(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
by Corey Lavinsky and Zane McDonald (S&P Global Platts) US Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule to modify the label requirements for gasoline blended with 15% ethanol; EPA’s proposed mock-up labels are less likely to dissuade a customer from using the blend; E15
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) General Motors, the largest US auto maker, has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2040, including the phase-out of gas and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035. On Thursday, the company announced a science-based approach toward carbon neutrality
(European Commission Science Hub) A new JRC report on the use of woody biomass for energy production in the EU shows the need to recognise that sustainability of bioenergy remains a complex issue with no one-size-fits-all answers, but that win-win and
by Tom Cyrs & John Feldmann (GreenBiz) ... A new research paper by WRI (World Research Institute) examines the potential of renewable natural gas as a climate strategy. The paper provides detailed guidance on assessing renewable natural gas potential and climate
by Alexander E. Kaufman (Huffington Post/Yahoo! News) ... The 11-page Evergreen Action memo highlights the limits of what the Biden administration can do unilaterally. At least a dozen ideas proposed in the document require Congress to act, including nearly all
by Natasha Lasky (Our Daily Planet) ...A new study from the World Wildlife Fund found that in the next five years, US dairy farms have the potential to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions to zero. Milk has long been heralded as a superfood
by Amanda Little (Bloomberg Opinion) As President Joe Biden's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry will play perhaps the most critical role internationally in managing a planetary crisis. ... AL: Yet progressive climate activists have said that “climate delay-al” is
(American Chemical Society) On January 1, the U.S. Senate passed the omnibus National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Within the NDAA Bill, Section E was the culmination of over 15 years of advocacy effort to deliver legislation that seeks to further the
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Yahoo! Finance) The U.S. oil industry is seeking to forge an alliance with the nation's corn growers and biofuel producers to lobby against the Biden administration's push for electric vehicles, but is so far meeting
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times/New York Times) ... Few took carbon sequestration seriously during his previous tenure, a time when “resilient agriculture” had not yet entered the vernacular. But the fundamental conversation in the corridors of power and along
by Megan Rowling (Reuters) The United States will produce a plan to end international financing for fossil fuel projects, its special climate envoy John Kerry said Wednesday, as senior British and U.N. officials urged donor nations to meet a flagship
(Rhodium Group) ... While efficiency improvements and vehicle electrification can cut transport emissions by up to two-thirds by 2050, low-GHG liquid fuels are needed to fill the remaining gap and achieve net-zero emissions in the transportation sector by mid-century. Transportation will
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Biden on Jan. 27 issued an executive order that aims to tackle the climate crisis, create jobs and restore scientific integrity across the federal government. The order addresses the production and sourcing of biobased
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is directing the Environmental Protection Agency to submit a status report every 60 days “on its progress in complying with the court’s remand” stemming from the July 2017
by Jinjoo Lee (Wall Street Journal) In the tug of war for former President Donald Trump’s favors, oil refiners won some surprising victories over ethanol producers. Their fortunes are about to flip under President Joe Biden’s climate-driven administration. The fate of U.S.
by Steven Mufson (Washington Post) General Motors said Thursday that it will end the sale of all gasoline and diesel powered passenger cars and light sports utility vehicles by 2035, marking an historic turning point for the iconic American automobile
(Ethanol Report 1-28-21/Energy.AgWired.com) In this edition of the Ethanol Report , we hear from three Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) staff members about the organization's efforts in advocacy, safety, and education. Troy Bredenkamp is RFA's brand new Senior Vice President for Government
(PTI News/Bloomberg Quint) India has preponed the target of achieving 20% ethanol-blending with petrol by five years to 2025 as it looks to cut dependence on costly oil imports, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Wednesday. "In 2014, less than
by Jeffrey T. Manuel and Thomas D. Rogers (The Hill) President Biden has placed the Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the center of his administration’s focus on climate change. “We see farmers making American agriculture first in the world to achieve
by John Steppe (The Gazette/SoutherMinn.com) Gov. Kim Reynolds is looking forward to “building those same relationships” with President Joe Biden and his Environmental Protection Agency staff that she had with the Trump administration to protect biofuels, Reynolds said during Tuesday’s
by Tyne Morgan (AgWeb) Biofuels groups have high hopes a Biden Administration will get the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) back on track. But an announcement just days on the job seems to showcase a Biden Administration’s push for electric vehicles
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Governor Kim Reynolds says any new fuel pumps installed in Iowa should be able to dispense gas with at least a 10 percent blend of ethanol and the governor says B11 — 11 percent
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) It's climate day at the White House. President Joe Biden will unveil executive orders today designed to make climate change a national security priority for years to come, while reshaping the U.S. oil and
(National Farmers Union) An alliance of farm, biofuels, and environmental organizations last night filed an amicus brief in objection to the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficiency Vehicle (SAFE) Rule on the grounds that it both fails to account for toxic pollution from aromatic-laden fuel
by Karl Plume, Hallie Gu (Reuters) China has bought “roughly 200 million gallons” of U.S. ethanol for the first half of 2021, matching its previous record for annual imports of the corn-based biofuel, Archer Daniels Midland Co Chief Financial Officer Ray
For Immediate Release January 27, 2021—Frederick, MD -- With so much talk about carbon taxes, carbon pricing, carbon cost and highway user fees, Advanced Biofuels USA's proposal for a “Disappearing” Carbon Tax, is part of today's launch of The CLEEN Project’s
(The CLEEN Project) The CLEEN Project was created through a collective of more than 200 contributors and 70 Advisory Board members from the private sector, federal and state government, environmental justice organizations, and leading climate-focused think tanks who share a
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Ethanol advocates are pushing for the new Biden administration to boost the portion of each gallon of gasoline that comes from corn. ... WHAT WILL BIDEN DO ABOUT BIOFUELS?President Joe Biden's plan to build out electric
by Ross Mazur (Sustainable Fuels Consulting LLC/Biofuels Digest) Hype, the ephemeral group discourse surrounding topics and ideas, is becoming more pervasive in our increasingly digital world. Although hype cycles, the temporal trends in societal perception of a specific technology or
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) Sinclair Oil Corporation confirmed on Tuesday it secured biofuel blending waivers for its refineries from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shortly before the departure of the administration of President Donald Trump last week. The company made the statement
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the North Dakota ethanol industry on Jan. 20 testified in favor of a bill that aims to create a sales and use tax exemption for carbon dioxide used for secure geologic storage. The
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA's Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficiency (SAFE) Vehicles Rule is one of the many federal regulations that are set to be reviewed by the Biden administration, according to an executive order issued Jan. 20. “Our Nation has an abiding
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) India is taking action to increase domestic production and use of ethanol. The government in December opened a comment period on draft automotive industry standards (AIS) related to the country’s plans to introduce E85 and
(Asian Age) It would cost around Rs 400 crore for to set up the plant, of which 20 per cent 'viable gas funding' will be provided by the government--SAIL with the help of the Centre is planning to set up
(Merco Press) Bolivia will build ecological diesel and biodiesel plants to reduce imports of liquid fuels, Hydrocarbon and Energy Minister Franklin Molina announced over this past weekend. The official underlined that the goal was to further the industrialization process in order
by David Ferris (E&E News) This study, an update by the California Energy Commission on the state's EV charging needs, is the first to try to game out the implications of Gov. Gavin Newsom's earthshaking order to ban the sale of
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... (A)an even hotter report from Jonn Axsen, Director of Sustainable Transportation Action Research Team and Michael Wolinetz at Navius Research is slamming California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office 2018 Low Carbon Fuel Standard report that
by Steinar Brandslet (Norwegian University of Science and Technology/Phys.Org) Growing perennial grasses on abandoned cropland has the potential to counteract some of the negative impacts of climate change by switching to more biofuels, according to an NTNU research group. Researchers consider
by Jeff Lagerquist (Yahoo! Finance) Investment in green hydrogen production is expected to exceed US$1 billion annually by 2023. -- Quebec is a step closer to building one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants, as the province looks to
by Cristina Commendatore (Fleet Owner) President-elect Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and the industry will be paying close attention to environmental initiatives that could impact trucking after the Jan. 20 inauguration.
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB experts share how industry continues to "Rise" to any challenge -- The biodiesel and renewable diesel industry is on the “RISE”. This week the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers,
by Bill Tomson (Agri-Pulse) Brazil is making it known that the Bolsonaro administration wants a strong relationship with the U.S., but the friendly words come amid rising U.S. frustration over Brazil’s ethanol tariffs. ... But there was no misunderstanding when Brazil reimposed
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation introduced in New Mexico on Jan. 19 aims to establish a Clean Fuel Standard within the state. The bill is supported by New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham, the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, and the
by Gabriel Popkin (Washington Post) President Biden says farmers can adopt agricultural methods that help fight climate change. Maryland farmer Trey Hill has been trying. ... As the winter cover crops grow, they will feed microbes and improve the soil’s health, which
by John Parnell (Green Tech Media) A Deloitte report commissioned by Shell finds that the heavy-freight sector is increasingly planning for a switch to hydrogen. Hydrogen will be the key energy source for global road freight, according to a new report
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD)’s Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance (META) Program promotes the research, demonstration, and development of emerging technologies, practices, and processes that improve maritime industrial environmental sustainability with a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The divide of 2021 is sectional, too. This time, it is the cities vs the countryside, more or less. as we debate the role of diversity in American life, and the shift of the economy from primary industries
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismark Tribune) Several North Dakota coal and ethanol plants are inching closer to capturing the carbon dioxide they generate and storing it underground, and they’re asking lawmakers to exempt the practice from sales tax. A similar exemption
(Renewable Fuels Association) In response to an emergency motion filed Tuesday evening by the Renewable Fuels Association, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today ordered that EPA’s action on Tuesday to grant three small refinery petitions must be “administratively stayed
by Tammy Klein (Transport Energy Strategies) Thanks to all of you who attended the recent webinar with Dr. David Babson, Program Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E). The title of his talk was “Changing what’s possible for a sustainable future,”
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... Time is of the essence as OEMs and fleets across the country take a fresh look at the use of low-carbon biodiesel and renewable diesel to help reduce emissions in their new and legacy diesel vehicles
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition for review and an emergency motion to stay the effectiveness of three small refinery exemptions granted Tuesday evening by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with less than 24 hours remaining in the Trump administration. “EPA’s decision
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Brodziski, Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 about how the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to support rural business growth across markets in
by Bruce Comer and Frank Kim (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) COVID-19 further plagues the already challenged North American biofuels M&A market, while capital investments thrive. -- Biofuels merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in North America remained sluggish in 2020. For
by Michael Greenstone and Tamma Carleton (Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago) This paper outlines a two-step process to return the United States government’s Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) to the frontier of economics and climate science. The first
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are the key bioeconomy players in the new Biden Administration? What recent moves by the outgoing Trump Administration and Congress will set their budget and regulatory framework for 2021. What will the new Administration
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today harshly condemned the Environmental Protection Agency’s unconscionable and unlawful decision to grant three more small refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard with just hours remaining before Donald Trump leaves the White House
(Diesel Technology Forum) As manufacturers are hard at work developing zero-emissions solutions over the next decade, introducing the latest diesel options today can provide significant clean air benefits. ... As transportation sources are now the leading category of GHG emissions, focus will
(Bergeson & Campbell) On December 28, 2020, the House overrode President Trump’s veto and passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) by a vote of 322 to 87, and the Senate passed the bill on January 1, 2021,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is scheduled to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register on Jan. 15 extending certain Renewable Fuel Standard deadlines for compliance years 2019 and 2020. A public comment period is open
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA seeks comment on several petitions for a waiver of the 2019 and 2020 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) volume requirements from refineries and the governors of several states. The petitions and the associated Federal Register Notice are
(U.S. Department of Energy) In January, 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the Plastics Innovation Challenge Draft Roadmap and a Request for Information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on the Draft Roadmap. Announced in November 2019, the Plastics Innovation
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board) With carbon reduction taking center stage, biodiesel and renewable diesel can provide immediate and substantial benefits, including 80% reduction in both greenhouse gases and particulate matter, an over 40% reduction in carbon monoxide, and
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) An update on U.S. renewable diesel projects—operational, expanding, under construction and proposed—giving new purpose to aging oil refineries. The report represents a transformative volume of nearly 5.5 billion gallons of new or potential capacity. The appeal
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s late-2020 survey of producers tells the story of a resilient, changing industry that’s taken mostly indirect hits from the pandemic. Many producers lowered, but later ramped back up, production in 2020. This publication’s survey
by Sara Wyant (Ag Week) The biofuel industry argues that President-elect Joe Biden can also make progress on his climate goals by expanding biofuel usage mandates, embracing a low carbon fuel policy and increasing vehicle emissions standards. Now that Democrats have
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of the (MOVES3) for official purposes outside of California. MOVES3 is the latest state-of-the art upgrade to EPA's modeling tools for estimating emissions from cars, trucks, buses,
(Agri-Pulse) It's been an eventful two weeks on Capitol Hill, and the impacts could linger for an extended period of time. Illinois Republican Rodney Davis, a veteran of the House Agriculture Committee and the ranking member of the House Administration
(TGE and PGNiG) TGE and PGNiG intend to jointly prepare modern solutions supporting the creation and development of a biomethane market in Poland. The expertise of both PGNiG, as a key player on the gas market, and of TGE as
by Emily Holbrook (Environment + Energy Leader) ... US Department of Energy (DOE) announced the establishment of a Division of Minerals Sustainability. In a statement on its website, the DOE says the division was created to bring an increased focus to
(European Climate Foundation) Given that EU leaders have committed to achieving a net-zero-carbon economy by 2050, there is a growing focus on how to accelerate the transition towards climate-neutral aviation. As the European Union is about to unveil new targets for sustainable
by Shawn Kreloff (Bioenergy Devco/Biofuels Digest) ... But what if we could replace a significant amount of these fossil fuels with renewable natural gas (RNG) or Green Hydrogen created solely from advanced processing of organic residuals – byproducts that would
by Nicolle Monteiro de Castro (S&P Global Platts) ... Brazilian oil company Petrobras' average gasoline price hike of 7.93% is not expected to increase the economic advantage of the biofuel E100 over the fossil fuel, market participants said. ... More than 80%
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Gazette) ... Renewable liquid fuels and renewable electricity are highly complementary ways to reduce America’s carbon footprint. We can have clean renewable energy from solar and wind, as the authors want, and still take
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Trump administration is considering requests from the oil refining industry and its backers for a sweeping nationwide waiver to exempt them from their obligations to blend biofuels, a measure they argue would help them weather the
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) New analysis this morning recommends a two-step approach for the Biden administration to immediately update the social cost of carbon. First, the report calls for using a "discount rate" of no higher than 2
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) 'Essential Energy,' the theme of the upcoming National Ethanol Conference, is inspired by the inclusion of U.S. biofuel producers on the Department of Homeland Security's list of critical and essential industries during
by Shaheera Aznam Shah (Malaysian Reserve) Mohd Khairuddin says we will continue to fight against any discriminatory actions which pose a threat to the country’s economy and rakyat’s livelihood -- Malaysia will file its lawsuit against the European Union (EU) on the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Members of the House Biofuels Caucus sent a letter to President Trump on Jan. 12 urging him to direct the U.S. EPA to immediately reject any pending small refinery exemption (SRE) requests that do not meet criteria established
by Ron Bousso (Yahoo!/Reuters) France's Total on Friday became the first major global energy company to quit the main U.S. oil and gas lobby due to disagreements over its climate policies and support for easing drilling regulations. Total said it would not
by Kristoffer Tigue (Inside Climate News) The new state laws address the disproportionate impact of climate change and pollution on communities of color. Joe Biden is promising to do the same in Washington. -- In Oregon, new legislation would require state
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association expressed gratitude today to seven Republican members of the Senate who called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to back down from rumored small refinery exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard. “Lawmakers on both sides of the
(Indian Express News Service) “To increase production of fuel grade ethanol, Govt. is also encouraging distilleries to produce ethanol from maize; & rice available with Food Corporation of India,” the statement said. -- The government on Thursday notified the modified scheme
by Benjamin Lammert (Green Energy Platform/EurActiv) A decade ago the European Commission decided to exclude conventional biofuels from contributing to future policy on renewable energy, climate and agriculture, writes Benjamin Lammert. Benjamin Lammert is a farmer and president of the Green Energy
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) ... (President-elect Joe) Biden also campaigned on goals to increasingly electrify the US vehicle fleet and maintain support for renewable fuels, which would erode market share for the petroleum fuel that dominates AFPM membership's output. But
by Marc Heller (E&E News) To Sen. Chuck Grassley, only one prospect may be scarier than putting the politics of ethanol before the Supreme Court: letting his colleagues in Congress vote on it. READ MORE
(Federal Register/Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that no additional measures are necessary pursuant to Clean Air Act (CAA) section 211(v) to mitigate the adverse air quality impacts of the renewable fuel volumes required under CAA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US federal government formed the Fuels of the Future Advisory Board, which will have three subcommittees on biofuels, hydrogen and methane hydrates. At the same time, the government terminated the Biomass Research
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday it would propose to extend deadlines for refiners to prove compliance with biofuel laws, but signaled it would not decide on a slew of pending waiver requests submitted
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) Weaker demand is the main factor now, the $5 corn market could delay the industry's recovery. -- Higher corn prices are roiling the U.S. ethanol industry, but the full impact of the corn price spike might
(Food and Agriculture Organization) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have today underscored their continued commitment to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies in agri-food, fisheries and forestry chains
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The
by Jennifer Shike (Farm Journal Ag Web) With just eight days left in EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler’s term, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) Geoff Cooper told AgriTalk’s host Chip Flory on Tuesday that he’s not surprised
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that a 150 percent jump in civil penalties for automakers that don't meet fuel economy requirements won't take effect until model year 2022, a move that could
by Alan H. Epstein (Aviation Week) ... The foundation of such a dramatic change must be built on moving from fossil fuels to low- or no-carbon energy. Its technology and infrastructure must be capable of powering single- and twin-aisle airliners flying
(Gasum) Low-emission fuels are becoming increasingly popular in the Nordic transport sector. Six Swedish logistic companies that are part of MaserFrakt recently tested trucks that used liquefied biogas (LBG) as fuel. The companies’ expectations of significantly lower emissions and a
(Neste) Neste and Avfuel Corporation announce a strategic partnership to create an efficient, continuous supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United States. Neste will provide Avfuel with SAF in volumes able to meet the growing demands of Avfuel’s customers,
by Kurt Kovar (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) As the new Biden administration and a growing number of states examine options to address transportation carbon emissions, biodiesel and renewable diesel stand out as the workhorses of existing low-carbon fuel programs. State programs
(Renewable Fuels Association) On “Day One” in office, President-elect Biden’s incoming administration can immediately secure 10.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions simply by rejecting the 66 pending waiver requests from oil refiners who are looking to dodge their
by Stephanie Kelly, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration is expected to grant waivers to some oil refiners that would exempt them from requirements to blend biofuels into their fuel mix for the 2019 compliance year, according to two sources
by Carey Gillam (The Guardian) ... But unlike most of the other 203 US ethanol plants, AltEn has been using seed coated with fungicides and insecticides, including those known as neonicotinoids, or “neonics”, in its production process. Company officials have advertised AltEn
(Merco Press) ... One of the US products that can be harmed is ethanol, which makes up 28% of the EU’s ethanol imports according to the agency. Between 2015 and 2019, the US ethanol market share in the EU market was,
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The Supreme Court will review a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver that found EPA mishandled the small-refinery exemptions program in the Renewable Fuel Standard. The 10th Circuit ruling
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today (January 7, 2021), a coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed its reply in support of its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. The motion, originally filed
Over the past year, the 2020 Wilson China Fellows have undertaken policy research on a range of vital issues relevant to the rise of China and the future of U.S.-China ties. From February 3rd to the 4th, our Fellows will publicly present and debate
(ANTARA) The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) pressed for the government to speed up the development of biofuel as a better alternative to using fossil fuel. "We have to develop biofuel as a substitute for fossil
(Clean Technica) ... Congress voted to override the president’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), enacting H.R. 6395, the “William M. (Mac) Thornberry” NDAA for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. ... With the enactment of the FY21 NDAA, Congress again demonstrates
(CQ Roll Call) Changes could paper over differences within House Democratic Caucus between deficit hawks and progressives -- The new rules package for the 117th Congress unveiled by House Democrats on Friday would grant a sweeping new exemption from deficit controls
(New York State Senate) Establishes the low carbon fuel standard of 2019; such standard is intended to reduce carbon intensity from the on-road transportation sector by 20% by 2030, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology. ... Introduced
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service on Jan. 6 issued final regulations regarding the section 45Q tax credit for qualified carbon oxide sequestration. The Carbon Capture Coalition said the final rule provides long-overdue regulatory
(KROXAM) On Wednesday, January 6, the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court alleging Minnesota lacks the authority under the Federal Clean Air Act to regulate motor vehicle emissions and is preempted under federal law from
(Electric Energy Online) TMB has selected the company to build a hydrogen plant on the Zona Franca industrial area, the first public facility of its kind in the country, and to operate it for the next ten years; The company
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 65 countries. Get the latest up to the minute new information
by Adam Aton (E&E News) President-elect Joe Biden's transition team says the Trump administration has done more damage than anticipated to the government's ability to address climate change. Potentially lowering expectations for the incoming president's early climate efforts, Biden officials say their
by Hannah DelSordo* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Transportation represents the largest direct source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and policymakers are pushing to fully electrify the sector to help meet national climate goals. A webinar on January 6th 2021, hosted by
(Growth Energy) In a court filing today (January 5, 2021), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association continued to call on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to release the names and locations of refineries granted exemptions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2021? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2020
(Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/CISION) The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (“AFCC”) worked closely with policy makers and appropriators this year to provide changes to the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”)’s Title XVII Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program (the “Title
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) In December, Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy ratified its support for the National Biodiesel Production and Use Program and the National Biofuel Policy, which call for a mandatory 15 percent biodiesel blend in the
(Malay Mail) A nimble push into higher biodiesel blends such as B40 — 40 per cent blend of palm oil-derived biodiesel — by Indonesia and B30 by Malaysia will help to mitigate the negative effects of the European Union’s (EU) lower
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Law) Would ensure equity weighed in rulemakings, policies; Transparency urged for environment justice decisions -- The time is ripe to bring a wave of environmental justice advisers into federal agencies to ensure the incoming Biden administration makes
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) As the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 push air quality and climate issues to center stage, the U.S. Grains Council is continuing its work to demonstrate the environmental benefits of ethanol to global stakeholders. Five years after the
"Los Angeles is a natural focus for treaty organizers because of its unusually high concentration of oil infrastructure in an urban setting: The city is home to more than 800 active wells in 26 oil and gas fields." --Jacques Leslie
by Jacques Leslie (Los Angeles Times) The Los Angeles City Council is poised to endorse a call for a global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. ... Signatory governments would agree to stop further expansion of the fossil fuel industry within their
by Sophie Barthel (Argus Media) The biofuels industry has been strongly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but is expected to bounce back in 2021, according to the IEA. As member of the Biofuture Platform, an initiative for worldwide collaboration on
by Georgina Gustin (Inside Climate News) The administration has options to cut emissions even if a Republican-led Senate opposes climate-focused agriculture policies. -- ... The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the administration said, “has not historically received the sustained political attention of
.jpg)
