by Ariel Pokett (Siouxland Proud/KCAU) An ethanol manufacturer agreed to pay a $1.7 million settlement with the EPA for allegedly releasing toxins at four plants, including one facility in Siouxland. Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC agreed to pay the settlement after a total of 131
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) As part of the Federal Government’s response to a fire and shutdown at the Bp Whiting Refinery in Whiting, Indiana, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan today issued an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate
The company aims to be “ the Most Nimble and Innovative North American Ag Supply Chain Company,” and has operations in the purchase and merchandising of grain, ethanol and plant nutrients (suppling primary nutrients; strong warehouse and farm center network
(City of Detroit/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Detroit Department of Transportation continues to expand and improve its fleet of buses with the recent addition of 28 new cleaner diesel-engine coaches, giving the transit system its youngest and most environmentally friendly fleet in
(Michigan News) Producing synthesis gas, a precursor of a variety of fuels and chemicals, no longer requires natural gas, coal or biomass -- Solar-powered synthesis gas could recycle carbon dioxide into fuels and useful chemicals, an international team of researchers has
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) From Minnesota to Nebraska, discussions around performance-based fuel standards are bringing a broad range of stakeholders together. Progress requires coalition building and compromise. Movement towards state clean fuel standards in the Midwest inspired by
(Michigan Soybean Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) Legislation has been introduced in Michigan to incentivize the sale and consumption of low-level biodiesel blends throughout the state’s retail fuel stations. HB 6334, sponsored by Rep. Joe Bellino, R-Monroe, is a voluntary program that offers a
(Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition) In a move to foster energy security, cleaner air and more sustainable transportation, the Michigan Soybean Committee is pleased to announce formation of the Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC). The new coalition promotes the use of advanced biofuels, including
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Michigan Senate Agriculture Committee on June 23 held a hearing to consider legislation that aims to create a tax credit for retailers that choose to sell higher ethanol fuel blends, such as E15 and
(WZZM 13) Only Flex Fuel vehicles can use E85 fuel, but it could save some significant dollars for those drivers by switching. That's even with lower gas mileage. -- Gas prices in Michigan are averaging $5.17 a gallon, according to
(Trucent Separation Technologies) Trucent Separation Technologies, LLC announced the launch of CORE™, a new technology to significantly reduce impurities in distillers corn oil (DCO), resulting in a cleaner oil, TruDCO™, which can be sold directly to renewable diesel refineries. The
by Ali Hoxie (Fox 17/WXYZ) The pain at the pump is continuing for drivers as gas prices climb and climb to new records daily. Some drivers do have a different option, and that's using E85 – flex-fuel. E85 is an ethanol-gasoline fuel
by Emilie Lorditch (Michigan State University/Phys.Org) An integrated approach to land management practices in the U.S. can reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere far more than earlier estimates based on separate approaches, Michigan State University researchers say. Their research was published
(Agri-Pulse) The Senate Agriculture Committee will hold its first 2023 farm bill hearing later this month in Michigan, Chair Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member John Boozman announced Wednesday. The highly anticipated hearing entitled “Growing Jobs and Economic Opportunity: 2023 Farm Bill Perspectives,”
by Bill Carey (Aviation Week) Even as biofuel suppliers and fixed-base operators (FBOs) ramp up the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aircraft operators remain uncertain about the composition of SAF and the complexity of using it to claim emissions reductions,
by Ryan Jeltema (ABC 12) Legislation in the U.S. House aims to lower gas prices while supporting Mid-Michigan farmers. The Year-Round Fuel Choice Act was introduced last summer, but it's being considered now because of the near-record high gas prices. The bill would
by Cameron Rudolph (Michigan State University) Newly published research from MSU Foundation Professor Bruno Basso shows how some Midwest farmers can see economic and environmental benefits of growing switchgrass, a biofuel crop, on traditionally less-productive land. -- Newly published Michigan State University
(Bergeson & Campbell) On March 16, 2022, the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on “Bioenergy Research and Development for the Fuels and Chemicals of Tomorrow.” According to the hearing charter, the purpose of the hearing
(Anaergia/Business Wire) Anaergia Inc. (“Anaergia” or the “Company”) (TSX: ANRG) and partner, Continuus Materials, signed a contract Project Development Agreement (“PDA”) with the Board of the Kent County Department of Public Works. Under the terms of the PDA, the parties agreed to
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Iowa senators introduce bipartisan legislation to open up the use of clean, American-made renewable fuels that are available right now to replace banned Russian oil -- As gas prices hit all-time record highs, Sens. Chuck Grassley
(EDL/NGV Journal) Global sustainable energy producer EDL and key project stakeholders bp, Consumers Energy and Granger Waste Services welcomed the start of operations at the Wood Road Renewable Natural Gas Facility. The new plant is the first of its kind
(Grand Rapids City/NGV Journal) The Grand Rapids City Commission approved an agreement between the City and the Interurban Transit Partnership (The Rapid) for the purchase of CNG. Under the agreement, the City will refuel its CNG vehicle fleet at The Rapid’s
by Lindsay Keiser (Detroit News) With prices at the pump almost $1 per gallon higher than they were around this time last year, it’s good to see the Michigan Senate has an opportunity to consider green and often cheaper alternatives: biofuels. Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, chair
(EDL Energy) Global sustainable energy producer EDL and key project stakeholders bp, Consumers Energy and Granger Waste Services welcomed the start of operations at the Wood Road Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Facility. The landfill gas to RNG facility is the first
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In part 2 of the Great Plains Institute’s just published Atlas of Carbon and Hydrogen Hubs, we look at where these 14 key carbon and hydrogen hubs are in the U.S., how can they offer
(Kinder Morgan) First mover of segregated renewable diesel (R99) by pipeline -- Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI) today announced the receipt of the necessary commercial commitments to move forward with the permitting and construction of a renewable diesel hub in Southern
by Lindsay Keiser (Detroit News) With prices at the pump almost $1 per gallon higher than they were around this time last year, it’s good to see the Michigan Senate has an opportunity to consider green and often cheaper alternatives:
(Michigan State University/Phys.Org) A new study from the Michigan State University-Department of Energy (DOE) Plant Research Laboratory (PRL) shows how some algae can protect themselves when the oxygen they produce impairs their photosynthetic activity. The discovery also answers a long-standing question
(Global Hemp Association) Join Mandi Kerr and Vincent James on Wednesday morning’s episode of Moving ^HEMP Forward. Vincent James is the Chief Technology Officer for Community BioRefineries LLC and Director its division, Hemp-BioRefineries. Mr. James's background is in Zymology, "the workings of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation introduced in the Michigan Senate on Jan. 11 aims to create a tax credit for retailers that choose to sell higher ethanol fuel blends, such as E15 and E85. The bill, introduced by State Sen.
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $13.4 million to seven projects for research and development of novel recycling processes and technologies that that will cut plastic waste and reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of single-use plastics at every stage of their lifecycle. Single-use plastics – plastic bags,
(Michigan Public Service Commission/Biomass Magazine) The Michigan Public Service Commission on Dec. 9 launched a new study that will examine the potential of renewable natural gas (RNG) development in Michigan, in accordance with Public Act 87 of 2021, approved by the
(South Jersey Industries/Biomass Magazine) SJI remains committed to advancing its infrastructure to meet the clean energy needs of the future. Consistent with this commitment, last week, SJI and development partner, REV LNG LLC broke ground on renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities
(Bioenergy Insight) OPAL Fuels has formed a 50/50 joint venture (JV) with GFL Renewables to develop new RNG production facilities in the US. The JV between OPAL Fuels, a producer and distributor of RNG, and GFL Renewables, an affiliate of
(GESS RNG/CISION) GESS RNG Biogas USA (www.gessrngbiogas.com), a developer of renewable natural gas with over 25 years of international sustainable industry experience, is pleased to announce the acquisition of numerous existing and planned Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) production plants from partner GESS International
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Dec. 3 awarded a combined $3.1 million to eight recipients under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Inventive Program. HBIIP aims to increase the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel
(U.S. Department of Energy/Clean Technica) 25 Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects Will Advance Electrification of Freight Trucks, Reduce Vehicle Emissions and Improve Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure -- Vice President Kamala Harris joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in New
by Nora Goldstein and Kat McCarthy (BioCycle Magazine) NRDC commissioned a survey of food waste hierarchy-related policies in 12 states across 3 regions. The publicly available reports are an invaluable resource. -- The NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Food Matters initiative
by Ariana Fine (NGT News) The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and clean hydrogen company Electric Hydrogen have signed an agreement to develop high-performance electrolyzer components, helping to scale clean hydrogen and invent new opportunities for decarbonization. The three-year, $3.6 million collaboration will diagnose
by Sebastian Blanco (Wards Auto) The federal government heavily promoted plant-based liquid fuels in the first decade of this century under President Bush. The way these fuels found their way into service stations and the vehicles themselves could serve as
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) A double doozy came in the news with Chevron expanding their JV partnership with Brightmark on their dairy biomethane renewable natural gas work together, and then bp and Clean Bay Renewables’ new 15-year agreement where
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The National Biodiesel Board launched an ad campaign calling on President Biden to maintain his commitment to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The ads will air on more than 200 radio stations in Iowa, Illinois, Michigan,
(Brightmark/NGV Journal) Brightmark broke ground on three new renewable natural gas projects in Michigan. The initiatives are owned by and will be operated through subsidiaries of Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, a partnership with Chevron U.S.A. Inc. These life cycle carbon negative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Lignin 20-30% of plant/wood biomass is the key to a successful biorefinery that would make both biofuels and bioproducts said Mark Thies from Clemson University in this BETO Peer Review slide guide that dives into
The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) has opened a call for speakers, panelists and moderators for Motor Bella, the all-new, next-generation mobility event being held at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Mich. Sept. 21-26. The call is for sessions being
(Aviation Pros/Alliance for Aviation Across America) On June 10, the Alliance for Aviation Across America held a panel discussion with state and local leaders to highlight commitments and investments made by the general aviation industry in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) The low-quality, low-carbon byproduct of restaurant fryer grease, once largely reserved for modestly-sized biodiesel production, is now a darling input of the industry's new mega plants. Used cooking oil is in high demand as renewable
by Lawrence Ulrich (AutoBlog) ... Beyond the worst examples of greenwashing — including opportunistic start-ups like Nikola and Lordstown Motors that seem more like vaporware with each day — most major automakers seem sincere and serious about transitioning their businesses. Eventually.
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Advanced Biofuels Association, Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, the National Biodiesel Board and a group of eight states on March 31 filed amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court urging the court to
by Karyn Hede (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) Sewage and food waste biocrude conversion process reaches major milestone -- A large-scale demonstration converting biocrude to renewable diesel fuel has passed a significant test, operating for more than 2,000 hours continuously without
by Peter Behr and Jeffrey Tomich (E&E News) Picture an area of land equal to the combined territories of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. That's the space that could be required to site the massive
by Steven Ashby (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) ... As part of advancing sustainable energy solutions, scientists at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are converting food waste into clean, renewable fuel that could power our planes, trains and
(bp) Partnership advances innovative solution to reduce emissions and produce cleaner fuel -- bp and Aria Energy today announced a project to capture methane from waste at three California dairy farms and process it into renewable natural gas (RNG), which
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) ... Jim Zook with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan tells Brownfield he believes the discussion will change as more emphasis is put on the importance of green, growing plants in carbon sequestration. “We have science
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate which would provide a tax credit to automotive and energy manufacturers transitioning to greener technologies. Sponsor Debbie Stabenow of Michigan tells Brownfield it could also apply to biofuel
by Amy Lupica (Our Daily Planet) Yesterday, the Senate voted to confirm former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy. Granholm, who has positive relationships with both Democrats and Republicans, has committed to implementing science-based policy as part of President Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan. In
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) The State of Michigan will fund $30 million in clean fuel grants to replace commercial and mass transit vehicles with newer alternative fuel, diesel or electric models. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy
by Steven Ashby (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/Phys.Org) When we eat, our bodies convert food into energy that fuels our lives. But what happens to the energy stored in the 80 billion pounds of food thrown away annually in America? As part
by Matthew Mercure (NGT News) Brightmark LLC, a global waste solutions company, and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corp., have expanded their previously announced joint venture, Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, to own projects across the U.S. to produce and
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) General Motors, the largest US auto maker, has set a target to become carbon neutral by 2040, including the phase-out of gas and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035. On Thursday, the company announced a science-based approach toward carbon neutrality
by Steven Mufson (Washington Post) General Motors said Thursday that it will end the sale of all gasoline and diesel powered passenger cars and light sports utility vehicles by 2035, marking an historic turning point for the iconic American automobile
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The Supreme Court will review a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver that found EPA mishandled the small-refinery exemptions program in the Renewable Fuel Standard. The 10th Circuit ruling
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) ... General Motors will no longer be siding with the Trump administration in a legal battle to hinder California’s ability to set tougher vehicle emissions standards. In a letter to environmental groups involved in the same suit,
by Mark E. Griffin (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) ... “Bacteria and fungi break down plants through a number of different ways. When you see mushrooms growing on dead logs in a forest, they are breaking down the plant cell
Please join us on Friday, November 13, 2020, on Zoom, for "The Future Belongs to Maine: Opportunities in the Bioeconomy"—our not-to-be-missed investor webinar on Maine's growing bioeconomy. Friday, November 13, 2020 9 to 11 am EST Via Zoom -- Link to be provided This webinar
(National Biodiesel Board) "Better, Cleaner, Now" message delivered from coast to coast -- Newly branded vehicles highlighting biodiesel’s sustainability and emissions reduction benefits are rolling along city streets and interstate highways from the nation’s capital, to Texas oil country, up
(Houston Chronicle) Using current and past Census data, Stacker tracks the way the American farming industry has changed over the past century. Over the past century, American farming has changed dramatically. Crops with long histories like tobacco are still prevalent throughout
(U.S. Department of Energy/ARPA-E) Today, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy announced $16.5 million in funding for six projects as part of the Systems for Monitoring and Analytics for Renewable Transportation Fuels from Agricultural Resources and Management (SMARTFARM) program. These projects will
by Sam Lehr, David Cox and Mike Alaimo (RNG Coalition/Biomass Magazine) Renewable natural gas (RNG) has become an increasingly important part America's push toward clean energy sources and technology. -- ... Renewable natural gas (RNG) has become an increasingly important part
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Night 3 of the Democratic National Convention featured a lengthy 11-minute take on Joe Biden's climate and clean energy strategy that hammered home some of his big themes rather than the wonky details (which you
(Renewable Energy Group) The city snowplows in Ames, Iowa, have worked in all types of winter weather. Blizzards. Ice. Subzero temperatures. You name it, they’ve been out in it. In early 2020, they did something they’ve never done before: run on fully
(Biofuels Vision 2020/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In the run up to the November election, Biofuels Vision 2020 is launching a new ad campaign raising the alarm over a major regulatory threat to the economic recovery in Iowa. The new sizable, five-figure digital ad
by Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) ... The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital, Michael Bakas, Executive Vice President of Distributed Energy Systems at Ameresco shared these illuminating slide guides about their advanced renewable energy and tech portfolio including their design, build, operation and maintenance of the
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (July 2, 2020), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of seven projects totaling $1.94 million to conduct research and development to accelerate the adoption of performance-advantaged biofuel blendstocks. These fuels are derived from
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which includes automakers and vehicle parts manufacturers, on Friday moved to defend EPA's auto emissions rollback — from a libertarian think tank that argues the weakened rule is still
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle) BioCycle interviewed Bob Powell, founder and CEO of Brightmark, about his company’s growth trajectory in the anaerobic digestion and RNG space. -- In August 2016, Bob Powell founded Brightmark Energy “to think about environmental problems that were
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Leading the defenses is Joan of Ernst, er, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa along with Tina Smith of Minnesota, Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. Two Republicans, two Democrats, now urging
(Office of Senator Joni Ernst) Ernst and her colleagues write, “We urge you to direct the EPA to reject all calls to waive the RFS. The RFS is more important now than ever as farmers, the biofuel sector, and rural
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition
(Brightmark/NGV Journal) Brightmark has partnered with three Western Michigan farms on the latest in a series of biogas projects the company launched over the past two years. The Michigan farmers have signed agreements with Brightmark indicating their intent to provide the
(American Associates/Ben-Gurion University of the Negev/EurekAlert!) Biomass fuels derived from various grasses could significantly mitigate global warming by reducing carbon, according to a long-term field study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Michigan State University (MSU). In a
(Brightmark Energy/Biomass Magazine) Brightmark, a San Francisco-based waste and energy development company, today (March 5, 2020) announced that it has partnered with three Western Michigan farms on the latest in a series of biogas projects the company has launched over the
by Karly Graham (The State News) Michigan State researchers are testing algae hibernation to optimize the plant's ability to be used for biofuel production. Using algae to produce biofuels is a question of economic feasibility, Tomomi Takeuchi, a research assistant in MSU-DOE Plant
(National Science Foundation) Transportation produces a sizable amount of greenhouse gas emissions, largely by using petroleum to power internal combustion engines. Alternatives –- for example, organic materials such as grasses to produce fuels or electricity –- could avoid petroleum use altogether. Now,
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in North America was subdued in 2019. Only four operating biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels plants were sold during the year. These four acquired plants were relatively small with
(Renewable Fuels Association) Policy obstacles—especially ongoing trade disputes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of RFS compliance waivers to dozens of small refineries —dampened the U.S. ethanol industry’s economic contributions in 2019, according to a new study released today at
by Igor Houwat and Layne Cameron (Michigan State University) Algae have the potential to become a sustainable source of high value biofuels and oils. A big hurdle that holds us back from mass producing algae feedstocks is that they make more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We are always trying to optimize – optimize processes, efficiencies, cost, value, and more, but did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office has a program just for this sort of thing?
(Great Plains Institute) This Initiative is exploring a clean fuels policy, at the state or regional level, as a marketdriven approach to achieving our economic, energy security, climate, environmental, and public health goals. This white paper presents policy design considerations that
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by abuse of hardship waivers -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a public comment letter last week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted comments today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed supplemental rulemaking to the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). ACE CEO Brian Jennings detailed three areas
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted call-in information for its Oct. 30 hearing on the supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking released Oct. 15 that seeks comments on how the agency should project the volume of small
(Wisconsin Ag Connection/USAgNet) A Bloomfield, Mich., biodiesel fuel dealer pleaded guilty today to filing a false income tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Over 10 years (2007–2017), three Bioenergy Research Centers produced multiple breakthroughs in the form of deepened understanding of sustainable biomass production practices, targeted re-engineering of biomass feedstocks, development of new methods for deconstructing feedstocks, and
by Mark E. Griffin (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits make up the biggest chunk of potential living space for microbes in the environment, but ecologists still don’t know a lot about how the microorganisms that reside
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Each year, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) hosts a group of undergraduate students to participate in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, designed to immerse students in research. This summer, 11 undergraduate
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Inspired by bacteria’s role in natural plant decay, researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and Michigan State University have mimicked a bacterial pathway to break down the toughest parts of a plant in preparation
(The Andersons/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Andersons Inc. today announced that it and Marathon Petroleum Corp. have merged four ethanol entities with and into the new legal entity The Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC (TAMH). The ethanol facilities involved in the merger include
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 35 projects totaling $73 million for bioenergy research and development support. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce
by Amy Mayer (Iowa Public Radio) The national average price for corn this season is back to $3.60 a bushel, about where it’s been most of this year except for an early-season spike ($4.16 in July) before the size and quality of the
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The farmer-owned CountryMark cooperative and fuel refinery is caught in the middle of the small-refinery exemption controversy. The company operates in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky -- most of its customers at more than 100
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week is a merry mix of biobased innovations around the world. From the creation of artificial reefs made from PLA in Israel and Spain’s starch-based gift cards to the U.S. where biobased battery materials are
by Tal Axelrod (The Hill) The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, saying the government has put it in “one hell of a bad situation.” The trade association hammered President Trump for approving what it called 31 “unjustified” refinery waivers
(KFORNOW) Sorghum, the third most abundant cereal crop in the United States, is emerging as a star player in the biofuels industry. Right now, however, maximizing the crop’s potential is challenging. The function of much of its complete set of DNA remains
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) More than two dozen representatives from the renewable natural gas (RNG) industry spoke at Wednesday’s public hearing in Michigan to provide feedback on 2020 biofuel volumes proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) GranBio is focused on commercial deployment of technologies for the production of biofuels, biochemicals, and nanocellulose. Kim Nelson, PhD, CTO Nanocellulose of GranBio gave this illuminating overview of GranBio’s two distinct nanocellulose processes, the BETO project for
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Michigan-based Aria Energy recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest renewable natural gas (RNG) facility, located at the Waste Connections-owned Butler County Landfill in David City, Neb. Aria Energy, which constructed the project, also owns and
(Terravesta) Norfolk farmer, Adam Brewer, is planning for the future by diversifying his income and looking after his soils with Miscanthus. Farmers wanting to learn more about the many environmental and financial benefits presented by the crop are invited to attend
by Kelley Christensen (Michigan Technological University) ... Forest biomass is expected to be one of the key energy sources, but many people have wondered how to feed biofuel plants the materials they need without destroying forest resources. Whole-tree aspen logging promotes renewable biomass
by Chris Hubbuch (Wisconsin State Journal) ... “There’s (a) civil war within the Republican Party,” said Scott Irwin, chairman of agricultural marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It’s pitting two significant Republican constituencies of the president and neither one
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced plans to hold a public hearing July 31 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on its proposed rule to set 2020 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) and the 2021 RVO for biomass-based diesel under
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) Today (July 8, 2019), AFPM launched an advertising campaign asking President Trump to keep his promise to protect U.S. refiners from unchecked ethanol mandates that threaten to kill our jobs. This campaign comes on the heels
by Dino Grandoni and Steven Mufson (Washington Post) ... GM, like a fleet of other car manufacturers, is seeking the extension of a tax break that has for a decade helped sustain the sale of cars that need little to no gasoline to
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy announced that the Michigan-based fuel retailer NUVU Fuels will make E15 – a fuel with 15 percent renewable biofuel – the standard blend available to customers at all NUVU Fuels locations beginning this summer. NUVU Fuels will
(Univeristy of North Florida) Switchgrass—a Productive Native Species—Could Possibly Fuel Vehicles into the Future -- Dr. Mike Aspinwall, an assistant professor of biology at the University of North Florida, was just awarded nearly half a million dollars from the USDA National Institute
(Michigan State University) ... Daniel Ducat, assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, received $1,033,970 from NSF’s Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology to investigate the fundamental interactions that underpin resilient microbial partnerships and may be key to solving
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) The National Biodiesel Board applauds biodiesel ambassador Chris Case for his lifetime commitment to environmental stewardship, which has earned him a place in the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame. The Muskegon Environmental Research & Education Society hosted
(Morning Clips) Grant aimed at increasing the number of E15 pumps in the state -- The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan unveiled a new grant program aimed at increasing the availability of higher-level blends of ethanol fuel to Michigan consumers. The grant
(Michigan Technological University/Science Codex) What is the genetic basis for eucalyptus trees to produce that fragrant oil many of us associate with trips to the spa? Carsten Külheim, associate professor in Michigan Technological University's School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, has
(Michigan Farmer/Farm Progress) Corn Marketing Program of Michigan aims to increase the number of pumps in the state. -- The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan unveiled a new grant program aimed at increasing the availability of higher-level blends of ethanol fuel to
by Casey Leins (US News and World Report) The Midwest added more than 28,000 clean energy jobs in 2018, resulting in a 4 percent growth rate, according to a recent report released by national advocacy groups Clean Energy Trust and Environmental
In 2018, young Sunrise leaders put the Green New Deal on the map and permanently changed the conversation on climate policy in this country. The political establishment is scrambling to keep up with thousands of people across the country who
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held in Ypsilanti, MI on March 29, 2019 for the proposed rule ‘‘Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15; Modifications to RFS RIN Market Regulations.’’ This proposed rule will be published separately
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... The acquisition of American Process Inc’s technologies, intellectual property portfolio and physical assets strengthens GranBio’s market position in the deployment of highly competitive industrial processes for conversion of biomass to renewable fuels, chemicals, and
The second annual XBX series will examine biodiesel's growing prominence in the liquid fuels supply chain. In the wider context of today's advanced, high-efficiency OEM technologies, and the increasingly ultra-low-sulfur diesel supply pool, the seminars will call attention to biodiesel's
(Michigan State University/Phys.Org) Michigan State University scientists have developed synthetic biology tools to co-produce high-value compounds in plants. The study is published today in the journal Nature Communications. Terpenoids form the largest class of natural products in plants and have been used
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...(W)ith the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expected to extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver to E15, hopefully before next summer’s driving season. Retailers will have to decide not only if they will offer
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) ... The zoning change coupled with a conditional use permit would have allowed VNA to construct its first US biomethane production facility. It was anticipated that the zoning and conditional use permit would be issued by
Rebecca (Becky) Ong majored in chemical engineering and tacked on a degree in plant biology. “I had no plan to integrate them at all,” she says, “I was just interested in plants.” All of that changed, however, when Ong attended
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) ... “My parents really instilled in me the importance of conservation,” says (Rebecca) Ong, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Michigan Technological University and researcher at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC). “From an
by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center hosted 10 REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) students in summer 2018. Seven students participated in bioenergy-related research at Michigan State, and three at UW–Madison. We asked them to tell us
by Cici Zhang (Chemical and Engineering News) Increasing the fatty acids in crops’ seeds, leaves, and stems could make biofuels more economically viable -- ... Plant scientist Heike Sederoff of North Carolina State University, however, is very familiar with the oils
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Rep. Nydia Velázquez , the presumptive incoming chairwoman of the Small Business Committee, became the latest House Democrat to back the Green New Deal on Tuesday. "We cannot delay when it comes to addressing this
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Mazda is investing in it. Honda is using it for R&D and potential byproducts. Algenol, AlgaEnergy and others grow and develop it. Euglena began producing it for biojet fuel at its new biofuel refinery plant in Japan. The U.S. government has a whole R&D department that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A few years back, Research & Markets startled the bio world when they projected that the “Nanocellulose Market by Type (Cellulose nanocrystals, Cellulose nanofibrils, cellulose nanocomposites, and others) would reach $250 Million by 2019, signifying annualized CAGR of 19%
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of October 24th. ... #2 Oil and gas giant YPF to start producing biofuels In Argentina, Miguel Gutiérrez, President of
(Trucent/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sylvatex Inc. and Trucent recently announced successful scale up and blending of MicroX renewable blendstock from an optimized distillers corn oil (DCO) to free fatty acid (FFA) hydrolysis process. The scale up followed completion of development, construction and
(PHYCO2) PHYCO2 LLC reached a new milestone in its three-year pilot program with Michigan State University, announcing today the operation of its new, scalable algae production technology reactor, which will reduce the level of carbon emissions produced by electric power generation
by Nicole Casal Moore (University of Michigan) U-M becomes one of the few institutes in the world working on the problem end-to-end -- With $2 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, University of Michigan researchers aim to make the long-touted promise
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. In today’s Digest, a new algae/fungi biofuels system, breakthru on sugar yields, biodegradable clothes, Beyond Burger’s monster GHG benefit revealed, Indigo Ag raises $250M, robotic
by Marianne Lavelle and Dan Gearino (Inside Climate News) Governors have the power to set the agenda on renewable energy or throw up roadblocks to its progress. It's become an issue in several races this year. -- Some of the most consequential elections
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Twenty-two students from Marshall High School toured the ADM Corn Processing ethanol plant today to get a better understanding of renewable fuel production. The students, who were from the school’s automotive repair and maintenance class, learned of the various
by Paige Short (Michigan Technological University) Switchgrass is a promising biofuel alternative to corn, but farmers, environmentalists and biofuel developers, find deciding on the right time to harvest particularly thorny. ... The current viable harvest window for switchgrass extends from peak biomass, when
by Justin Worland (Time Magazine) On the campaign trail, Donald Trump made two big promises: renegotiating free trade agreements and helping corn growers by supporting ethanol. ... As tensions over trade have proven painful to Midwestern farmers in the short term, demands
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy has announced it will award 42 projects a total of $80 million to support advanced vehicles technologies research. Approximately $10.1 million of that funding will support six projects focused on
by Igor Houwat (Michigan State University) Michigan State University scientists have found a solution to enhance oil production and harvest using what many consider sea sludge. The new proof of concept, published in Biotechnology for Biofuels, is a biofuel production platform that uses
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Andersons operate four ethanol plants for respective LLCs in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Iowa that are collectively capable of producing over 475 million gallons of ethanol. The company’s Ethanol Group provides facility operations, risk management, ethanol and
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) In a rare moment of unity, biofuels, environmental and other groups are calling on the California Air Resources Board to change a new provision in its low-carbon fuel standard, that the groups say would
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