by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over the years we’ve all seen a lot of curveballs in the advanced bioeconomy. You see companies like Valero, which lobby the United States Congress with unbridled intensity to get rid of the Renewable Fuel Standard,
by Josh Pedrick (Platts) Ongoing legal challenges to the way California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard deals with nitrogen oxide emissions from biodiesel could continue to hamper the state's efforts to meet carbon reduction goals. Earlier this week, the California Air Resources Board told
by Zunaira Saieed (The Star) FELDA, which harbours the largest population of oil palm smallholders in Malaysia, fully condemns the discriminatory act by the European Union (EU) to ban palm oil from entering its market. This year, the EU Parliament has passed
(U.S. Grains Council/4 Traders) Representatives from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently traveled to Indonesia and Thailand to visit with ministry and industry officials there and gain a better understanding of the opportunities for and challenges to expanded ethanol use in
by Todd Neeley (DTN/KTIC) Capping the price of biofuel credits at 10 cents would essentially eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard mandate for biodiesel and possibly hurt corn-based ethanol, according to an analysis by farmdoc at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In meetings
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) U.S. renewable fuel credits remained under pressure on Thursday as expectations mounted that lawmakers may soon renew a $1-per-gallon rebate for biodiesel blenders that could curb worries over tight supplies in the thinly-traded market. Prices of the biomass-based diesel
by Aaron Smith and Vernon Smith (The Hill) ... But while cellulosic biofuel can be produced from inedible plant sources such as switchgrass and corn stover, currently no commercially viable technology exists to produce it. ... The most sensible policy would be
by Hagstrom Report (The Fence Post) Renewable fuels groups this week issued statements celebrating the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which established the Renewable Fuel Standard and called for an even bigger commitment
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) 2017 was a roller coaster year. There was a paradigm shift in biofuels, technology advancements, innovations abounded, politics chaotic. Some companies shut down and disappeared like the Hobo vanishing in the snow atop the Polar
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Jesse Hamilton (Bloomberg) ... In his first year as president, Trump studded his cabinet with people who previously fought to undermine what some see as the traditional missions of the agencies they now lead. EPA Administrator
(Lloyd's Register) LR and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) have today (December 11, 2o17) released ‘Zero Emission Vessels 2030’, a new study that aims to demonstrate the viability of zero emission vessels (ZEVs) – identifying what needs to be in place
by Susan van Dyk, Emile van Zyl, Brett Pletschke (International Energy Agency Bioenergy Task 39) This short contribution provides some perspectives on opportunities for biofuel production on the African continent. Africa has a large land base, with only 27% of its arable
by Arianna Skibell (E&E News) An independent government watchdog has agreed to examine how the Trump administration uses the social cost of carbon, the metric used to calculate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. READ MORE WATCHDOG AGENCY TO STUDY TRUMP CHANGES
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Trump has hosted two meetings in recent weeks with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and others focused on the Renewable Fuel Standard and renewable identification numbers (RINs). Those representing the biofuels industry are speaking out
by Juliet Eilperin (Washington Post) President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday instructing his deputies to devise “a strategy to reduce the Nation’s reliance on critical minerals” that are largely imported and used to produce everything from smartphones to weaponry. ... Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who has backed
by Howard A. Learner (Crain's Chicago Business/Environmental Law & Policy Center) ... The recent North American Climate Summit here brought together 50-plus mayors to sign the Chicago Climate Charter, committing to take initiatives to help meet the Paris Climate Agreement's pollution
(WebWire) At the World Efficiency Fair, Air France today presented an Engagement for Green Growth (ECV) with the French Ministry for Ecological and Inclusive Transition, French Ministry of Transport and the French Ministry of Economy and Finance along with four other major French
by Jim Brunner (News Tribune) Dealing a setback to Gov. Jay Inslee’s climate agenda, a judge has invalidated major portions of a state rule requiring greenhouse-gas cuts by refineries, fuel distributors and dozens of other major industrial emitters. ... The ruling means the
(CBS News/Associated Press) France's parliament has approved a law banning all exploration and production of oil and natural gas by 2040 within the country and its overseas territories. Under that law that passed a final vote on Tuesday, existing drilling
(Office of the Governor of New York State) New York's Common Fund, the Third Largest in the Nation, Manages Over $200 Billion in Retirement Assets for More than One Million New Yorkers; Will Partner with Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to Form Advisory Panel
by Jason Hall (The Motley Fool) As countries around the world shift toward cleaner energy sources, the transport industry is ripe for some green disruption. -- ... In this week's episode of Industry Focus: Energy, Sarah Priestley and Jason Hall dive into how alternative
by Marianne Curtis (Farmers Guardian) The biofuels market for Red Tractor assured crops has been secured with the news that the European Commission will continue to recognise the scheme under the Renewable Energy Directive, says Red Tractor. Since 2012 compliance with Red Tractor
(American Coalition for Ethanol/KTIC) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings sent a letter today (December 15, 2017) to Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means Kevin Brady and Chairman of the Committee on Finance Orrin Hatch urging
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) To cut petroleum usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fuel efficiency standards are set to rise significantly by 2025 under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards—jointly administered by the National Highway
by Jessie Stolark (Enviromental and Energy Study Institute) On December 12, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing, “Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles.” At the heart of
by Orrie Swazye (Argus Leader) This is America: Contrary to EPA statements, all auto owners have the self-evident, unalienable constitutional right to save typically several dollars/tank by choosing splash blended 94 octane thus premium half E85/ E30’s more power, same mileage
Pius Rugonzibwa In Mwanza (Daily News) The production of cassava in the country has received a major boost after the government recently signed a deal with a Chinese firm worth over 2.5trl/- aimed at commercialising its farming. -- Opening the annual review
(The Hindu Business Line) Should the oil marketing companies (OMCs) go for a second round of tender, sugar mills may be able to offer some more quantity of ethanol for fuel blending, said a sugar industry official here on Thursday. Though India’s
(Prensa Latina) The use of ethanol as a fuel to replace the import of gasoline centers the debate of the International Ethanol Forum ''Bolivia Seeding Energy'' that today takes place in the department of Santa Cruz. The Minister of Hydrocarbons Luis Alberto
(Environment and Climate Change Canada) Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, moved Canada a step closer to using cleaner fuels, with the release of the regulatory framework outlining the proposed design of Canada’s Clean Fuel Standard. The
by Tracey Dodd (University of South Australia) PhD Thesis Explores How Institutions Help and Hinder the Commercialisation of Eco-Innovations--Particularly Aviation Biofuels, with a focus on Australia, Germany and the United States Excerpt from Chapter 7, Recommendations: The high reliance on government intervention was
(Biobased and Renewable Products Update) On December 8, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice in the Federal Register regarding its plans to submit an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on recordkeeping and reporting
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Biofuel producers in the Visegrad countries plus Lithuania and Bulgaria have warned that a phase-out of biofuels will lead to a phase-in of ‘greenwashed’ fossil fuels under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), as it currently stands in
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) ... On Thursday the 16th, our Aviation Business Forum looked at the challenge of getting biojet to scale – with speakers and delegates from across the aviation industry represented. Our expert panels looked at the key challenges
(European Environment Agency) Europe’s transport sector is making only mixed progress in meeting its environment, health and climate policy targets, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment published today (December 5, 2017), which tracks the short and long-term environmental performance
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) According to a report by Cerulogy for T&E, e-fuels only have meaningful climate benefits if strict sustainability criteria are observed throughout the production process. Renewable e-fuels can have low greenhouse gas intensities, lower environmental risk than biofuel production, could
by M. Cristina Negri (U.S. Department of Energy) Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in Argonne, Illinois, are examining innovative new agricultural landscapes that incorporate perennial bioenergy crops to provide environmental benefits, such as improved nutrient management and pollinator nesting. This work prioritizes
by Shawn McCarthy (Globe and Mail) The federal government is moving to implement regulations to require all providers of fossil-fuel energy to reduce the carbon content of their fuels as part of its effort to meet Canada's targets for greenhouse gas
by Shoaib Ur Rehman (Business Recorder/Reuters) Brazilian senators passed on Tuesday a bill proposing sharp increases in the use of biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel in the country in coming years, as a way to help cut carbon emissions. The bill would
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) U.S. lawmakers from states that produce corn for ethanol plants said on Wednesday they would consider proposals from Senator Ted Cruz of Texas to help the oil refining industry cope with the nation’s biofuels regulation, but would never
(California Biodiesel Alliance/California Advanced Biofuels Alliance) The board of directors of the California Biodiesel Alliance (CBA) — which has been the respected voice for biodiesel in the state since its founding in 2006 — has voted to broaden the scope of membership to
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice on its website setting the cellulosic waiver credit (CWC) price for 2018 at $1.96. The price is slightly lower than the CWC price for 2017, which was set at $2.00
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On November 7th, 2017, industrial experts, leaders and policy makers alike met for the 20th Annual World Ethanol & Biofuels Conference held in Brussels, Belgium to discuss how the future of de-fossilizing the transport
by Waldo del Bosque (EcoSystem Marketplace) The United States may have withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement, but national and regional leaders from across the Americas have vowed to “Make the Planet Great Again” by embracing a price on carbon at
(North American Clean Energy) Leaders from all four counties in Hawai'i gathered to pledge to transition all ground transportation in their counties off of fossil fuels by 2045, according to Blue Planet Foundation. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa, Kaua'i County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., and Hawai'i
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... What are the top trends? Here are the 11 we see dominating the debate on the stage and on the floor. Jet fuel deployment – how much, how soon, by whom? California, look up, not down!
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Nearly 200 nations attending climate talks in Germany; Guterres calls for more carbon pricing, markets; Says climate action will help, not hinder, economic growth -- Governments should put a price on carbon emissions to help combat global warming and stop
(Diesel Technology Forum) There are about 950,000 commercial trucks registered in California, and the vast majority are powered by diesel engines. State law says that in 2023 and after, only trucks meeting or exceeding 2011 diesel emissions standards will be able
(Biofuels International) Researchers have carried out systematic analysis of the latest scientific evidence on indirect land use change (ILUC) greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of biofuels and bioliquids. Experts from the Biomass Department of CENER (National Renewable Energy Centre of
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) Oil interests are intensifying efforts to force changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). ... “Texas is already blending more than 9.7 percent! Nationally, we’re blending more than 10 percent. There’s no reason to go backwards
by Sergius Barretto (Autocar India) Government set to unveil policy that'll allow blending of petrol with methanol to reduce costs and curb pollution. -- With an eye on reducing pollution and fuel costs, Union Minister of Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari, on December
(Lloyd's Register) LR and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) have today (December 11, 2017) released ‘Zero Emission Vessels 2030’, a new study that aims to demonstrate the viability of zero emission vessels (ZEVs) – identifying what needs to be in place
by Ron Cascone (Nexant) Reuters reported on November 16, 2017 an International Maritime Organization (IMO) declaration that ships not meeting stack sulfur emission limits through reductions in the sulfur content of their fuel or by installing scrubbers risk being declared “unseaworthy”. Ship
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is working with bioenergy industries and leaders to assist them in the sustainable development of bioenergy that includes our fish and wildlife resources, in the quest towards sustainable bioenergy
(Algae Industry Magazine) Stelco Algae Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Stelco Inc., one of Canada’s leading integrated steel companies, and algal cultivation specialists Pond Technologies Inc., of Markham, Ontario, Canada, have announced their collaboration for the construction of what they
by Luke Acton (Bioenergy Insight) With the dearth of subsidies and volatile political environment, Charlotte Morton shared her views on what lay ahead for the UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) industry. Of the ten million tonnes of food waste a year in the
(Platts) Chinese ethanol traders face a lot uncertainty in terms of next year's domestic demand generated by the E10 nationwide policy, which is due to be implemented by 2020, amid a lack of clarity on the new mandate from the government. As
by Mai Nguyen (Reuters) Vietnam’s biggest fuel distributors said they would complete a shift to an ethanol-blended product by Friday as part of a government programme to promote a more eco-friendly fuel. State-owned PetroVietnam Oil Corp (PV Oil), which sells oil and
(News 18) ... Union Roads Minister Nitin Gadkari has said the government will be soon announcing a policy which calls for 15 percent blending of methanol in petrol to make it cheaper and also reduce pollution. "In the upcoming Parliament
(Agri-Pulse) This week’s guest on Open Mic is U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. While countless farm groups and members of the agriculture industry have expressed concern with the Trump Administration’s threats to pull out of the North American Free Trade
by Tony Bizjak (Sacramento Bee) Weeks into a new gas tax hike, California transportation officials said Thursday they are studying ways to charge drivers based on how many miles they drove since their last fill-up rather than the amount of fuel
by Richard Valdmanis and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) President Donald Trump’s administration called two lawmakers from the U.S. corn belt to convince them to join talks about potential changes to biofuels policy to ease the burden on oil refineries, according to a spokesman for
(Propel) New study outlines how to make America’s most important low carbon policy more equitable. -- According to new research, low carbon liquid fuels must play a more significant role to meet California’s 2020 and 2030 carbon reduction goals under the Low
by Dan Crisler (Watertown Public Opinion) Glacial Lakes Corn Processors welcomed a strong ethanol advocate in Emily Skor at its annual meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Codington County Extension Complex. Skor, the CEO of Washington, D.C.-based ethanol trade association Growth
by Peter Z. Grossman (Washington Examiner) ... People forget how we wound up with an ethanol mandate worth over $20 billion per year (and that doesn’t include various subsidies). EISA was passed because Americans besieged members of Congress, demanding a solution to soaring
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Dec. 7, U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt appeared before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce to provide testimony the mission of the EPA. The Renewable Fuel Standard was among the topics discussed during
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... While liquid fuels will dominate the transportation sector for some time, biofuels and electricity can complement each other in the light duty sector, as range extenders or even renewable sources of hydrogen.
(U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works) Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to request that the EPA
by Susan Cornwell (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump is open to reforming the country’s biofuels policy if it can be done in a way that protects jobs in both the refining and agriculture industries, senators said on Thursday after a meeting with
by Alyssa Danigelis (Environmental Leader) The amount of carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector continues to exceed the amount from electricity production in the United States, according to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration. The shift that started
(CGIAR) Evidence-based science on the mitigation and socio-economic impacts of soil carbon sequestration is needed to support commitments to sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement target. ... Soil carbon sequestration, they say, “can have equal or larger impacts on mitigation.” COP23 agriculture decision
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) The American Enterprise Institute is out with a report looking at policymaking lessons from the RFS. It argues the biofuels mandate would be better as a rate standard than a volume standard, EPA should issue
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Alberta announced C$63 million of a C$1.4 billion push for “clean energy” will go towards bioenergy projects including biofuels and renewable electricity, while $440 million will go towards oil sands. Other funded programs include
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sekisui Chemicals, LanzaTech break-through in MSW-to-ethanol demonstration -- ... Were trash to acquire a substantial uplift in value, that’s the end to the landfill crisis. In Japan, Sekisui Chemical and LanzaTech have successfully demonstrated the production of ethanol from unsorted municipal solid
(Biofuels International) A scientist from the University of Manchester has argued that developing a modern bioenergy and biofuels system “has huge potential for providing sustainable, low-carbon energy facilitating a range of key sustainable development goals.” Dr Mirijam Roeder is a scientist from
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN Presswire) Advanced Biofuels Canada applauds government for new funding to support biofuels in Alberta and expand the province’s lower carbon economy. -- The government of Alberta announced today new initiatives to strengthen the biofuels sector in Alberta. The province has
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) At least 22 Democratic senators, led by Ed Markey, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kamala Harris , are sending Pruitt a letter this morning urging him not to weaken emissions standards for model years 2021 through
by Ryan Beene and Dana Hull (Bloomberg) Assemblymember Ting says he will introduce proposal next month; Only ‘clean’ cars could be registered by DMV under bill: Ting -- A California lawmaker wants to put the state alongside China, France and the U.K. and have its legislature consider
(Virvergo) “We reluctantly welcomed the Government’s Renewable Transport Fuel obligation proposals in September, but have remained extremely concerned that there is no roll-out framework for E10 in the UK, the absence of which could have serious consequences for the long-term future of
(Globe Newswire/Renewable Industries Canada) Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) announced today the launch of a public awareness campaign on the environmental and economic benefits of biofuels mandates. Dubbed ‘Facts Don’t Lie’, the campaign is designed to educate the public on the role
by Marko Janhunen (EurActiv/Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels) The International Energy Agency confirms that sustainable biofuels are needed to secure transport decarbonisation. The European Parliament’s Industry Committee, for its part, confirms the need to set a specific mandate for advanced biofuels, writes
by Andrew F. Quinlan ( Center for Freedom and Prosperity/The Hill) ... A refiner must earn RIN credits to meet its annual obligation by selling enough gallons of biofuel or by purchasing them — the credits, not the actual product — from others with
by Ari Natter (Bloomberg) Billions in breaks for energy sought in ‘tax extenders’ bill; Lobbyists are seeking new credits for coal, nuclear plants -- Energy lobbyists, who failed to get a range of expired breaks for biofuels to coal-fired power plants into the
(Fiji Times) National Biofuel Policy will be a roadmap to expand biofuel production in Fiji, says David Kolitagane, Ministry of Public Enterprise permanent secretary. "It must also provide an enabling environment for biofuel investment and program implementation in the country," he said. Mr
by Dan Crisler (The Public Opinion) Watertown automotive and fuel retailers and technicians got a special visit from one of the most respected automotive reviewers in the country in Marc Rauch. Rauch, an executive with internet automotive research website and television
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Tulsa World) The staggering number of misstatements about ethanol contained in Tulsa World Editorial Pages Editor Wayne Greene’s column would fill a barrel (“Refiners over a barrel ... and the barrel is full of ethanol,”
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) ... Another aspect of U.S. agricultural exports that is changing is ethanol and its byproduct DDGs. In the past 3 years, U.S. exports of ethanol have grown significantly. Cary Sifferath, Senior Director of Global Programs
by Marc Heller (E&E Publishing/Greenwire) U.S. EPA will report on the environmental effects of biofuel mandates next spring, four years later than required by Congress, the agency said in documents accompanying its announcement of renewable fuel volumes for the next year.
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) ... In a large farm shop with ethanol and biodiesel posters adorning the walls, Pruitt touted his two biofuels announcements in recent weeks. He noted EPA had struggled under the Obama administration to meet
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB Fair Trade Coalition Filed Cases on Harm from Biodiesel Imports from Argentina and Indonesia -- Today the International Trade Commission (ITC) voted 4-0 in favor of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition’s position that the industry
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, in a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) asked the agency to waive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for his state to no more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are two approaches to encouraging low-carbon fuels — volumetric mandates and carbon reduction incentives. What is different about a Low Carbon Fuel Standard — as compared to a Renewable Fuel Standard? There are 4 primary differences. 1. An
by Christie Smythe (Bloomberg Technology) (Oliver) Schmidt to be sentenced on Dec. 6 over emissions scandal; ‘Regrettably, I agreed to follow it’; faces 7 years in prison -- ... In a letter to the judge last week, Schmidt, former general manager of Volkswagen’s
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Ahead of a Thursday meeting between Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz and other senior officials about biofuels policy, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott formally asked for a Renewable Fuel Standard waiver from Pruitt. "The time is ripe
(UFOP) Excerpt from the UFOP Annual Report -- The assessment report provides information on the most important aspects of the national and European biofuel policy and the biodiesel markets. It is an excerpt from the UFOP business report 2016/2017 and includes the
(RNG Coalition) Renewable Natural Gas ('RNG') is an ultra-clean and ultra low-carbon natural gas alternative. As organic waste breaks down it emits methane gas, called biogas, that can be processed to meet natural gas pipeline quality specifications. Biogas is a mixture
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On November 30, the EPA released its final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVOs) proposal, the amount of biofuels it will require to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply in 2018 as part
(Australian Renewable Energy Agency/Ethanol Produce Magazine) The Australian Renewable Energy Agency recently announced $11.9 million in funding for Australian biofuel company Ethanol Technologies Ltd. to complete the development and demonstration of its groundbreaking advanced biofuel technology. As part of a $48 million project, Ethtec aims
by Jarrett Renshaw, Richard Valdmanis (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to meet with representatives of the oil refining industry and their legislative backers to discuss the nation’s biofuels program, according to two sources briefed on the matter. The White House meeting
by Rony Delucia (Advanced Biofuels Canada) The government of Ontario announced today new initiatives to strengthen the biofuels sector in the province, improve the environmental performance of fuels, and encourage the production of emerging advanced biofuels. Proposed changes to biofuels regulations include
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Austria, Finance and Trade Watch argue in their new report that aviation biofuels and other cleaner initiatives by the aviation industry to reduce their environmental footprint is just green washing because they say the goals set are
(GreenAir Online) ICAO has come under fire from two environmental groups over a perceived lack of transparency on decisions concerning its CORSIA global carbon offsetting scheme and fears that sustainability criteria for the use of biofuels qualifying under the scheme are
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... Global leaders will need to decide on and implement deep decarbonization strategies for every major sector – energy, transportation, agriculture and forestry, buildings, and industry. And the longer we dally, the more
by Eric Junga (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy) In responding to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action on vehicle standards, ACEEE found that average vehicle prices have remained essentially flat over the past 15 years, even as average fuel economy improves. The finding
(Malay Mail Online) The vote on Nov 28, 2017 by the Industry, Research & Energy Committee (ITRE) of the European Union’s (EU) Parliament to endorse the ban on palm oil biofuels in Europe, under EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) is a step backwards for
Countries representing half of the global population and 37% of the global economy today (November 16, 2017) agreed to scale up the low carbon bioeconomy and develop collective targets prescribing the contribution of sustainable bioenergy to final energy demand and as
by Dameon Pesanti (Columbian) With the earnestness of a missionary, Peter Brown will proselytize about the eco-friendliness of biodiesel and methane digesters — or extol their virtues with the already converted. In his mind, Vancouver could be to the green-energy movement
by Agnieszka De Sousa (Bloomberg) Any oil price move could have knock-on effect in sugar market; That’s because biofuel made from cane competes with gasoline -- As energy minsters meet in Vienna this week to discuss oil-supply cuts, the sugar world will also be keeping
(Reuters) Brazil’s Copersucar, one of the world’s largest ethanol merchants, and BP’s Brazil unit said on Thursday they will form a 50-50 logistics joint venture in the country. The venture will operate Copersucar’s recently built ethanol storage complex in the Brazilian city
by Ron Paul (Campaign for Liberty/Fox News) ... While I am sure many Republicans would love to see the RFS repealed entirely – myself included – some have proposed a simple compromise that would seemingly benefit even the ethanol lobby: allow
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency released its final Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations for 2018. The agency finalized a total renewable fuel volume of 19.29 billion gallons , of which 4.29 BG is advanced
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of the final renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for 2018. The total renewable fuel volume is 19.29 billion gallons, which includes 15 billion
(National Biodiesel Board) NBB: EPA Missed an Opportunity to Grown American-Made Energy and Jobs -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the required volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and failed to grow the biomass-based diesel
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) program for 2018, and biomass-based diesel for 2019. "Maintaining the renewable fuel standard at current levels
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Contrary to the European Commission’s initial proposal, the European Parliament voted on Tuesday (28 November) to increase targets for sustainable energy and reintroduce a sub-target for transport, by using “sustainable” biofuels. ... Boost to renewables in transport MEPs also reintroduced a
(Reuters) Brazil’s lower house of Congress approved on Tuesday a bill to set up a program to boost the use of biofuels, a move that could sharply change the way fuel distributors operate in the country. ... The program, called RenovaBio, will give
by Carol Spaeth-Bauer (Wisconsin State Farmer) A University of Wisconsin-Madison study released on Nov. 15 has officials in the ethanol industry frustrated, disputing the methodology of the study saying the claims of the study are not supported by fact. The study showed a shift of
by Ben Nuelle (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to visit Iowa Friday. Sources say Pruitt will host an “invite only” farmer meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Nevada. A spokespearson at EPA says media is also allowed to
(IEA Bioenergy) Bioenergy has an essential and major role to play in a low-carbon energy system. For instance, modern bioenergy in final global energy consumption should increase four-fold by 2060 in the International Energy Agency’s 2°C scenario (2DS), which seeks to
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The European Union (EU) and most of its Member States are on track to reach their 2020 targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Increases in energy consumption are slowing down progress. The share of renewables continues to grow,
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Delegates from U.S. and Chinese government agencies, biofuels companies and research institutes discussed fuel ethanol production, use and policy during the recent Sino-U.S. Advanced Biofuels Forum in Arlington, Virginia. The forum follows a September 2017 joint release
(ePURE) Industry Committee vote falls short of what is needed to fix the Commission’s RED II proposal -- The report adopted today by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee sets the stage for a real clash with EU Member States
(AntaraNews.com) The government has initiated a program to rejuvenate palm oil plantations in North Sumatra spread across 9,109.29 hectares in 12 districts. Serdang Bedagai, Langkat, South Labuhan Batu, Labuhan Batu, Asahan, Batubara, Simalungun, North Labuhan Batu, North Padan Lawas, Padang Lawas, Deli
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Aemetis owns and operates 110 million gallons per year of ethanol and biodiesel facilities in the US and India, and is upgrading the plants using patented technology to produce lower carbon, higher value advanced biofuels and
by Julia Fioretti (Reuters) UN aviation agency adopted emissions standards last year; EU Commission wanted EU to be able to go further; EU member states want EU to stick to UN-agreed ones; Member states, European Parliament meet on Wednesday More than 18 months after global regulators
by Samuel White (EurActiv) The biofuels industry has hit out at the European Commission’s proposal to reduce the cap on crop-based biofuels in the EU’s transport fuel mix, saying it would undermine the EU executive’s renewable energy policy and slash investment in
(National Biodiesel Board) Starting today, nearly 100 members of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) are in Washington, D.C., to participate in their biannual fly-in to the Nation’s Capital. NBB members plan to storm the Hill to encourage reinstatement of the biodiesel
(TO-SYN-FUEL) Members of twelve SME, industrial, and scientific partners, co-ordinated by Fraunhofer UMSICHT, and representatives of the European Commission participated in the first consortium meeting in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on the 26th of October 2017. Discussions took place regarding the progress
(Bioenergy Insight) Estonian natural gas distributor Eesti Gaas has signed a contract with renewable fuels provider Rohegaas to buy around 11 million m3 of biomethane from the company over the next two years to sell at its compressed natural gas (CNG) stations. ... Rohegass
(FortisBC) ... Together, FortisBC and Vancouver are working to increase the use and supply of renewable natural gas. FortisBC is an industry leader in renewable energy innovation through programs such as the Renewable Natural Gas program. The first of its
by Josh Pedrick (Platts) The Mexican ethanol market could have more room to grow as the states of Nuevo Leon and Jalisco have asked for a repeal of a ban on ethanol blending in their principal cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara, respectively. ... Mexico
by Andhra Pradesh (The Hindu) Chairman of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas Pralhad Joshi on Thursday wanted the State and Union governments to address the issues related to availability of ethanol for selling ethanol-blended petrol. Addressing the inaugural of an
by Laura Blewitt (Bloomberg) With higher blend credit prices come stronger gasoline margins; Refiners likely to pass higher costs at the pump: Wells Fargo -- ... Despite the petroleum lobby’s efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency last week rejected a petition from independent refiners including Valero Energy
by Gerard Ostheimer and Douglas L. Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) ... In the U.S., fighting between Big Ag and Big Oil over first-generation biofuels is slowing the deployment of advanced biofuels projects. This further undercuts the industry in a depressing frittering away of
(The Economic Times) The government plans to allow foodgrains during surplus production years to be used for production of ethanol that can be blended with petrol, in a bid to widen the availability of raw materials needed for making biofuel, according
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brussels, on the EU Bioeconomy Policy Day, EuropaBio called for an ambitious revision of the European Bioeconomy Strategy. Such a revision would help tackle climate change and meet the needs of a growing population whilst boosting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We, representatives from large and small companies, NGOs, biomass producers, regions, and academia from all over Europe as members of the European Bioeconomy Stakeholders Panel, have prepared this manifesto based on the Building Blocks document, prepared
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, a team of scientists charted greenhouse gas emissions resulting from biofuel production, presenting them as global maps. Dedicated crops grown on grasslands, savannahs and abandoned agricultural lands could provide around 30 exajoules per year (i.e.
(Financial Express) Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday emphasised the need for offtake guarantee by oil marketing companies (OMCs) to increase ethanol supply for blending with fuel. Speaking at a consultative workshop of stakeholders to chalk out a path for biofuel in
(EU Science Hub) Bioenergy is the most common renewable energy source in Europe - and it's expected to continue to make up a significant part of the energy mix in the future. However, its climate performance can vary significantly depending on the
(Scania) First came Nicolas, then Jérôme and finally Sophia. Today, the Faramia triplets have reached the age of 31 and are all active in the family transport business that bears their initials, Transports NJS Faramia. With the motto “The environment lies at
by Dave VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM/Urban Air Initiative) ... In an over-simplified explanation, the EPA has claimed the legal authority to regulate ethanol blends under section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act, known as the “sub-sim” law. Under EPA’s current interpretation
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RenovaBio will help Brazil meet its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent of 2005 levels by 2030. -- Building, in part, on the successes and lessons learned from two signature American policies, Brazil is
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With the holiday season in full swing, we know Santa’s working on his list; who’s been naughty and who’s been nice? This is Washington, D.C., so you know there’s been a leak. We’ve
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Pacific Ethanol in Stockton, California, will be the first ethanol plant to use Ener-Core’s Power Oxidizer, a combined-heat-and-power plant fueled by waste gas, using volatile organic compounds as fuel. The unique technology allows
by Tony Briscoe (Chicago Tribune) As scientists and politicians around the world debate the best way to combat rising greenhouse gases, an Illinois ethanol plant, with help from state and federal researchers, is advancing a strategy that buries carbon emissions underground. After
(Capital Press) According to the OSU study, Canola poses no greater threat to specialty seed producers than other Brassica species regularly grown in the valley. -- Results of a recent study by Oregon State University strongly suggests canola production could coexist with
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rejected several petitions to change the point of obligation in the Renewable Fuel Standard in a notice released on Wednesday ahead of a posting in the Federal Register. In the
(UkrAgroConsult) Third quarter sales of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) diesel in Sweden increased by 24% on the year, the Swedish Bioenergy Association (Svebio) said Thursday. This was at the expense of other biofuels used for transport, with consumption for B100 FAME falling
by Shine Jacob Sanjeeb Mukherjee & Shreya Jai (Business Standard) A NITI Aayog suggests an estimated ~11,500 crore would be needed to permanently address the problem of stubble burning -- After announcing early rollout of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms in Delhi by
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