(Engine Technology Forum Policy Insider Blog) California’s influence on environmental and climate policy is both undeniable and increasingly controversial. A 2035 ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (gasoline) light-duty vehicles and the mandated sale of zero-emission commercial vehicles
(OPIS Talks Podcast) In this episode of OPIS Talks, you'll hear from Megan Boutwell, president of Stillwater Associates, an energy consulting firm focused on the energy transition. Boutwell shares insights into what we might expect from the biofuels and LCFS markets
(University of Oklahoma/PR Newswire) The $18.7M project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, will research potential carbon storage sites. -- A team of researchers from across the University of Oklahoma Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, Los Alamos National Laboratory, with industry partners, have been
by Gloria Dabek (Carbon 180) This fall, dozens of farmers, universities, non-profits, and other entities kicked off the implementation of their Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG), after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced awards earlier this year. As part of the USDA
by Kari Buttenhoff and Danielle Anderson (Christianson PLLP/Ethanol Producer Magazine) New Mexico is making significant strides toward implementing its recently passed legislation adopting a Clean Transportation Fuel Standard (CTFS), modeled after the clean fuel standards in California, Oregon and Washington, and
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) today announced $20.2 million in funding for 10 university and industry projects to advance mixed algae development for low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts. Located
by Maria Gerveni and Scott Irwin (farmdoc Daily) Renewable diesel production capacity in the U.S. exploded in recent years, increasing over three billion gallons (farmdoc daily, March 8, 2023; March 29, 2023). This had a substantial impact on fats and oils feedstock markets, as
by Carrie Song (Neste/NGT News) ... There have been arguments suggesting that renewable liquid fuels are just the bridging solutions before all the vehicles and equipment transition to electric or hydrogen. However, recently a number of car giants have made changes
(Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas/Biomass Magazine) The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition) announces a major milestone in the growth of the renewable natural gas industry, with 433 facilities now operational across North America. This achievement represents a significant leap
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today, lignin from pulp and paper is converted to polymer products through sulfonation. An industry goal, and the goal of this Ingevity / USC / Sandia project, is commercial products from lignin that provide 20% reduction
(Office of US Ben Ray Luján (R-NM) U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led the introduction of the bipartisan Coordinated Action to Capture Harmful (CATCH) Emissions Act to enhance the federal Section 45Q tax credit to commercialize
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are the best pathways to generating and upgrading biochemical intermediates. For example, wet waste to mixed volatile fatty acids in arrested methanogenesis. Or, sugars to butyric acid, or 2,3 butanediol. Tasks include mitigation of scalability
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Deconstruction is a major effort in BOTTLE (Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment) . Work spans exploratory catalysis (”fail fast”) to advancing promising approaches towards scale-up. There are a couple of routes:
by Sam Wade (RNG Coalition/Biomass Magazine) As North America strides toward greater energy independence and sustainability, California’s success with renewable natural gas (RNG) presents a clear and successful roadmap for other jurisdictions to emulate. Driven by climate-smart policies such as California’s
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Low carbon fuel standards are on the march. New states, new regulations, much to consider — what states are on the opportunity map, what carbon targets are coming, what new pathways, what is the regulatory framework
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) US independent refiner Valero warned other New Mexico's low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) advisers today that lawmakers may make the program uniquely difficult. The language lawmakers passed earlier this year appeared to require the state's Clean Transportation Fuel
by Robin Vercruse (Low Carbon Fuels Coalition) ... Declarations of “energy independence” usually provide more heat than light (pun very much intended). The often heated discussion on the topic usually obscures the essential distinction between energy resources and their end use. From
(U.S. Department of Energy) Since being selected as finalists for AlgaePrize 2023–2025, student teams from across the country have been rolling up their sleeves to turn smart research proposals into results. Now only approximately 5 months into the competition, the U.S. Department
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sean Newsum, now with Airlines for America after long service at Boeing, returns to the ABLC stage for a perspective on the path to 20250, including closing the affordability gap for SAF buyers, increasing SAF production
by Christian Robles (E&E News Energywire) A Texas hydrogen project is facing criticism over whether it will have adequate water supplies, illustrating how local disputes on everything from pipelines to air pollution threaten the industry’s build-out. Near Corpus Christi, environmentalists and some
Building Ventures Around Community Energy Challenges -- Empowering entrepreneurs with business and technical skills in the lean startup model, focusing on validating their business models through customer discovery. Fostering innovation through generating new business models to address national and community energy problems
By Jim Mladenik (Stillwater Associates) In a past article – SAF in the IRA Era – How do the incentives stack up? – we described why sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is more expensive to produce than renewable diesel (RD) and how the Inflation Reduction Act
(Office of Iowa Attorney General) Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today led a 13-state coalition in a lawsuit to pull the plug on Biden’s electric vehicle handout and defend ethanol. -- In Biden’s most recent attack in the war on gas vehicles, he
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
by Tilly Armstrong (Daily Mail) California was the first state to adopt the plan to ban sales of gas cars by 2035; Electric vehicles made up 7.6 percent of new car sales in the US last year; READ MORE: What does
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association) ... Needless to say, these trips still get plenty of laughs and produced memories I will never forget. Now with a 7-year-old daughter, I am trying to make those memories with her, knowing that
(S&P Global) The role of biofuels in energy transition is growing, as they can help decarbonize hard-to-abate transport sectors, but more supply is needed to keep the world on track with net-zero goals. S&P Global Commodity Insights explores how regional policies
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. on Feb. 27 released fourth quarter results, announcing that its renewable natural gas (RNG) sales were up nearly 14% last year. RNG sales are also expected to increase in 2024 with several
(Consumer Reports) The governor of New Mexico signed a landmark law to establish a clean fuel standard for the state on March 5, following approval by the state legislature last month. The standard aims to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels,
by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) New Mexico’s Legislature has approved a bill aimed at reducing climate-warming pollution from cars and trucks through financial incentives to reward businesses that produce cleaner fuels. The Senate voted 26-15 Tuesday, on a party-line vote with Republicans
by Travis Kellerman (Somos Solar/Albuquerque Journal) A critical piece of legislation is being considered this legislative session. HB 41, the Clean Transportation Fuels Standard bill, will revolutionize the clean fuel economy in New Mexico, accelerate the state’s transition to low- and
by Kristina Ortez (District 42 Taos County State Representative/Santa Fe New Mexican) We all know the drill. Some guys around a table on the other side of the world decide to cut back on oil production. Commodity traders bid up crude
by Dawn Boulware (Taos Ski Valley/Santa Fe New Mexican) New Mexicans share an appreciation and love for the amazing outdoors in our state — in fact, it is why most of us choose to live here. At Taos Ski Valley, we
by Robin Vercruse and Amy Brown (Low Carbon Fuels Coalition/ Adalante Consulting/Albuquerque Journal) New Mexico has worked hard over the past decade to diversify its economy and become a leader in renewable technologies that are catching on in other states. The
(U.S. Department of Energy) 15 teams are advancing as finalists in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) AlgaePrize 2023–2025 competition. -- Finalist teams were selected by a panel of judges who reviewed and scored the required 10-page research synopsis that
(Fill It Up Clean New Jersey/PR Newswire) First on East Coast to Advance Clean Fuels Legislation -- Fill It Up Clean New Jersey, a diverse coalition of business and community stakeholders, is applauding the New Jersey State Senate for introducing legislation that would give The Garden
by Emma Frantz (ACT News) ... Originating in California from a need to curb air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this regulatory initiative emerged as a pivotal strategy to decarbonize and reduce the environmental footprint of the trucking industry. The ACT
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation introduced in the New Mexico House of Representatives on Jan. 3 aims to establish a technology-neutral clean transportation fuel standard (CTFS) that would reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of transportation fuels by at least
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) $19 Million in Funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Will Provide More Cost-Effective Options for American Consumers -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is awarding $19 million in grants to U.S.
(Biofuels International) ... After securing a 3 billion/gallon output last year, production across the US is on track for 4 billion this year with power to add, according to Paul Winters, director of public affairs and Federal Communications for Clean Fuels
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) "Unlocking the Value of Algae" was the subject of a Sunday Symposium at the recent Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition’s 2023 Global Biobased Economy Conference and Exhibit. Presenters at the symposium followed the whole
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda Supports Projects Across Twelve States to Slash Harmful CO2 Emissions and Deliver High-Quality Local Jobs -- As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
by Maria Gallucci (Canary Media) Switch Maritime aims to start operations early next year in San Francisco. It just raised $10M to help take zero-emissions ferries nationwide. -- America’s first hydrogen-fueled ferry is set to launch in San Francisco early next year after more
(Sandia National Laboratories) Are you interested in research at the forefront of biological sciences? Are you interested in research that will lead to transformative breakthroughs in fundamental science and technologies from a national security perspective? If so, you could join our
by Al Greenwood (Independent Commodity Interlligence Services) Several US states could adopt restrictions on the sale of light vehicles that rely primarily on internal combustion engines (ICE), which would lower demand for liquid fuels while increasing demand for plastics and chemicals
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) today announced $18.6 million in funding for eight university and industry projects to develop biomass feedstocks to produce affordable biofuels and bioproducts that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Located in eight states, the
(U.S. Energy Information Administration/Biobased Diesel Daily) In January 2023, U.S. production capacity of renewable diesel and other biofuels reached 3 billion gallons per year, surpassing U.S. biodiesel production capacity for the first time. Rising targets for state and federal renewable fuel programs
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Multiple new projects promise to expand biogenic hydrogen production, but only if unhindered by rules favoring electrolyzers. -- Federal goals and incentives are laying a launch pad for renewable hydrogen, aiming at a five-fold increase
(Natural Resources Defense Council) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced bold action which will give New Mexicans more electric car and truck options in the coming years, and a new report shows the state can deliver the most health,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Funding Notice: Regional Initiative to Accelerate Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Deployment: Technical Assistance for Large-Scale Storage Facilities and Regional Carbon Management Hubs -- On July 10, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy
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
(Stillwater Associates) ... New Mexico, New York, and Illinois have introduced LCFS-style bills in the 2023 legislative session, and Minnesota is expected to follow suit. In this memo, Stillwater examines the potential impacts of implementing an LCFS-style program in New Mexico on
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).
(Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative) SAF R&D at Sandia National Laboratories (Presentation PDF) Webinar Recording Anthe George (Sandia National Laboratories) Ryan Davis (Sandia National Laboratories) Alexander Landera (Sandia National Laboratories) Isaac Ekoto (Sandia National Laboratories) READ MORE SAF R&D at Sandia National Laboratories - Webinar Recording
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
(University of New Mexico) A project from The University of New Mexico has been selected for funding under a U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office interagency agreement with the Minority Serving Institution STEM Research & Development Consortium. Abhaya Datye, Distinguished Professor in the
by John Hanna (Associated Press) Kansas water experts are sounding an alarm decades in the making: Farmers and ranchers in the state’s western half must stop pumping more water out of a vast aquifer than nature puts back each year or
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
(U.S. Department of Energy) Three projects have been selected for funding under a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) interagency agreement with the Minority Serving Institution STEM Research & Development Consortium (MSRDC). DOE has leveraged the interagency agreement to reduce barriers to entry for
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) On December 1, 2022, EPA announces a proposed rule to establish required Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes and percentage standards for 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as to propose a series of important modifications to strengthen
(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,
by Robert Zullo (Wisconsin Examiner) Across the country, states are inking agreements with neighbors or striking out on their own to pursue billions in federal funding to set up “hydrogen hubs,” clustered centers for production, storage and use of the gas
by Karin Rives (S&P Global) ... The San Juan plant is not the only carbon capture project receiving funds from the federal government that has struggled to become operational. With a lot more money coming, how the U.S. government allocates it
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) A big shift is occurring in U.S. trade of biobased diesel so far this year, according to the latest import and export numbers released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Renewable diesel imports are down,
(Biofuels Central) HF Sinclair Commenced production of renewable diesel at the Artesia, New Mexico renewable diesel facility.... The Cheyenne renewable diesel unit (“RDU”) was mechanically complete in the fourth quarter of 2021 and fully operational in the first quarter of 2022,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Upgrading bio-oils with petroleum feedstocks at existing refineries—known as “co-processing”—could offer a fast pathway for lowering the carbon footprint of today’s transportation fuels. In this three-part blog series, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
by Melissa Anderson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Eleven years ago, California led the way with the implementation of its Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which continues to be a guiding force for clean fuel policy on the West Coast and beyond. Since
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The EU policy includes a blending obligation for fuel suppliers. Starting in 2025, the aviation fuel made available to EU airports should contain 2% SAF, increasing to 5% by 2030, 32% by 2040 and 63%
by Aliyah Kovner (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) ... Well aware of the advantages biology has to offer, a group of biofuel experts led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) took inspiration from an extraordinary antifungal molecule made by Streptomyces bacteria to
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
(City of Albuquerque) Rule requires more stringent motor vehicle emissions standards to improve air quality -- Today the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) and the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board (AQCB) each adopted the Clean Car Rule after a joint public
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Stewart Stewart of BayoTech discusses the U.S. hydrogen industry, its potential to utilize RNG, and the company’s rollout of regional hubs. -- The hydrogen economy is here and now. The rapidly growing opportunity is significant,
(U.S. Department of Energy) 15 teams are advancing as finalists in the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) 2022–2023 AlgaePrize competition. Finalist teams were selected based on their 10-page research synopsis which described each team’s research plan for their proposed project
(U.S. Department of Energy) Since 2018, a multi-laboratory consortium, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and guided by an industrial advisory board, has focused on adding co-processing of bio-oils into existing refinery units with petroleum feedstocks to produce
by Daniel B. Fishman and Anne Otwell (U.S. Department of Energy) National laboratories discover the telltale signs of algae distress to target effective treatments and mitigate crop collapse. -- Algae are an exciting renewable feedstock for the future of sustainable
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you want to know what is being done to overcome current limitations for conversion of algae biomass to fuels and bioproducts by efficient utilization of proteins and carbohydrates, which are the dominant components of
by Dan Bresette and Emma Johnson (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The aviation industry will be one of the toughest sectors to decarbonize. Yet, most of the major airlines have announced net zero emissions goals by 2050. So how are they
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium is led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and coordinates efforts among 9 labs – big ones like NREL, ORNL, Sandia, INL and others. Check out the
by Jorja Siemons (Medill News Service/Planet Forward) Clean hydrogen fuel’s versatility and flexibility makes it foundational to a clean energy transition, experts told lawmakers, including clean hydrogen enthusiast Joe Manchin, at a Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources hearing
by Adrian Hedden (Carlsbad Current-Argus) A bill that would see less pollutive fuel for cars and trucks passed the New Mexico Senate Thursday and will now go before the State House of Representatives for consideration. If Senate Bill 14, the Clean Fuel Standard
by Jeff Beach (AgWeek) State agencies have been meeting with stakeholder groups, including farm groups. A report will be sent to Gov. Tim Walz in February. -- Minnesota is exploring the possibility of joining the likes of California by creating a
by Liz Hampton (Reuters) ...The rules governing the carbon-injection wells for most states require federal approval with the first permits taking around six years to win a green light. Oil states, including Texas and Louisiana, want to take over permit reviews
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) From algal-based wastewater treatment plants and purification ponds with biofuels/co-products in California to aviation fuels and algae strain improvements, MicroBio is leading R&D and innovation of microalgae cultivation for bio products. Get all the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What clean fuel standards are on the horizon? Graham Noyes, Executive Director of the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition shared this illuminating slide guide on clean fuel standard fundamentals, LCFS and how it promotes investment in low
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 65 countries have targets or mandates--how much, where, when and what? READ MORE Commodities 2022: European biofuel mandates to structurally shift ethanol demand higher in the year (S&P Global Platts) European Biofuel Mandates to Structurally Shift Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2022? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2021 gives
by Elliott Blackburn (Argus Media) New low-carbon fuel supplies will add pressure in 2022 on California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits already trading near three-year lows. California this year recorded some of the nation's largest drops in transportation fuel demand compared
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The Biden administration on Tuesday finalized a reversal of a rule issued under then-U.S. President Donald Trump that sought to pre-empt California's vehicle emissions regulations. The Department of Transportation said it was issuing final rules rescinding the Trump
(Associated Press) New Mexico’s Democratic governor on Monday renewed her call for state legislators in the major oil producing state to approve requirements for fuel producers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement that “New Mexico
(Applied Research Associates/Globe Newswire) Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) today announced the licensing of its patented Hydrothermal Cleanup feedstock pretreatment technology (“HCU Pretreat”) to Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company (Sinclair) for the development of a 7,500 BPD renewable feedstock pretreatment unit at
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Market momentum, potential and policy were some of the main discussion topics at the virtual Biogas Americas conference. -- ... With 2,200-plus operating systems in all 50 states, the U.S. biogas market seems sizeable. According
by Amanda Barry (Los Alamos National Laboratory) ... When we talk about algae, we’re really talking about a diverse group of organisms that thrive in a plethora of environments, from seawater to freshwater, from pulp mill ponds to hot springs.
(U.S. Department of Energy) Tthe U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $8 million for nine cooperative projects that will complement existing H2@Scale efforts and support DOE’s Hydrogen Shot goal to drive down the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% within the decade. The
by Emily Holbrooke (Environment + Energy Leader) MBL Bioenergy has entered into definitive agreements to develop several clusters of dairy farm digester projects to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) from multiple farms in South Dakota. ... RNG projects have gained popularity and
(Renewable Fuels Association) ... From cooking he eventually moved to distilling and then, when the second plant opened, he was on the startup crew. When the third plant was built, that was his to manage. The company was Mountain Development
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Leveraging existing refining infrastructure leverages billions US$ in CAPEX and 5 million bpd of crude refining. NREL, PNNL, and LANL is tackling how to accelerate adoption of co-processing biomass-derived feedstocks with petroleum streams in operating
by Kendra Seymour (Stillwater Associates) As explained in our LCFS 101 Beginner’s Guide and LCFS 101 Update articles, California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) aims to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) by reducing the average carbon intensity (CI) of transportation fuels that are used
by Carly Nairn (Mongabay) - Algae biofuel initially looked promising, but a few key problems have thwarted major research efforts, including development of a strain of algae able to produce plentiful cheap fuel, and scaling up to meet global energy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy on June 24 announced it will award $30 million to 68 projects that aim to accelerate the commercialization of promising energy technologies, including those related to biofuels, bioenergy and bioproducts. The
(Oberon Fuels) Project will develop novel pathway to reducing carbon content of global hydrogen supply; Converting renewable DME into hydrogen will solve vexing issues related to hydrogen production, transport and storage and open up new feedstocks for cost-effective renewable hydrogen
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Did you know that adding plant substrate to some algae strains (not all!) can result in improved biomass and/or lipid production? That’s what Amanda Barry from Sandia National Labs reported in this slide guide on
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) MicroBio Engineering, Heliae, Sandia National Labs and Cal Poly shared how they developed the capability for over 3,700 gal/ac-yrof biofuel intermediates through microalgal strain improvement, mixotrophic approaches and novel conversion technology, demonstrated annual productivity of
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of four projects totaling $1 million to conduct cutting-edge applied research and development concerning the interaction between promising biofuels and combustion engines. The projects will leverage a
(U.S. Department of Energy) A report released this week highlights the most significant breakthroughs of the last year in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative, with details on findings that could translate into significant greenhouse gas
by Oliver Milman (The Guardian) Joe Biden’s administration, seeking deep cuts to planet-heating emissions, is facing pressure to take a previously unthinkable step: declare the end of the internal combustion engine in the US. Washington state has moved to call time on
by Laura Mullane (Los Alamos National Laboratory) Helping to strengthen the economic viability of biorefineries in the production of alternative fuels derived from biomass is critical to decreasing the use of fossil fuels and mitigating carbon dioxide emissions. To that end,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... (A)an even hotter report from Jonn Axsen, Director of Sustainable Transportation Action Research Team and Michael Wolinetz at Navius Research is slamming California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office 2018 Low Carbon Fuel Standard report that
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation introduced in New Mexico on Jan. 19 aims to establish a Clean Fuel Standard within the state. The bill is supported by New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham, the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition, and the
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) An update on U.S. renewable diesel projects—operational, expanding, under construction and proposed—giving new purpose to aging oil refineries. The report represents a transformative volume of nearly 5.5 billion gallons of new or potential capacity. The appeal
by Earl Draayer (Sioux City Journal) ... Grassley (Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA)) proposes an increase of 50% of oil and gas royalties on federal land leased to oil and gas companies. The royalties were established a century ago under the
by Senators Tom Udall (D-N) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) (New York Times) One hundred years ago, Congress passed the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, setting up a system in which companies lease public lands to wrest valuable oil and gas from
by Sheila Van Cuyk (U.S. Department of Energy) ... One such project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is targeting sustainable aviation fuels that can reduce harmful emissions, including greenhouse gases. Not all Transportation Fuels are Created Equal Relative to gasoline and diesel,
by Meghan Gordon, Jasmin Melvin and Maya Weber (S&P Global Platts) Lack of 'blue wave' to sweep in climate agenda; Fracking faceoff amplifies rural-urban divide; Status quo embraced in governor, state house races -- ... "Energy remains a powerful wedge
by J. Richard Hess (Idaho National Laboratory) ...Even though MSW (municipal solid waste) has great potential, not much was known about the cost and quality of feedstocks that could be derived from MSW or MSW blends for fuel production. In
by Michael Bates (NGT News) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has officially launched the Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and the H2NEW consortia to advance fuel cell truck and hydrogen production R&D. The announcement builds upon DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
(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
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
by Edwin Seba (Retuers/Mercury News) Marathon Petroleum plans to permanently close its oil refineries in Martinez and Gallup, New Mexico, the company said, eliminating 800 jobs in response to lower fuels demand. Marathon said it plans to use the Martinez facility as an
(U.S. Department of Energy) ... A challenge for algal biofuel development is finding strains of algae best suited for producing copious amounts of oil quickly and under industrial-scale conditions. Maintaining pond health is also challenging—deteriorating health in a small fraction of
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of eight projects totaling over $5 million to conduct research and development (R&D) needed to accelerate the US biomanufacturing sector. Part of the Agile BioFoundry (ABF) consortium, these
by Jim Morrison (Washington Post) When Randy Jordan, a fifth-generation dairy farmer in central Massachusetts, looked into turning manure from his 300 cows into natural gas more than a decade ago, he just wanted to find a way to lower his
by Carrie Talus (New Mexico Consortium) New Mexico Consortium scientist, Joseph Msanne, along with colleagues Shawn Starkenburg and Juergen Polle, recently published an article titled An Assessment of Heterotrophy and Mixotrophy in Scenedesmus and its Utilization in Wastewater Treatment, in the June
by Kelsey D. Atherton (Forbes) ... The process patented by Los Alamos uses a byproduct of ethanol production, letting America's love of fueling vehicles with corn fuel even more dangerous vehicles. ... The U.S. Navy pursued a cheaper, biofuel alternative for JP-10 for
by Kyle Mizokami (Popular Mechanics) The new fuel blend uses feedstocks instead of petroleum in an effort to limit the military's dependence on fossil fuels. -- Modern cruise missiles are powered by turbine engines running off JP-10. -Scientists at Los
by Christy Sterner (U.S. Department of Energy) How ATEC leads the way toward educating the next generation of bioeconomy professionals. The Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) is a collaboration between the Algae Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), and the National Renewable Energy
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
(Carbon 180) Soil carbon storage offers significant economic and environmental opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Agricultural practices that store carbon in the soil can help fight climate change at a low cost. Those same practices can also improve overall soil
by Ike Levine, Tiffany Cannis and Marissa Nalley (Algae Industry Magazine) In these turbulent times, when many educational programs are in limbo, we wondered what is happening to algae education? For a perspective, we asked leaders of the Algae Foundation
by Emily Holbrook (Environment and Energy Leader) This week marks the completion of the Indy High BTU plant at the Indianapolis South Side Landfill. The plant, which will be fully operational March 20, will convert landfill methane gas into approximately 8 million gallons of pipeline-quality
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) On the 100 year anniversary of the Mineral Leasing Act, senators introduce the Fair Returns for Public Lands Act of 2020 to modernize the country’s antiquated public lands royalty system, increase return to federal
(Biofuels International) ASTM International has approved a new production pathway for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), created by Applied Research Associates (ARA) and Chevron Lummus Global (CLG). The new production pathway, which is called catalytic hydrothermolysis jet (CHJ), is expected to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Scott Twary from Los Alamos National Laboratory is working on how to design an integrated strain improvement platform for algae with faster production and to meet BETO’s mission goals of developing technologies for algae strain improvement
(GreenAir Online) A new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) specification has been approved for commercial airline use by standards development organisation ASTM International, with support from the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI). The new annex to the SAF specification D7566 establishes
(Photonics/Los Alamos National Laboratory) Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory used photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition to upgrade biomass-derived acetone — common nail polish remover — to higher-mass hydrocarbons, and produced a product that can be blended with conventional jet
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s a lot of flat, dry land in the U.S. but researchers at Arizona State University and others are looking at how that land could support biofuel production. How about evaporation-resistant reactors coupled with thermotolerant, high-productivity
By Ron Warnick (Quay County Sun) The president of a Tucumcari biofuels company said he anticipates construction will begin in February to convert a closed ethanol plant on the city's north side into a methane-gas plant that will create 40 jobs
(Business Wire) Dominion Energy and Vanguard Renewables announced today a more than $200 million, nationwide strategic partnership to convert methane from U.S. dairy farms into clean, renewable natural gas (RNG) that can heat homes, power businesses and fuel vehicles. Multiple projects
(HollyFrontier) ... HollyFrontier Corporation (NYSE: HFC) ("HollyFrontier") today (November 18, 2019) announced a series of strategic actions targeting growth, risk management and shareholder returns: a new renewable diesel unit (“RDU”) project, regular dividend annual growth target and a new HollyFrontier
(Office of Representative Peter Welch (D-VT)) Bill would phase out corn ethanol mandate, reverse tide of habitat destruction, and boost the mandate for advanced biofuels that reduce greenhouse gases -- Today (November 14, 2019), Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) introduced
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Next last week, there was lots of buzz and tons of discussion about all sorts of things, but what were the key takeaways? Let's start with Sustainable Aviation Fuels, CRISPR, new food, the
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 Josh Siegel & Abby Smith (Washington Examiner's Daily on Energy) New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and eight other U.S. mayors released a policy “playbook” Thursday for how cities can cut emissions from the transportation and building sectors. The mayors say if the largest 100
(Algae Biomass Organization) Four student scientists were recognized with the Algae Biomass Organization’s Young Algae Researcher Awards for their contributions to fields of algae biology and engineering at the 2019 Algae Biomass Summit, held in Orlando, Florida, September 16-19. The awards are
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
(Sierra Club) Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that New Mexico will join 14 other states in adopting clean car standards requiring new cars sold in the state to emit fewer greenhouse gases. They also mandate an increasing percentage of cars
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Algae has a lot of recent federal support, and this presentation takes us there. The Advanced Algal Systems is working on a host of strategies to focus on enhacing productivity, feedstock, quality and robust yields
(Science Daily/U.S. Department of Energy Los Alamos Laboratory) New DNA analysis has revealed surprising genetic diversity in a bacterium that poses a persistent threat to the algae biofuels industry. With the evocative name Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus, the predatory pest sucks out the
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) The agreement could have vehicles hit 50 miles per gallon on average by 2026 -- Four automakers from three continents have struck a deal with California to produce fleets that are more fuel-efficient in
(Los Alamos National Laboratory/Phys.Org) New DNA analysis has revealed surprising genetic diversity in a bacterium that poses a persistent threat to the algae biofuels industry. With the evocative name Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus, the predatory pest sucks out the contents of the algae cells
by Jonathan Male (U.S. Department of Energy) Algae is a fast-growing industry that needs a skilled workforce of scientists, researchers, and engineers to advance algae technology and the commercialization of algal products to support the bioeconomy. With funding from the Bioenergy
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