by Floyd Vergara (Biodiesel Magazine) … Momentum from California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard continues to build the framework for the success of biodiesel and renewable diesel. Nearly 1.7 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel was used in 2022, displacing nearly half of the entire diesel fuel pool in California and accounting
Missouri
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Will Reduce the Cost of Clean Hydrogen, Deliver Cleaner Air, More High-Quality Jobs, and Reduce Reliance on Fossil Fuels — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (May 22, 2023) announced nearly $42 million in funding for 22 projects in 14 states to advance critical technologies
(Pluton Biosciences/PR Newswire) …”Pluton’s technology will benefit farmers’ bottom lines as well as our environment,” said RA Capital’s Michael Gillespie, MD, who has also joined Pluton’s Board of Directors. “Microbial Cover Crops™ will enrich the soil with nitrogen to increase crop yields while reducing fertilizer costs, improving profits and sustainability,
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Letter calls proposed RVOs “exactly the wrong signal to send right now” — Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America welcomed a letter sent by Govs. Kim Reynolds (R-IA), Mike Parson (R-MO), and Jim Pillen (R-NE) to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, asking the agency to substantially increase the biomass-based

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge is the result of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal government agencies working together to develop a comprehensive strategy for scaling up new technologies to produce SAF on a commercial scale. To

Fuels Institute: Register now for THE conference of the year for unbiased research and dialogue with key stakeholders in the energy sector that will reimagine the transportation industry. The market for transportation energy has never been more exciting! Facing the daunting challenge of reducing carbon emissions while preserving access to
Governors of Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri Throw Collective Support behind Regional ‘Hydrogen Hub’ Bid
by Cindy Gonzalez (Nebraska Examiner) Excitement is mounting among state leaders over the possibility that Nebraska and two neighboring states could be named a regional “hydrogen hub,” a designation that would open a door to more than $1 billion in federal funds for clean energy projects. Gov. Jim Pillen issued a statement
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is accepting applications for funding through its new Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture (SEGA) program. Missouri entities seeking to add value to agricultural products or provide educational opportunities to those seeking to do so should submit their
(Missouri Soybean Association) BCM is providing a sustainable, cost savings opportunity to local fleets to fuel up with biodiesel — To recognize and celebrate National Biodiesel Day, the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri (BCM) is announcing a new County and Municipal Fleet Biodiesel Credit Program. This annual program will be reserved for
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Independent Businesses Submitted More than 350 Applications for $3 Billion in Funding to Expand Domestic Fertilizer Capacity; First Round of Awards Will Spur Competition and Give U.S. Farmers More Choices and Fairer Prices U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department received $3
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The attorneys general of Nebraska and Iowa announced their intent to sue the EPA on its proposed E15 rule for eight states, in a certified letter delivered to EPA Administrator Michael Regan on Monday. The states asked the agency to change the effective date of
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) … The administration is set to outline its plans to formally propose the change soon, setting the change in motion in time for next year’s summer driving season, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified before a public announcement.
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol) With its D.C. fly-in happening at the end of March, the American Coalition for Ethanol’s CEO is optimistic about the industry’s ability to make progress on higher ethanol blends, both E15 and E85, and laser focused on making it happen. … For example,
(Clean Fuels Alliance America/Biodiesel Magazine) This past year, states across the country continued to prioritize low-carbon renewable fuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.Clean Fuels Alliance America worked with state soybean organizations and member organizations to enact new laws that will set a path forward for additional growth
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With 270 days now passed since a group of Midwest governors asked EPA to take action to allow their states permanently sell E15 year-round, a group of attorneys general are pressing the agency to act. In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan on Friday,
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today applauded Missouri Gov. Mike Parson for notifying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that he is taking action to allow the year-round sale of lower-carbon, lower-cost E15 in the Show-Me State. Missouri is the tenth state to send such a notification to EPA. Gov. Parson is
(Show Me Mizzou/University of Missouri) Using part of a $12.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, MU researchers are working with an interdisciplinary group to optimize green energy for aviation use. — While biodiesel and ethanol are two forms of biofuel used to power today’s cars and trucks,
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

There’s still time to register for the Sustainability Workshop. A team of experts will bring attendees up to date on the rapidly changing data affecting greenhouse gas emissions accounting & lifecycle analysis of #biodiesel, renewable diesel & SAF. Workshop Purpose: To present the latest efforts, data, information, and research relevant to
by Andrew Careaga (Missouri University of Science and Technology) The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded a $2.05 million grant to a Missouri S&T researcher to study how different types of sustainable aviation fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes. Dr. Philip Whitefield, Curators’ Distinguished Professor emeritus of chemistry
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are the 50 Hottest Project Development & Deployment Spots in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2022, as selected by the Digest’s editors. READ MORE
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims to build and operate a 30 TPD CCC Pilot located at Sugar Creek Cement Plant near Kansas City, Missouri with a skid-based design that can be built mostly off-site with limited integration. The project features Low energy and cost retrofit technology, easy
by John Green (The Hutchinson News) Governor Laura Kelly joined a handful of local leaders in Hutchinson Friday for a roundtable discussion focused on economic and agricultural growth in central Kansas. … Kelly said water is an issue she has heard about at every roundtable she’s attended, but the issues
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This Project aims To execute and complete a front-end engineering and design (FEED) study for a commercial-scale, carbon capture system that separates 95% of the total CO2 emissions at Holcim Ste Genevieve Cement Plant using AirLiquide’s Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) assisted Cryocap FG technology.Kevin O’Brien
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences and the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems at the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the selection of six projects to conduct research and development that
(Federal Aviation Administration) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued more than $16 million in grants to 14 universities across the country for research to reduce aviation emissions and noise. The university teams are members of the Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT), part of the FAA’s Air Transportation Center
by Cameron Gerber (News Tribune) Clean energy and fuels are becoming more and more prominent all across the country, and a Jefferson City native is helping to lead the charge at the helm of a nationwide group from his hometown. A Helias Catholic School and Missouri State University graduate, Donnell Rehagen
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Clean Fuels joins Governor Parsons at bill signing — Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America applauded Missouri Governor Mike Parson as he signed legislation creating new incentives for biodiesel consumption and production in the state. Missouri’s new law will help drive biodiesel demand, add value to Missouri-grown soybeans,
by Brandie Jefferson (Washington University in St. Louis) The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $2.3 million grant to a team led by Zhen (Jason) He, a professor of energy, environmental and chemical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis’ McKelvey School of Engineering. The project, which also includes researchers from
(Le Lézard) Vision RNG, LLC (VRNG) is pleased to announce that it has broken ground for construction of the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) project located on the Meridian Waste Eagle Ridge Landfill located in Bowling Green, Missouri. The project will use 1,500 cfm of Landfill Gas (LFG) and construction is
by Rudi Keller (News from the States) When lawmakers return this week for a special session, most of the attention will be on Gov. Mike Parson’s proposal to cut income taxes by $700 million a year. But Parson also wants the bill to include several tax credits intended to benefit rural Missouri
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Missouri Gov. Mike Parson called for a special legislative session Aug. 22 to make historic income tax cuts, and to create and extend key agricultural and biofuel tax-credit programs for a minimum of six years. The General Assembly will meet Sept. 6 in Jefferson
(KTTN) The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority announced the Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program to increase the distribution and use of biofuels in the state of Missouri. Funds will be awarded to fuel retailers, fuel distributors, terminal companies, or fleet operations that dispense, or will soon store or dispense, ethanol
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management’s (FECM’s) Carbon Utilization Program announced the selection of seven projects totaling $16.5 million in federal funding. This investment will advance technologies that utilize waste carbon to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
( U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $29.5 million to 15 projects to improve the current science and infrastructure for utilizing waste streams, often disproportionately located in underserved communities, and support the development of improved organisms and inorganic catalysts for the production of valuable biofuels and bioproducts
(U.S. Department of Energy) Industry and Universities Will Work to Reduce the Cost of Clean Hydrogen to Deliver Cheap Electricity; New $32 Million Funding Opportunity will Support Clean Hydrogen Technologies — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the award of $28.9 million to 15 industry- and university-led projects and
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) organized a mission to Brazil last week to learn about the market potential Brazilian corn ethanol has domestically and globally and about logistics faced by U.S. ethanol exporters to Brazil at the main ports situated in the northeastern part of the country. The team
(Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation) The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation has awarded the 2022 Beth Calabotta Sustainable Education Grant to Caleb Moellenhoff. Moellenhoff, an undergraduate researcher and chemical engineering honors student at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, is working with a team to develop a novel modular biodiesel plant.
by Kellan Heavican (Brownfield Ag News) California is the country’s largest domestic market for E85 fuel and the state’s largest ethanol distributor says that’s good news for farmers. Jeff Wilkerson with Pearson Fuels says retailers in California are buying ethanol at a record pace to meet the state’s low carbon fuel
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) Recently, RFA member company Mid-Missouri Energy honored one of its founding fathers, Ryland Utlaut, by naming its administrative building after him. To say this honor was well-deserved would be a huge understatement. In addition to being one of MME’s founders, Ryland served a stint as
by Susanne Retka Schill (Biodiesel Magazine) Three developers take different approaches to filling the expected surge for demand in oilseeds with crops that promise low GHG scores. — Remember the parable of the mustard seed? Developers of three oilseed crops—relatives in the mustard family—have faith they’ll soon have significant acreages
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) As the 1990s dawned, more than a decade of renewed research had been performed on various straight vegetable oils and esterified varieties by a number of individuals and universities both in the U.S. (North Dakota State, Idaho, Illinois, etc.) and globally. “Carroll Goering at the University of
by Tyne Morgan (AgWeb) … “A small fraction of the field corn we grow goes to actual food products such as cornflakes or sweeteners or such,” explains (Carroll County farmer Adam) Casner. “It’s actually less than 10% that goes towards those products.” … Casner says the majority of the field
(Missouri Soybean Merchandizing Council/Biobased Diesel Daily) Missouri Soybeans is powering the state capital of Jefferson City with biodiesel. With more than 140,000 combined gallons used on-road in city fleets, Jefferson City Public Works plans to utilize Missouri-made, soybean-powered biodiesel to shift to a more domestic alternative. “Jefferson City Public Works is
by Mason Zollman (Brownfield Ag News) Missouri Soybean is working to position biodiesel as the fuel of today and the future. In this Fueling Conversation, Matt Amick Director of Biofuels and New Uses with the Missouri Soybean Association and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council talks about the steps they’re taking
(NAFB News Service/Hoosier Ag Today) The biofuel industry says record gas prices are fueling huge interest in blending more and higher blends of ethanol. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the near-weekly records for gas prices are having a direct impact on blending of corn ethanol. “We’re seeing unprecedented
(U.S. Grains Council) Delegations from Japan, South Korea, India and Indonesia traveled to the United States last week to take part in the Indianapolis 500. Hosted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in collaboration with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, the group was able to see firsthand the role ethanol plays
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) Seventeen Republican state attorneys general on Friday announced a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allowing California to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The lawsuit alleges EPA Administrator Michael Regan violated the Constitution’s doctrine of equal sovereignty by allowing California an exemption from the Clean
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … When news arrived that Bunge and CoverCress signed commercial partnership to support the expansion of CCI’s CoverCress technology, a new winter oilseed crop, and that Bunge Ventures recently increased its stake in CCI through a Series C-1 round, we were suitably impressed. Buried in the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC this spring, Mike DeCamp, CEO of CoverCress shared this emerging seed technology slide guide all about a novel winter oilseed crop that enables Midwest farmers to grow three crops in two seasons! With an ultra low carbon intensity score, find out why CoverCress
(Bunge/CoverCress/Business Wire) Bunge, Chevron Make New Investments in CoverCress Inc. — Bunge (NYSE: BG) and CoverCress Inc. (“CCI”) announced today a unique commercial partnership to bring a new renewable oilseed and animal feed crop to market. The agreement establishes a long-term commercial relationship between the two companies and supports the expansion
(Clean Fuels Foundation) Beth Calabotta Sustainable Education Grant Now Accepting Applications. Student scientists can quality for up to a $2000 award. — Student scientists can quality for up to a $2000 award through the Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant. The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation established this grant in 2018 to assist
by Zachary Dodge (KY3) … The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority gave out more than $2 million in grants to 19 companies that sell fuel in Missouri. … Here’s a full list of all of the companies that received funding from the state. Some of the companies on
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Funds will generate more capacity for biofuels in Missouri. — The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced it has invested more than $2 million in projects that increase the distribution and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the State of Missouri. Expenses incurred
by Clark Mindock (Law360) A Texas-led group of states is slamming the Biden administration’s push to strengthen greenhouse gas standards for auto emissions, telling the D.C. Circuit on Monday it must intervene and stop a purported federal war on fossil fuels. The 14-state coalition headed by Lone Star State Attorney General Ken
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Just in the last few days, it’s been all about low carbon, lower carbon, net-zero carbon – and all of it from waste. Virgin Group and Agilyx’s strategic partnership to produce lower carbon fuel from plastic waste. REG’s state-of-the-art pretreatment facility to refine some of
(Renewable Fuels Association) In the wake of a successful flex-fuel Jeep Wrangler project, the Renewable Fuels Association is once again working with Hauk Designs on a new project that takes higher blends of ethanol to new places. This year, RFA and the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council are working together on a new Can-Am
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Recognizing this, the governors of seven Midwest states sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in early November seeking guidance from the agency on how best to pursue a specific—and little known—provision of the Clean Air Act that allows independent
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) News just in that Indaba Renewable Fuels will build two greenfield refineries in California and Missouri to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel utilizing Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology. The facilities are expected to begin production of SAF in 2024 with the capacity of the plants expected to be 6500
by Will Robinson (Brownfield Ag News) Several Missouri ag groups spoke in favor of reinstating Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority tax credits at the recent Missouri House Ag Committee hearing, citing benefits to biofuels. MASBDA’s sponsor, Representative Brad Pollitt, testified before the committee. “A retail dealer that sells a
by Brandie Jefferson (Washington University in St. Louis) Using wastewater to produce biomass has some drawbacks, namely, ‘what you get is messy’ — Growing algae in wastewater has been a hot topic in research for years. News reports for decades have touted the latest research as bringing us within reach of new
(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 NC. These projects include, but are not limited to, locations
(Diesel Technology Forum) … The President’s policy, which has a strong focus on electrification, should recognize the decarbonization potential from all fuels and strategies, particularly advanced renewable biobased diesel fuels. Missouri has 10 facilities that produce biodiesel, including the third-largest biodiesel production capacity in the US, which produced 253 million gallons
(National Biodiesel Board) Optimus and ADM long-haul trucking collaboration led to significant insights — B100 is one step closer to being a reality for commercial fleet operations thanks to the results of a pilot program that tested the fuel in five class-8 over-the-road trucks. The pilot, which was a collaboration among
by Ken Colombini (Renewable Fuels Association) Three cities straddle the curve at the very south of Ohio: Huntington, W.Va.; South Point, Ohio; and Ashland, Ky. To Kelly Davis, this confluence of the Big Sandy River into the Ohio is not only home, but where she got started in the ethanol industry nearly 40
by Talia Ogliore (The Source) Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new way to train microbes to make a readily usable biofuel. A team of biologists and engineers modified a microbe called Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 (TIE-1) so that it can produce a biofuel using only three renewable and naturally abundant
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of seven Midwestern governors for their efforts to explore what actions can be taken to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan today, the governors seek guidance from the agency
(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 York yesterday to announce the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Today, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the Consider Corn Challenge III winners at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference in San Francisco, California. The six winners were chosen because their technologies can improve a product or process, scale-up and produce biobased materials from field corn. “We know we produce an affordable, abundant
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) “Biofuels are a readily available energy solution that deserve full consideration.” — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today led several of his colleagues in requesting a meeting with President Biden and representatives of his cabinet to
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Significantly increasing the use of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol follows along different tracks. Legislatively, for example, there’s the bipartisan Clean Fuels Vehicle Act of 2021, which would provide incentives for automakers to build more flex-fuel vehicles that can run on higher blends like
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During an appearance before the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum Monday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed concerns about the proposed tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel that it might leave out corn and soybean feedstocks. Agri-Pulse editor and president Sara Wyant asked the secretary
(Salk Institute) Salk will team up with experts at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to study the genetics of sorghum — Researchers at the Salk Institute’s Harnessing Plants Initiative (HPI) have established a five-year, $6.2 million collaboration with Nadia Shakoor, principal investigator and senior research scientist and her team at the Donald Danforth

With skyrocketing commodity prices, drought conditions spreading across many parts of the country and export markets booming, there is a lot of concern about U.S. farmers being able to produce anything close to “normal” yields. At the same time, the new Biden Administration is working to retire at least 4
by Lela Nargi (Washington Post) Katie Murphy is a plant biologist. She researches corn and tobacco plants at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She’s also the host of “Real Time Science,” a series of videos that she uploads to TikTok and Instagram. She shows kids examples of her experiments in
(Missouri Department of Agriculture/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority announced Sept. 2 the Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program to increase the distribution and use of biofuels in the state of Missouri. Funds will be awarded to fuel retailers, fuel distributors, terminal companies or fleet operations that dispense,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Projects align with administration’s new goal of decarbonizing the aviation sector by 2050 – – As part of a White House roundtable to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Grand Challenge to decarbonize the aviation sector by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $64.7 million in funding for projects focused on producing cost-effective, low-carbon biofuels. These investments will advance technologies to create replacements for petroleum fuels used in heavy-duty forms of transportation, like airplanes and
(American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)/GrainNet) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomes the recent announcement that several state corn grower associations are investing $1.25 million dollars to help San Diego-based fuel marketer Pearson Fuels expand availability of E85 in California. ACE will be sharing the news with prospective E85 retailers as it exhibits alongside Pearson Fuels at the Pacific
(Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority/EIN Presswire) Today, the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced the Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program (BIIP) to increase the distribution and use of biofuels in the state of Missouri. Funds will be awarded to fuel retailers, fuel distributors, terminal companies or fleet
(National Biodiesel Board) Truck Was Part of Cooperative Pilot Program That Could Pave the Way to Widespread B100 Use in Fleets — One of the five trucks used in last year’s cooperative B100 pilot program will be on display at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. The pilot, conducted by ADM,
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Leon Schumacher, professor and agricultural systems technology program coordinator at the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, has received the 2021 Provost’s Award for Leadership in International Education. The award recognizes University of Missouri faculty members that have provided outstanding leadership
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Seaboard Energy, formerly known as High Plains Bioenergy, is building a renewable diesel plant in Hugoton, Kansas at the former Abengoa ethanol plant site that was purchased in February 2019. Using Haldor Topsoe’s HydroFlex tech, the plan is to make 6,500 barrels-per-day and
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and Highwater Ethanol hosted a virtual plant visit for 10 students from Sleepy Eye High School on April 20. During the virtual plant visit, the students, from the school’s Natural Resources class, were given a virtual presentation on the plant’s operations, facts
by Mindy Ward (Farm Progress) Pluton Biosciences partners with Bayer for a carbon sequestration project. — Barry Goldman has one goal — to find the next Bt-like row crop breakthrough but for carbon sequestration. “There are a trillion species of microbes, and the industry has been looking at the same 100 for
by Leslie Reed (University of Nebraska–Lincoln/Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute/Nebraska Today) University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers affiliated with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute have received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to better quantify carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions connected with corn production
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) Missouri, where the U.S. commercial biodiesel industry began 30 years ago through an investment by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and where the National Biodiesel Board formed shortly thereafter, took a big step forward March 31 in its support of biodiesel. Already one of
by Erin Veogele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute in mid-March released its 2021 U.S. Agricultural Market Outlook, predicting an increase in demand for midlevel ethanol blends, a recovery in ethanol net returns, and increased exports over the next decade. The report notes that
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association) … At the same time—flying under the radar—has been the latest round of grants approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, also known as HBIIP. This is an important effort begun last year by the USDA to
(CoverCress Inc./PR Web) CoverCress Inc. announces $8 million in partner funding for new low carbon oilseed. — Midwestern farmers are one step closer to the prospect of growing a new cover crop that will generate a cash margin while supporting regenerative agriculture. CoverCress Inc. announced it has raised another $8 million to fund
by Steve Klein (C Store Decisions/Renewable Energy Group) … The transportation industry will be a key factor in reaching those goals. There are also many new policies being debated. New York is considering a low-carbon fuel standard similar to California’s. Many believe this is the year Washington State will pass a
by Kellan Heavican (Brownfield Ag News) A group of midwestern corn growers associations is attempting to raise fuel efficiency standards by increasing the ethanol blend. … Nebraska Corn introduced a resolution at the recent Corn Congress calling for 95 RON E15, a 15-percent blend of ethanol to raise octane to help
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA will allow year-round E15 sales in the Kansas City metro area, the agency announced in a news release on Friday. The Trump administration opened up year-round sales of E15, by granting a Reid vapor pressure, or RVP, waiver. Sales were not allowed in the Kansas
(Illinois Soybean Association) Last month brought record cold temperatures to the entire country, and Central Illinois was not excepted. The common misconception of biodiesel is that cold weather limits performance, but in fact temperatures plunging as low as negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit were no trouble for a fleet of ADM trucks
by John Steppe (The Gazette/SoutherMinn.com) Gov. Kim Reynolds is looking forward to “building those same relationships” with President Joe Biden and his Environmental Protection Agency staff that she had with the Trump administration to protect biofuels, Reynolds said during Tuesday’s virtual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. … “I will hold this
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Missouri, CoverCress Inc. and its university partners Illinois State University and the University of Minnesota were selected as the Start-up Inventor of the Year by the Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). This award reflects the use
by Cameron Gerber (Missouri Times) While other states have enacted biodiesel fuel minimums over the past few years, Missouri has yet to do so — despite being one of the largest producers in the country. A new bill filed in the upper chamber for 2021 would change that. SB 96, pre-filed
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) … Particularly for those feeling the heat when it comes reducing carbon footprints, interest in renewable natural gas (RNG) as an alternative vehicle fuel is an all-time high, and for good reason. Not only does it meet the most stringent emissions requirements, but for utilities
(Biofuels International) Growth Energy welcomed the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Programme (HBIIP). Growth Energy’s network of both large and small retail partners secured nearly $30 million (€25 million) in grants for over 290 sites selling more than 400 million gallons
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to
(Bioenergy Insight) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 12 organisations and projects to receive around $3 million (€2.55 million) in funding to help reduce food loss and waste and divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity in the US. The project types chosen for
(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 the South, while many farmers across the country are now
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a five-year, $13 million grant to a nationwide research project to genetically strengthen Thlaspi arvense, commonly known as pennycress, for use in sustainable energy efforts. CoverCress is an unfunded co-participant in this work, and you can see CoverCress
(Anheuser Busch) Working alongside key suppliers, the country’s largest brewer is transitioning more than 180 trucks in its Houston and St. Louis fleets to renewable natural gas to help reduce its carbon footprint. — As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable logistics and reducing carbon emissions, Anheuser-Busch announced today that
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Anheuser-Busch says it will soon be deploying over 180 new trucks equipped with Agility Fuel Solutions‘ ProCab 175 natural gas systems, running the vehicles primarily on renewable natural gas. The fleet will obtain its RNG from U.S. Gain and American Natural Gas. In 2014 and 2015, Anheuser-Busch converted 160 diesel-fueled trucks
by Rachel Hatch (News Illinois State University) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a $13 million grant to a nationwide project led by Illinois State University. Professor of Genetics John Sedbrook will head up the project aimed to genetically strengthen a plant for use in sustainable energy efforts. “We’re
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed last week’s DigestConnect webinar, have no fear, the full deck is here! From 11 pathways on who’s doing what, how and with what, 21 projects and who’s running them and where, 13 fast emerging projects and who’s converting, constructing, planning and where,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects to receive approximately $1 million in funding to leverage the unique computational capabilities at DOE’s National Laboratories. The projects will address technical challenges in bioenergy feedstock handling and logistics, as well as catalyst design and development.
(Missouri Soybean Association) Applicants may receive up to 25 percent of the required cash match for federal funding. — Missouri soybean farmers are investing in the future for soy in Missouri through biodiesel with a new infrastructure grant program. A new commitment from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Missouri
by Rachel Hatch (Illinois State University News) … An ISU professor of genetics, (John) Sedbrook is devoted to integrated plant biology and bioenergy, meaning his research focuses on bringing out positive genetic traits in plants. “We’re making mutations that are good,” he said. “That is the whole story behind domestication,

Export Exchange allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. A joint statement from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, U.S. Grains
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Today (June 4, 2020), the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced the creation of the Biofuel Infrastructure Program (BIP) to increase the availability of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the Show-Me State. MASBDA partnered with the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri and the Missouri Corn Growers Association to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new technology that produces a doubling of overall biomass in algae and 40 percent in camelina has appeared on the horizon, and I’d like to draw your attention to this work in The Plant Journal and this one in Nature Research. If you’ve been a fan of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … ZeaKal, which announced that its multiyear field trials of its PhotoSeed technology – and their soybeans increased the per acre production of oil and protein by 18 percent and three percent respectively without any penalty to seed yield. It’s probably the only oil glut you
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 works to create economic benefits for the region through policy,
by Emily Holbrook (Environment & Energy Leader) Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) today announced a new plan to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and its energy intensity by 15% by 2035. The new goals follow on ADM’s original “15×20” plan, unveiled in 2011, in which the company committed to per-unit improvements in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste to landfill by 2020. After meeting those goals ahead of
(Bioenergy Insight) Smithfield Foods and Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) have announced an additional $45 million (€41.5 million) investment in their Monarch Bioenergy joint venture. The project involves methane being captured from hog manure to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) in Missouri, US. The latest investment will enable the companies to
(National Biodiesel Board) Wide range of organizations announce a partnership for validation project of biodiesel technology to demonstrate viability in real-world, high-mileage fleet applications — Innovative system allows for seamless 100 percent biodiesel use in all climates; Five ADM trucks to test Vector System, produced by Optimus Technologies, in real-world,
(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 the Renewable Fuels Association’s 25th annual National Ethanol Conference. Still,
(Renewable Fuels Association) The 2020 season of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail begins later this week, with the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Corn Growers Association signed on as co-title sponsors for the fourth consecutive year. The first tournament begins Friday, Jan. 31 at St. Johns River in Deland, Fla.
by Mariana Labatte (Innovations in Agriculture Missourian Extension) MU computer science professor Jianlin Cheng sees the future of energy in green algae. The small aquatic plants that add a layer of scum to ponds and pools have a beneficial side — green algae can convert sunlight into energy and store it in
(Solutions from the Land) As discussions on climate change, clean water, hunger, poverty and biodiversity grow both on the domestic and global stages, the role of agriculture in addressing these mega-challenges is filling a growing role at the policy table. Statewide efforts facilitated by Solutions from the Land (SfL) and
(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 are intended to inform further discussion of new and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iowa State University is working on fast pyrolysis, and Robert Brown, Director of the university’s Bioeconomy Institute looks at how their work is making us rethink thermochemical processing. By looking at autothermal pyrolysis, and more, Brown shared this presentation at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco. READ
(Solutions from the Land) The global climate negotiating sessions in Madrid come to a close this week, and producer advocates remain gratified that delegates to the talks have demonstrated a growing acceptance of the agricultural sector’s role in addressing the climate crisis. As SfL steering committee member Ray Gaesser pointed
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) A meeting last June in Newburg, Md., represented a change for U.S. farmers, Pro’s Helena Bottemiller Evich reports . The event was hosted by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, a group made up of the heavyweights in American agriculture. It brought together three
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) A group of United States senators asked President Donald Trump in a letter on Friday to make sure an EPA proposal to account for small-refinery exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard will account for actual gallons waived. The letter is signed by Sens. Charles Grassley,
(Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island) Association rebrands to better reflect industry’s evolving heating fuels market — The Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island (OHIRI) has changed its name to the Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island (EMARI). The trade group’s board of directors voted in favor of the name change
by O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa) Iowa Senator Joni Ernst today said she’s talked directly with President Trump about the furor over proposed EPA rules which Ernst says do not fulfill the deal Trump struck in September on the renewable fuels standard. “I did visit with the president actually, again, two
(Bioenergy Insight) Eight biogas projects received awards from the American Biogas Council (ABC) for their ‘outstanding performance and contribution’ to the industry. The winners were announced at the Biogas Industry Awards and Dinner during the BioCycle REFOR19 event in Wisconsin, US on 29 October. Five projects received a 2019 Project
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) At its annual awards reception in Manhattan, N.Y., earlier this month, Energy Vision – a national nonprofit that promotes low-carbon energy and transportation fuels – honored government and business leaders for accelerating the adoption of renewable natural gas (RNG). The 2019 Energy Vision awardees include as follows: State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, D-N.Y., chair of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) …Couple of good trends to point to: 1. Lot more emphasis on farms and farming these days. It’s still an industry dominated by people in white coats, but there are some more overalls around the ABS than we’ve ever seen before. 2. A little more emphasis
(Hydrogen Digest) In Missouri, cold beer is being transported in hydrogen-powered zero-emission semi-trucks as Anheuser-Busch moves to more sustainable shipping. The company plans to buy up to 800 of Nikola Motor’s semi-trucks to meet its objectives of reducing CO2 emissions by 25% across its entire supply chain by 2025. Why important? Deploying hydrogen, the
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Energy (DOE), through its Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), has launched a major initiative to develop bioenergy crops through genomics-based research. Danforth Center Principal Investigator, Andrea Eveland, Ph.D., will lead a multi-institutional project under this initiative to deepen the understanding of sorghum, a
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg/Investors Business Daily) Discussions aimed at breaking logjam over biofuel plan; Friday deadline issued for ideas on potential compromise — Trump administration officials are squeezing biofuel and oil refining executives to agree to a plan to bolster corn-based ethanol and soy-based biodiesel. In
(University of Missouri College of Engineering) Mizzou Engineering’s Jianlin Cheng has put his world-class protein prediction skills to stellar use in the field of healthcare, and now, he’s part of a critical effort in bioenergy — one that could dramatically improve the prospects of biofuels as fossil fuel reserves dwindle. Cheng and James
by Vermerris, Wilfred; Ingram, Lonnie O.; O’Connor, George; Pullammanappallil, P.; Shanmugam, K. T.; Tong, Zhaohui; Wilkie, Anne; Jose, Shibu; Bardhan, Sougata; Kitchen, Newell; Fritschi, Felix; Alavalapati, Janaki; Quesada-Pineda, Henry J.; Smith, Robert; Lal, Pankaj ; Gan, Jianbang (University of Florida/U.S. Department of Energy) This multi-institutional project had as it main objectives
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pumpkin spice everything is already appearing in stores across the U.S. and so is beer for Oktoberfest, but Anheuser-Busch’s beer will be delivered using zero-emission hydrogen beer trucks! Have some cheese with that beer as cheese waste is now being converted to biogas in the UK.
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) The uncertainty of the federal Renewable Fuels Standard and political fights with the petroleum industry are giving more weight to the need for major biofuel states to consider their own low-carbon fuel standards. After years of pushing for a federal low-carbon fuels standard, the
(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 for Food and Agriculture to study switchgrass as a viable
(Solutions from the Land) One of Solution from the Land’s (SfL) primary missions over the past decade has been to help and inspire agricultural and forestry sector leaders to become powerful voices in the broader discussion of climate change, including adaptation and mitigation. Towards this end, SfL has been building state,
Michael Bloomberg Announces Midwestern Collegiate Climate Summit — (Bloomberg Philanthropies) Washington University in St. Louis to Serve As Anchor University in Collaborating with Local and Regional Governments, Private Sector Leaders to Develop Innovative Climate Solutions — Ohio State University is a Founding Member St. Louis, MO – Today, Michael R. Bloomberg announced the
(Solutions from the Land) A hearing held this week by the Senate Agriculture Committee on the impact of climate change on the ag sector marks what is hoped will be the start of a serious effort by Congress to address the needs of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners as they face increasingly
(Smithfield Foods Inc./Biomass Magazine) Smithfield Foods Inc. and Roeslein Alternative Energy have formed a joint venture called Monarch Bioenergy to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) across Smithfield’s hog farms in Missouri. This partnership converts manure collected from Smithfield farms into RNG, while simultaneously delivering ecological services and developing wildlife habitat. Once complete, all Smithfield
(Solutions from the Land) Last week marks the fifth anniversary of Solutions from the Land (SfL), a nonprofit organization that places farmers, ranchers and foresters at the forefront of resolving food system, energy, environmental and climate challenges and achieving global sustainable development goals. It is an important milestone that marks a
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 Entrepreneurs. The 12 Midwestern states employed more than 737,000 workers
by Kenneth Raphael, Jeffrey Bair and Wes Swift (S&P Global Platts) Portland, Oregon, rack gasoline has jumped more than 33 cents since March 12 on ethanol shortages tied to the recent “bomb cyclone” in the US Midwest that set off flooding and interrupted rail movement of ethanol, according to DTN data
Whose Side Is Trump on? The Fight Continues…Corn Country and Oil Country Still Battling It out in Washington, DC
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … It’s a back and forth game of Trump’s promises to help farmers and agriculture and support ethanol and biofuels, EPA giving small refinery waivers to big oil companies, …. … (T)he latest responses from Midwest Senators, the American Coalition for Ethanol, how both