by Andrea Shalal and David Lawder (Reuters) President Joe Biden’s U.S. trade representative nominee, Katherine Tai, said on Monday she would work to fight a range of “unfair” Chinese trade and economic practices and would seek to treat Chinese censorship as
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate which would provide a tax credit to automotive and energy manufacturers transitioning to greener technologies. Sponsor Debbie Stabenow of Michigan tells Brownfield it could also apply to biofuel
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Industry leaders talked up the future of biofuels in the energy transition at IHS Markit’s virtual CERAWeek conference on Monday, noting that policy incentives and feedstock innovation will be crucial going forward. The transition to an electric vehicle
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Carbon Capture Coalition on Feb. 24 released a national policy blueprint that includes near-term recommendations the group says policymakers should adopt in order to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of carbon capture projects. The blueprint
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Ecostrat has submitted a proposal, to be included in the CLEEN Project database. The Clean Economy Employment Now Project provides federal leaders with easy access to highly actionable clean economy job creation ideas via
by Nick Weig (CBS2Iowa) America is in the early stages of a shift from combustion engine cars and trucks to all-electric vehicles, or EV. Electric cars are quiet, sporty and cost a fraction to charge than it costs to gas
by Rachel Frazin (The Hill) An increasing number of states are looking to follow the precedent set by California and adopt stricter vehicle emissions standards as the Biden administration appears poised to green light those efforts. The Virginia legislature this past week
by Will Englund (Washington Post) ... Will Englund: This country is going to have more electric cars and trucks, and by 2035, it won’t be universal, but it is happening quickly. What is the oil sector in America going to look like when
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) News came in late Friday from Washington state that the state House passed Bill1091 – a statewide clean fuel standard bill – and now is headed to the state Senate for voting. It passed the
(Transportation and Climate Initiative) On March 1, TCI state agency staff shared updates on the TCI-P, including a Draft Model Rule and proposed processes for public engagement to ensure that equity, environmental, climate, and transportation justice considerations are at the center
(Association of American Railroads) ... And AAR and its members have formed a dedicated working group to understand new lower-or-zero-carbon fuel technologies and other climate-related issues ... Another potential fuel source is “blue hydrogen,” which is hydrogen made from natural gas in
by David Shepardson and Tracy Rucinski (Reuters) The CEOs of American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines and other airline officials met virtually with White House officials Friday to discuss tackling aviation pollution and urge U.S. support for greener aviation fuel. United
by Sylvia Nabanoba and Vanessa Zola (UNHCR) A switch to ethanol reduces risky trips in search of firewood, slows reforestation and creates healthier home environments for refugees in White Nile state. -- The glow from a matchstick lights up Alisa Deng’s
(GreenAir Online) US aircraft and engine manufacturers have called on the new Biden administration to provide sustained government support to help achieve its climate goals. In an open letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Climate Envoy John
(GreenAir Online) Eight European transport ministers have called for a harmonised, long-term strategy to decarbonising the air transport sector to include ramping up the production and supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through an EU-wide blending mandate. Hosting a high-level virtual
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) President Biden on Friday dramatically altered the way the U.S. government calculates the real-world cost of climate change, a move that could reshape a range of consequential decisions, from whether to allow new coal
by Tom Daschle (Roll Call/The Daschle Group) Smart agriculture policy that has a role for ethanol can help advance Biden’s agenda on all fronts -- Growing up in South Dakota, agriculture has always been in my blood. For nearly three decades, I
by Amy Lupica (Our Daily Planet) Yesterday, the Senate voted to confirm former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy. Granholm, who has positive relationships with both Democrats and Republicans, has committed to implementing science-based policy as part of President Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan. In
by Sergio Goncalves (Reuters) Portugal will start producing green hydrogen by the end of 2022 and already has private investment worth around 10 billion euros ($12 billion) lined up for eight projects that are expected to move forward, Environment Minister
by Avery Ellfeldt (E&E News) The acting head of the Securities and Exchange Commission is expanding the agency's efforts to push public companies to be transparent about the threats they face from climate change. Acting SEC Chair Allison Herren Lee announced yesterday
by Jeffrey Bobeck (Morning Consult) ... One area of innovation on which energy companies are now betting big is the capture, utilization and storage of emitted carbon dioxide. In recent years, even as the Washington partisan divide has grown, policy
(U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee) House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott delivered the following statement at today's hearing on Climate Change and the U.S. Agriculture and Forestry Sectors: ... Our farmers, ranchers, and forest managers understand these risks, and they
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment/Phys.Org) ... (A)llocating CRP land for high-yielding energy biomass might eliminate the need for bioenergy crops and food crops to vie for space. A team led by CABBI Sustainability Theme Leader
(UECC) As we close in on almost one year of continuous biofuel operation on our Autosky, we have the opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved with this fantastic vessel in the past 12 months. We have bunkered over 6,000 metric
(Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF)) This roadmap explores ways to use biomass to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store that CO2 underground or in durable products. We introduce a new term -- biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) –
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. David McKinley, R-W.V., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, on Feb. 16 reintroduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act. The bill extends the date for projects to begin construction
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) The State of Michigan will fund $30 million in clean fuel grants to replace commercial and mass transit vehicles with newer alternative fuel, diesel or electric models. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
by Shashi Menon (EcoEngineers) The LCFS is demonstrating to the world that good policy can drive decarbonization -- California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA-LCFS) has created one of the biggest regional carbon markets for the transportation sector. CA-LCFS credit prices have
(Biofuels International) Malaysia will discuss with Indonesia a plan to formulate the best strategy to protect the oil palm industry of both countries for the future. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called for the framework of the
(SEA_LNG) New analysis from SEA-LNG, the coalition for accelerating LNG as a marine fuel, has determined that for every 10% of bio-LNG dropped in and blended with LNG as a marine fuel, a vessel can achieve two extra years’ compliance with
by Ahmad Ghaddar and Nigel Hun (Reuters) Britain is set to introduce E10 gasoline, a motor fuel blended with 10% renewable fuels, by September this year, a move that could cut annual CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes, the government announced on
(Brownfield Ag News) Ethanol industry leaders say the EPA’s recent change of policy on Small Refinery Exemptions is a start, but there is still a lot of work to do. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association tells Brownfield the
(Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) REA’s ‘Strategy for Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies’ has been published, producing a green pathway that outlines the measures that need to be taken to deliver net zero and support the UK’s economic
by Julio Bravo (Farm Futures) Brazil already has the largest fleet of cars driven by ethanol, mainly from sugarcane; now corn-based ethanol plants are on the rise. The ethanol produced by sugarcane and corn has have the potential to reduce up
(Farm Progress/Prairie Farmer) What about biodiesel? Illinois soybean growers are concerned about a new state budget proposal from Gov. J.B. Pritzker that would eliminate the fuel sales tax exemption for biodiesel, which has existed since 2003. They say the policy has
by Sean Hill (U.S. Energy Information Administration) The prices of renewable identification number (RIN) credits—the compliance mechanisms used for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—have been steadily rising in recent months and
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Do Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) policies conflict or complement the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)? That was the question Dr. Jarrett Whistance with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri was called on to
(U.S. Postal Service) ... Under the contract’s initial $482 million investment, Oshkosh Defense will finalize the production design of the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) — a purpose-built, right-hand-drive vehicle for mail and package delivery — and will assemble 50,000 to
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Speaking with The New York Times' DealBook, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said he's "very open" to a carbon tax and dividend. The Times reports that Romney pointed to Bill Gates' remarks not to "play around the
(Cargill) Strategic partnership to enable more competitive and transparent pricing and improved customer service -- Cargill and Maersk Tankers are embarking on a strategic partnership to combine their bunker volumes, offering a new bunker procurement service to tramp shipping companies and
by Bill Hagy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./ Biofuels Digest) ... One of President Biden’s Clean Energy initiatives includes partnering with farmers, ranchers and businesses engaged in livestock production to implement environmentally sound agriculture practices and deploy methane digesters that generate new sources of
by Laura Reiley (Washington Post) The Senate voted 92 to 7 Tuesday to approve President Biden’s nomination of Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary. Vilsack had been expected to have a smooth path to confirmation after the Senate Agriculture Committee voted unanimously earlier this
by David May (Des Moines Register) Perhaps the petroleum industry should recognize this legislation as a lifeline rather than a threat. I read with interest the Feb. 15 story "Biofuel bill pits retailers, farmers." I take issue with some of the points made
By Junichiro Ngasaki (Asahi Shimbun) The feces and urine of thousands of Hokkaido dairy cows may soon power facilities prefecture-wide with a world-first technology invented in Japan that converts them into environmentally friendly liquid biofuel. Kei Okubo, an organic photochemistry professor at Osaka
(Maryland Department of the Environment) State Pursues Ambitious Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 50% by 2030 as Nation Officially Re-enters Paris Climate Accord -- The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has released a comprehensive plan that sets a
(Office of Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)) Just last month, President Biden raised eyebrows when he took executive action to begin transitioning federal government vehicles to electric vehicles. It followed a similar move spearheaded by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who last September,
by Marc Heller (E&E News) A backlog of applications for advanced renewable fuels at EPA is spurring a new debate in the biofuel industry: Should the agency catch up on proposals related to electric vehicles first? That's a possibility, a biofuel industry
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and Angie Craig, D-Minn., on Feb. 19 reintroduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act, which aims to ensure transparency and predictability in the U.S. EPA’s administration of the small refinery exemption (SRE)
(The Center Square/WMAY) Some are taking issue with Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal which would bring an end to the sales tax exemption for biodiesel fuel in Illinois. Pritzker said accelerating the expiration of the sales tax exemption for
by Tyne Morgan (Ag Web) Renewable Fuels groups are celebrating an EPA win. More than a year after the 10th Circuit Court issued its initial ruling on the small-refinery provisions within the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), EPA announced Monday it’s supporting
by Alexander C. Kaufman (Huffington Post) Industry-designed bills to silence climate protests are under consideration in Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota and Montana. More are likely to come. ... (Dawn) Goodwin was at this river crossing near Palisade, Minnesota, to protest the
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Virginia legislature is poised to adopt California's vehicle emissions standards after the measure cleared the state Senate on Friday, reports the Virginia Mercury. The clean car standards in House Bill 1965 — which won the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The hot-off-the-press Renewable Fuels Association’s 2021 Ethanol Industry Outlook focuses on ethanol as an ‘essential energy’ to address the challenges of climate change, food and energy security, and rural prosperity. Now in its 22nd year,
by Tammy Klein (Transportation Energy Strategies) ... I spoke to both Neville Hargreaves, Vice President, Waste to Fuels and Drew Miller, Project Finance Director of Velocys about their SAF projects in the U.S. (Bayou Fuels) and in the UK (Altalto). We also talked about how
by Andrea Kent (Renewable Industries Canada/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Canada's Clean Fuels Standard, along with its net-zero emissions goal, remind us that the most effective climate policies are, at their core, investment policies. To succeed, they must support the essential role
(Grainnet) In testimony presented during a virtual Minnesota Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Finance and Policy Committee hearing on S.F. 944, American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty used his fuel retailing experience and expertise to share insights on E15 equipment compatibility
(Energy.AgWired.com) This edition of the Ethanol Report features highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). First, we hear some of Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper's annual State of the Industry address focusing on ethanol as essential
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) ... During a National Ethanol Conference virtual panel Wednesday, Dr. Daniel Yergin referred to earlier energy transitions that traditionally were driven by technology, economics, and some government policy. ... Yergin believes electric vehicles will be a
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today filed comments with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in response to earlier requests from oil refiners and the governors of six oil-producing states seeking a general waiver from 2019 and 2020 renewable volume obligations under
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Increase agricultural production while decreasing environmental footprint – that’s the goal in a nuthsell, but check out this slide guide on 5 key USDA themes, USDA’s latest innovation contributions like a new sustainable diesel fuel
by Shashi Menon (EcoEngineers) The LCFS is demonstrating to the world that good policy can drive decarbonization -- California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA-LCFS) has created one of the biggest regional carbon markets for the transportation sector. CA-LCFS credit prices have
by Zack Coleman (Politico's Morning Energy) The White House is expected to sharply raise the government’s calculation of how much greenhouse gases will cost the U.S. in the future, a policy change that will make it easier for his administration
(Biofuels International) POET has urged the new Biden administration to embrace E15. The world’s largest biofuels producer, based in Sioux Falls in South Dakota, has also welcomed the new President’s leadership in making climate a top priority. ... Rob Walther, vice president of
by Sam Spofforth (Advanced Clean Tech News) Clean Fuels Ohio is ramping up new initiatives and launching a new brand that will build on success and drive clean transportation further into our economy. Our new brand will help better communicate our state
by Jon Leonard (GNA/(Advanced Clean Tech News) Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is emerging as the leading way to reduce carbon emissions from the world’s vast commercial aviation sector, with California becoming North America’s leading testbed. The potential is large, but
(Solutions from the Land) “There has never been a greater need for an Agricultural Renaissance. The many voices of farmers, echoing across centuries of scarcity and abundance, challenge us to find new ways forward, paths that produce abundance for expanding populations
by Zach Coleman (Politico's Morning Energy) Even if Biden's regulations fall short of environmentalists' wishes, the U.S. is poised for success reducing greenhouse gas emissions given the trajectory of "market forces" in the power and utility sectors, Senate Environment and
(White House) White House Forms Climate Innovation Working Group, Outlines Innovation Agenda; U.S. Department of Energy Announces $100 Million Climate Innovation Research Opportunity -- ... As the opportunity for American leadership in climate innovation is vast, the Administration is outlining key planks
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, sent a letter to White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy on Feb. 16 inviting her to visit Iowa and learn about the state’s leadership in renewable fuel production and sustainable
(Renewable Fuels Association) Just as ethanol has played an essential role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the low-carbon fuel will also serve as essential energy for combatting climate change, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said today at the
(Bangkok Post) A plan to make gasohol E20 the primary fuel for motorists in July has been postponed indefinitely because of higher biofuel prices, creating a financial burden for the Oil Fuel Fund. The Oil Fuel Fund Administration Office (Offo), which
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) More tests are underway to potentially expand E15 ethanol use in California. Tom Gillis is on the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board and the National Corn Growers Ethanol Action Group. He says, “As we speak, there
by Siyanda Sishuba (Farmer's Weekly) Establishing partnerships between government, the private sector and foreign investors is an important step to launching biofuels projects through innovative financing models in South Africa. This was according to Samukelisiwe Maphumulo, a sustainability officer at the
(Airlines for Europe (A4E)) Opportunity to reach net zero CO2 emissions through a combination of measures, making flying more sustainable for the long term. Sector calls for decisive action from both governments and industry to achieve this net zero vision
by Robert Bryce (Forbes) ... That cold reality contradicts the “electrify everything” scenario that’s being promoted by climate change activists, politicians, and academics. They claim that to avert the possibility of catastrophic climate change, we must stop burning hydrocarbons and convert all
by Steve Melink (Melink Corporation/Biofuels Digest) ... The economic aspect of the new administration’s climate-change plan focuses on generating millions of well-paying jobs in renewable energy fields. Though much work remains to be done in that regard, Biden is creating
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It's been a rough 2020 for aviation with COVID-19's impact on travel. Yet, climate goals remain in place, and the pivot from petroleum to renewable fuels continues, the sky is in focus. 2021 has started off with
by Dan Sanders (Colorado Politics) Our state published the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap on Jan. 14. The Colorado Energy Office touted the plan as being, “the most ambitious and substantive planning process Colorado has ever undertaken on climate leadership, pollution
by Annie Snider (Politico's Morning Energy) President Joe Biden has revived the idea of a carbon tax, but climate hawks on Capitol Hill hope he will give them time to work through the tricky politics of the issue. -- ... THE
(Energy Market Price/Argus Media) The consultation, which will run until 10 March, is part of a hydrogen and gas markets "decarbonisation" package, a proposal for which is expected by the end of June. The commission wants biogas, bio-methane, renewable and decarbonised hydrogen,
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) Interest and growth in carbon market programs is booming. A recent ecosystem markets webinar hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership had more than 1600 participants registered with more than 600 questions submitted ahead of time. Speaker Kari Hernandez,
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced a bill to set a minimum standard of biofuels in the Iowa fuel supply. For biodiesel, this would mean most Iowa diesel would contain at least 11 percent (B11) during warmer months beginning
(Politico's Morning Energy) A group of 508 international climate scientists on Thursday urged Biden and leaders in Europe and Asia not to embrace biomass as a carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. Harvesting additional wood for bioenergy releases carbon dioxide that
(Renewable Fuels Association) A new analysis from a renowned carbon accounting firm finds that the greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved under the Renewable Fuel Standard far exceed the reductions originally projected by EPA. Between 2008 and 2020, the use of
by Steven Mufson (Washington Post) ... (T)he question is not, ‘Can we sell to the wealthy?’ It is, ‘Can we get the everyday household in mainstream America to buy an EV?’ and we’re still a long way away from that.” Meanwhile,
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy)Conservation groups on Wednesday sued over the federal government’s approval of the 102-mile, $500 million Cardinal-Hickory Creek high-voltage transmission line that would carry electricity from renewables from Iowa to Wisconsin. The suit argues that the
by Charles Newbery (S&P Global Platts) Requirement was to expire in May; Blends now at 10% in gasoline, 12% in diesel; Improvements planned for blend regime -- Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez said his administration is working on a bill to extend a mandatory
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, on Feb. 5 announced the introduction of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act, which includes several tax
(Red River Farm Network) Minnesota Governor Tim Walz sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday asking him to support the biofuels industry and reverse the Trump administrations actions in supporting small refinery exemptions. Walz wants the Biden administration to
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency said he will confer with legal and policy teams to understand the options available for setting mandates to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel mix beyond
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... The changing political landscape of the elections and the bi-partisan concern over carbon emissions and potential climate change is an opportunity for biofuels to be a major contributor. Two opportunities are
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Feb. 8 introduced a bill that aims to speed the statewide adoption of higher biofuel blends, including E15 and B20. Representatives of the ethanol and biodiesel industries are speaking out
(International Energy Agency) There are concurrent media campaigns and publications questioning the use of woody biomass for renewable energy production. Several of them misrepresent on-the-ground forestry practise and bioenergy systems, and associate the use of woody biomass for energy with overexploitation
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on Jan. 27 released proposed regulations to implement the Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Act, which was enacted in 2019 and takes effect on Jan. 1,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the biofuels industry testified against the U.S. EPA’s proposed extension of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadlines during a Feb. 9 virtual hearing. Public comments on the proposal can be
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol. The Renewable
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The House Energy and Commerce Committee's climate legislation from last year will be the template for action this year, Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday. "After years of headwinds on climate action, this is the first
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A coalition of congressional Democrats on Tuesday wrote to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging him to reinstate a Federal Highway Administration regulation that required state planners to measure and report annual changes in greenhouse gas
(Office of Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA-25)) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and help the aviation sector reduce carbon emissions. “We are facing an existential threat to the future
(Neste) In 2020, Neste’s renewable products helped customers in several geographic markets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10.0 million tons* altogether. This amount equals the annual carbon footprint of 1.5 million average EU citizens (source: World Bank) or the removal
(Oxford Energy Forum) Gathering momentum for the energy transition—supported by ambitious net-zero roadmaps by governments (EU, China, and US) and multinational corporations—has sparked debate on what the energy map will look like in 30 years. For more than half a
by Joe Annotti (ACT News/GNA) ... While there is clear momentum mounting in support of electrified fleets by the incoming administration, the commercial maturity for zero emission vehicle technologies is still developing, leaving CapEx costs higher than conventionally fueled vehicles. Therefore,
by Kate Abnett, Simon Jessop (Reuters) The European Union has delayed to late April plans to finalise sustainable finance rules, officials said, in the face of opposition from some member states over gas and biofuels. ... But a draft in November triggered
by John Eichberger (Fuels Institute) ... Fuels Institute recently published “The Impact of Transportation-related Environmental Initiatives” which provides an objective assessment of 37 global efforts and a deep dive into 14 of the most prominent initiatives affecting transportation. As we embark upon
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The Senate rejected an attempt by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to cap the price of renewable identification numbers, or RINs, at 10 cents, as part of a proposed amendment to the COVID-19 stimulus bill, in
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ... The Massachusetts senator also said he wants Democrats to pursue a clean energy standard over carbon pricing in their push for climate legislation. "[M]y view is that sector-wide solutions like a clean energy standard
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Researchers for the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicagoexamined hourly electricity meter measurements and address-level EV registration records from 2014 to 2017 in California, the state home to about half the EVs in
(Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office funded researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to address a significant challenge
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) Following a year of grim losses amid pandemic lockdowns that dented demand for fuel as people stuck close to home, the largest U.S. independent refiners are promoting plans to boost production of renewable fuels. Renewable fuels represent a
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Part of the Biden Administration’s climate change funds for disadvantaged communities that have suffered from pollution and crumbling infrastructure should be used to ensure that people in those communities can have the cleanest, greenest
by Don Siefkes (Des Moines Register) To bring about a total EV society, we would almost have to double generating capacity for electricity and rebuild the entire residential electric grid -- ... First, recognize that EVs are emission-free only at
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) Bill would require EPA to approve proven technologies, expedite review of others -- U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to approve certain advanced biofuel registrations that have gone without approval by
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Sees Q1 2021 gasoline demand 90% of Q1 2020; STAR project continues at Galveston Bay, TX, refinery; Dickinson, ND RD plant to reach full rates end-Q1 -- US refiner Marathon Petroleum is embracing the renewable energy space
by Jeff Mason and Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has started discussions with the utility and automobile sectors about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, White House domestic climate change adviser Gina McCarthy told Reuters. ... The White House has met some
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-S.D.)) U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today reintroduced the Adopt GREET Act, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel. Specifically, the bill would require
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) led a letter to Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Jane Nishida highlighting the need to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) ... Additional efficiency improvements in planes and engines are not likely to be enough and will require lower carbon fuels also known as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), as alternative energy vectors, such as hydrogen, will
by John DeCicco (The Conversation) ... Motorcars stay on the road for a long time, so failing to adequately reduce gasoline vehicle emissions this year burdens the atmosphere with excess carbon dioxide (CO2) for many years ahead. ... The media spotlight on EVs
(Algae Biomass Organization) Federal support for advanced algae R&D is on a solid foundation for 2021 with the recent passage of an omnibus appropriations bill that was included in last year’s COVID-19 relief legislation. These funds extend a long-standing tradition
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new study released today finds biofuels continue to have a significant positive impact on Iowa’s economy, but recent market challenges reduced the job and household income impacts of ethanol and biodiesel production in
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley said he wants regulatory stability in agriculture when considering the Biden administration's nominee to head the EPA, Michael Regan. In a recent conversation with Regan ahead of his Wednesday hearing before
(Clariant) This agreement marks the second license deal for Clariant’s sunliquid® technology in China and its fifth signed license deal globally; Harbin Hulan Sino-Dan Jianye Bio-Energy intends to realize a commercial scale plant using Clariant’s sunliquid® technology for the production
by Jordan Solomon (Ecostrat Inc./Biofuels Digest) Fifty-two million Americans live in economically distressed communities—many of which are in rural areas. These communities are plagued by a lack of investment capital. In 2017, the US government launched the largest tax incentive program
by Maxine Joselow (E&E News) President Biden's EPA is expected to draft interim auto emissions standards based on an agreement last year between California and five car companies, according to sources following the matter. EPA is poised to unveil the interim
by Joanna Sampson (H2 View) A combination of 11 proven heavyweights and progressive innovators in energy have joined forces to form a new coalition focused on advancing hydrogen development in the US. Hydrogen Forward, comprising Air Liquide, Anglo American, Bloom Energy, CF
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) German bioenergy producer Verbio Vereinigte BioEnergie AG confirmed on Jan. 29 that its straw-to-biomethane facility under development at the site of Dupont’s former cellulosic ethanol plant in Nevada, Iowa, is expected to begin operations this fall. The announcement was made in
(California Advanced Biofuels Alliane and National Biodiesel Board) In a letter January 26 2021: Dear Chair Randolph and Members of the Board: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed modifications, released January 12, 2021, to the Alternative Diesel Fuels
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... As we envision a greater national focus on attacking climate change in the coming year, advanced diesel engines and biodiesel and renewable diesel must be included as key strategies. They are available, affordable, proven and deliver
by David Shepardson (Reuters/Yahoo!Finance) Toyota Motor Corp, Fiat Chrysler and other major automakers said on Tuesday they were joining General Motors in abandoning support for former President Donald Trump's effort to bar California from setting its own zero emission vehicle rules. The
(Growth Energy) On Friday, January 29th, Growth Energy, along with others in the biofuels industry, filed an opening brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Case No. 20-1046) challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to
(GreenAir Online) IATA has formally launched the Aviation Carbon Exchange (ACE), a platform for airlines and other aviation stakeholders to offset their carbon footprint by purchasing credits in certified projects. Carbon reduction programmes on ACE include forestry projects, clean wind energy
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)/Biobased Diesel Daily) The accounting of biofuels with a high risk of indirect land use change (iLUC) will end in Austria July 1. This exclusion is provided for in the late-January
(National Energy & Fuels Institute/Biobased Diesel Daily) As American companies are quickly moving to prepare plans to meet deadlines set by the new Biden administration on carbon emissions, the National Energy & Fuels Institute has an action plan ready. In September
(Fathom World/SEA-LNG) Peter Keller, Chairman of SEA-LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition advocating for LNG as a marine fuel throughout the entire value chain, has outlined the fundamental binary choice facing newbuilds in 2021, as decarbonisation forces a choice between using LNG
(Bioenergy Insight) Frozen food distribution firm Reed Boardall has installed a new bio-LNG refuelling station at its base in Boroughbridge, UK. Owned and operated by Gasrec, the fully-scalable, skid-mounted station designed by Dutch LNG firm LIQAL will fuel an initial fleet
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) Wisconsin Farmers Union has proposed ethanol policy that would seek 20% cost sharing from state and federal governments for blender pump installation. That same proposal would also drop policy language supporting federal subsidies for ethanol
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) The Peruvian National Institute for the Defense of Free Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property Tribunal announced Friday that the U.S. ethanol industry and the U.S. government won an appeal on a countervailing duty case brought
by Hiroko Tabuchi and Nadja Popovich (New York Times) The administration has pledged to make agriculture a cornerstone of its plan to fight warming, but also to tackle a legacy of discrimination that has pushed Black farmers off the land. --
(Biofuels International) A plan to make E20 a leading fuel for motorists in Thailand should eventually come into effect in July. According to the Department of Energy Business officials want E20, a mix of 20% ethanol and 80% unleaded petroleum
by Brad Plumer (New York Times) GM’s decision this week to phase out gasoline vehicles is the latest in a major shift that will mean drastic new demands on electric utilities. Here are four things that will need to happen. ... Generate
by Liz Crampton (Politico) A Depression-era financial institution was used by the Trump administration to dole out billions to farmers. Now the Biden team has their own ideas about how the money should be spent. The Trump administration used it to
(Solutions from the Land) Solutions from the Land (SfL) has been selected by organizers of a global food security summit next week to hold a side event which will spotlight systems and practices farmers are using to deliver high value solutions
(Gas for Climate) Gas for Climate advocates in new policy paper, that by 2030, 11% of all gas consumed in the EU should be renewable gas; The envisioned binding target is supported by two sub-targets for 8% sustainable biomethane and
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) Renewable electricity generation and storage requires huge quantities of mined raw materials. In Europe, most of these elements are currently imported and unsustainably produced. So the European Commission has hatched a new plan for obtaining them
(ePURE) Two EU Member States in the vanguard of sustainable biofuels policy, France and Finland, have recently seen important developments in the uptake of low-carbon E85 fuel, or superethanol. France, where E10 (containing up to 10% renewable ethanol) is the most popular petrol blend,
(GreenAir Online) As the UK prepares to adopt ICAO’s CORSIA regulations into domestic law, the Department for Transport (DfT) has opened a consultation on its proposed approach for implementing and administering the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of aviation CO2 emissions
(Air New Zealand/Scoop Business) Air New Zealand backs the New Zealand Government’s in principle decision to implement a biofuels mandate that will help the country to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector. At the announcement today with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern,
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN News) New Jobs, Growth and Net Zero Emissions -- A new third-party study by the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at the University of Minnesota at Duluth concludes that the biofuels industry in Canada could double in size
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) In the past few weeks, we have been working with state lawmakers to advance a bill that would provide partial funding for fuel retailers to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades to offer E15. This
by Kim Chipman (Bloomberg/Yahoo! Finance) A sprawling truck stop chain partly owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is buying an ethanol plant just as the beleaguered industry may be turning around. Green Plains Inc. said Wednesday it plans to sell
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