(Xinhua) Farmers in the South Pacific island nation of Fiji have been urged to be mindful of the impacts of climate change and practice climate smart agriculture to address the challenge. ... The Fijian government has worked on a 2020 agriculture sector policy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The particulars are the subject of a white paper from a team at Propel Fuels — Rob Elam, Will Faulkner, Chris LaPlante, Parker Chase — and available here. Un-Penalizing the Poor The topics include regressive taxes that penalize
(Clean Energy) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Nasdaq: CLNE) announced today that sales of Redeem™, its renewable natural gas (RNG) offering and the cleanest fuel commercially available today, grew by 32% in 2017, from 60 million gallons in 2016 to 79 million gallons in 2017. The 2017 volume from Clean
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) As debate rages on about whether the price of biofuels credits in the Renewable Fuel Standard are putting small refiners out of business, a little-known analysis by a Harvard University economics professor last summer
by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Maximiliano Rizzi and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) Indonesia plans to file a case against the U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Court of International Trade over anti-subsidy duties imposed on Indonesian biodiesel shipments, a Trade Ministry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When it comes to the future of the combustion engine, what are the future developments from a scientific viewpoint? That’s the ambitious topic that Gennadi Zikoridse of the University of Applied Sciences Dresden took on in this recent presentation. Combustion
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) In 2007 the US government established a national strategy for the development of advanced biofuels made using non-edible biomass. After 10 years we are still short of achieving the targets of this plan
(GreenAir Online) ICAO’s proposed rules for States and aeroplane operators on the administration; monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of CO2 emissions; carbon offsetting requirements; and emissions units under the CORSIA scheme have been circulated to the UN agency’s 192 member States
by Mark Chediak, Dana Hull and John Lippert (Bloomberg) Official sees ‘war’ if state’s rule-setting rights revoked; Air Resources Board planning zero-emissions bus proposal -- ... The state has special authority under the 1970 Clean Air Act to make its own pollution
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The latest data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that gasoline consumed in 30 states and the District of Columbia in 2016 contained more than 10 percent ethanol on average, breaking through the so-called E10 Blend
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Times) The oil industry’s campaign to undermine the growth of domestically produced renewable fuels such as ethanol has certainly been ramped up lately. Today they’re callously capitalizing on the financial woes of one of the
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) (Google translation)) Global standard values overestimate nitrous oxide emissions in rapeseed cultivation -- A network of eight partners under the coordination of the Thünen Institute (TI) for agri-climate protection engaged in a
(The Portugal News Online) Five petrol station operators in Portugal that import diesel from Spain are not adding the correct amount of biofuel required by law, leading to a loss to the state of €48 million. -- ... The Portuguese Association of
The latest joint OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook spawned this fascinating 10 year outlook of global biofuel markets and agricultural feedstocks. This model based projection, validated through global expert consensus, includes major food commodities and biofuels driven by the outlooks on population, GDP, fossil
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Environmental groups have long been against palm oil plantations on these crucial climate fighting forests. But consumers are using more palm oil products, from cosmetics to biofuels to food ingredients, and the demand for
by Todd Neeley (AGFAX) President Donald Trump set out an agenda during the State of Union address on Tuesday that includes a plan to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. ... The Trump plan calls for about $200 billion in federal dollars invested, to spark
by P.J. Griekspoor (American Agriculturalist) Sen. Roberts urged farmers to be ready to ‘sound off’ in support of farmer-friendly legislation. -- March will be the month the 2018 Farm Bill comes to the Senate floor. At least that’s the best guess of Senate
(Argus Media) Marathon Petroleum said it expects US legislators to propose changes to federal fuel mandates this spring. Senators and US Representatives would soon propose changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), chief executive Gary Heminger said during a quarterly earnings call
The biofuels-related portion of the 2018 election campaign season is off to a quick start with Jeff Broin, founder and CEO of POET, making a case for including the expansion of ethanol markets via year-round consumer choice of E15 across the
(Air Transport Action Group) The aviation industry today welcomed a move by the European Parliament to ensure that sustainable aviation fuel is a key component of the future of air transport. The European Parliament this week adopted its position on
(The Fence Post/Hagstrom Report) Jeff Broin, founder and CEO of POET, the South Dakota company that builds and manages ethanol plants, brought his view that the government needs to authorize the sale of E15 blend year-round to a State of the
by Terry J. Mazanec (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... Most modern refineries comprise more than 20 individual unit operations, each of which is a complex process on its own. And different refineries are optimized for different blends of crude oil, different
(NGV Journal) Romania’s president Klaus Iohannis signed into law a bill that requires at least 30% of motor vehicles purchased by the municipal governments to be powered by alternative fuel technologies by 2020. According to the law, at least 30% of the
by Natasha Geiling (ThinkProgress) Currently only one state in the country has an economy-wide cap on carbon. These states want to change that -- Lawmakers from nine states announced on Wednesday that they would be forming a coalition to help pass carbon pricing
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Biofuel mandate overhaul mulled by Congress after bankruptcy; Unions and Pennsylvania politicians seek immediate action -- The bankruptcy of Philadelphia Energy Solutions LLC, the biggest refiner on the U.S. East Coast, has invigorated efforts to overhaul a 13-year-old federal
by Philip Blenkinsop and Sybille de la Hamaide (Reuters) The European Commission has begun a new investigation into whether Argentine biodiesel exporters benefit from unfair subsidies, following a complaint in December by the European Biodiesel Board (EBB). The EU’s official journal said on
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) More industry players chose to develop and build new capacity rather than buy plants -- The North American biofuels industry experienced the fewest merger and acquisition transactions in recent history in 2017. There were only
(California Advanced Biofuels Alliance) On January 19th, CABA joined biofuels groups in opposing AB 1745. Here is the text of the letter: Dear Assembly Member Ting: It is after careful deliberation that the undersigned organizations respectfully express opposition to AB 1745, a bill
(Trucking Info) Fontana Truck Stop Center has an ideal location. It’s just off one interstate and near another, both of them taking traffic to and from Los Angeles. It’s also in an industrial area populated with distribution centers, manufacturers and equipment
by Cheryl Kalisch Gordon (Rabobank/The Land) Only a month after the European Union confirmed Australian canola would satisfy the new 2018 greenhouse gas requirements for use in EU biodiesel, a proposal to alter the EU’s overarching renewable energy policy has
by Kelly M0oij (Audubon Society/Tap Into New Brunswick) ... A decade removed from RFS beginnings has given ample time for evaluation and it’s time to reform the program. As a start, Congress must work to promote biofuels made from sources other
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) President Donald Trump did mention energy in his first State of the Union address, albeit briefly. “We have ended the war on American energy, and we have ended the war on beautiful clean coal,” said the president. “We are
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt said on Tuesday that his agency hopes to decide soon whether it has the legal authority to issue national waiver on selling of motor fuel containing 15 percent ethanol during
by Sybille de La Hamaide (Reuters) France’s approval of conversion kit allowing petrol cars to use fuel containing up to 85 percent of ethanol will boost demand for mostly crop-based ethanol next year, French ethanol producers said on Tuesday. Consumption of ethanol, mainly
by ShivikaMittal, Erik O.Ahlgren and P.R.Shukla (Energy Policy) -Barriers hindering biogas dissemination in urban and rural biogas systems are identified. -Decomposition and logical problem analysis tools are used for assessment. -Key areas of improvements in existing policies are identified. Biogas has emerged
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Cargill recently announced plans to expand its portfolio at its starches and sweeteners plant in Krefeld, Germany, with advanced biofuels, vegetable wheat protein and industrial wheat starches. The expansion to a wheat processing facility allows
by Daryl Worthington (Bioenergy Insight) Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, has figures on Renewable Energy use in 2016. The newly published data reveal that the share of renewables reached 17% in 2016, with the biggest contributor to that
(Reuters/NASDAQ) The European Commission will next week launch an investigation into whether Argentine producers exporting biodiesel to the bloc are benefiting from unfair subsidies, people familiar with the case said. The Commission, which oversees trade policy across the 28-nation bloc, is expected
Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Massachusetts, a new report from MIT Sloan professor John Sterman supports the growing argument that burning wood pellets for power is worse for the climate than burning coal, because of the short-term effects and the “potentially irreversible impacts
(Bangkok Post) OPG Tech Co, a local palm oil trader, is gearing up for oil palm plantation and biodiesel production in Laos after seeing limited business opportunities in Thailand. OPG plans to develop the plantation on a 16,000-hectare plot, about 100,000
by Joseph Bebon (NGT News) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has announced that sales of Redeem, its renewable natural gas (RNG) vehicle fuel brand, grew by 32% in 2017, up from 60 million gallons in 2016 to 79 million gallons in 2017. According to the
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 22, 2018, the 15th International Conference on Renewable Mobility titled “Fuels of the Future” was opened up by a discussion with Members of the European Parliament, as well as representatives from the
by Mayank Aggarwal (LiveMint) Survey also recommends ‘congestion pricing’ for vehicles, expanding and improving public bus system to reduce private vehicle use, and phasing out old vehicles to reduce pollution -- The Economic Survey released on Monday suggested conversion of agricultural waste into
by Dan Crisler (The Public Opinion) As Glacial Lakes Energy and its partners continue to promote 30 percent ethanol (E30) fuel blends for use in gas vehicles, two City of Watertown departments have jumped on board. Housing two of the largest vehicle
by Miranda Green (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing for a unified national fuel emissions standard for automobiles, a move that could significantly impact California's stringent car emissions standards. EPA air and radiation head Bill Wehrum, speaking at the Washington Auto
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) A major US ethanol trade group is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to be more transparent in weighing requests from small refineries to get out of their obligations under the US biofuel mandate. EPA has reportedly received more than
by Swaraj Baggonkar (Money Control) The ministry of road transport and highways is urging automotive companies to introduce flex engines that can run with ethanol content as high as 100 percent. -- Union minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that the market will
by Tim Krohn (Mankato Free Press) The DieselSellerz, stars of Discovery’s “Diesel Brothers” show, were at the MN Ag Expo on Wednesday talking with fans and previewing a truck the foursome is building for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. “People
By Ooi Tee Ching (New Straits Times) Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will retaliate if the EU’s ongoing discrimination and attack on the palm oil industry becomes legislative, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong. On April 4 last
(NGV Journal) In 2018, the city of Longmont will begin construction of a project at its Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) to make fuel from gas produced in the treatment of Longmont’s sewage. The project will convert dirty biogas (generated through
In 2018, the Commission will make comprehensive proposals for the next generation of financial programmes for the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, which is the EU's long–term budget. The Commission's proposals will be designed to make it possible for the EU
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The biofuel and petroleum industries are back in court as both sides argue the Environmental Protection Agency should have implemented the Renewable Fuel Standard differently in 2017. Attorneys for biofuels and petroleum interests filed court
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) More than two dozen small U.S. refineries are seeking waivers from the nation’s biofuels law, an unusually high number that reflects growing oil industry resistance to the program, according to sources familiar with the matter. Prices of the
by Vanessa Macdonald (Times of Malta) Marlene Farrugia gets chemistry lecture -- Fuel importation company Enemed will not be offering a blend of petrol and ethanol any time soon, even though it may generate fewer emissions during use. Energy Minister Joe Mizzi was
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Continued investment and expansion took place in the U.S. biodiesel sector throughout 2017, despite rising political uncertainty and a lapsed tax credit. Here is an overview of some of the activity, plus a special sidebar story
(National Biodiesel Board) Annual awards highlight 25 years of biodiesel success -- As the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates 25 years, the National Biodiesel Board’s annual awards recognize a diverse group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to biodiesel. From
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 18th, 2018, the Canadian Institute of Forestry hosted a webinar for the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Task 37 which publically addressed that there is a need to harmonize methane emission measurements
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... (B)iodiesel companies are pressing Congress to pass the $1 per gallon biodiesel tax credit, which expired more than a year ago for the fifth time in its existence. On Jan. 17, 75 companies and
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Even though the petroleum and biodiesel industries rarely see eye to eye on U.S. energy policy, the two factions find common ground in a new threat to all liquid fuels—electric vehicles. The opening general session of
(Global Newswire) Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) announced today (December 4, 2017) 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
In an Ethanol Producer Magazine article, Urban Air Initiative's David Hallberg explains how, with proper adherence to Clean Air Act regulations, ethanol can substitute for carcinogens in our fuel. "(I)t is increasingly clear that gasoline exhaust is the primary carrier
by David Hallberg (Ethanol Producer Magazine) (T)he U.S. Department of Energy's adherence to laws, and a proposal from the Urban Air Initiative to escape the aromatics dilemma. -- ... Hopefully Pruitt has established a precedent that will apply to one of
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) RIN values do affect fuel prices, but Ron Lamberty, senior vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol, says it’s not the effect many assume. -- ... A higher RIN, they say, increases the price of
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Washington, D.C., events provide opportunities for constituents to meet with lawmakers and help influence biofuels policy. -- Getting the ear of members of Congress, state legislators or regulatory bodies is not always easy. So many
(Deutsche Welle) Members of the European Parliament have rejected an attempt to phase out support for crop-based biofuels. So what's next in the food versus fuel debate? -- ... The legislative shift, set to take effect in 2020, won't actually change much
by Wes Swift (Platts) The US biodiesel industry has enough capacity to meet the 2018 and 2019 blending mandates from the federal government, the head of the industry's trade group told attendees at its annual conference Tuesday in Fort Worth, Texas. Donnell
(Wisconsin State Farmer) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be in Pennsylvania Wednesday, Jan. 24 to roll out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Bill and legislative principles for 2018. READ MORE Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue pulls back the curtain on the
by Scott Waldman (E&E News) Scott Pruitt is one of the Trump administration's most aggressive critics of climate change science, but lately he's been talking about the dangers of greenhouse gas. Well, one greenhouse gas in particular: methane. ... But when it comes to
by Veneranda Langa (News Day) Legislators yesterday grilled Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) chief executive officer Gloria Magombo over the price of Billy Rautenberg’s Green Fuel ethanol, which is 11 cents more expensive than the ethanol being produced by Triangle Limited. The
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Bolivian government announced its intention to establish an ethanol blend mandate during a December seminar conducted by the U.S. Grains Council. Bolivian Vice President Garcia Linera made the announcement during closing remarks at the event, reporting
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... This new era of getting our country back on track has and will continue to extend into the biofuels industry, making sure we are providing the cleanest, lowest-cost and highest-octane fuels at the pump.
by Kenneth Matimaire (The Financial Gazette) Ethanol fuel blending saved the country an estimated $26,5 million in 2017, representing 2,65 percent of the import bill, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has revealed. Zimbabwe introduced mandatory fuel blending in 2011 in a bid
by Cliff Gladstein (Gladstein, Neandross & Associates/ACT News) As one of the most populous states in the nation and a center of agricultural activity, California faces a waste disposal problem. Organic waste sent to municipal waste water treatment plants and landfills
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) ... "Sport utility vehicles reached record-high market share, while also achieving record-low CO2 emissions and record high fuel economy," according to the Environmental Protection Agency's report on model-year 2016 vehicles' fuel economy trends. Smaller two-wheel drive
(ICIS News) China’s imports of mixed aromatics may wane due to high costs and amid calls for a nationwide use of ethanol gasoline. ... Chinese buyers favour Thailand-origin mixed aromatics with a high benzene content due to their low price. ... Meanwhile, demand for mixed aromatics may take a
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Longstanding efforts to rewrite U.S. energy policy to keep pace with market and technological changes are being revived in Congress once again. In an interview with Politico, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy and
by Daryl Worthington(Bioenergy Insight) Two major associations for the biomass industry have responded to a study claiming the burning of biomass prematurely kills tens of thousands of people each year. The study was commissioned by FERN, an NGO created in 1995 “to keep track
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Alliance /Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Encouragingly, despite an extended period of uncertainty and less-than-ideal market circumstances, free trade has enabled global biofuel production to continue its incremental growth year after year. This resilience has been
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP) (google translation)) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) recalls that from 1 January 2018, the increased greenhouse gas (GHG)
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP)) Strong global harvest yields mean that supply on international markets is more than sufficient. The figures indicate that there is enough to meet worldwide
(National Biodiesel Board) Argonne National Laboratory, US Dept. of Agriculture, and Purdue University affirm impressive emissions reductions -- A new study on biodiesel’s lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission effects updates and reaffirms the long-understood benefits of using the renewable fuel.
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) New research from Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Chicago at Illinois and the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that incorporating conservation practices can both increase soil organic content and improve the
by Sean Mowbray (Pacific Standard) While the Trump administration has largely rejected climate change as an issue, the Department of Defense and Congress have identified it as a major potential threat to national security. -- ... On the other hand, the Republican-dominated
(Economic Times) Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari Friday pushed for greater usage of biofuels to reduce India's annual oil import bill of Rs 7 lakh crore, putting the onus on local car makers to make more vehicles that can run on
by Debra J. Saunders (Tampa Bay Newspapers) ... But now free-market conservative groups and oil-state Republicans are pushing the administration to cut the corn cord. For Ken Cuccinelli of the conservative group FreedomWorks, it’s a moral issue. As the former GOP Virginia
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Texas Republican John Cornyn is drawing up ideas for new legislation to overhaul the Renewable Fuel Standard, in a bid to end the stalemate between corn-state lawmakers and oily ones. "Cornyn's office has been hosting talks for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To date, North America is the most active of all regions in terms of deploying advanced technology — whether it is cellulosic ethanol, isobutanol for fuels and chemicals, or renewable chemical plants, you see the first
by Dan Charles (the salt/NPR) ... The story, however, is more complicated than it seems. For one thing, that boom in Argentine biodiesel exports is over, at least for now. Last summer, the United States accused Argentina of subsidizing its biodiesel
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) On December 29, 2017, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) invited public comments on changes to its fuel ethanol policy. The changes include a set value for U.S. corn-based ethanol green-house gas (GHG) emissions
by Ron Cascone (Nexant, Inc.) Shown here is a current version of an iconic cost curve, or “stack chart” generated in an ongoing analysis started by the Scandinavian utility, Vattenfall, and carried on by McKinsey & Co and the US EPA, of
by Doug Sombke (Argus Leader/South Dakota Farmers Union) Our esteemed U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released a report of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. While it is hard to get excited over any government report, I had high hopes
by Arnima Dwivedi (Newstrack) Struggling to survive despite the government ‘s clean energy dream, biodiesel industries have demanded the Goods and Service Tax (GST) rate on them be slashed from the current 18 to 5 per cent. The demand came days after
(ePure) 2030 EU target for renewables in transport leaves an opening for sustainable crop-based biofuels to help reach Paris goals -- The European Parliament’s vote to phase out palm oil and allow some crop-based biofuels is a welcome recognition that the EU
by Kenneth Tee (MalayMailOnline) About 1,700 Malaysian palm oil smallholders today rallied against the European Union’s (EU) move to remove palm oil from its biofuels mix. The protest demanded that the EU withdraw its proposal to ban, after 2020, palm oil biofuels
(Argus Media) The Canadian government is taking cues from Alberta to ensure that industries do not leave the country in response to a federal carbon price. The country's environment and finance ministries yesterday shared details of a legislative proposal for a federal
by Pete Kolbenschlag (Post Independent/Citizen Telegram) ... Rep. Welch from Vermont is leading an effort to rethink ethanol, and to lead Congress to fix this broken policy. Colorado's congressional delegation should join in this effort before more land goes under the plow,
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Farm organizations are beginning to talk about the evolution of climate-smart agriculture and the need to ensure the U.S. remains at the table as the United Nations begins developing an agricultural framework for climate
by John Wagner (Washington Post) With President Trump and Congress turning their attention to infrastructure in the coming weeks, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is preparing for an uphill battle: a push to raise the federal gas tax by 25 cents
by David Shepardson (Reuters) California and the Trump administration will hold a series of new talks over fuel efficiency rules as the auto industry still hopes for a deal to retain nationwide requirements. Officials from the California Air Resources Board are set
by Jake Spring and Mateus Maia (Reuters) Brazil is studying the removal of a 20-percent tariff on ethanol imports from the United States, Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said on Wednesday, in a decision that could depend on Washington lifting a ban on
(Biofuels International) UPM Biofuels has received a RSB sustainability certificate for the cultivation of the Brassica carinata crop, a new feedstock for biofuel production. It is the first time an RSB (Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) certificate has been issued in Uruguay. "RSB
by Raffaella Ocone (Energy Post) One question that arises from the announcement by the UK government that new diesel and petrol cars will be banned by 2040 is what it means for biofuels. According to Raffaella Ocone of Heriot-Watt University, co-author of a
(RTT News/Markets Insider) The RenovaBio program - which aims at increasing biofuels consumption - and rising gasoline prices in Brazil should lead to a 60% growth in local ethanol demand, said Henrique Falqueiro, director of NexSteppe, which operates in the sector. "Therefore,
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) Lawmakers from three political families of the European Parliament reached on 10 January a compromise to cap the level of crop-based biofuels at the level that each member state reached in 2017 and “kill” palm oil as a
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) President Donald Trump's administration and some members of Congress want oil and ethanol interests to just get along and work out their differences on the Renewable Fuel Standard. But the leader of the nation's
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The argument is roughly – increased biofuels mandates lead RINs to spike in cost, translating to billions in compliance costs, particularly for small refiners. While somewhat logical, as higher RINs costs have
by Bill de Blasio (New York City Mayor/Washington Post) ... America’s largest city, 8.5 million strong, is taking decisive action on two separate fronts. We are demanding compensation from those who profit from climate change. And we plan to withdraw our
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) has taken stock of its busy 2017 and has set priorities for 2018. Highlights on the sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF) front include development of many resources available
(WCAX) The cold and snowy weather has the state's network of snowmobile trails is buzzing, but riders say ethanol continues to damage their engines. ... (Congressman Peter) Welch (D-VT) is promising to continue efforts to eliminate ethanol from gasoline. The federal government requires
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) The European Commission’s proposal for the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive is in compliance with the EU’s commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, Commission sources told EURACTIV.com, replying to threats from Malaysia to refer
by Yuthana Praiwan (Bangkok Post) Global Green Chemical Plc (GGC), the SET-listed biochemical arm of PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC), plans to kick off development of its 7-billion-baht biochemical complex by the third quarter. Managing director Jirawat Nooritanon said it plans to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world of drop-in military biofuels, two major updates appeared this week. In Oregon, Red Rock Biofuels got good news on Monday when the governor approved $245 million in bonds that will allow the company’s planned
by David Shepardson (Reuters) Senior U.S. government officials held talks in recent weeks with California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) to discuss the goal of maintaining one set of national requirements for automakers, a move that will determine the fate of vehicle
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Mexico, rising gas prices in Oaxaca have seen drivers turn towards higher ethanol blends as a way to save money. Three stations opened up offering up to 50% ethanol blends in 2016 and have seen customers
(Bioenergy Insight) Alberta is moving into phase two of its carbon levy and Ontario has expanded its cap and trade market. The moves mirror similarly anti-emissions sentiments in Federal governments. Introduced in 2017, Alberta's carbon tax is being raised from CA$20 to
by Akshatha.M (Economic Times) What happens to the edible oil in restaurants after it is used for frying? Apparently, it is sold to wedding caterers or street vendors for reuse, if it is still usable. If unusable, the used oil is picked
by Art Cullen (The Storm Lake Times) ... Markets and Nature are so large, and the Iowa budget is so small. We would be better off to leave water quality funding — that is, writing a big fat check to farm
(Argus Media) French biodiesel imports from outside the EU must have a minimum 60pc greenhouse gas (GHG) savings value from 1 January — a measure that could have considerable impact on trade flows from Argentina. The law, thought to be an attempt
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... Finland cities are taking action on their carbon neutral goals and taking them oh so seriously. The Public Works Department at the City of Espoo, the second largest city in Finland, announced their decision
by Anton Usov (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development/Biomass Magazine) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided a senior loan of €25 million to PJSC “Myronivsky Hliboproduct” (MHP), a London Stock Exchange listed Ukrainian producer of poultry meat, grain and
(NGV Journal) The European Renewable Gas Registry (ERGaR) members announced that the application of the ERGaR RED scheme has been submitted to the European Commission to be recognized as a voluntary scheme under the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC. The submission represents
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) Last year was among the most active and interesting years we’ve seen in the biofuels space. The industry has confronted multiple challenges over the past 12 months, culminating in meetings between senators supportive of
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) ... Another political flashpoint has been the administration’s waffling over proposed changes to biofuels policy. Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency initially entertained a plan from oil refiners to upend regulations requiring them to blend ethanol into their gasoline -
(Axios) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, will unveil a carbon tax proposal in his address to the state Tuesday, local media reported Thursday. Why it matters outside of that Washington: The debate, while unique to the Evergreen State, is also emblematic of the struggles
(25 x '25 REsource) As Congress ratchets up its ongoing budget battles – the continuing resolution that is currently funding the government expires Jan. 19 – clean energy advocates of all stripes must hold lawmakers to their longstanding promises to renew
(NGV Journal/Eesti Gaas) AS Eesti Gaas and Rohegaas OÜ made an agreement, according to which Eesti Gaas will buy approximately 11 million m³ of biomethane from Rohegaas OÜ in 2018 and 2019. The sales of biomethane will be possible because in
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Indonesia instituted a national ethanol policy in 2006, but has been having troubles meeting their goals. The country’s plans to develop bioethanol are facing many setbacks, including costly inputs, capacity limitations and trade restrictions limiting
(Southern Farm Network Today) Texas Senator Ted Cruz recently proposed to put a cap on the price of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) as a way to control the cost for refiners that blend renewable fuels into the nation’s gasoline supply. What
(North Iowa Today) Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments in 2017. ... Grassley introduced the Food Security is National Security Act of 2017, which would give top U.S. agriculture and food officials permanent representation on the Committee
by Ryan Beene (Bloomberg) California would ban the sale of new cars and trucks powered by fossil fuels in 2040 under legislation introduced Wednesday in the state legislature. "We’re at an inflection point: we’ve got to address the harmful emissions that cause
by Aminur Rahman Rasel (Dhaka Tribune) ...The government has decided to allow the use of bio-ethanol as vehicle fuel by mixing it with petrol and octane at a 5% ratio. The initiative, first ever in Bangladesh, was taken to reduce the use
by John Greig (Manitoba Co-operator) An Ontario government proposal could dramatically increase the amount of Ontario corn going into ethanol production and help bring consistency to the basis price for corn in the province. The government has posted its proposal to increase
(Biofuels International) The project aims to raise awareness of alternate fuels for the industry. According to World Bank statistics, 3.6 billion people travelled by air in 2016. In a survey conducted by Neste, 53% of European passengers are concerned by the environmental impact of
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In order to meet the global temperature reduction target which was agreed upon at the Paris Climate Accord, delegates from the Biofuture Platform met in Bonn, Germany for the 23rd Conference of the Parties
by Amy Mayer (Harvest Public Media/NetNebraska) Advanced biofuels have been touted as the next step beyond the corn-based ethanol that’s the bulk of the country’s renewable fuel for cars and trucks. But cellulosic ethanol is harder to make and companies have
by Rick Santorum (Washington Examiner/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) ... But some petroleum companies seem to be taking their influence for granted, and that could prove their undoing with a White House that is known for drawing a clear line
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... ACE believes the best way to grow demand well into the future is to harness the low-carbon, high-octane value of ethanol. That’s why we were very encouraged that for the first
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... While we haven’t yet achieved Reid vapor pressure (RVP) parity for E15 and higher blends, we made dramatic headway by broadening our base of supporters and positioning retailers as the new face of
by Monty Shaw (Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Des Moines Register) About a year ago, an Iowa front group for Big Oil tried to trick former state legislators into signing letters to the editor that sounded “pro-ethanol” but actually advocated for a policy
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Attack on federal biofuels mandate provides chance to appeal to base -- ... But for the junior senator, facing re-election this year as Democrats show new swagger in the age of Trump, ethanol provides the chance to appeal
In a special to the Biofuels Digest, South Dakota Farmers Union president, Doug Sombke, pointed out that "Section 202(l) provision (of the Clean Air Act) requires EPA to regulate and reduce toxics in gasoline to the “greatest degree achievable”. In a review
by Philip Wegmann (Washington Examiner) ...More specifically, the organization’s “top state priority” means securing money for what’s called the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program. Here’s how that would work for fueling station owners: Step 1.) Agree to convert fueling equipment to allow for
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) ... I am referring to the mandatory requirements in the Clean Air Act that EPA enforce section 202 (l), the “clean octane” provision designed to reduce the use of toxic aromatic compounds in gasoline.
by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times)The suspensions pointed to Beijing’s growing willingness to test forceful antipollution measures and assume a leading role in the fight against climate change. READ MORE
by Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) The government plans to expand the scope of its biodiesel subsidy to businesses operating outside the public service obligation (PSO) program starting in May in a bid to boost domestic use of such palm
by Angela Matua (QNS.com) A new bill passed in the City Council on Dec. 19, 2017 will require that a two-year study be completed to determine how feasible it would be to use renewable fuels and technology to power the city’s ferries. Earlier
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2018? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2017 gives
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum/The Hill) ... The Sierra Club’s has offered a one size, all-electrification-fits-all recommendation — that would just be another bad choice that would actually lead to dirtier air for a longer time. There is more than one way
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. The bulk of mandates continue to come from the EU-27,
by Geoff Dembicki (Vice.com) The attorney who won a $200 billion settlement from tobacco companies in the 90s has set his sights on an even bigger target. When you want to sue the largest, most powerful companies on the planet,
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