intensify a long-running dispute
by Jessica Leber (New York Times and ClimateWire) U.S. policies are subsidizing new energy crops that are likely to spread off the farm and wreak economic and ecological havoc, a federal advisory board cautioned yesterday. For years, researchers have worked
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Center for Public Integrity released a report on lobbying over the impending Climate Bill, and reported that 13 bioenergy companies plus several trade groups registered to lobby Congress for the first time
... (W)e request that the Administration exercise its authority immediately, either by Executive Order or through Agency action or guidance, to provide greater certainty for the 2009 and 2010 RFS-2 volume mandates for biomass-based diesel. Prompt attention is critical to
General Wesley Clark (Ret.), co-chairman of Growth Energy, introduced a renewable fuels road map designed to put the nation on track to create more jobs, reduce emissions and help make our nation more energy independent. The principles outlined in Growth
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (''EPA'') announces the availability of documents pertaining to the expert peer review record completed on the Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS2) Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Analysis. On May 5, 2009, EPA announced proposed revisions to
Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, evaluated a recent US Government Accountabilty Office report, "“Now it’s the GAO that is saying that farm prices are a fraction of the hike to grocery bills. Whatever is driving up grocery prices won’t
In a letter to the US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, the Renewable Fuels Association explains that stakeholders are unable to replicate or verify the analysis used by EPA in its international indirect land use change model. The best and most common way for
(GreenAirOnline.com) The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota has been awarded a subcontract by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to help produce military JP-8 jet fuel from algae. Funding for the work is coming
.... There is plenty of corn to eat and plenty for making ethanol and plenty for feeding cattle and plenty more to export and still more to make chemicals and fabric. After peaking briefly in July 2008 at more than
(letsrecycle.com) A protocol designed to boost customer confidence in biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil and rendered animal fats has been published today July 29. The protocol is the latest produced by the Waste Protocols Project - a joint Waste
(The National Business Review) A Green Party bill that sets up a standards regime for biofuels sold in New Zealand passed its first reading in Parliament tonight with the Government's support. Jeanette Fitzsimons drafted the member's bill and said it
by John Lynn (Energy Tribune) ... Methanol can be produced from a wide variety of feedstocks, including natural gas, coal, biomass, and even atmospheric carbon dioxide. ... Using mature gasification technology, one ton of biomass can be used to produce
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Department of Energy will provide up to $30 billion in loan guarantees, depending on the applications and market conditions, for renewable energy projects. Another $750 million will support several billion dollars more
by Ama Achiaa Amankwah (AllAfrica.com) The Civil Society Coalition on Land (CICOL) has urged government to expedite action on the further development and implementation of the biofuel policy in Ghana. The coalition says in as much as it appreciates the
(25 x 25 REsource) Some stakeholders engaged in the climate change policy debate are expressing concern that carbon cap-and-trade legislation may lead to extensive tree planting and result in the conversion of valuable cropland to forests. Some even have suggested
The bioenergy maritime shipping study published by International Enery Agency Bioenergy Task 40 describes main properties of biofuels in relation to maritime shipping, examine current shipping lanes and major tradable biomass sources (including AR, BR, CA, MY, RU and Baltic States),
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognizes the importance of a diverse energy portfolio in meeting the nation’s energy security challenges. DOE has, therefore, set a goal in its Strategic Plan to promote energy security through a diverse energy
Beginning Aug. 1, with a few exceptions, diesel fuel in nine northwest Oregon counties will be required to contain at least two percent biodiesel. The change comes about two years after Oregon began requiring 10 percent ethanol in most gasoline
by Tom Doggett (Reuters) Major automakers asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency not to approve higher blends of ethanol in gasoline until the agency has adequate test results showing the fuel would not damage vehicles. ... the Alliance of Automobile
The ethanol industry should voluntarily stop the unnecessary use of antibiotics in the production process, particularly because viable alternatives are readily available, concludes a new report by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP). For decades, ethanol producers have added
The latest research note from the UK's Policy Exchange recommends that bio-jet fuels should become a priority for the aviation industry; that they represent the only viable option for significantly reducing emissions from aviation without cutting the number of flights flown. ... Despite their potential,
U.S. Department of Agriculture to enter into Contracts to make payments to Eligible Advanced Biofuel Producers to support and ensure an expanding production of Advanced Biofuels. This program is authorized under Title IX, Section 9001, of the Food, Conservation, and
USDA to make payments to eligible biorefineries to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to provide process heat or power in the operation of these eligible biorefineries. READ MORE and MORE
“For Cap-and-Trade to truly reduce CO2 emissions, many promising lab-scale technologies will have to be prototyped, tested, and commercialized quickly,” says Bob Kozak, President of Atlantic Biomass Conversions. “With the current wording, the proposed Cap-and-Trade legislation does not have a
Scientists from around the world - including Tom Richard , Director of the Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment - have joined forces to seek resolution of issues related to sustainable production of energy from biomass. In response
DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), through the Office of the Biomass Program (OBP), announces the availability of funding for establishing Consortia for two primary topic areas - Development of Algal Based Biofuels, and Development of Advanced
Jim Lane, editor of Biofuels Digest summarizes the current state of the nascent advanced biofuels industry, including the current popularity of algae, sluggish progress of cellulosic ethanol and promise of drop-in biofuels. READ MORE
In a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Governors from Indiana, South Dakota, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin urged increasing the percent of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline from 10% to 15% as
by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) (Politico) ...(W)e envisioned a biofuels industry that would move beyond corn ethanol. Scientists, the environmental community and some cutting-edge entrepreneurs were confident that biofuels could come from a wide array of feedstocks and use an
Joelle Brink special correspondent for Biofuels Digest provides a summary of the use of biofuels and biofuels technologies in India (and Indian technology use in the US) as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton prepares to visit. READ MORE and MORE
All Programs in the U.S Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, are required to conduct a Peer Review of their funded projects on an annual or biannual schedule. The Office of Biomass Program (OBP) conducts these reviews by
Videos of presentations from the 2009 Waste to Fuels Conference held May 17-19 in San Diego have been published. Topics include: overview of conversion technologies, use of forest waste, municipal solid waste and other waste feedstocks to make biofuels, along with sessions related to financing and
by Senator John Thune (R-SD) (Politico) As Congress, the administration and the private sector look for ways to reduce our consumption of imported oil, we should not overlook the most readily available domestic alternative to imported oil: biofuels. The development
While the effects of producing corn-based ethanol on water supply and water quality are fairly well understood, less is known about the effects of the next generation of biofuel feedstocks. ... (L)ittle is known about the effects of large-scale cultivation
by Justin S. Baker, et al. (Duke University) Emerging markets and a rapidly evolving agricultural industry will strongly impact the implementation of conservation programs in the United States. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the nation’s largest and most successful
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Energy announced an estimated $3 billion for the development of renewable energy projects around the country and made available the guidance businesses will need to submit a successful application.
by Dr. James Hansen (HuffingtonPost) ... For all its "green" aura, Waxman-Markey locks in fossil fuel business-as-usual and garlands it with a Ponzi-like "cap-and-trade" scheme. Here are a few of the bill's egregious flaws: It guts the Clean Air Act, removing
by Allison Winter (New York Times, ClimateWire) ... Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and other members of his panel say they want to ensure any effort at wide-ranging climate legislation in the Senate will include all of the provisions that House Agriculture
by Nathanial Gronewold (Climatewire) Having helped companies explore the labyrinth of greenhouse gas regulation in Europe, the Big Four auditing and accounting firms are now moving quickly to build climate and carbon shops in the United States. Their goal is to stake
by Mike Stark (AP, MSNBC) In December, DARPA awarded a $20 million contract to General Atomics and a $15 million contract to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), two San Diego-based research companies. The contracts ask the companies to find a biofuel
Woody biomass from forest management is a renewable, low-carbon feedstock that can substitute for fossil fuels in the production of energy and other products — a potentially important tool in the national strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and resist
EPA is extending the comment period for the proposed rule "Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard Program." Under the Federal Register Notice, published May 26, 2009. the public comment period was set to end
I am writing to you to express our deepest concern that the World Bank is failing developing countries in their desire to develop sustainable biofuels industries and relieve their crippling reliance on imported crude oil. Your Bank remains on the
A bill introduced in the New Zealand Parliament re-instates the legal framework for selling sustainable biofuels in New Zealand without violating World Trade Organization obligations. It does not distinguish between imported and locally produced biofuel, but requires both to meet the sustainability
The US Department of Agriculture announced a Notice of Funding Availability to make payments to eligible biorefineries to encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement fuel source for fossil fuels used to provide process heat or power in
The Brazilian government announced an accord with businessmen in the sugar industry to provide decent working conditions for the nation’s sugarcane cutters following criticism leveled by various human-rights organizations. “This will help tone down criticism of Brazilian ethanol,” President Luiz Inacio
"The President has been very, very clear about this. He wants the biofuel industry to take hold in this country. He wants us to break our addiction to foreign oil. The only way we can do that is by producing
Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman presented a roadmap for continued growth in Indiana agriculture. This publication updates the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's strategic plan and will guide that Department's focus over the next four years. Included in the strategy
A “Gigaton Throw Down Initiative Team” evaluated the potential for the world to scale up clean energy technologies over the next 10 years to have a major impact on job growth, energy independence and climate change. In the 150 page
EPA is granting California’s waiver request enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions standards for new motor vehicles, beginning with the current model year. ... The first California waiver request was made in December 2005 and was subsequently
by Dr. James D. Kinder and Timothy Rahmes (The Boeing Company) ... Virgin Atlantic paved the way with its proof of concept flight powered by biofuel in February 2008. Since that time, a broader range of fuels have become available
IEA Bioenergy Task 40 commissioned a study on a global overview of bio-oils (vegetable and palm oil) to: i) assess major producers and consumers of vegetables oils, ii) main emerging markets, iii) analyze main policy drivers, iv) assess future trends
by Dawson Williams (Clear Carbon Consulting) Agribusiness is a Significant Source of Carbon Emissions and Potential Reduction Opportunities It is widely acknowledged that production agriculture, such as livestock rearing, crop cultivation, timber production, and ornamental horticulture production, contributes a significant
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson issued the following statement on an agreement with House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman on the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. "We have reached an agreement that works for
Efforts continue to amend federal policy and widen the availability of renewable biomass resources that would be available from agriculture and forestry to meet the nation’s renewable energy goals. A number of advocacy groups and their allies in Congress are
by Biofuels Digest special correspondent Scott Miller A showdown is looming in the California State Senate this summer over an issue that is at the heart of the nationwide drive to develop and deploy bioenergy conversion technologies. In a state
by Dr. Robert Wisner, Biofuels Economist, Ag Marketing Resource Center, Iowa State University The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 (1) requires a gradual increase in the volume of various kinds of biofuels to be blended with U.S. motor
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing this RFI to solicit feedback on the Draft “National Algal Biofuels Technology Roadmap” Document. This Draft Roadmap was prepared by a working group commissioned by DOE. Feedback will be incorporated into the
Large uncertainties in calculating international land use change effects and associated greenhouse gas emissions remain in the Environmental Protection Agency's life cycle assessment of biofuels for the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today asked EPA to maintain
Minnesota legislation currently requires 5% biodiesel content in all diesel fuel sold in the state, with provisions to increase that total to 20% by 2012. 80 million gallons of biodiesel will be needed by 2012. Since state production is currently
by Dan Looker. Talking to reporters, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) said he doubts that the final rule from the Environmental Protection Agency on a new renewable fuel standard will have the same use of indirect land use that
Speaker Nancy Pelosi met the House Agriculture Committee chairman Collin Peterson to discuss the climate change bill that he opposes but which is a priority for House Democrats this year. ... Peterson announced opposition to the climate bill a month ago
Being a standard-bearer requires heroic endeavors, and perhaps inevitably, epic miscalculations as well. This is the situation of the California Air Resources Board (ARB) in its recent announcement of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard for alternative fuels .” For so long the
Every spring, the US Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Biomass Program hosts a FREE 2-day conference and expo exploring biomass as an energy source. The Biomass Program works with industry, academia and national laboratory partners
The Public-Private Alliance Foundation (PPAF) held its Third Annual "Partners Against Poverty" event at the UN with 45 high-level participants and observers representing five countries (Brazil, Dominican Republic, USA, Honduras and Haiti) to discuss business innovations in the development and production of
In his letter to the Governors' Biofuels Coalition, President Obama noted, "Advanced renewable transportation fuels will be one of the nation's most important industries in the 21st Century. Combined with improved energy efficiency, biofuels are the primary near-term option for
Thoughts from Joanne Ivancic, Executive Director, Advanced Biofuels USA. There has been a lot of controversy about “indirect land use change” analysis related to figuring out how much greenhouse gas emissions result from the production of biofuels. Looking closely at
The 500+ page proposed renewable fuels greenhouse gas lifecycle rule released by EPA on May 5th and published in the Federal Register on May 26, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 24904) has been met with a hail storm of criticism from
Liquid fuels from biomass and coal have the potential to reduce petroleum fuel use and CO2 emissions in the U.S. transportation sector over the next 25 years, says a new report from the National Research Council. Even with abundant resources
by Ron Pernick, RenewableEnergyWorld.com: I recently gave a talk to a group of environmentalists, technologists, and business people at an innovation forum in Portland, Oregon. In my talk, I relayed the findings of our recent Carbon Free Prosperity report, where
May 15, 2009 - In recent years, the biofuels industry has made strides in breaking our nation's addiction to foreign oil. The production of ethanol has also generated strong demand for our crops and created many jobs in rural states
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (MN) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (OK) along with a bipartisan group of 42 Members of Congress introduced a bill to correct flawed provisions in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that are limiting the
I applaud your findings that CO2 is one of the 6 key contributors to air pollution and endangers public health and safety. I am also glad that the US Supreme Court ruled, in effect, that EPA now has the authority
On May 5, President Obama announced steps to further his Administration’s commitment to advance biofuels research and commercialization. Specifically, he signed a Presidential Directive establishing a Biofuels Interagency Working Group, announced additional Recovery Act funds for renewable fuel projects, and
Robert Kozak, Atlantic Biomass Conversions, Inc. and Advanced Biofuels USA board member: While the technical information submitted by EPA in support of this NPRM is probably adequate (using the quality of previously EPA submitted technical information on ozone standard setting as
... “Developing the next generation of biofuels is key to our effort to end our dependence on foreign oil and address the climate crisis -- while creating millions of new jobs that can't be outsourced,” Secretary Chu said. “With American
... It appears that the EPA, in determining the ghg profile for biodiesel, is penalizing the U.S. biodiesel industry for land use decisions made outside the U.S. that have little if anything to do with the domestic biodiesel production. A
"I'm off the train," Collin Peterson, US House Agriculture Committee chair said May 6 during a strongly worded statement at a hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency's new proposal for assessing indirect effects of ethanol production on greenhouse gas emissions. ...Peterson said,
Advanced Biofuels USA urges EPA, along with Congress and an engaged and informed public to carefully craft greenhouse gas emissions regulations and legislation with an eye to the following principles: Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, regardless of source, should be assessed
Comments by Robert Kozak, Advanced Biofuels USA board member: With EPA's release of proposed rules for the 2010 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), the focus of today's (May 6, 2009) hearing will undoubtedly be the role of indirect land use in
The EPA published proposed revised statutory requirements which establish new specific volume standards for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel that must be used in transportation fuel each year. The revised statutory requirements also include new
This is the first solicitation for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E). ARPA-E is a new organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), created specifically to foster research and development (R&D) of transformational energy-related technologies. … ARPA-E will
In late April, 2009, President Obama announced the launching of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), a new Department of Energy organization modeled after the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the defense agency that gave us the Internet, stealth aircraft,
The White House announced on April 27, 2009, that the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science will invest $777 million in Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) over the next five years. In a major effort to accelerate the scientific breakthroughs needed
"Following California's recent decision to use flawed models to estimate ethanol's environmental impact, I am concerned that the EPA could soon apply similar standards that will handicap renewable fuel relative to regular gasoline," said Thune. "Congress has asked EPA to
... Boston Consulting Group found that the total cost of ownership of existing hybrids and advanced internal combustion engine cars is more attractive than that of electric cars as long as oil prices are below $280 a barrel. Oil is
LA TIMES: Margot Roosevelt April 24, 2009 California took aim Thursday at the oil industry and its impact on global warming, adopting the world's first regulation to limit greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel that runs cars and trucks. The
Robert Kozak, President of Atlantic Biomass Conversions, Inc., and a founder and board member of Advanced Biofuels USA, urges the California Air Resources Board to reject the proposed low carbon fuel standard. He writes, "At first glance, the documentation presented with
After a thorough scientific review ordered in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed finding Friday, April 17, 2009, that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. EPA’s proposed
On March 6, 2009, Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers submitted an application for a waiver of the prohibition of the introduction into commerce of certain fuels and fuel additives set forth in section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act
Biofuelproducers and biotechnologycompanies today asked Congressional leaders to help them overcome economic obstacles to obtaining financial backing and bring commercially ready advanced biofuels to the marketplace. READ MORE and MORE
TORONTO – April 1, 2009 – A new report commissioned by the IEA Bioenergy (IEA) underscores the importance of ethanol in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. f1The extensive research paper commissioned by the IEA Bioenergy Task
The Environmental Protection Agency, under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, is responsible for revising and implementing regulations to ensure that gasoline sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel. The Renewable Fuel Standard
.jpg)
