by Jeff Barber (Oil Price Information Service) he U.S. ethanol industry is hoping it can obtain from the Trump administration something it could not get from the Obama White House: an acknowledgement that higher levels of ethanol blended with gasoline
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) A new study commissioned by environmental NGOs found that the production of first generation biofuels has driven up food prices in Europe, running counter to the European Commission’s own data which found the impact of ethanol
(Biofuels International) Clariant, a developer of specialty chemicals, and Enviral, Slovakia’s largest bioethanol producer, have announced a license agreement on sunliquid cellulosic ethanol technology. The move will see one of Europe’s first advanced biofuel plants built at the Enviral site
by Bharat Jhunjhunwala (The Free Press Journal) Recently, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first refinery plant in Pune that will produce fuel oil from rice and wheat straw, cotton stalk, cane trash and corn cobs. The
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy is supporting a project to identify and mitigate the challenges of moving new fuels and vehicles into markets. Including but not limited to: facilitating new fuel standards needed for introduction
by Ben Nuelle (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) ... Members of the Renewable Fuels Association and the American Petroleum Institute discussed the Renewable Fuels Standard on a four-member panel Tuesday. “We would like to see the RFS significantly reformed. It does not reflect
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Euractiv) Free and fair trade that helps boost economic growth and create jobs is a concept most people support, at least in theory. But trade policy is about more than just open markets; it should also support
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) If the U.S. plans to fill the gap created by slamming the door on Argentina and Indonesia, it may need Canadian canola -- A biodiesel dispute involving the United States and other countries could
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The California Air Resources Board has announced plans to hold a public workshop to discuss proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard on Sept. 22. Members of the public can participate in the event
by Adriana Barrera (Reuters) A Mexican judge on Wednesday granted a temporary injunction against an increase in the ethanol content in gasoline for domestic consumption to as much as 10 percent, according to an environmentalist involved in the case. Gabriel Quadri, a
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Fuel disruptions due to Hurricane Harvey were mitigated somewhat, thanks to an early end to the summer restriction on sales of E15 (15% ethanol fuel) that helped offset gasoline supply shortfalls and limit fuel price spikes. In this edition
(The Fence Post) ... Answering the call for clean air, China plans to dramatically boost ethanol use in its gasoline supply, moving to E10 blends by 2020. Considering China is the world's largest car market, and currently ranks number three for fuel
(UFOP/Biodiesel Magazine) EU-28 biodiesel imports from the world's three biggest exporters, Argentina, Indonesia and Malaysia, have dropped substantially since 2013. Whereas in 2012, Argentina still exported 1.48 million metric tons (444.3 million gallons) of soybean oil-based biodiesel and Indonesia shipped 1.09 million tons (327.2
(Advanced Biofuels USA) USDA-funded feasibility study based on 2016 energy beet project at University of Maryland Eastern Shore finds Navy solicitation is best market for economic viability of project followed by advanced ethanol for Mid-Atlantic ground transportation markets. With Norfolk and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Now, war is surely about to break out over E25-E30 blending, now that RFA CEO Bob Dinneen testified in DC in his courtly but adamant manner that a high-octane, low-carbon ethanol blend in optimized engines would
by Chris Lees (Gladstone Observer) Southern Oil is behind an innovative plan to take on the Aldoga renewable hub. The company, which runs the Northern Oil Advanced Biofuels Pilot Plant, has put in an expression of interest to develop the 1248 hectare
(National Biodiesel Board) Downstate New York counties are set to provide cleaner air through increased use of biodiesel in home heating oil -- Downstate New York counties are set to join New York City as national leaders in providing cleaner
(VietNam Net Bridge) With the state’s policy of using E5 biofuel throughout the country from early 2018, ethanol projects that have been unprofitable will resume their operations, according to PetroVietnam’s CEO Nguyen Vu Truong Son. PetroVietnam on September 6 stated the
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Senator Al Franken (D-MN), together with Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) have introduced the Agricultural Energy Programs Reauthorization Act of 2017, to reauthorize Title IX programs and funding through 2023. ... According to the Agriculture Energy Coalition,
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) Investor Carl Icahn never wielded excessive influence on U.S. biofuels policy while acting as President Donald Trump’s adviser on regulation, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency said in a letter to a Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. The letter,
by Josephine Mason, Chen Aizhu, Dominique Patton and Hallie Gu (Reuters) Beijing sets first timeline for ethanol use in cars; Push comes amid bid to whittle down massive corn stockpile; China has no nationwide ethanol mandate like U.S., Brazil; Shares in China-listed biofuel makers rally
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy is holding its annual advocacy conference in Washington, D.C., this week, bringing together over 150 leaders in the ethanol industry from across the country to champion the association’s policy priorities on Capitol Hill. During Growth Energy’s Biofuels
by Tinashe Makichi (The Sunday Mail) The Zimbabwe Energy Council will engage the Energy and Power Development Ministry over relaxation of legislation compelling investors to enter joint ventures with Government if they want ethanol production licences. The council is of the
by Kacey Culliney (Feed Navigator) The UK government’s 2% biofuel crop cap proposal would be disastrous for bioethanol producers, farmers and the feed sector, says head of government affairs at Vivergo Fuels. READ MORE Vivergo Fuels ‘reluctantly’ welcomes UK government’s proposals
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) The Environmental Protection Agency predicted it might take six months to do an initial evaluation of "energy beets" for their environmental footprint as a feedstock for biofuels. Six years — not months — later the agency has
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol and the Renewable Fuels Association are among the groups that testified at the U.S. EPA’s public hearing for the reconsideration of the Final Determination of the Mid-Term
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) The time is now to make sure policymakers in Washington, D.C., understand the importance of staying the course on fuels of the future. -- On July 28, the U.S. Court of Appeals for
(Green Air Online) A viable second generation liquid biofuel industry and market has a significant role in helping to meet UK long-term carbon reduction goals, particularly in sectors like aviation where alternative low-carbon options are not available. So concludes a
(Green Air Online) The UK government has recommitted to providing up to £22 million ($28m) towards funding for projects to develop advanced low carbon, waste-based advanced fuels for planes and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The fund, which must be matched
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council recently announced that it arranged for a group of Mexico-based energy and economy media members to travel to Denver and Chicago in August to learn about U.S. ethanol production, integration
by Lindsey Rae Gjording (DW) The Midwest vote helped elect Trump, but his campaign promises to defend ethanol have fallen short. Farmers struggle to get by with declining crop sales and outpricing from larger oil firms and German biodiesel imports. ... Directly supporting 86,000
(nova-Institute) nova-Institute has published a finalised short version of its study into the sustainability of bioethanol from different feedstocks. To read the report, "A sustainability assessment of first and second generation bioethanol in the context of the European Commission’s REDII proposal," and get
(BBC) China, the world's biggest car market, plans to ban the production and sale of diesel and petrol cars and vans. The country's vice minister of industry said it had started "relevant research" but that it had not yet decided
(Södra) Södra will invest more than SEK 100 million in the production of biomethanol, a sustainable fuel from forest raw material. The project will commence in autumn 2017 and is scheduled to be ready for operation by spring 2019. The aim
by Cornelius Essen (The Guardian/All Africa) Experts have condemned an alleged move by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA) and Zurich, Switzerland-based ETHZ Laboratories to carry out confined field trial of genetically modified cassava in Nigeria. They alleged that the application,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Plant Bottle has generated so much goodwill and publicity for its 30% renewable, sustainable content (and that biobased MEG) that it’s easy to forget that there are several paths being chased to 100% renewable
by Ben Wolfgang (The Washington Times) Throughout his campaign, President Trump voiced unwavering support for U.S. ethanol. Now that he’s in the White House, industry leaders say it’s time for Mr. Trump to back up his words with action by returning
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The comment period on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2018 renewable volume standards (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard, along with the 2019 RVO for biomass-based diesel, closed at midnight Aug. 31. More
(BlackSeaGrain.net) The State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving of Ukraine is going to shortly register in Parliament a bill regulating the mandatory use of biofuel in gasoline, said the Agency’s Head Sergiy Savchuk. According to him, this bill envisages
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The most visible advanced industrial fermentation target for a number of years has been cellulosic ethanol, but the targets are diversifying and cellulosics themselves are shifting gears from process to feedstocks. There’s a fervent ferment
(WNAX Radio) Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in Texas has negatively impacted the nation’s oil refining capacity. Renewable Fuel Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen says the ethanol industry has the fuel to fill that supply need if the EPA would expand
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The comment period for the EPA’s proposed volume obligations for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has officially ended and stakeholders in both the biodiesel and ethanol industries made their voices heard. READ MORE Growth Energy
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) is calling on the FBI to investigate whether Carl Icahn, a former external adviser to President Trump, violated conflict of interest laws. Duckworth’s request, outlined in a Wednesday letter to FBI Director
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biodiesel is the people’s advanced biofuel, but it is not always the Establishment’s darling. Whether it is cleaner air, more lubricity, more advanced domestic manufacturing and jobs, higher property values driving higher revenues for states
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan recently filed a report with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network, noting the government plans to maintain its 500 million liter (132.09 million gallon) crude oil equivalent mandate for biofuels
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) As the New York Times recently reported, the EPA Administrator Pruitt has been conducting much of his work to undermine the EPA’s mission in secret. The recent proposed rule implementing the Renewable Fuels Standard
by Wayne Allard (American Motorcyclist Association/Washington Examiner) For more than 10 years, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has been gradually changing the U.S. fuel supply, injecting more biofuels and corn ethanol into our gasoline every year. Under the policy, America's corn
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt on Wednesday expanded the scope of an emergency waiver of Clean Air Act restrictions on motor fuel requirements, saying the waiver would apply not only to Texas but
(Reuters/ Successful Farming) ... Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Twitter on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump told him he is "pro ethanol" and will stand by a campaign promise to support the ethanol industry. "He assured me he's pro ethanol" and
(European Environment Agency) Only a decade ago, biofuel production from plants was hailed as an ecological alternative to fossil fuels. Recently, it has come to be seen as competing with food production and not always an effective solution in reducing
by Sean Nicholls (Sydney Morning Herald) The controversial NSW ethanol mandate costs motorists more than $143 million a year by forcing them to purchase more expensive premium petrol, a new analysis suggests. It also estimates Australia's largest producer, Manildra, last year made $4.4 million
(National Biodiesel Board) A new academic paper published in Biotechnology for Biofuels shows biodiesel’s benefits are even better than previous models suggest. Updated modeling from Purdue University suggests the advantage of using biodiesel has been underestimated by 10 percent. “This latest research verifies
by Susan van Dyk (IEA Bioenergy Task 39/University of British Columbia) ... Recent heavy pollution in urban areas of China have led to the adoption of stricter fuel specifications to lower sulfur emissions from gasoline and diesel use. Biofuels Biofuels form part of
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Billionaire Carl Icahn says an oil industry push for structural changes to the U.S. biofuels mandate will persist, even if the Environmental Protection Agency rebuffs requests from refiners to relieve them of the regulatory
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy recently filed comments with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as it prepares an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental impacts of new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for model year (MY)
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Urban Air Institute) ... We need more ethanol in gasoline, and in so doing, we will get less drain on our wallets, less toxic aromatics, less carbon, less sulfur, less particulates and fewer related health problems.
(ePURE) Newly released report finds that increasing ethanol in petrol helps improve air quality and reduces oil dependency -- A new report published by the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reducing emissions of
(UK Department of Transport) Planes could take off from British airports using fuels made from rubbish that gets sent to landfill, under a new government scheme. -- As part of plans to promote clean alternative fuels, the government is offering
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) If every corn ethanol plant in the country were to convert to Cellerate bolt-on technology combined with Enogen® corn enzyme technology from Syngenta, the country could more than meet the goals for cellulosic biofuels under the
(Aemetis) Company well positioned to fill expected supply gap caused by anti-dumping ruling against Argentina and Indonesian biodiesel in the U.S. market -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that its Universal Biofuels subsidiary in India has completed the construction
(Biofuels International) A new report from the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reduced emissions of dangerous pollutants and improvements in car engine performance. Carried out by the ICF for the European Commission’s Directorate-General for
by Brian Dabbs (Bloomberg BNA) An era of relaxed biofuel blending requirements may be dawning for small oil refineries nationwide following a watershed court decision and new congressional direction for regulators. That prospect is cheered on by many companies that operate
by Dale Christensen (The Public Opinion) How long can the Environmental Protection Agency ignore clean air and soak auto owners with higher-priced, inferior gas? It seems to me the EPA, those “dirty rotten scoundrels” as described by S.D. Farmers Union President Doug
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Those who wish to file written comments on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2018 volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard have until midnight on Aug. 31 to do so. EPA published the proposed
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) The ethanol industry pressed the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to relax fuel restrictions nationwide to blend more of the corn-based fuel in the gasoline supply to reduce the threat of price spikes in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 1. Ottawa, Ontario The biggest Canadian story of the year stems from the November 2016 announce by Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna announced that Canada will adopt a national clean fuels standard,
by Julia Mericle (The Hawk Eye) If Columbus Junction City Council approves the project, they could be first to install new technology in Iowa. -- Columbus Junction could count itself among pioneering cities in the struggle to treat wastewater if
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Information Network provides insight into the future ethanol market in Spain following the 2016 expiration of the ethanol-specific biofuel blending target. The report indicates
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... That’s what ACE’s Power by People campaign is about: Putting a human face on ethanol; making connections with people on their terms; appealing to people’s hearts in addition to their minds.
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 Farm Bill—otherwise known as the Agricultural Act of 2014—places a larger emphasis on energy than past farm bills have. It includes the most recent version of the Energy Title, which was first
by Andrew Revkin (ProPublica) The Trump administration plans to sharply reduce the government’s estimate of how much each ton of carbon emissions harms the planet. It hasn’t done so yet, and that delay is slowing Trump’s effort to expand coal mining
(Prensa Latina) Malaysia and Indonesia are in talks on possible implementation of B5 biodiesel program in China, given the Chinese increased environment control in the palm oil market. According to the Malaysian Minister of Plantations and Commodities Industry, Mah Siew Keong,
by Brian Henderson (Scotsman) It became clear yesterday that Scottish wheat growers could have a major opportunity to supply grain to biofuel plants south of the Border – as the farm assurance scheme SQC moved to reassure producers that their
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted new materials related to a quality review scheduled to be conducted by the Scientific Advisory Board on the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency originally proposed a much higher cellulosic ethanol number in its Renewable Fuel Standard proposal sent to the Office of Management and Budget in June, interagency review documents posted
(International Council on Clean Transportation) ... Indirect emissions can also result from the use of waste and residual materials for biofuel production. For example, fatty acid distillates from palm oil refining are currently utilized in applications including oleochemicals, soaps, and animal
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe/IEA Bioenergy Task 37 Newsletter) This brief highlights the technologies available – both established and newly emerging – for biomethane production and biogas-driven vehicle fleets. It evaluates costs, performance and sustainability and outlines the best practices from around the
by Jim Alouat (News Mail) Budaberg is home to the cheapest petrol in Queensland with drivers able to take advantage of breathtaking bowser deals. ... Yesterday Liberty North hit a new low, selling unleaded ethanol petrol for 99.9c a litre. RACQ's Renee Smith
(BoatUS/PowerBoatWorld.com) The battle to protect your boat’s engine is not over. Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency is asking for public comments on the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply for 2018. Boat Owners Association
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... For starters, ethanol helps reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions. According to a January analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, corn-based ethanol reduces greenhouse emissions (GHG) by 43 percent compared with
by Liz Morales (Columbus Telegram) Agriculture was a main topic of discussion Wednesday during U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer's listening session in Albion. Fischer said she expects a big fight when the 2018 farm bill is debated in Congress. “The Heritage Foundation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, the Brazilian Chamber of Foreign Trade has approved a recommendation to impose a 20 percent tariff on U.S. ethanol imports after a 600 million liter tariff rate quota, according to postings from the
(Biofuels International) Leading US advocates for advanced liquid and gasified biofuels have united to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stand behind President Trump’s commitment to driving investment in the next generation of ‘homegrown’ fuels under the Renewable Fuel
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Argentine biodiesel exports will be priced out of the U.S. market, its leading industry body said, after Washington decided on Tuesday to impose steep duties on imports that it said were unfairly subsidized. The countervailing duties on
by Lon Carrier (Argus Leader) ... The ethanol volume requirements will likely remain at this level until the EPA takes over the program entirely in 2023. At that point, the agency could cut corn ethanol out of the mandate altogether, which
by Kelsi Bracmort (Congressional Research Service; posted by OurEnergyPolicy.org) Congress has expressed ongoing interest in the RFS, particularly the challenges associated with implementing the RFS and with compliance for entities required to use renewable fuels. Some question whether it is time
by Michael White (Pacific Standard) Biofuels can reduce emissions, benefit American corporations, and create jobs. But slashing the budget of the Bioenergy Technologies Office effectively eliminates those possibilities. -- ... However, as Congress and the Trump administration take deliberate steps
(National Farmers Union) The transition to a homegrown, renewable energy future for America is underway. Biofuels, higher blends of ethanol in gasoline, and advanced, bio-based technologies are reaping tremendous benefits for our environment and providing much-needed economic stability to America’s
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Harvard researchers are out this morning with a peer-reviewed analysis concluding Exxon Mobil misled the public over the course of 40 years of climate change communications. After poring over its scientific research, internal company
(National.org) New regulations for New Zealand’s fuel specifications will support the growth of lower-emission fuels that are better for people, the environment and cars, Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Regulations set out minimum standards for fuel performance,
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network predicts Australian biofuel production will reach 290 million liters (79.61 million gallons) this year, including 250 million liters of ethanol. That
by Mick Harris (Oregon Live) I loved Richard Waring's Aug. 17 message to eclipse visitors. As somebody who continues to try and take the fight to climate change through a variety of organizations, I agree with him that, in order to preserve the Oregon
by Ashlee Rich Stephenson (Morning Consult/WPA Intelligence/Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Forum) ... Recent studies, sponsored by Yale and George Mason University and the Pew Research Center, illustrated that large cross sections of the American public link climate change and carbon emissions to imminent
(National Biodiesel Board) Department Finds That Argentina and Indonesia Unfairly Subsidize Biodiesel They Export to US -- The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition won a preliminary countervailing duty determination from the Commerce Department regarding subsidized biodiesel imports from
(Business Wire/Next 10) As California’s economy continues to grow, the state’s carbon footprint continues to shrink, albeit at a slower pace than in earlier years due in part to a spike in transportation emissions. The ninth annual California Green Innovation Index — released by
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) We were disappointed, but not surprised, to see Mike McAdams and his members come out in support of changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard in Biofuels Digest (July 26 – The Time Has Come for RFS
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The next few months are sure to be a crucial period for the European ethanol industry, as European Union policymakers grapple with new legislation that could phase out crop-based biofuels after 2020. The moment is especially
by Vrinda Manglik (Sierra Club/Huffington Post) ... Contributors leading to these inhospitable conditions include excessive nutrient pollution, which often comes from nitrogen-based fertilizer runoff used in agricultural production. In particular, corn production is notorious for its significant contribution to the dead zone.
by Kris Tom (The Brazil Times) This paper recently published a letter from oil lobbyist Maureen Ferguson attacking Indiana farmers and ethanol producers. I’m a farmer, and I want you to know the oil lobby is flawed in its arguments. Her claims
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) ... As part of an extensive behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign, Valero played a key role in bringing these people and groups together around a policy proposal that could save the refiner hundreds of millions of dollars each year
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) (River Cities' Reader) Q: How has your support for renewable fuels helped Iowa? A: Iowans breathe cleaner air and can chalk up a stronger, healthier economy thanks to renewable fuels. My long-held support for public policies
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA will hold a public hearing on September 6, 2017 in Washington DC to hear public testimony on the Reconsideration of the Midterm Evaluation Final Determination. EPA signed a Federal Register notice announcing the hearing on
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, a new tractable multi-market model study finds that the RFS has substantially benefited the U.S. economy by lowering gasoline, crude oil prices, and crude oil imports, while increasing prices and benefits for corn
(Motherwell Times) Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows visited the Newarthill factory of Argent Energy to discuss the effects of Brexit on the business. The plant produces biodiesel and aims to continue contributing to the global battle against climate change
(25 x '25 REsource) In a radio interview in Iowa late last week, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt made pretty clear the rational that went into his agency proposing lower levels of cellulosic biofuels, advanced biofuels, and total renewable fuels that would be required
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The American Coalition for Ethanol celebrated its 30th annual conference this week by highlighting recent victories for the industry and embracing the challenges moving forward. “We’re as close as we’ve ever been to getting Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) relief
(Svebio – Swedish Bioenergy Assocation/4-Traders) The rapid growth of biofuels in Swedish transportation in recent years is mainly attributed to the increased use of hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO) diesel, a renewable diesel made from different bio-based raw materials. Sweden has
by Lisa Friedman (The New York Times) With a sweeping overhaul of the tax code on the horizon, two Senate Democrats believe this is the moment to broach the third rail of climate change policy: a carbon tax. The plan by the senators, Sheldon
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Hill) Buried deep within the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent proposal for 2018 renewable fuel standard (RFS) blending requirements is a curious request for public comments on whether the proposed biofuel volumes would somehow cause “severe
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Energy initiated a project to identify and mitigate the challenges of moving new fuels and vehicles into markets. Specifically, engaging with all critical stakeholders (OEM’s, fuel producers, distribution networks, gas station
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Massachusetts regulators released details of a new plan Friday to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in the state, in accordance with a state law and court order. The rules rely on a clean energy standard, carbon dioxide
In a 25 x '25 blog post, Reg Modlin, former director of regulatory affairs at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and senior advisor to the Ag-Auto-Ethanol Work Group, noted, "Until then (2050), and for decades after, liquid fuel will be used
by Reg Modlin (25 x '25 Resource) ... Flags have gone up in recent days as a result of articles proclaiming the coming of the electric car and the resulting disruption in the automobile industry. Relax. There is nothing new
(National Biodiesel Foundation/4-Traders) Executive Director Tom Verry and Foundation Treasurer Lindsay Fitzgerald participated in the 9th Annual Iowa Biofuels Science & Sustainability Tour. The Foundation is a proud sponsor of the tour. The 3- day event educated Congressional staffers and
by Lucas Laursen (Scientific American) ... Mexico kicked off 2017 with a 20 percent spike in gasoline prices, driven in part by the phasing out of subsidies. Some consumers set fires at gas stations—a response that highlights the backlash countries can
by Orrie Swayze (The Public Opinion) ... In this case government verbally declared ethanol’s optimal, lower cost best performance blend E30 is illegal. Never before has a major industry resource so successfully quashed the competition by having the competition declared illegal
By Russell Hubbard (Omaha World-Herald) Ready or not, higher ethanol blends appear destined for a gas station near you, a development touted by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts Wednesday at a major industry conference being held in Omaha. “The ethanol industry is
(Federal Register/International Trade Administration) On April 12, 2017, the Department of Commerce (Department) initiated antidumping duty (AD) investigations on biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia.[1] Currently, the preliminary determinations of these investigations are due no later than August 30, 2017. Postponement of
by Catherine Pillas (Business Mirror) The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) is calling on the government to amend the Biofuels Act to allow the use of palm oil as an additive and not just coconut oil as currently mandated by the
by Banikinkar Pattanayak (Financial Express) Karnataka has scrapped the requirement of permits from the excise department for the movement of ethanol, becoming the first state to implement the amendments to the Industries Development and Regulation (IDR) Act. The move comes as
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The U.K. Renewable Energy Association has spoken out in response to the data, noting it shows the use of biofuels has been stagnant in the U.K. since 2013. According to the REA, the U.K. government
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Louisiana, reports surfaced in Alexandria’s TownTalk online paper that Sundrop Fuels has struck an agreement to sell the 1200-acre site where it once planned to build its $450 million, 50 million gallon capacity first commercial plant
by M. P. Reynolds, et al. (Science Magazine) In recent decades, the scientific, development, and farm communities have contributed to substantial gains in crop productivity, including in many less developed countries (LDCs) (1), yet current yield trends and agri-food systems are
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Southeast Asia has considerable resources to produce liquid biofuels sustainably, using biomass feedstocks that would not cause carbon-dioxide emissions or interfere with food supply, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA). Fulfilling
by Marcelo Teixeira and José Roberto Gomes (Reuters) An overhaul of Brazil's biofuels policy in coming days, aimed at cutting the country's carbon emissions, should boost demand for cleaner fuels, stabilize the volatile industry and accelerate a recent wave of mergers
(Bioenergy Insight) New research claims that air pollution policy reduces the extent to which population growth in urban areas results in increased pollution emissions, without disrupting the economic growth resulting from this urbanisation. More than half of the world’s population currently lives
(Bioenergy Insight) The Almond Alliance of California has called for increased funding from the Farm Bill in order to help develop bioenergy outlets for almond biomass and byproducts in the state. Kelly Covello, president of the Almond Alliance of California, explained to
(Advantage News) The Illinois Department of Transportation has approved implementation of a renewable energy demonstration project using grasses collected from mowing highway rights-of-way. The work will implement the findings of a three-year study by a multidisciplinary team, including the Illinois Sustainable
(Biofuels International) Through ‘bold leadership’, airports can accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the aviation industry, according to a newly published report. The new study, a collaboration between the Carbon War Room, Sky NRG and Port of Seattle,
by Marie J. French (Politico) The state's top energy policy makers moved closer to creating a price for carbon in New York in a much-anticipated report released Friday. Carbon pricing is seen by many in industry and environmental advocacy as a
by Pam Radtke Russell (Engineering News Record) From Seattle to Cape Cod, see what's being done at 18 different locations -- ... In this special report, Engineering News-Record’s team of editors and reporters look at how Tangier and other coastal
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDocDaily/University of Illinois) Three words--inadequate domestic supply--have taken center stage in the implementation of the RFS since 2014. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used a controversial definition of this term to reduce the (implied)
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late July, Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., introduced legislation that aims to repeal bioenergy programs contained under Title IX of the 2014 Farm Bill. The bill, titled “Farewell to Unnecessary Energy Lifelines (FUEL) Reform Act,” or
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) ... (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Scott) Pruitt said he doesn’t want his agency “being used” to spur the expansion of biofuel facilities. READ MORE
(XinhuaNet) Finnish love with biofuels as a key approach to reduce emissions has made the Nordic country one of the least active Western European countries to prepare for the arrival of electric car era, an expert said on Wednesday. Pekka Leviakangas,
by Sean Nicholls (Sydney Morning Herald) ... (Innovation and better regulation minister Matt Kean) Kean inherited a policy championed by his predecessor Victor Dominello to boost ethanol sales in NSW via E10 – a blend of ethanol and regular unleaded – at
(European Commission Science Hub) A new Bioeconomy Knowledge Centre has been created by the JRC and DG RTD to better support policy makers with science-based evidence in this field. Launched by the European Commission on 20 July, this online platform will
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) A genetically engineered, freeze-tolerant eucalyptus tree is moving closer to receiving approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, amid concerns about the tree’s possible negative effects on the environment. The USDA has proposed lifting restrictions
by Daniel Orchard-Hays and Laura A. King (U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings Magazine) The U.S. Navy’s initiative could pave the way for a Department of Defense energy program that garners precious energy resources in peacetime and saves lives in war. --
by Sanjeev Choudhary (Economic Times) The government will soon bring out a new policy on biofuel to incentivize the use of the cleaner fuel, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said. ... Increased use of biofuel, along with higher domestic oil and gas
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today EPA Administrator Pruitt has signed a Federal Register notice announcing that EPA is reconsidering whether the light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas standards previously established for model years 2022-2025 are appropriate under section 202(a) of the Clean Air
by Erica Quinlan (AgriNews) ... Kip Tom, a corn and soybean farmer in Kosciusko County, thinks the benefits of ethanol need to be talked about more. ... “The consumer is saving money in their transportation fuel because of ethanol. “It’s a cleaner-burning
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Argus Leader) ... On behalf of rural communities and family farmers, I am calling out the EPA and those who still drink the Kool-aid of EPA’s fraudulent assessments that E30 is illegal for and damages standard
(European Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) EU member states are to decide on the European Commission’s proposal to radically lower the antidumping duties on Argentinian and Indonesian biodiesel imports. The European biodiesel industry warns of the dramatic impact that this decision may
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board) The first action by the Trump administration on the Renewable Fuel Standard was much anticipated. The National Biodiesel Board and the entire biofuels industry eagerly awaited the 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVO) proposal released
by Bobby Magill (Climate Central) Massachusetts is considering a plan that would classify wood pellets and other tree products as sources of renewable energy, allowing the logging industry to contribute to the state’s climate goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions. However, research
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Houston Chronicle) Regarding "Reporter's notebook: Do we still need advanced biofuels?" (chron.com, Monday), the article misunderstands the iterative nature of innovation and technology development. Disruptive, game-changing technologies don't simply appear overnight - they evolve. Today's smart
by Senator Al Franken (D-MN) (The Globe) ... That’s why I pushed back hard when President Trump recently proposed more than $230 billion in Farm Bill cuts, including $29 billion in cuts to the crop insurance program, which farmers depend upon
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen keeps a signed copy of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which included the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), hanging on the wall of his office as a
by Brendan O'Connor (Splinter News/Special Projects Desk of Gizmodo Media Group) In 2005, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Evangelicals was on the verge of doing something novel: affirming science. Specifically, the 30-million-member group, which
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