by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The centerpiece of the 2023 National Ethanol Conference was a new concept vehicle that runs on both electricity and up to 85 percent ethanol. In this edition of The Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association VP of Industry Relations Robert White talks about the new Flex Fuel EV, which has already become
California
by Derek Vardon & Bruno Miller (Alder Fuels/Biofuels Digest) Today, we are providing a high-level technical analysis of what we are calling Alder SAF100, a new and 100% sustainable replacement for petroleum-based jet fuel. To demonstrate the viability of reaching that crucial 100% non-fossil production objective, Alder SAF100 has been created by combining hydrocarbons
by Laila Kearney (Reuters) In the oldest refining town in the American West, Phillips 66 (PSX.N) is promising a greener future as it moves to halt crude-oil processing and build a massive renewable diesel plant, leading a global trend. That plan, announced in 2020, was initially welcomed by residents weary from a history
by Anna Phillips (Washington Post) The EPA plans to grant California a waiver that will allow the state to phase out diesel-powered trucks, helping communities burdened by truck pollution — The Biden administration will approve new California rules to cut tailpipe pollution and phase out sales of diesel-burning trucks, according
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding to Four Bioenergy Research Centers Will Help Strengthen Diversity of Domestic Clean Energy Sources, Enhance Our Energy Security, and Revitalize Rural Economies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $590 million to renew its four existing Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs). This funding will help support the
by Sonia Fernandez (University of California – Santa Barbara/Phys.Org) It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. In this case, the “job” is the breakdown of lignin, the structural biopolymer that gives stems, bark and branches their signature woodiness. One of the most abundant terrestrial polymers on Earth,
(Universal Hydrogen/Business Wire) Universal Hydrogen Announces Collaboration in Japan to Study Green Hydrogen Supply and Logistics Solutions for Japanese Airlines; Collaboration between Universal Hydrogen, Sojitz Corporation, and Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc. to enable the use of hydrogen-powered aircraft by Japanese airlines “In order to meet aviation’s ambitious decarbonization goals, we
(Renewable Fuels Association) Sales of E85 flex fuel in California in 2022 surged 66 percent over 2021 and more than doubled the pre-pandemic record set in 2019, new data released by the California Air Resources Board indicate. Last year, California drivers purchased over 103.5 million gallons (mg) of E85 flex fuel, a blend
(JetBlue) New Purchase Agreement Demonstrates Supply Chain Investment in SAF by Shell Aviation, and Growing Demand for SAF — JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) and Shell Aviation today announced a new collaboration bringing additional supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), targeting commencement of delivery in the first
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) Maryland will become the latest state to adopt the clean-car rules that originated in California, phasing out new gas-powered car sales by 2035, Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced Monday. The Advanced Clean Cars II rule, first implemented in California in 2022 under a provision of the
by Thomas Catenacci , Houston Keene (Fox News) A group of House Republicans introduced legislation Wednesday that would restrict California’s ability to ban traditional gas-powered cars as part of the state’s electric vehicle push. The four Republicans, led by Rep. John Joyce of Pennsylvania, said the bill — the Preserving Choice in Vehicle
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Minnesota Ag Interests Sue State on Adoption of California Zero-Emission Mandate — Agriculture, biofuels and convenience store groups allege the state of Minnesota violated the Constitution and federal law in adopting California’s zero-emissions vehicles mandate, in a new lawsuit filed in federal court Monday. California
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … I don’t know exactly how many companies Eric McAfee has founded, it’s a little like guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar, but I can say a few words about a couple of his most recent ventures, and Aemetis in particular. It is
By Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Americans strongly support expanded use of lower-cost, lower-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol, want greater access to higher ethanol blends, and strongly oppose policies that remove options at the gas pump or the auto dealership. For more than a decade, the Renewable Fuels
(Diesel Technology Forum) California’s relationship with extreme weather has been on full display this past year. As the state envisions a future of 100% fully electrified and renewable energy economy, it cannot escape the demands and realities of the moment. The last year’s tumultuous weather extremes have demonstrated plainly the
by Allison Bergquist (Stillwater Associates) A quick Google image search of “state LCFS policy maps” results in numerous versions of a U.S. map (and sometimes Europe or Canada) with different states annotated as considering a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). Note: Program names vary, so LCFS is used throughout this
(Universal Hydrogen/Business Wire) The flight is the largest hydrogen fuel cell powered airplane ever to take to the skies and largest airplane to cruise principally on hydrogen Universal Hydrogen Co., this morning flew a 40-passenger regional airliner using hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. The airplane, nicknamed Lightning McClean, took off at
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (B&C Biobased and Sustainable Chemicals Blog) The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held a hearing on February 15, 2023, on “The Future of Low Carbon Transportation Fuels and Considerations for a National Clean Fuels Program.” The Committee heard from the following
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, members of the Ben Harvey High-Performance Fuels fan club will applaud the appearance of a most interesting paper on designer jet fuels, these are derived from Isoprene and α-Olefins — what’s most interesting from the gang at the Navy’s China Lake R&D center
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New York, celebrated energy analyst Pavel Molchanov of Raymond James, essaying the prospects of Clean Energy Fuels Corp and affirming a Market Perform rating) noted that “Clean Energy’s business model is diversifying from its historical status as purely a fuel distributor towards starting in-house
by Donna Harris (OPIS) All Pilot Co. Travel Centers in California will sell renewable diesel or biodiesel by 2024, John Tully, the company’s vice president of strategy and business development, said in a podcast posted on social media Monday. Pilot’s website indicates it has 38 travel centers in California. Biodiesel
(Chevron Renewable Energy Group/Transport Topics) With the transportation sector being the largest source of GHG emissions in the U.S.1, the increasing number of both public- and private-sector entities with carbon reduction goals have set their sights on reducing engine emissions as an important step toward achieving their targets. While several options
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) … The biobased diesel industry took that punch Dec. 1 when U.S. EPA finally released its “set” proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard. … Heading into the RFS set process, hopes were high. Many U.S. renewable diesel projects came online in 2022, proving the
by Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) … In 2021, after mounting a climate-centric presidential campaign, (Governor Jay) Inslee signed into law the Climate Commitment Act, which established an ambitious program to cap the state’s carbon emissions. The “cap-and-invest” program took effect in January, and today, the state will take a key
by Michael Bates (NGT News) DTE Vantage has partnered with U.S. Gain and Matsche Farms, which manages approximately 10,000 cows and spans more than 5,000 acres of land in Birnamwood, Wis., to produce and distribute renewable natural gas (RNG). The facility, which begins operations this month, will produce enough RNG to
(Aemetis) Visit Highlights Aemetis Leadership on Circular Bioeconomy, Supporting Climate Change Mitigation Through Use of Agricultural Waste to Manufacture Negative Carbon Intensity Gas & Biofuels — Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on negative carbon intensity products, announced today that it hosted California Department
by Michelle Lewis (electrek) All new cars sold in New Jersey will have to be zero emissions from 2035, Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) announced yesterday. As Electrek previously reported, New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection called for a gas car sales ban by 2035 in October 2020. Murphy’s new executive orders are the next step. The
by Kamila Duncan (Pearson Fuels/Rural Radio Network) Pearson Fuels, the country’s largest E85 distributor, has opened its 300th retail E85 site. The latest addition to the San Diego-based company’s E85 network is located at 8617 Cuyamaca St., Santee, California. “E85 is a valuable profit center at our existing stations; we see
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … This week we looked at the world of Cellulosic and Multi-Technology Biorefineries — markets, players, technologies, policy and more. Digest editor Jim Lane presented this State of the Sector presentation as part of the ABLC CONNECT program. READ MORE WATCH Presentation
by Talib Visram (Fast Company) Meanwhile, business travelers flying into Scottsdale, Arizona, may be on planes fueled by previously collected cooking fat. — Football fans in Arizona chowing down on buffalo wings and burgers before or after the Eagles-Chiefs showdown this weekend can partake with a little less guilt than
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazinie) Carbon America is implementing carbon capture and sequestration at three commonly owned ethanol plants in Colorado and Nebraska. With enhanced incentives to sequester and decarbonize—and the nearby geology to do it—the plan has momentum. … (A) Colorado company has been quietly developing its own
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy on Jan. 30 awarded $131 million for 33 carbon management projects. At least four of the funded projects specifically address carbon capture related to bioenergy and biofuels. The DOE awarded more than $8.84 million to the Tulare County Carbon Storage
(Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)/Phys.Org) A study led by the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA) and the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA CSIC-UIB), both belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), has shown that injecting billions of tons of atmospheric CO2 (carbon dioxide) underground has a
by Sammy Roth (Los Angeles Times) The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with an $800-million plan to convert the city’s largest gas-fired power plant to green hydrogen — a first-of-its-kind project that was hailed by supporters as an important step to solve the climate crisis but
(Neste) Neste enables its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by offering renewable and circular solutions to replace fossil products. In 2022, Neste’s renewable solutions helped customers reduce their GHG emissions globally by 11.1 million tons* altogether. This amount equals the annual carbon footprint of 1.8 million average EU
by Bruce Comer, Frank Kim, and Zak Putlak (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) The market for buying and selling biofuels plants followed a historic 2021 with a transformational year in 2022, driven by one pivotal biomass-based diesel (BBD) transaction. Overall, seven mergers and acquisitions transactions took place, with 889 million gallons per year
by Craig Bettenhausen (Chemical & Engineering News) After decades of false starts, cellulosic ethanol may arrive just as the chemical and fuel industries clamor for a low-carbon feedstock — Cellulosic ethanol has been 5 years away for decades. It’s a trope, but it’s been true as plant after plant trying to
by Mike Lee (E&E Daily) The Environment and Public Works Committee hearing comes as groups line up to push lawmakers on the idea. — The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hear from ethanol makers, representatives from the trucking industry and others this week as it discusses the potential for
ByBen Elgin and Kevin Crowley (Bloomberg) Renewable fuels made from algae was the company’s most heavily publicized climate solution. — After advertising its efforts to produce environmentally friendly fuels from algae for over a decade, Exxon Mobil Corp. is now quietly walking away from its most heavily publicized climate solution. Exxon has slashed its support
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Neste Corp. on Feb. 8 released fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results, reporting strong performance for its renewable products segment. Renewable diesel demand remained robust and the company highlighted plans for increased sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Neste President and CEO Matti Lehmus said
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Marathon Petroleum Corp. has announced that the first phase of its renewable diesel conversion project at its Martinez refinery in California has commenced startup activities and is on track to be operating at full nameplate capacity of 260 MMgy by the end of the first quarter
(Greasezilla) Propelled by increasing sales and favorable market conditions, Downey Ridge Environmental Company is already on track for a record 2023 with new installations, joint ventures and a booming biofuels industry. — Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla fats, oils and grease (FOG) separation and processing systems, forecasts another year
(Algae Foundation) The Algae Foundation is pleased to announce the publication of it’s third Massive Open Online Course. Algal MOOC #3, Introduction to Seaweeds. Algal MOOC #3 is the third of five courses developed by the Algae Foundation and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. This course was
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is a renewable DME company like Oberon Fuels doing with propane and hydrogen industries? Well, first they harvest waste via renewable methanol or biogas to make their rDME, which can then be blended with propane, setting the stage for widespread hydrogen transport and leveraging
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Foundation announces six 2023 recipients of the Robert Sather Memorial Scholarship, which annually offers opportunities for students and young professionals to attend the National Ethanol Conference. Student scholarship recipients are Xueli Chen, who is working toward a doctorate from the Dept. of Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue
by Jimmy Troderman and Estella Shi (U.S. Energy Information Administration) U.S. production capacity for renewable diesel could more than double from current levels by the end of 2025, based on several announcements for projects that are either under construction or could start development soon. Two factors behind growing U.S. renewable diesel capacity
(Honeywell/PR Newswire) SAF blend to be used on APUs and engines at the Phoenix facility — Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) recently received its first delivery of sustainable aviation fuel at its Phoenix Engines campus. The fuel will support development and production testing of auxiliary power units (APUs) and propulsion engines at the site, along with
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. — This fall, Biodiesel Magazine chatted with Mindi Farber-DeAnda, team lead of the U.S. EIA’s
by David Laviska (ACS Network Chemiistry Community Online/ACS Green Chemistry Institute) It’s awards season at the ACS Green Chemistry Institute® (GCI) and we’re delighted that unprecedented numbers of students from undergraduates through post-doctoral scholars are seeking to share details of their research in green chemistry. As has been true for more

A global audience of 2000 will gather in San Francisco and online for a unique, two-day event aimed at moving transformational agricultural technologies out of the lab and into the field. The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit has become the annual meeting place for the global agtech ecosystem. Growers, agribusiness leaders,
(U.S. Department of Energy) 17 Projects Will Boost Production of Biofuels for Consumer and Freight Transportation in America, Support President Biden’s Decarbonization and Climate Agenda — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $118 million in funding for 17 projects to accelerate the production of sustainable biofuels for America’s transportation
(Clean Energy Fuels/Business Wire) Production of RNG begins at Del Rio Dairy, Clean Energy’s First Investment in the Negative Carbon Intensive Fuel — Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: CLNE), the largest provider of the cleanest fuel for the transportation market, has been awarded a contract by San Diego Metropolitan Transit
(Argus Media) California-based Oberon Fuels became the first company to produce and start selling the first-ever commercial volumes of renewable DME over the past two years. The company has grand plans to expand and help the LPG industry to decarbonise in the coming years, either by offering renewable DME as
(Hydrogen Central) Yosemite Clean Energy to receive $1 million from state of California for forest biomass to hydrogen projects. — Yosemite Clean Energy (“Yosemite”) was selected to receive two $500,000 Forest Biomass to Carbon-Negative Biofuels grants from the California Department of Conservation (“DOC”). The DOC grant program is a vote of confidence
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Wyoming, Raven SR and hydrogen aviation developer H3 Dynamics have inked an MOU to collaborate on waste-to-hydrogen energy systems to support the decarbonization of airport operations and the adoption of hydrogen at airports. H3 Dynamics will provide hydrogen power systems to replace conventional fuel and
by Billy Ludt (Solar Power World) Element Resources plans to build and operate a renewable hydrogen production facility in the Lancaster, California, further expanding the duo’s relationship to build one of California’s largest green hydrogen production facilities. The project, located within Lancaster’s city limits, is less than 100 miles from the ports
(International Council on Clean Transportation/Biobased Diesel Daily) The International Council on Clean Transportation announced Jan. 19 the release of a roadmap for decarbonizing California in-state aviation emissions. The briefing assesses the contribution of passenger civil aviation to California’s aviation-sector emissions and evaluates the potential greenhouse-gas (GHG) reductions that could be achieved
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Kinder Morgan Inc. executives provided an overview and update on the energy-infrastructure company’s renewable fuel projects in its fourth-quarter earnings report Jan. 18. According to CEO Steve Kean, approximately 80 percent of Kinder Morgan’s project backlog is in lower-carbon energy services, including renewable diesel and
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) Diesel is the lifeblood of the trucking industry, a familiar refrain to economists, forecasters, and those behind the wheel. What does 2023 have in store for equipment, fuel prices, and policy? … More renewable diesel and biodiesel fuels that deliver immediate greenhouse gas reductions
by Aaron Cantú (Capital and Main) Oil companies may end up relying on environmentally questionable crop-based fuels. –The California Air Resources Board is considering limits on crop-based diesel fuel as part of an overhaul to reduce California’s emissions by 2030. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call for regulators to “accelerate refinery transitions away
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) RNG and it’s companion product biogas have taken the project and sustainable power sectors by storm — there’s project action, fast-developing technology, M&A activity, and policy advances of the first magnitude, in the United States and all around the developed world, What’s up, who’s in
(Renewable Energy Group) Biodiesel has positive effects on engines – so much so that every Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the U.S. producing diesel vehicles approves of biodiesel blends up to 5 percent (known as B5) And, according to Biodiesel.org, nearly all medium- and heavy-duty truck OEMs support the use of B20 blends with their

Life cycle thinking is an important underlying principle in the successful implementation of green chemistry and engineering across chemistry enterprise. This approach allows chemists and engineers to think systematically about how the choices they make at one stage of the chemical life cycle can influence the fate of a chemical
(Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore/Phys.Org) Photosynthesis is the natural process of converting carbon dioxide (CO2) to useable chemical compounds. In contrast, carbon capture and utilization technologies through processes such as electrochemical CO2 reduction (eCO2R) are the man-made equivalents that could enable the chemical industry to convert its current
by Emma Harrison (Neste) … The first step to better sustainability is to make an audit of your environmental footprint – once it is clear what the biggest areas of improvement are, concrete steps can then be taken to start addressing them. These could include, for example, choosing a venue that
(USD Clean Fuels/Business Wire) USD Clean Fuels LLC (USDCF) announced its intention to build a new biofuels terminal in National City, CA that will have the capability to transload renewable diesel, biodiesel, ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The terminal will be served by the BNSF Railway and will provide efficient
(Raven SR/PR Newswire) Announcement marks one of Raven SR’s first agreements in aviation industry for SAF; Agreement to support 10-year supply deal; SAF to be produced from non-combustion conversion of waste to synthetic fuel — Raven SR Inc. (Raven SR), a renewable fuels company, today announced it has sign a memorandum
(Rio Tinto) Rio Tinto is progressing plans to swap conventional diesel for renewable fuel in haul trucks at its U.S. operations to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet. The company successfully completed a renewable diesel trial at its U.S. Borax mine in Boron, California, and is now conducting a second trial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Momentum envisions a world where clean energy, water, and transportation are abundant, affordable, and available to all. Momentum designs, develops, and deploys innovation campaigns for organizations working on transformative water, energy, transportation, and manufacturing technologies. They conduct research, analysis, and strategic engagement to increase the

The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Seminar is the most established and dynamic hydrogen energy and fuel cell conference in the U.S., bringing together hundreds of U.S. and international fuel cell and hydrogen electrolyzer manufacturers, fuel providers, federal, state, and international policy makers, U.S. Department of Energy and National Laboratory researchers
by Karen Bonhert (AgWeb) … Recently, Bar 20 received the 2023 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) because of the sustainable and innovative advancements made on their Kerman, Calif., dairy. In 2022, they were also honored with the U.S. Dairy Sustainability award. “What
(Mote) How climate technology startup Mote will drive decarbonization — … Our company has developed the best solution for the billions of tons of wood waste generated in the world every year. Our proprietary non-combustion thermochemical process turns wood waste into hydrogen fuel and CO2 for permanent geologic storage. Wood waste (or
(BioCycle Magazine) The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) and University of California, Davis (UC Davis) CLEAR Center released a new analysis of methane reduction progress titled, Meeting the Call: How California is Pioneering a Pathway to Significant Dairy Sector Methane Reduction. The paper, authored by livestock emissions and agricultural economics researchers at
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) Raven SR Inc., a renewable fuels company, Chevron New Energies, a division of Chevron Corp.’s Chevron U.S.A. Inc., and Hyzon Motors Inc. are collaborating to commercialize operations of a green waste-to-hydrogen production facility in Richmond intended to supply hydrogen fuel to transportation markets in northern California. The facility will

Committing to Policy Action for California’s Decarbonization and Air Quality Goals — The California Hydrogen Leadership Summit explores the policies, programs and incentives needed to accelerate production, use, and storage of hydrogen, which is essential to California’s ability to meet emissions goals and address climate protection, air quality, energy resilience
(Neste) Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel produced from waste and residue raw materials, has agreed to acquire the used cooking oil (UCO) collection and aggregation business and related assets in the United States from Crimson Renewable Energy Holdings, LLC. The transaction includes shares in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week on ABLC Connect we looked at the policies, projects, players, raw materials and end–use demand for SAF — from field to wing, we have the current projects under construction, the Value Stack, a supply forecast, and the latest on the SAF Grand Challenge,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Where does forestry fit into the RFS and with the biofuels industry, asks Lee Enterprises Consulting’s Larry Sullivan in this enlightening tour of the past, present and future of forest-based feedstocks. Sullivan goes back to the Forest and Agricultural Sector Optimization Model or FASOM followed
(Biofuels International) Sulzer has supplied flow technology solutions to convert an existing US West Coast refinery into one of the world’s largest renewable biofuels plants. The pumps will support a number of critical applications to convert waste oils and fats into renewable fuels with a lower carbon cost. Once complete, the
by Graham Noyes and Alex Menotti (Biodiesel Magazine) To reach U.S. sustainable aviation fuel goals, adequate policy will be crucial. — The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge represents a breakthrough in federal energy policy, establishing a comprehensive strategy developed by multiple agencies to scale up new technologies and rapidly
by Anna Simet (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine’s annual production map showed 34 renewable diesel/SAF plants under development, construction or operating in the U.S., as of September. The following includes updates regarding some of these projects. This fall, Biodiesel Magazine chatted with Mindi Farber-DeAnda, team lead of the U.S. EIA’s Petroleum
by Deborah Lockridge (Heavy Duty Trucking) … The news this year was full of the latest ICE developments, making the internal combustion engine HDT’s 2022 Newsmaker of the Year. As Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of Cummins’ engine business, said in announcing the company’s “fuel-agnostic” engine platform, “getting to zero is not a light-switch event.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Kern Energy is the only refiner between the Bay Area and Los Angeles producing clean gasoline and renewable diesel, Kern Energy was just the second refinery in the U.S. to produce renewable diesel by co-processing bio-feed, and the first small refiner in California to blend
by Laurel Demkovich (The Spokesman-Review/The Columbian) … The reality: don’t expect the average price of gas to go up on Jan. 2 simply because of these policies. Some price increase could happen further down the line, but experts still aren’t sure what that number might be. … Washington’s clean fuel standard follows
by Ron Lamberty (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) … I recently used the phrase “camel’s nose under the tent,” which might have been an old saying a long time ago, when I first heard it. I had to oldmansplain it’s from a fable, where a man crossing the desert
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In recent years, many ethanol producers have started migrating toward a more diversified biorefining model as they adapt to changing markets and changing times. The enzymes industry has not only kept pace with this evolution, but helped create it, enabling producers to maximize output,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) JBEI’s been working hard on jet fuels. Why? Biological routes are advantaged in their ability to produce naphthenes (approximately one third of jet fuel, 45% of diesel fuel), whereas most other alternative jet fuel processes produce paraffins. Also, Cycloalkanes increase energy density and are essential
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Daily Digest today released its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 65 countries. Get the latest up to the minute new information on the Canada Clean Fuels Standard as well
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Nearly 25% of global CO2 emissions are generated by planes, ships and trucking fleets. A new class of synthetic fuel, eFuels are ultra-low carbon fuels that can be dropped into existing engines that use jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline with no infrastructure changes required. Infinium’s
(Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research at UC Davis) Analysis by UC Davis researchers shows continued implementation of California’s incentive-based dairy methane reduction efforts should, by 2030, achieve the full 40% reduction goal. The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) and University of California, Davis CLEAR Center today announced
by Theresa Duque (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) New technique could fast-track future carbon-free solar fuels — Berkeley Lab scientists have developed a nature-inspired technique for converting carbon dioxide into solar fuels. Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have demonstrated a new technique, modeled after a metabolic process found
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) These slides were presented by Digest editor Jim Lane for the December 22 episode of ABLC CONNECT, and focused on the Drivers, Margins, Project List. Value Stack, Mandates, Policies, Tax Credits, Supply Crunch, and Hot Projects Of The Sector. READ MORE WATCH PRESENTATION Renewable Diesel
by Erin Voegle (Biodiesel Magazine) The USDA on Dec. 15 awarded $285 million to 844 projects under the Rural Energy for America Program. The agency also announced it is offering an additional $300 million in REAP funding, including $250 million allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act. The REAP program helps farmers,
by David Steves (OPB) New cars sold in Oregon and Washington will have to be emissions-free starting in 2035. The rules adopted Monday by both states will mean an end to the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered trucks, passenger cars and SUVs up and down the West Coast. The states
by Debra Kahn (Politico’s The Long Game) Don’t look now, but the country’s first- and third-largest economies are both pursuing carbon prices on industrial emissions. New York regulators on Monday approved their first-ever “scoping plan,” or roadmap for how they’re going to cut emissions 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Global Clean Energy is a vertically integrated renewable fuels innovator producing ultra-low carbon renewable fuels from patented nonfood camelina varieties. Our farm-to-fuel business model is designed to allow greater efficiencies, lowering our finished fuels’ carbon intensity. We own the world’s largest portfolio of patented camelina
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Nevada comes the long-awaited news that Fulcrum BioEnergy has successfully produced a low-carbon synthetic crude oil using landfill waste as a feedstock at its commercial-scale Sierra BioFuels Plant. Sierra is the first and at present the largest landfill waste-to-fuels plant. Whew. They made it by Christmas. In fact,
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today (December 20, 2022) to the California Air Resources Board, the Renewable Fuels Association stressed its ongoing support for the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and provided recommendations to strengthen and expand the landmark program beyond 2030. However, RFA underscored that without complementary regulatory actions—like expeditious
by Sophie Austin (Associate Press) California air regulators voted unanimously Thursday to approve an ambitious plan to drastically cut reliance on fossil fuels by changing practices in the energy, transportation and agriculture sectors, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough to combat climate change. The plan sets out to achieve
by Amit Malewar (Inceptive Mind) Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has flown a G650 business jet fuelled with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a feat the company calls a first among business jet manufacturers. The flight took place from Gulfstream’s worldwide headquarters in Savannah and was flown in partnership with engine supplier Rolls-Royce
by Wes Venteicher (PoliticoPro) … Fossil fuel companies face an existential threat in California as the state shifts to a carbon neutral future: Lawmakers have set a deadline to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles. State and local officials have restricted, or in some cases banned, new oil wells. And some
by Jordan Wolman (Politico) … At Alterra Energy, trucks drop off shredded plastic from recycling centers across the Midwest. That plastic is heated to temperatures between 800 and 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit to break it down. The end product, 200 to 300 barrels per day of synthetic crude oil, is transported
by Mike Sticklen and Doug Rivers (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) The US ethanol industry is faced with flat volume (Fig. 1) and mediocre returns on capital (Fig. 2). There are several strategic opportunities available to return to revenue growth and improve returns to shareholders. The strategies can be grouped into three
by David R. Rubenstein (California Ethanol + Power/Biofuels Digest) … The proposed rule also includes a system allowing electric vehicle manufacturers to register with the EPA and generate credits based on electric Renewable Identification Numbers for power produced from qualifying renewable biomass, including biogas from methane digesters. This policy would align
by Chuck Sorenson (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biiofuels Digest) … AltAir Paramount LLC was the first company to bring California-produced renewable fuels at scale to the California market. They purchased the former Paramount Oil refinery near Los Angeles in 2013 and converted it from a 50,000 barrel per stream day (BPSD) topping/HDS
by Sarah Ferris (Politico) Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell and her allies are done being polite about Democrats’ lack of leadership in the Heartland. — A vocal group of Midwestern Democrats is telling it straight: Their party has a flyover country problem. And Democrats are going to have to do a lot more
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Seaboard Energy has begun operations at its new renewable fuels distribution terminal in Madera, California, north of Fresno. The company welcomed its first unit train of 110 railcars in late October and hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 1 with more than 100 customers and guests
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Calgary, Alberta, Canada-based Canary Biofuels has acquired the assets of Community Fuels, including its 10-million-gallon-per-year (mgy) biodiesel production facility in Port of Stockton, California, and a dedicated fuel terminal that can receive biodiesel and renewable diesel by rail and truck. Founded in 2021, Canary Biofuels
(Altamont Corridor Express) As a part of its Climate Action Plan, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) has moved to the sole use of renewable diesel on its locomotive fleet for the ACE train service. The move to renewable diesel will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99%. ACE is Northern California’s
by Jordan Godwin (OPIS) Prices for credits under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) have been a sad story in 2022. They opened the year around $149. That was the first OPIS assessment of 2022 on Jan. 3. Sure, it was down quite a bit from the opening price of 2021 at
by Liza Gross (Inside Climate News) The canvassers are backed by the oil industry in its quest to stop a new law that bans wells near residential areas and imposes new environmental controls. If petition circulators succeed in gathering enough signatures, the law would be blocked until the 2024 election.
by Theresa Duque (Science Daily/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) New technique could fast-track future carbon-free solar fuels — Scientists have demonstrated a new technique, modeled after a metabolic process found in some bacteria, to convert carbon dioxide into solar fuels through artificial photosynthesis. Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have

We are honored to bring together a meticulously curated audience of top social impact leaders from around the world for an exciting two-days filled with top-tier programming, discussions, debates and unique VIP networking opportunities. From dynamic main-stage talks and curated networking experiences to VIP social events, the Summit experience culminates
by Anne C. Mulkern (ClimateWire/E&E News) The soaring cost of gasoline coincided with aggressive climate policies in the state that seek to phase out fossil fuels. — Debate is flaring in California about the cause of record-high gas prices, with some blaming oil companies while others target the state’s ambitious climate
by Will Norman (PV Tech) Green Hydrogen company Fusion Fuel has penned an agreement with energy infrastructure developer Electus Energy to build a 75MW green hydrogen plant in Bakersfield, California. The project will consist of 75MW of solar powering a hydrogen electrolyser plant capable of generating 9,500 tonnes of hydrogen annually,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has approved a fuel pathway that allows Chevron U.S.A. Inc. to generate D6 renewable fuel renewable identification numbers (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard for several biofuels produced from soybean oil via coprocessing with petroleum at its refinery in El Segundo, California (Chevron
by Anne C. Mulkern (Politico Pro) The proposal would affect the national rail industry, requiring all trains that enter the state to operate in zero-emission mode by 2035. California is considering a zero-emission mandate for trains, with regulators recently floating a proposal that would have national repercussions for the rail
(Solutions from the Land) … Solutions from the Land was especially pleased to have been selected by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to co-host the opening event at their pavilion on Agriculture Day, which focused on issues related to adaptation, mitigation, and food systems. At the event, moderated by California
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The mission of California Ethanol & Power, LLC (“CE+P”) is to produce sustainable renewable low-carbon energy in California from the right renewable resource – sugarcane. CE&P’s experienced team is completing the development of and intends to project finance, construct using proven technologies, own and operate

Next year rings in a new era for jurisdictional cap-and-trade programs as Washington state finally takes a seat at the emissions trading table alongside California and Quebec. While uncertainty remains regarding Washington’s future linkage to the other two established programs, industry participants are busy prepping scenarios for new compliance obligations
by Peter Fairley (Nature) An environmentally friendly path forwards for liquid fuel derived from plants will depend on smarter agriculture and smarter regulation. — … If filling fuel tanks with these plant-derived liquids reduces carbon emissions by decreasing the demand for fossil fuels, it would help to tackle the climatic
by Daniela Castim (World Bio Markets Insights) … As previously stated, the Eco Caravan reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 70 percent. Emissions are near zero when using sustainable aviation fuel. Cost of operation is reduced by 25 to 40 percent depending on airline route structure. Cost per
by Mark Phelps (AvWeb) Just in time for ski season, Ann Arbor, Michigan-based fuel supplier Avfuel has teamed with FBO chain Atlantic Aviation to supply all four of Atlantic’s Colorado locations with Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The two have been cooperating to provide Neste SAF at Atlantic’s Aspen base
(Trillium/ACT News) In the push towards reducing emissions, much of the industry’s initial focus was centered around tailpipe emissions. Although vehicle regulations set in place during these initial phases led to many efficiency improvements, the introduction of renewable and low-carbon fuels and battery-electric powertrains has made assessing and accounting for the
(Climte Now) with George Peridas, Jonathan Kusel, and Joshuah Stolaroff — In the international carbon offset market, the average price of removing one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere is still below $15 USD, nowhere near enough to cover the costs of carbon capture and storage (CCS). As Dr. Sheila Olmstead (University
(Climate Now) Since its founding in 1952, the mission of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has been to meet urgent national security needs through scientific and technological innovation. Expanding from its focus on nuclear weapons science at the height of the Cold War, LLNL has become a national research leader in counterterrorism, intelligence,
(California Air Resources Board) Program is expected to yield more than $5 billion in health benefits from 2024 to 2038 — The California Air Resources Board (CARB) today approved amendments to the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation (Off-Road Regulation) aimed at further reducing emissions from the off-road sector. The amendments
(San Francisco International Airport/Biobased Diesel Daily) The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced a major sustainability milestone Nov. 9, with the award of Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation by the Airports Council International, the foremost advocate for airport operators worldwide. This advanced certification, the first for a large airport in North
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From COP27 comes news that Etihad Airway and World Energy signed a MoU for long-term strategic partnership to decarbonize flights through SAF delivered on a book and claim system.. Etihad is the first commercial airline to participate in World Energy’s recently launched service for airline and corporate climate

Life cycle thinking is an important underlying principle in the successful implementation of green chemistry and engineering across chemistry enterprise. This approach allows chemists and engineers to think systematically about how the choices they make at one stage of the chemical life cycle can influence the fate of a chemical
by Herman K. Trabish (Utility Dive) New aggressive planning is needed to identify the long-duration storage technologies and find the land to grow enough resources to reach Biden net zero emissions goals, a DOE national lab reports. — Four major viable paths to a net zero emissions “clean electricity” power
(Neste) Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel produced from waste and residue raw materials, has agreed to acquire the used cooking oil (UCO) collection and aggregation business and related assets in the United States from Crimson Renewable Energy Holdings, LLC. The transaction includes shares in
(California Air Resources Board) This Scoping Plan lays out the sector-by-sector roadmap for California, the world’s fifth1 largest economy, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 or earlier, outlining a technologically feasible, cost-effective, and equity-focused path to achieve the state’s climate target. This is a challenging but necessary goal to minimize
(Penske Truck Leasing) Today, Penske Truck Leasing announced it has expanded its use of renewable diesel in California through a preferred supplier agreement with Shell Oil Products U.S. (“Shell”). The move is a continuing effort by Penske to help reduce emissions across its truck rental, heavy-duty truck leasing and logistics fleet operations. Penske Truck Leasing Expands Use of Renewable
(DTE Vantage/Biomass Magazine) Methane from dairy cow manure will become sustainable renewable natural gas at a new Beresford, South Dakota facility that recently began operations. DTE Vantage announced Nov. 2 that its partnership with two local farms will make a sizable, positive environmental impact, producing enough RNG to serve the equivalent
“Without biofuels, California tailpipe fossil CO2 would be 15 MMT higher in 2020.” California Air Resources Board in its annual statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory READ MORE
(California Air Resources Board) The annual statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory is one tool to track progress of California’s climate programs toward achieving the statewide GHG goals. This document summarizes the trends in emissions and indicators in the California GHG Emission Inventory (“the GHG Inventory”). The emissions included in
(Diesel Technology Forum) 15 Million Metric Tons of GHG reduction in California, Opportunities in Northeast — Use of low-carbon renewable diesel and biodiesel fuels are delivering significant greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions reductions in California, and hold expanded opportunities for reducing carbon emissions from the trucking sector in Connecticut, Massachusetts,
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today (November 9, 2022), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is responding to petitions from the California Air Resources Board, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association to address harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter
(Itochu Corporation) ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Keita Ishii, President & COO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Yuji Akasaka, President & CEO; hereinafter “JAL”) to supply sustainable aviation fuel (hereinafter “SAF”) produced by Neste OYJ (headquartered
by John Stossel (New York Post) … To make sure we have no choice in the matter, some left-leaning states have moved to ban gas-powered cars altogether. California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order banning them by 2035. Oregon, Massachusetts and New York copied California. Washington state’s politicians said they’d make it happen
by Leticia Phillips (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The future is bright for sugarcane ethanol, as it is poised to help meet LCFS goals while reducing the carbon intensity of hard-to-electrify sectors. Plus, new markets for the low-CI biofuel, including green hydrogen production, look promising…. One thing we know
by Josh Aldrich (Calgary Herald) The biofuel will be blended with regular jet fuel with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions — WestJet has launched a first-of-its-kind pilot project in Canada in an effort to lower carbon emissions on flights. — The Calgary-based airline announced on Wednesday it has started
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, Aemetis CEO Eric McAfee took the ABLC Next 2022 stage in San Francisco to outline the company’s milestones, technology, financial estimates, policy asks, its portfolio of Carbon Zero One projects, and the company’s expansion in RNG, advanced fuels and more. READ MORE
RFA Provides Recommendations to California Regarding Low Carbon Fuel Standard Compliance Targets and Modeling
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted to the California Air Resources Board on potential changes to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the Renewable Fuels Association identified several areas in CARB’s proposal and underlying analysis that need improvement. RFA also stressed its support for the LCFS program and desire to see technology-neutral carbon