by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Icahn picked as special adviser to Trump on regulations; RINs market is a ‘black cesspool of trading,’ Icahn says -- Billionaire Carl Icahn, a special adviser to Donald Trump and a skeptic of the U.S. ethanol mandate,
by Nolan Pinto (India Today) The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to imbibe Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pet project 'Make in India' by utilizing biofuel in a big way. It has inducted 25 Scania buses that run
(Lux Research/Biodiesel Magazine) Biomass-based diesel and conventional electricity lead the race to meet new emissions reduction goals, and diversified energy companies are well-placed, according to Lux Research. Traditionally policies to promote greener transportation fuels have focused on mandating volumes of specific
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... the most innovative public-private policies are likely for some time to proceed out of regions, provinces and states. In some ways, in the United States the forces arrayed against the Renewable Fuel Standard will end up
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Regional Feedstock Partnership (the Partnership)—a multi-institutional collaboration of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, representatives from land-grant universities, and industry—was first established to address issues associated with the development of
by Julien Hall, Samar Niazi, and Gao Xiaojuan (Platts Commodity Pulse VIDEO) China's corn stockpiles, built up over the past couple of years, have reached problematic levels. In this video, S&P Global Platts Agriculture editors Julien Hall, Samar Niazi and Gao
by Mark Griffin (Pro Petroleum/Real Clear Energy) ... Moving the point of obligation eliminates our ability to compete and gives major refiners a significant unfair advantage over small businesses in small markets across the country. Liquidity and competition are what keep fuel
by Chuck McCutcheon (Scientific American) Despite concerns over Scott Pruitt’s record of opposing ethanol, experts say the renewable-fuel program is on safe ground -- ... Ethanol advocates, however, do not seem to worry that Pruitt will make similar waves involving their
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/NewsOK) Regarding “Flaws in Renewable Fuel Standard aren't going away” (Our Views, Dec. 16): The Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires that refiners blend an increasing amount of ethanol and other biofuels into petroleum, has been
(MoneyControl) Amid demand from the industry to allow retail sugar prices to rise up to Rs 45/kg, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said the rates should be reasonable for consumers as the government has a difficult job to balance interest
(Business Standard) The foundation stone for India's first second generation ethanol bio-refinery to be set up by Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL) at Bathinda in Punjab at a cost of Rs 600 crore will be laid on December 25, an official
by Dave VanderGriend (ICM/Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) We need to prioritize and devise a plan utilizing all the talents in the ethanol industry to overcome the roadblocks to greater market access. -- Last November, I flew to India, a country
(NFU Online) The NFU has met with ministers to urge the Department for Transport to keep biofuel markets as open as possible for UK farmers to remain competitive with their European neighbours. NFU North East combinable crops board chair Brett Askew
by John Campbell (Ocean Park Advisors) The RINs market would be improved with timely blend targets and compliance reporting, increased transparency and trading limits. -- ... Although it might reduce undesirable trading practices, moving the point of obligation would not
by Margo T. Oge (Huffington Post) ... Businessmen are always looking for a good return on investment. America’s environmental protections are a steal. The public health benefits of a cleaner environment and a healthier workforce are far greater than the
by Gene Lucht Lee (Agri-Media/Midwest Producer) Midwestern agricultural leaders have been watching President-elect Donald Trump’s criticism of trade - with China, in particular - with some concern. But their hopes were lifted Dec. 7 when it was announced Iowa Gov.
by Mike Dorning and Beth Jinks (BloombergPolitics) $20 billion net worth makes him one of richest men in America; Trump says Icahn will advise on ‘strangling regulations’ -- Trump often spoke admiringly of (Carl) Icahn during his presidential campaign and cited
(USDA) In the United States, production of ethanol is largely tied to federally mandated renewable fuel standards contained in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and the prior Energy Policy Act of 2005. The former calls for 36
by Vivek Wadhwa and Mark Muro (The Washington Post) ... The assumption they are making is that economic growth depends upon increasing carbon emissions. Trump and Pruitt seem to believe that because energy is essential for economic development, increasing its production by
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) ... It seems increasingly likely that the Trump administration would either alter, or attempt to stop using entirely, an Obama-era metric known as the “social cost of carbon” in its federal rule-making processes. And that could have have
(Environmental Protection Agency) On December 20, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued extensions of the comment periods for two actions: the Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and the Proposed Denial to Change the Point
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) A US appeals court Tuesday dismissed a challenge by American biodiesel producers to the Environmental Protection Agency's decision allowing Argentinian biodiesel to qualify for US renewable fuel credits. The National Biodiesel Board trade group had argued that EPA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) California, the land of milk and honey when it comes to markets for biofuels. What’s up now, what’s coming, what’s working? Low Carbon Fuels Coalition chief Graham Noyes gave this illuminating overview at ABLC Next
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News of high-level appointments have been streaming out of Trump Tower all this week and last, and two trends are already clear: it’s a group mostly out of the business and military communities, and there’s
(Argus Media) US ethanol producers may never hit the 15bn USG target federal regulators included in biofuel blending mandates next year as they run into infrastructure, demand and regulatory hurdles. ... Stores can only sell higher-ethanol blends through authorized dispensers and may
by Erik Cafarella (Wall Street Journal) Regarding Jeff Broin and Delayne Johnson’s letters (Dec. 8): I find it difficult to take CEOs of companies whose existence is predicated on legally enforced mandates seriously. ... Home Depot and Lowe’s have large areas devoted
by Tom Thoma and David Williams (Taxpayers Protection Alliance/Globe Gazette) ... (Carl) Icahn’s proposal centers on the definition of “obligated parties,” which is the official government term for the entities required to blend in renewables. ... Icahn didn’t launch this campaign
(The New Indian Express) There is a need to increase the minimum support price (MSP) of crops and bringing down the farming input cost, said Union Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. ... “For development, long term planning is required and the
(AAP/Yahoo! News) Queenslanders are increasingly filling up their vehicles with E10 ahead of a New Year ethanol mandate. A fuel sales data analysis by the RACQ shows that 35.6 million litres of E10 was sold in Queensland in October, an 11
(Environmental Protection Agency) Settlement requires Volkswagen to offer to buy back older vehicles, and spend $225 million to mitigate NOx pollution. Volkswagen will also repair newer vehicles to comply with the standards to which they were certified In a second partial
by David DeGennaro (National Wildlife Federation) Since Congress passed into law in 2005 a federal mandate to blend corn-based ethanol and other renewable fuels into conventional gasoline, the increased demand for corn – which has supplied nearly all of these mandated
by Phusadee Arunmas (Bangkok Post) Ethanol makers have agreed to buy 10,000 tonnes of cassava root a day from farmers at 1.9 baht a kilogramme in a bid to raise farm income and stabilise fresh cassava prices. ... Massive supply of fresh cassava
by Mary Karugaba (New Vision) Staggering the commencement date would help government build capacity. -- ... Presenting the opposition’s views on the Biofuels Bills, 2016 to the parliamentary committee on Natural Resources, MP Simon Oyet argued that right now the country has
(The News) Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has taken an initiative towards alternative fuels by launching a pilot project for production of bio-diesel. For this purpose, the PSO has developed Jatropha Model Farm at Marshalling Yard, Pipri, Karachi. Federal Minister for Water
(World Petroleum Council) ‘Biofuels’ will be the 6th in the series of the WPC’s educational guides and will focus on the use of biofuels and their role in our current and future global energy supply. It is essential for the petroleum
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/The Intelligencer Wheeling News-Register) ... Food price inflation has averaged just 2.6 percent annually since 2005, compared to the 3.5 percent average from 1980-2004. It is important to note that one-third of every bushel of
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... For a guy who grew up primarily in Brooklyn and Queens, farming was as alien to me as the dark side of the moon. Nevertheless, the story was riveting because it presented economic possibilities
(Environmental Protection Agency) EPA proposed to deny requests from petitioners to initiate a rulemaking to change the point of obligation for compliance under the Renewable Fuel Standard program. Due to the importance, complexity, and broad stakeholder interest in this issue,
by Amy Harder and Jacob Bunge (The Wall Street Journal) President-elect backed the federal biofuels rules as a candidate, but his EPA pick opposes them -- ... Mr. Trump’s pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt,
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuel Strategies/OurEnergyPolicy.org) Citizens and policymakers in many countries have never been more committed to combating climate change across all sectors. One high-emitting sector that is often overlooked, when compared to industry and manufacturing, is transportation. Transport
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Denmark has agreed plans to implement a 0.9% advanced biofuels blending mandate by 2020 for use in transportation. This news will provide a boost to second-generation biofuels. For example, biofuels made from waste materials. This puts
By U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Duluth News Tribune) Back in 2009, I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of Ever Cat’s biodiesel plant in Isanti, Minn. The company, started by a feed-supplement supplier for farmers, uses innovative technology
(Biofuels Journal) Today, Growth Energy, along with other members of Fuels America, sent a letter to President-elect Trump congratulating him on his successful election, and expressing a desire to work with the new administration to ensure that the Renewable Fuel
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday formally selected fierce fiscal conservative Rep. Mick Mulvaney to lead the Office of Management and Budget, POLITICO's Ben Weyl reports . That would also put him in charge of overseeing
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Defense Secretary nominee James Mattis may be a rare ray of hope for environmental advocates that the coming administration won't completely walk away from clean energy initiatives, Pro's Eric Wolff reports . The
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) issued a call-to-action to its grassroots membership today, urging ethanol supporters to contact their U.S. Senators about the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection
by Tim Sklar (Sklar and Associates/Biofuels Digest) Take-aways from Rana Foroohar’s Article Titled “Saving Capitalism” (Time Magazine, May 23, 2016) and her book titled ”Makers and Takers, The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business”. ... Although we still believe
by Lauren Tyler (NGT News) A team from the University of California Davis conducted a study for the California Air Resources Board examining the feasibility of producing large quantities of renewable natural gas (RNG) fuels for use in transportation in
by Tristan R. Brown (Seeking Alpha) President-elect Donald Trump nominated Iowa governor Terry Branstad to be America's ambassador to China last week. China's government was quick to praise the pick, having developed a strong relationship with Mr. Branstad thanks to a
by Scott Irwin and Darrel Good (FarmDoc Daily/University of Illinois) In the farmdoc daily article of November 30, 2016, we examined the magnitude of the "push" in production and consumption of biofuels implied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(Vermont Business Magazine) ... Welch (Representative Peter Welch (D-VT)) will reintroduce the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Reform Act, which will reform the corn ethanol mandate while continuing to promote advanced biofuels, as well as the bipartisan Food and Fuel
by Dick Roche (EurActiv/Pannonia Ethanol) A response delivered by Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete in the European Parliament last week demonstrates just how dangerously out of touch with reality the executive is on a policy that impacts on the lives of
(Dickenson County News) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey on Friday, Dec. 9, encouraged Iowa fuel retailers and gas stations to submit nominations for the Secretary's Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards, which recognize fuel retailers that have gone above and beyond
(Nobina) ... HSL’s decision to award Nobina an environmental bonus of SEK 1.06 million is a result of Nobina’s offer to switch from diesel to biodiesel during 2017. Nobina’s switch from diesel to biodiesel covers 680 000 liters of
by Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, who has represented Montana’s at-large congressional seat for one term, to serve as secretary of the Department of the Interior, according to an individual with firsthand
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Icahn refiner wants $15 billion renewable-fuels market changed; Cost of credits surged as U.S. mandates on biofuels at record -- Six weeks before he becomes U.S. president, Donald Trump is already disrupting an obscure, $15 billion corner of
by Brent Martin (Nebraska Radio Network) ... Congressman Adrian Smith says the move helps the ethanol industry, but he adds more can be done. “I’m continuing to work on a bill that I introduced some time ago that would allow, not mandate,
(Estonia Public Broadcasting) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure submitted a bill amending the Liquid Fuel Act which would require liquid fuel suppliers to add fuels produced from renewable sources, known as biofuels, to their gasoline and diesel fuel.
by Alexander A. Koukoulas0 (ANL Consultants LLC/Biofuels Digest) ... The pursuit of 2nd Gen fuels has been motivated by several factors including: their inherently low-cost, at least from a theoretical standpoint; their potential for drastically reducing carbon emissions relative to 1st Gen
by Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) President-elect Donald Trump has picked Rick Perry to head the Energy Department, said two people familiar with the decision, seeking to put the former Texas governor in control of an agency whose
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Squeezed budgets from low oil prices since mid-2014, combined with rising energy demand, will boost demand for renewable energy and efficiency technologies across the Middle East, according to a white paper published Monday following
by Nick Cunningham (OilPrice.com) ... Speaking at the National Oil-equipment Manufacturers and Delegates Society (NOMADS) in Houston a few months ago, IHS Markit’s associate direct for Plays and Basins, Reed Olmstead, poked holes in the notion that the industry has dramatically
(Austrian Network Biofuels Newsletter) The European Biogas Association (EBA) has published a new brochure aiming to serve as an introduction to biomethane in transport, going through its benefits and the challenges that lie ahead. Different chapters are dealing with Europe’s
(UFOP) “The 7% cap for biofuels made from cultivated biomass, first established in 2015, must be maintained beyond 2020.” With this position, the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) rejects the proposal made today by the
by Bobby Magill (Climate Central) U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a sixth-term Republican from Washington State who is a climate change denier and an ardent opponent of regulations for greenhouse gas emissions, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for
by Piyachart Maikaew (Bangkok Post) ... "The US is weighing its support for ethanol fuel, aiming to promote E30 blends in lieu of the E10 it supports now, indicating its interest in alternative energy for conventional-engine vehicles," said Mr Thanawat
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two central questions arise when considering biofuels consumption through 2022, write University of Illinois ag economists Scott Irwin and Darrel Good: “When will domestic consumption of ethanol reach the statutory RFS mandate ceiling
by Rick Fox (The Clermont Sun) Letter to Editor: Commissioner Uible’s recent letter “Fixing the RFS Pothole” was full of myth and inaccuracies regarding the ethanol industry and the Renewable Fuel Standard. Uible claims ethanol is raising the price of corn
by Jim Talent (Washington Examiner) I am old enough to remember the first energy crisis in the early 1970s. That episode was a tremendous shock for two reasons: Gasoline prices spiked, and Americans realized just how vulnerable our nation had
by James Konstantin Galvez (The Manila Times) Despite rising fuel prices, the state-run Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has dismissed calls by independent oil players to allow increased imports of ethanol products to effectively lower gas pump prices. Rosemarie Gumera, planning and
by Dipak K Dash (Times of India) Sugar mills recorded the highest ever production of ethanol of more than 110 crore litres during 2015-16 crop year, over 50% more than what was produced during the previous year. According to food ministry officials,
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Just two days after President-elect Donald Trump's transition team announced Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt was the nominee to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Governors' Biofuels Coalition reminded Trump about his
(Australian Renewable Energy Agency) Australia’s first advanced green fuels laboratory has opened its doors in regional Queensland, thanks to support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), allowing researchers to test biocrude on our shores for the first time. ARENA has
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Norway, the national government increased the biofuels content in fuets to 20% from 2020. Also, in their new budget, the government increased taxes on petrol to NOK 0,12 pr/l and NOK 0,35 pr/l. Tax
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iogen says it has has “one of the world’s largest and most experienced teams in developing, designing, de-bugging, scaling-up and deploying cellulosic biofuel technology. We’re using innovative thinking and disciplined engineering to transform cellulosic biofuels
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) “Agricultural research must shift from measuring farm ‘performance’ by single indicators such as yield and profit, to evaluating success using a multidimensional approach that incorporates the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social
by Yuthana Praiwan (Bangkok Post) Almost 4 million tonnes of decaying rice kept in government stocks for more than two years is expected to be used as feedstock to produce ethanol, due to be in short supply soon, according to
(The Wall Street Journal) Letters to the Editor -- Rewriting the RFS could undermine years of progress toward U.S. energy security. by Jeff Broin (POET) Carl Icahn’s proposal to rewrite the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) (“If Oil Refiners Crash, So Will
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Environmental Protection Agency held a public hearing in Chicago yesterday to hear testimony the agency’s proposed Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) rule. The rule includes several actions that would help allow the market to
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) At the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS & Seed Expo this week, noted agricultural economist Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company once again provided his global outlook for agriculture, which includes the outlook for biofuels. Basse
(Iowa Corn) ... As the world strives to meet goals set by global climate initiatives, U.S. ethanol provides an affordable solution. Government mandates, which dictate a certain amount of ethanol to be blended with gasoline, make a big impact on
by Dan Macrae (UPROXX) ... The Daily Show‘s Hasan Minhaj discovered, the U.S. Navy is currently embracing a new green era. ... On tonight’s edition of the Comedy Central news program, Minhaj investigated the navy’s shift into employing a biofuel strategy
by Michael Martina (WHBL) ... Although the guidelines are not finalised, and the extent of the reforms remain unclear, the revised lists include openings in manufacturing sectors such as rail transportation equipment, automotive electronics and new energy vehicle batteries, edible fats
(Punch) Nigeria needs 2.4 million litres of biodiesel daily to successfully implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Jatropha Growers, Processors and Exporters Association of Nigeria has said. The National President of JaGPEAN, retired Maj. Gen. J. Omosebi, stated this
CRISPY, sweet and a little bit salty, the pisang goreng is enjoyed as favourite tea time snack. Roadside stall owner Johar Melan uses vegetable oil to fry the banana fritters. Now, the used vegetable oil that is collected each month from his
by Jon Soltz (VoteVets.org) ... (A)s a veteran who has worked to elect progressive leaders from across the country, let me offer one step that Democrats could take immediately to demonstrate their commitment to economic growth, national security, and climate
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) A Midwestern senator says advancements in infrastructure helped convince the Environmental Protection Agency to raise Renewable Volume Obligations for 2017 to statutory levels. Al Franken of Minnesota tells Brownfield the normal pushback from EPA on concerns like
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A number of biofuels groups testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago Tuesday at a hearing on an agency proposal to make some tweaks to the Renewable Fuel Standard to help perpetuate
(Diesel Technology Forum) Last week, the mayors of four cities - Paris, Madrid, Mexico City and Athens - announced they had pledged to remove diesel vehicles from their cities by 2025. Last week, five African countries - Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo,
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Major automakers have embarked on an eleventh-hour push to undercut the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to boost climate and fuel efficiency standards for cars over the next decade. The Auto Alliance wants lawmakers to include language
(Renewable Energy Association) DfT publishes consultations on the future of renewable transport, setting out long term targets towards 2030. Consultation proposes capping fuel crops to below EU levels, risking existing UK plants and supply chain. Consultation introduces new sub-target for
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Dec. 1, the Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management held a hearing to discuss the U.S. EPA’s management of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) and two Government Accountability Office reports released on
by Anjaya Anparthi (Times of India) While launching nation's first ethanol-run Green bus service, Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari promised Nagpur will be the first city to have all its city buses run on biofuel. He said
by Jarrod Johnson (Farm Forum) ... However, while the program was created by Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with setting annual blending requirements for conventional and advanced biofuels. Over the past few years, the unelected federal agency has
by Bob Quinn and Doug Cooper (600WMTRadio) At the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management hearing entitled “Examining Two GAO Reports Regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard,” U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) stressed the importance
by Jane Wells (CNBC) ... This even as the oil industry — suffering from its own low prices — could push the Trump administration to reduce support for ethanol. "I think some people would still like to see the death of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA recently published a notice to its website setting the cellulosic waiver credit (CWC) price for 2017 at $2.00. The CWC price for 2016 was set in at $1.33 in November 2015. Within
(Growth Energy) Today, at a hearing in Chicago, Chris Bliley, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Growth Energy testified before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support (REGS) Rule. During his testimony, Bliley outlined Growth Energy’s concern
by Patrick Kent (Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers’ Association/Euractiv) The key element of this renewable energy plan is that the ceiling for the crop biofuel component of EU transport fuels will be slashed from 7% to 3.8% by 2030. The
by Stephen Davies (Agri-Pulse) ... The administrator touted the new Renewable Fuel Standard requirements, released Nov. 23. The final biofuel usage mandate includes 15 billion gallons of conventional corn ethanol, the same level as the annual target in the 2007
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... "Democrats need to talk to rural voters. That's the first thing that has to happen. They can't write 'em off," Vilsack told his former adviser, David Axelrod, in a podcast interview during the Democratic
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) When fuel prices are competitive, drivers of flex fuel vehicles (FFV) will fill up with high-ethanol blends such as E85 according to a new article published in Energy Policy. Authors Sébastien Pouliot and, Bruce A. Babcock
by Douglas L. Faulkner (“The Cleantech Conservative”/Biofuels Digest) ... Yes, the GOP is in control of the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate. But, who’s in control of the Republicans and will they – – can they – –
by Dominique Patton (Reuters) China is aiming to produce 4 million tonnes of ethanol by 2020, doubling output from the current level, even as it keeps tight control over the use of food grains to make the biofuel, a government plan
by John J. Berger (Renewable Energy World) ... According to its Vision 2030 statement, the port seeks to become “an innovative hub for [an] energy transition [and a] circular and bio-based economy” that will create jobs, new products, and economic progress. A bio-based economy
by Meghan Gordon and Brian Scheid (Platts) Total renewable fuel is slated to be more than 10% of the US fuel supply in 2017, breaking through the so-called blendwall. But how will a new presidential administration affect targets for the Renewable
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
by Alex Baldwin (edie.net) British transport is set for a significant low-carbon boost with several new Government consultations and funding schemed announced over the past few days in a bid to drive a green transport overhaul. -- A flurry of
(Offgrid Nigeria) A draft national policy on biofuel production and distribution likely to be signed into law very soon by Nigeria, has proposed very mouth-watering incentives for investors willing to go into biofuel business in the country, OGN has learnt. Obtained
by Carl Zulauf (FarmDoc Daily) Ethanol was a factor in both the price run-up that began in 2006 and the price run-down that began in 2013. Tepid growth replaced explosive growth. The question for the future is, "What is ethanol's
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management is holding a hearing examining two reports by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The reports incorrectly
(Voice of America) The death of Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro, a fierce critic of biofuels like ethanol, has raised hopes among industry experts that some of Cuba's vast tracts of fallow land may soon be used to ease its dependence
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, in Washington and Brussels, four news flashes on global renewable fuel volumes appeared on the radar. Can you safely ignore them and get on with other work, or is there something to get deeply
(Center for Climate Strategies) Since 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) used the term ambition formally in agreements to implement activities and address the need for expanded environmental goals and aspirations. This can be likened
by Maximilian Heath (Reuters) Argentina's biodiesel producers fear losing access to the United States, the destination of nearly all their exports, after Donald Trump's surprise victory in presidential elections earlier this month, representatives of the sector said. The Republican candidate, who is skeptical
by Keith Laing (Detroit News) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving to quickly finalize stringent gas mileage rules that require automakers to produce car and truck fleets averaging more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025 before President-elect
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Government Accountability Office issued two reports Nov. 28 suggesting that the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program is unlikely to meet its targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and expanding the U.S. renewable fuels sector.
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Biofuels and oil trade bodies have written a letter to the US’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the organisation not to redefine the point of obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The issue centres on whether
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly three dozen biodiesel leaders from Kansas to Rhode Island took to the halls of Congress this week to champion America’s Advanced Biofuel. “We have a great message to share with our elected officials. Biodiesel is working today
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, Novozymes came out swinging against the European Commission’s 2030 biofuels proposals, saying it’s a move backwards rather than forward, while the Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels from Clariant to Dong Energy welcomed the policy,
(Tuoi Tre News) Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade will force consumers to switch from the popular A92 gasoline to the ethanol-mixed biofuel E5, but has yet to decide on an official timeline for the plan, it announced on Tuesday. In
by Jeff Rice (Journal-Advocate) Making ethanol doesn't rob the hungry of needed nutrition ... Ethanol has long been recognized as an additive to increase octane and help internal combustion engines burn cleaner. Until 2005, the chief oxygenation additive was primarily methyl
by Jason Bordoff (Reuters) Since the Arab Oil Embargo four decades ago, every president has promised to wean the United States off the need for foreign oil. President-elect Trump is no different, promising in his speeches and transition plans to achieve “energy
(ePURE) The European renewable ethanol association (ePURE) regrets the European Commission’s intentions to phase out, or significantly reduce, the use of conventional biofuels in Europe, contained in the proposed Renewable Energy Directive for the period post-2020, published as part of
(Biofuels International) ... Rose (Larissa Rose, managing Director of the Queensland Renewable Fuels Association) said the comparison of the Queensland and NSW mandates was misleading. "When NSW introduced its mandate in 2007, consumers were unsure about filling up with E10,
(Biofuels International) The European Commission has released its long-awaited revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and proposed the phase-out of food crop-based biofuels from 2021. The EC also wants to simultaneously introduce a sub-mandate for advanced biofuels. It also proposes to introduce a
(Biofuels Association of Australia) Many motorists are opting for expensive premium fuels unaware that E10 is compatible with their car, the Biofuels Association of Australia said today. Chief Executive Officer, Mark Sutton, said E10 delivers many of the benefits of
(Il Bioeconomista) Yes, we move. Italy has its bioeconomy strategy (“Bioeconomy in Italy: A unique opportunity to reconnect economy, society and the environment). “This strategy aims to provide a shared vision of the economic, social and environmental opportunities and challenges
(Transport & Environment) Sustainable wood waste, agricultural residues, manure and other organic residues generated in Europe will only cover around 80% of the EU’s projected bioenergy use in 2030, a new analysis by green groups BirdLife Europe and Transport &
by Lloyd Ritter (The Hill/Agriculture Energy Coalition) ... Rural energy’s potential is strong. Farmers, ranchers, farm coops and businesses want to minimize costs or generate new income through energy. They can do this by investing in biofuels, putting up solar arrays
by Robert-Jan Bartunek, Sybille de La Hamaide and Alissa de Carbonnel (Reuters) The European Commission is considering halving the maximum amount of crop-based biofuels used in transport after 2020 over concerns they increase rather than reduce carbon emissions, according to
(Environmental Protection Agency) On November 30, 2016, the Administrator proposed to determine that the MY 2022-2025 standards remain appropriate and that a rulemaking to change them is not warranted. This proposed determination is based on the robust technical record including the draft
by Rebecca Hyam (ABC) The competition regulator has found Australian petrol prices fell 3.8 cents in Australia's five largest cities during the September quarter, but New South Wales' ethanol mandate forced motorists to fork out an extra $85 million in 2014-2015. ... The
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (re:chem Alliance/Biofuels Digest) ... From our vantage point, it is – and has always been – about innovation, performance and the chance to grow advanced manufacturing in the US, so that we can compete effectively on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) For some time in The Digest, we have examined the problem of matching capital to projects. As Ecostrat’s Jordan Solomon observed at ABLC Next a few weeks back, “the vast majority of projects are given
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) The European ethanol industry is coming together in defense of ethanol as the European Commission has publicly announced that it is considering a gradual phase out of first generation biofuels produced from multiple crops including sugar
(UK Department for Transport) Consultation seeking views on proposed changes to motor fuel greenhouse gas reporting regulations. The changes suggest: creation of a certificate trading scheme to reduce the greenhouse gas emission levels of transport fuels allowing suppliers to capture credits
(UK Department for Transport) This consultation seeks the views of the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Order (RTFO). In particular it concerns increases to the obligation level, the appropriate level for the contribution
(U.S. Government Accountability Office) The Renewable Fuel Standard program calls for greater use of advanced biofuels—fuel made from waste fats and oils or crop residues, for example—in the transportation fuel supply through 2022. Yet, there is not nearly enough of this
(Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association) ... According to Mr Kent (ICSA president Patrick Kent), this strategy flies in the face of logic. The Commission which was supportive of biofuels has now decided to reverse its position without any scientific basis
by Kyle Abbott (The Mercury) ... EPA will take full authority over the RFS after 2022 with the power to remove corn ethanol from the mandate completely. This news is alarming considering that the EPA has already begun reducing the gallon amounts of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, a petition for Carbon capture and use support was presented to Marie Donnelly, Director Renewables, Research and Innovation, Energy Efficiency, European Commission DG Energy; 86 renowned companies and leading universities have already signed. The
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Trump and Congressional Republicans are expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform, infrastructure development, and repealing Obamacare. Some of those initiatives may touch the biobased economy but only at the margins. Renewable chemical
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna announced that Canada will adopt a national clean fuels standard, as an important step for climate action and the growth of Canada’s cleantech economy and green
by Theophilus Kumah* (Advanced Biofuels USA) With the issue of biofuels and renewable energy making waves all over the globe, it is therefore not surprising when Africa (particularly Ghana) is not left out on investing in the future of energy.
by James H. Stock (The Hill) ... In establishing the 2017 obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the EPA finally passed a major RFS milestone that will allow moving beyond the fruitless and acrimonious debate between big corn and big
by Brian Dabbs (Bloomberg) A Trump administration and new leadership of the Senate’s environment committee may breathe new life into efforts to roll back the Environmental Protection Agency’s renewable fuel standard, lawmakers and advocates say. House members are continuing to build
(30 Dias de Noticias (Google translation)) It aims to boost production of biofuels and avoid contamination. -- The bill the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Antonio Bonfatti, which establishes the reuse of vegetable oils and fats used for frying
by Ooi Tee Ching (New Straits Times) Indonesia is keeping to its B20 biodiesel despite palm oil prices surpassing RM3,000 per tonne, this week. The biodiesel B20 is a blend of 20 per cent palm methyl ester (PME) and 80
by Jussi Rosendahl (Reuters) Finland's centre-right government said on Thursday it planned to lift the share of biofuels blended in transport fuel to 30 percent by 2030 to help meet the country's emissions reduction targets. ... Paper maker UPM-Kymmene has recently started
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