(PR Web/Maine Standard Biofuels) Maine Standard Biofuels is headed to the big city. On April 16, the Portland-based biofuels pioneer will be in New York City to showcase its new green cleaning products—as well as its cutting-edge biofuel-conversion process—at an event hosted by sustainable seafood purveyor Luke’s Lobster. — Since launching in
New York
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Brightmark Energy, a San Francisco-based owner and operator of waste and energy projects, recently launched a biogas project in Yakima County, Wash. The project is expected to convert 150,000 gallons per day of dairy waste from up to 7,000 cows into 160,000 MMBtu of renewable natural
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On March 25, Patrick Serfass, executive director of the American Biogas Council, sent letters to state lawmakers in Maryland expressing support for two pieces of legislation that would benefit the state’s biogas industry. The first letter expresses support for HB 510, a bill that aims to
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) (Paul D.) Tonko, the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, says he wants to introduce a bill that would put a price on carbon and bring net U.S. emissions to zero by mid-century, Pro’s Anthony Adragna reports this morning.
(Energy Vision/Waste 360) Energy Vision filed testimony with the New York State Legislature to include biomethane made from organic waste as a renewable energy source in the CCPA. — Energy Vision, which researches clean energy and transportation technologies, recently filed testimony with the New York State Legislature making the case for including biomethane
by Michael Corkery (New York Times) … “We are in a crisis moment in the recycling movement right now,” said Fiona Ma, the treasurer of California, where recycling costs have increased in some cities. Prompting this nationwide reckoning is China, which until January 2018 had been a big buyer of
(Attis Industries/Globe Newswire) The Company aims to harness their proprietary technology through multiple biomass processing facilities to cater to the rising demand of ethanol, carbon fibre, and other products. Attis Industries (ATIS) took its first big step in the field of renewable energy when the Company acquired the ethanol production facility
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Only a few days after Jay Inslee formally announced his 2020 presidential bid with a specific focus on climate change, the Washington governor preached that the United States will face “enormous cost” if it doesn’t act on climate change. “We know we can invent and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Douglas B. Rivers, PhD,from Sunflwr Consulting and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview and more READ MORE
(National Biodiesel Board) Policymakers in New York City are determined to reduce harmful emissions from energy sources, and they have made biodiesel a linchpin in that effort. New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides, who represents a portion of the Borough of Queens is passionate in his support. “I look
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy recently awarded nearly $6 million to four projects under its OPEN+ program for the Sensors for Bioenergy and Agriculture cohort team. According to ARPA-E, the team will develop ultra-low energy distributed sensors to improve production efficiency
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … What especially caught industry attention was the teaser that “Attis will use the facility to produce low carbon cellulosic biofuels and plans to invest additional funds to enable it to meet growing demand in New York state,” and let’s look at that in more detail.
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Jan. 17, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the Green New Deal, a clean energy and jobs agenda that calls for the state to achieve 100 percent clean power by 2040. It also aims to set new renewable energy mandates. Information released by the governor
(Attis Industries/Globe Newswire) Attis Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: ATIS) (the “Company” or “Attis”), a diversified innovation and technology holding company today announced that it has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN) (“Sunoco”) to acquire and operate its corn ethanol plant and grain malting operation in Fulton,
Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) announced $11 million in funding for 7 projects in the next two cohorts of the agency’s OPEN+ program: Energy-Water Technologies and Sensors for Bioenergy and Agriculture. Energy-Water cohort teams will develop new, energy-efficient processing technologies

The year 2019 will be full of news at the DATAGRO Conferences events . The ISO DATAGRO NY happen for the first time in the event space 583 Park Avenue , on the 15th of May. In addition to the new venue, other major events will take place during the
Nine States and D.C. to Design Regional Approach to Cap Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Transportation
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown University Climate Center) A coalition of nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia today announced their intent to design a new regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels, and invest proceeds from the
(Niagara Frontier Publications) The Diesel Technology students in Wes Blidy’s class recently toured the Western New York Energy facility in Medina. The facility is the first ethanol plant in the northeast United States. They are a locally owned company with a mission of developing the full potential of Western New York’s renewable energy
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 that camelina offers. The highly concentrated fatty acids produced by
(North American Clean Energy/New York State Energy and Research Development Authority) The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority(NYSERDA) announced that $19 million is available to accelerate the use of anaerobic digester gas-to-electricity projects and clean energy technologies to make farm operations more energy efficient. The use of clean energy
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 existential threat to our planet,” she tweeted. “Water-adjacent cities, especially
by Adele Peters (Fast Company) At a steel mill outside Beijing, reactors attached to the building capture emissions from the factory. Those waste gases can then be turned into fuel. LanzaTech, a biotech startup that designed a way to turn those emissions into ethanol, recently blended that ethanol into jet fuel that powered
by Marianne Lavelle (Inside Climate News) Democratic election victories raised the odds of climate change policies succeeding, activists and analysts say. A national plan was also just floated in Congress. — At least seven state governments are poised at the brink of putting a price on climate-warming carbon emissions within the next
(HDT Trucking Info) Following a successful six-month demonstration period where New York City tested one million gallons of renewable diesel, the city has announced it will expand the use of renewable diesel and phase out the use of traditional diesel for its fleet. Renewable diesel (also called R-99) is a 99% petroleum-free diesel
(NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services) DCAS to Expand Use of 99% Petroleum-Free Renewable Diesel in City Vehicles — City Aims to Phase Out Use of Traditional Diesel Fuel — The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) today announced that it will expand use of renewable diesel fuel, a 99% petroleum-free alternative to traditional
(Georgetown Climate Center) In November 2017, member jurisdictions from the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) began a public conversation inviting stakeholder input on the opportunities, challenges, and benefits of a modern, low-carbon transportation system, and what policies catalyzing these benefits might look like. Between March and August 2018, TCI hosted a series of

Plan to join us for a half-day workshop — hosted by Energy Vision in collaboration with academic, industry, government and NGO partners — on the production and use in New York of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) made from organic waste, with a particular focus on agricultural, municipal and food processing
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Voters in Washington state on Tuesday rejected a proposed carbon tax that would have been the first such levy in the nation. The policy would have been an effort to fight climate change by mandating that companies using or selling fossil fuels pay taxes equal to $15 per metric ton
(North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) An international research team has found they can increase corn productivity by targeting the enzyme in charge of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. In a report published in the journal Nature Plants, researchers note that corn is a staple food for billions of people around
(University of Maryland) Workshop on Opportunities and Challenges in Anaerobic Digestion Maryland and the Northeast US Experience Topics •Anaerobic Digestion: Where We Are Today •Digester Systems in the Northeast–Successful Case Studies •Federal Biogas Policy •MD State Biogas Policy •Use of Biogas: Scrubbing, RNG, GenSets, and Use of Excess Heat •Food Waste
by Rochelle Li (The Cornell Daily Sun) A Cornell professor believes biofuel can make fuel cleaner, and was recently granted $2 million by the Department of Energy to research the future of biofuel use in diesel engines. Prof. Thomas Avedisian, mechanical and aerospace engineering, hopes to answer whether enough biofuel can
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 oil and gas company YPF, made a
by Bill Keba* (Advanced Biofuels USA) October 2, 2018, Annapolis, Maryland. Inside the Doubletree Inn, it was as hectic as the traffic on Route 50. Eightyfive paid attendees were gathering, registering, networking, and hurriedly settling in for the 9:15 start of this workshop titled Opportunities and Challenges in Anaerobic Digestion:
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Founded in 2008, Anellotech has developed a clean technology platform for inexpensively producing bio-based chemicals from renewable non-food biomass. These drop-in, green versions of widely used petrochemicals; benzene, toluene and xylenes, are used to make plastics for consumer goods such as beverage bottles and packaging, clothing,
by Michelle Beckford (go-Jamaica.com/University of Technology, Jamaica) The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) and Elhydro Limited on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise collaboration in biodiesel production and research. The MoU agreement signed by UTech, Jamaica President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie and Elhydro Limited President,
by Robert Walton (Utility Dive) Consolidated Edison on Wednesday proposed a slate of gas projects and programs aimed at addressing rapidly-growing demand in New York City and Westchester County, which the utility says requires a new pipeline to serve the region’s energy needs. The utility wants to invest $305 million to fund
(Dunkin’ Donuts) Actress and Coffee Enthusiast, Olivia Wilde, Incorporates Her Personal Style into the Home That Runs on Dunkin’ — For years America has run on Dunkin’, and today Dunkin’ Donuts® Coffee at Home is bringing that slogan to life in New York City with the Home That Runs on Dunkin’, the tiny home powered
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 33 is a working group of international experts with the aim to promote the commercialization of efficient, economical and environmentally preferable thermal biomass gasification processes. Kevin Whitty gave this illuminating overview of the progress and promise of thermal gasification of biomass in the
by Irina V. Chernyshova, Ponisseril Somasundaran and Sathish Ponnurangam (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) The understanding of a catalytic reaction starts with understanding its first elementary step. Surprisingly, despite the large number of studies, it is unclear whether one common or two different first intermediates control the selectivity of

In the past few years, transportation sector decarbonization has been heavily oriented towards electrification. However, for aviation, shipping and the heavy-duty vehicle sector, electrification poses a challenge. Renewable fuels play an important role in The Port Authority´s long-term sustainability strategy to achieve aggressive emission reduction goals. From the pioneering partnership
(JetBlue/Airbus/Business Wire) The Delivery Flight for JetBlue’s Newest A321 Aircraft Becomes the Airline’s First-Ever Flight Powered by Renewable Jet Fuel Blend — JetBlue (Nasdaq:JBLU) today received its latest A321 aircraft from Airbus’ U.S. A320 Family production facility in Mobile, Ala. The acceptance flight followed by JetBlue’s scheduled ferry flight, taking place on September 20, marks JetBlue’s
by Cole Latimer (Sydney Morning Herald) startup company backed by energy giant Shell has developed a method to turn carbon dioxide into fuel by adding fake sunlight. US company Dimensional Energy has developed an “artificial photosynthesis” process with a photoreactor that converts carbon dioxide, using sunlight and water, into synthetic fuels and
(Riverhead Local/Tank Terminal) Riverhead officials have reached agreement with United Riverhead Terminal to allow the company to install six tanks to store biofuel at its Northville facility. The company says it needs the storage tanks at the facility to comply with a state law requiring heating oil wholesalers to sell
by Justin Bachman (Bloomberg) For years, airlines have experimented with biofuels, aiming to reduce both carbon emissions and their reliance on fossil fuels. It’s been a turbulent journey buffeted by inconsistent investment and the periodic lure of cheap oil. But several major carriers are planning larger-scale usage of biofuel in 2019 and 2020, including JetBlue Airways Corp. and
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 the co-optimization of engines and fuels. “Improving the affordability of
by Tim Pearce (Daily Caller) The owner of a New York-based renewable fuels trading company was sentenced to over five years in prison and fined roughly $26 million Monday for his role in a massive biofuel fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Ohio resident Gregory Schnabel used his company GRC
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Founded in 2008, Anellotech has developed a clean technology platform for inexpensively producing bio-based chemicals from renewable non-food biomass. These drop-in, green versions of widely used petrochemicals; benzene, toluene and xylenes, are used to make plastics for consumer goods such as beverage bottles and packaging, clothing,

In his 2018 State of the State, Governor Cuomo directed New York’s environmental, energy, and transportation agencies to work together towards a cleaner, safer, and more reliable low-carbon transportation future. In response, these agencies (NYSDEC, NYSERDA, and NYSDOT) are hosting regional stakeholder discussions to encourage conversations around clean transportation. As

In his 2018 State of the State, Governor Cuomo directed New York’s environmental, energy, and transportation agencies to work together towards a cleaner, safer, and more reliable low-carbon transportation future. In response, these agencies (NYSDEC, NYSERDA, and NYSDOT) are hosting regional stakeholder discussions to encourage conversations around clean transportation. As

In his 2018 State of the State, Governor Cuomo directed New York’s environmental, energy, and transportation agencies to work together towards a cleaner, safer, and more reliable low-carbon transportation future. In response, these agencies (NYSDEC, NYSERDA, and NYSDOT) are hosting regional stakeholder discussions to encourage conversations around clean transportation. As

In his 2018 State of the State, Governor Cuomo directed New York’s environmental, energy, and transportation agencies to work together towards a cleaner, safer, and more reliable low-carbon transportation future. In response, these agencies (NYSDEC, NYSERDA, and NYSDOT) are hosting regional stakeholder discussions to encourage conversations around clean transportation. As
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) A federal judge dismissed New York’s lawsuit against five big oil and gas companies for their role in climate change. New York argued the companies should compensate the city for the cost of mitigating the effects of global warming. U.S. District Court Judge John F. Keenan ruled that problems associated
( Clean Energy Fuels Corp/Biomass Magazine) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced that Brookhaven, New York, a municipality that moved away from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) 10 years ago, has extended Clean Energy’s contract for another five years. Brookhaven is taking its sustainability efforts to a new level by becoming
by Mark Hand (ThinkProgress) Democratic nominee Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has one of the most ambitious climate plans. — An impressive list of anti-fossil fuel and pro-climate action candidates won party primaries on Tuesday night, indicating that environmental issues could receive greater attention in this fall’s general elections, especially as lawmakers devise plans to
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Recently, the Georgetown Climate Center facilitated the third in a series of Transportation and Climate Initiative Listening Sessions designed to “(cast) a broader net to obtain input on strategies our states (CT, DE, DC, MD, MA, NY, RI, and VT) should consider to reduce
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) In a joint letter, New York City councilmembers are urging Mayor Bill de Blasio to “show environmental leadership” by encouraging the adoption of renewable natural gas (RNG) as a transportation fuel. Specifically, they encourage the use of biomethane fuel, RNG made from organic waste. Twelve members
by Denise Civiletti (Riverhead Local) A proposal by United Riverhead Terminal to install six tanks for storing 108,000 gallons of biofuel at its Northville facility drew intense opposition from residents of the surrounding area during a public hearing at Riverhead Town Hall last night. United Riverhead Terminal, owner and operator of

The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is beginning to host listening sessions, inviting input on potential policy approaches to bring about a cleaner and more resilient transportation future across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. In November, recognizing the opportunities for communities and businesses in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to benefit
(Attis Industries) Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky, and Minnesota Present Most Competitive Options — Attis Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATIS) (the “Company” or “Attis”), a diversified innovation and technology holding company, today announced its approval of its lead sites for acquisition and construction of its planned biorefining facilities. Attis has accumulated a portfolio of
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Energy Vision, the New York League of Conservation Voters and WE ACT for Environmental Justice, are calling on New York City to stop buying heavy-duty diesel vehicles for its municipal fleets and to adopt alternatives that are available today. Specifically, they are
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) … Fortistar owns and operates lower-carbon energy generating portfolios in the U.S. and Canada. This includes cogeneration facilities, waste-heat recovery power plants, compressed natural gas fueling stations, landfill power plants, projects that reduce carbon in industrial facilities, and biomass facilities. Its portfolio of associated companies includes Generational
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Sweetwater Energy and Europe’s largest wood pellet producer, the Tallinn, Estonia-based AS Graanul Invest, said that they will build a commercial-scale integrated biorefinery that will produce clean cellulosic sugars and highly pure lignin from 50,000 tons of local hardwood each year. In addition, the plant
by Camille von Kaenel (E&E News) … The Trump administration’s efforts to weaken vehicle pollution requirements could set up a split U.S. market, concentrating fuel-efficient cars in mostly Democratic states and gas guzzlers in the red states. President Trump’s plans could drastically skew how much consumers pay for the same cars,
(Construction Equipment) The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) has announced that it will for the first time use renewable diesel, a low-emissions, 99 percent petroleum-free fuel, to power over 1,000 City government vehicles including many of its sanitation trucks. DCAS made the announcement this week at a
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik) Our emissions standards are probably the biggest booster to automotive performance in the past half century, making our cars not only more eco-friendly but more powerful, too. Trump has been trying to cut it all down, but now California and 16 other states suing to stop him. … …
(Bioenergy Insight) New research is suggesting that advanced anaerobic digestion and reverse osmosis filtration in agriculture could be leaving behind ‘concerning levels’ of antibiotic residues. … When farmers repurpose animal manure as fertiliser or bedding, traces of antibiotics can leach into the environment – contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Aiming to discuss the main issues of the global Sugar and Ethanol industries and to bring together representatives of the international community of producers, traders, brokers, investors, and from the financial market in general, the Santander Bank, International Sugar Organization (ISO) and DATAGRO will hold, on May 09th, 2018 the
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Biodiesel Magazine) Scientists studying plant biochemistry at the U.S. DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered new details about biomolecules that put the brakes on oil production. The findings suggest that disabling these biomolecular brakes could push oil production into high gear—a possible pathway toward generating abundant biofuels and plant-derived
by Benjamin Storrow (E&E News) … Transportation emissions threaten to undercut blue states’ climate goals, raising questions about their ability to lead U.S. climate efforts at a time when the federal government is rolling back environmental regulations. Emissions from cars, trucks and other mobile sources are on the rise nationally.
(Algae Industry Magazine) The University of Hawaii at Hilo announced that in affiliation with Duke and Cornell Universities, researchers have authored a study that suggests making croplands more efficient through algae production could unlock an important negative emission technology to combat climate change. Their research, “Integrating Algae with Bioenergy Carbon Capture
by Katie Worth (Frontline/The Groundtruth Project) Last spring, science teachers across the nation began receiving unsolicited packages containing classroom materials from a libertarian group that rejects the scientific consensus on climate change. This spring, some of the same teachers are opening packages containing very different materials: A book written by
(Enerkem/Oil and Gas 360/PR Newswire) Enerkem Inc., a world-leading waste-to-biofuels and chemicals producer, announced today during the 255th American Chemical Society national meeting being held in New Orleans, that it had succeeded in producing a new high-performance biofuel that could improve the octane rating of fuels sold on the market and reduce their carbon
by Andrea Ray (Sippican Week) If all goes as planned, the Zero Waste Solutions trash processing facility in Rochester could be among the first in the country to produce a renewable alternative to gasoline. That’s what Zero Waste CEO Mike Camara told Rochester’s Board of Selectmen on March 19. He and
(FuelsCellsWorks/U.S. Department of Energy) Innovative Natural-gas Technologies for Efficiency Gain in Reliable and Affordable Thermochemical Electricity-generation (INTEGRATE) The U.S. electric system is dominated by large, central power plants and an extensive transmission and distribution system commonly referred to as the “grid.” Two-thirds of the primary energy used to generate the electricity

Focus on the development of policies and strategies for reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector. Participating TCI states have announced a series of stakeholder discussions to promote a safer, cleaner and more reliable transportation future through policies and strategies that will accelerate the deployment of zero-emission vehicles and related
by Jennifer Michalowski (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) Scientists have figured out how to triple the number of grains that the sorghum plant produces: by lowering the level of a key hormone, generating more flowers and more seeds. This points toward a strategy for significantly increasing the yield of sorghum and other
by Richard A. Lovett (Cosmos) Could green microorganisms be the geoengineering fix the world’s needs? — … Not only can these fast-growing single-celled plants provide biomass for carbon-neutral fuels, they can provide animal feeds and high-quality protein supplements for a human population that looks to be headed for a peak of about
(University of Illinois, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology/Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the University of Illinois a $10.6 million, five-year grant to transform two of the most productive crops in America into sustainable sources of biodiesel and biojet fuel. The new research project Renewable Oil Generated
(Phys.Org/University of Rochester) In order to power entire communities with clean energy, such as solar and wind power, a reliable backup storage system is needed to provide energy when the sun isn’t shining and the wind doesn’t blow. One possibility is to use any excess solar- and wind-based energy to
by Natasha Geiling (ThinkProgress) Currently only one state in the country has an economy-wide cap on carbon. These states want to change that — Lawmakers from nine states announced on Wednesday that they would be forming a coalition to help pass carbon pricing at the local level, citing the importance of state-level policies

THEME: Innovation in STEM – Scientistas Advancing the Field Each year, Scientista events draw hundreds of collegiate women across science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine to become empowered through networking, research, workshops, career fairs, and inspirational talks and panels. The Scientista Symposium is a two day conference that empowers undergraduate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s been a big week in plastics and nylons, all right — not only for those who value sustainability attributes, but for fans of lower costs and higher performance, too. Let’s look at 4 Biggies makin’ a stir. Wisconsin researchers report bioplastic precursor breakthrough .. Aquafil,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) To date, North America is the most active of all regions in terms of deploying advanced technology — whether it is cellulosic ethanol, isobutanol for fuels and chemicals, or renewable chemical plants, you see the first and the most, here. There are three drivers for that:
by Bill de Blasio (New York City Mayor/Washington Post) … America’s largest city, 8.5 million strong, is taking decisive action on two separate fronts. We are demanding compensation from those who profit from climate change. And we plan to withdraw our formidable investment portfolio from an economic system that is harmful
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … In it, we are reminded that innovation is a never-ending war between two brothers named Urgency and Diligence — and the conflict comes roaring back to life when we consider the news that occasionally seeps out of that mysterious Middle Earth country, best known in the bioeconomy as Anellotech. The
by Angela Matua (QNS.com) A new bill passed in the City Council on Dec. 19, 2017 will require that a two-year study be completed to determine how feasible it would be to use renewable fuels and technology to power the city’s ferries. Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he
by Gerald B. Silverman (Bloomberg) Motor fuel could be the next target for controlling greenhouse gas emissions in the Northeast, as seven states that have already clamped down on power plants train their sights on the transportation sector. The states are considering a new cap-and-trade program modeled after the Regional Greenhouse
(Office of the Governor of New York State) New York’s Common Fund, the Third Largest in the Nation, Manages Over $200 Billion in Retirement Assets for More than One Million New Yorkers; Will Partner with Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to Form Advisory Panel to De-Carbonize Fund’s Portfolio — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled
(Phys.Org/Cell Press) Consumers across the world enjoy Greek yogurt for its taste, texture, and protein-packed punch. Reaching that perfect formula, however, generates large volumes of food waste in the form of liquid whey. Now researchers in the United States and Germany have found a way to use bacteria to turn the
by Anne Ju (Cornell Chronicle) A Cornell research team has received a $910,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to work toward revolutionizing how biofuels are produced from algae. David Erickson, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Largus Angenent, associate professor of biological and environmental engineering, have teamed
by Paighten Harkins (Salt Lake Tribune) A Box Elder County biofuel company fined for exploiting federal tax credits by importing fuels they claimed they produced may pay millions to one such importer after the company abandoned a $90 million deal in 2014. On Wednesday, a federal court jury in New
by Christian Ong (Cornell Daily Sun) … Using metabolic engineering, Prof. David Stern, plant biology, managed to transfer the metabolic pathway of Botryococcus, a species of algae that produces large quantities of usable oil, into another species of algae that has a fast rate of reproduction. Despite the improvements, there was still
(Union of Concerned Scientistst) Statement by Ken Kimmell, Union of Concerned Scientists — Leading environmental, health, scientific and business organizations today applauded the announcement by seven states and Washington, D.C. of plans to develop a regional policy to reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector. The move was endorsed today by the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … You’d be forgiven if you mistook Ahb Subi Banr-Sbar for a well-placed official in the Iranian government — but, in fact, it’s a 9-project network to facilitate the development of regionally-based industries producing advanced biofuels, industrial chemicals, and other biobased products. Seven of them were established
by Maija Sihvonen* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Participants from over 70 countries gathered at Stockholm’s Älvsjömässan for the annual European Biomass Conference, EUBCE 2017 in June 12-15. In the field of advanced biofuels two years is a long time, so it was interesting to see how the topics and focus points
(NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services/Biodiesel Magazine) New York City submitted comments to the U.S. EPA Oct. 19, protesting any rollback of the Renewable Fuel Standard, which calls for minimal use levels for renewable fuels like biodiesel. Biodiesel has proven a reliable and effective fuel for NYC fleet and buildings and
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Qantas will buy eight million gallons of renewable jet fuel each year from U.S. based bio-energy company, SG Preston, in order to fuel its Los Angeles based aircraft. Their goal is to have the LAX to Australia flight powered on an ongoing basis by 50% non-food
by Marcius Extavour (XPRIZE/Biofuels Digest) … Hydrocarbon drop-in fuels are among the leading products targeted by the CO2 conversion community, be it diesel, methanol, butanol, or others. New approaches to the science and technology of CO2-to-fuels may alter the energetics, the economics, and the business case to the point where bio-based CO2
(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) In the future, our homes and vehicles could be powered by fuel made from seaweed grown at large-scale offshore farms. Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are working to help make that scenario a reality sooner with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research
by Alexa M. Schmitz (Cornell University/Biomass Magazine) … This week, researchers from the Cornell-affiliated Boyce Thompson Institute and Texas A&M University report in Plant Direct exciting new technology that may revolutionize the search for the perfect algal strain: algal droplet bioreactors on a chip. A single algal cell is captured in a tiny droplet of
(Brookhaven National Laboratory) Scientists tip balance of plant metabolism to increase oil content in leaves with aim of making biofuels and related useful chemicals — … In plants, this extra fat accumulation could be a good thing. It could help turn plants into factories for making biofuels and other useful chemicals. But
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) New Yorkers in downstate counties will soon benefit from cleaner air due to the increased use of Bioheat fuel in heating oil. Legislation signed Sept. 13 by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo requires Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties to follow New York City’s lead by blending at least
(National Biodiesel Board) Downstate New York counties are set to provide cleaner air through increased use of biodiesel in home heating oil — Downstate New York counties are set to join New York City as national leaders in providing cleaner air through increased use of biodiesel in home heating oil,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (August 22, 2017), the Energy Department (DOE) announced $13.4 million in support of five new cost-shared, community-based projects focused on energy efficient mobility systems including connected and autonomous vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure including natural gas, propane, biofuels, hydrogen, and electricity. This Vehicle
by John Cropley (Daily Gazette) More than $20 million is sought — Fage has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $20 million from a company that agreed to buy waste whey from its massive yogurt factory in Johnstown. In the complaint filed in Fulton County Supreme Court, Fage USA Dairy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) MetGen, Sweetwater Energy say “there’s gold in them thar side-streams” — For all of your questions about the advanced bioeconomy there’s just the one answer and that is “lignin”. Why don’t we see more biobased chemical plants built these days? Lignin. Why do people shy away from
by Marie J. French (Politico) The state’s top energy policy makers moved closer to creating a price for carbon in New York in a much-anticipated report released Friday. Carbon pricing is seen by many in industry and environmental advocacy as a crucial step in cutting carbon emissions from all sectors
(Department of Justice) Andre Bernard, of Mount Kisco, New York, pleaded guilty today for his participation in a multi-state scheme to defraud biodiesel buyers and U.S. taxpayers by fraudulently selling biodiesel credits and fraudulently claiming tax credits, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment
RISI and DANA have combined forces to bring together the most compelling conference for the financial community and those engaged in tracking companies and assets or who own and manage timberlands. The Investment conference will broaden its horizons this year focusing not just on the North American investment trends and
by Bill Morris (Habitat Magazine) Bills before Congress would devote $10 billion to clean-energy projects. — The New York Green Bank, which has been financing solar, wind and other sustainable-energy projects statewide since 2014, has proven so successful that some people want it go nationwide. In the just-completed fiscal year, the bank
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry today (July 17, 2017) announced $40 million in Department of Energy awards for the establishment of four DOE Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), which will provide the scientific breakthroughs for a new generation of sustainable, cost-effective bioproducts and bioenergy.
by Timothy Winters (Western New York Energy/Daily Gazette) Ethanol has been used in New York and other Northeastern states for nearly 20 years as the key component in cleaner-burning “reformulated gasoline.” Ethanol-blended gasoline reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, exhaust hydrocarbons that form ozone, particulate emissions (soot) and toxics like benzene that
(Biofuels International) Counties in downstate New York are set to join New York City in providing cleaner air through increased use of biodiesel in home heating, with a product called Bioheat fuel. Legislation passed by Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Senator Phil Boyle would expand the state’s commitment to renewable energy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Appalachian Regional Commission recently awarded a $1.5 million grant to New York-based Alfred State College to support its Biorefinery Development and Commercialization Center project, which aims to help private and public partners leverage wood resources to create sustainable business using advanced manufacturing processes.
by Nicole Smith (Riverhead News-Review) Early Thursday afternoon, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski climbed aboard a barge and headed into the Peconic Bay. Their mission: to harvest sugar kelp, a type of seaweed. The officials participated in the first harvest of Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine
by Blaine Friedlander (Cornell University) In a classic tale of turning trash into treasure, two different processes soon may be the favored dynamic duo to turn food waste into green energy, according to a new Cornell-led study in the journal Bioresource Technology. “Food waste should have a high value. We’re
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Where Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto joined the mayors of more than 175 cities in a rebel yell that has been heard nationwide since President Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords last Thursday. Peduto said: “As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you
by Greg B. Smith (New York Daily News) City investigators looking into fraud in the heating oil industry raided one of the biggest players in town Thursday, seizing computers and boxes of documents. The city Business Integrity Commission, which has targeted the industry for decades of ripping off public and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Anellotech’s Bio-TCat process is designed to produce cost-competitive renewable aromatic (BTX) chemicals (benzene, toluene and xylenes) from non-food biomass for use in making plastics such as polyester, nylon, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or for renewable transportation fuels. The key differentiators There are two. First, the MinFree
(U.S. Department of Energy)The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced the winner of the 2017 BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge on May 4 during a special awards ceremony. The winning infographic, titled “Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Algae,” was created by two students from Normal Community West High School in Normal, Illinois. BETO is excited
(BusinessGreen) GoodFuels launches new initiative in bid to scale up nascent shipping biofuel market — Dutch biofuels specialist GoodFuels has this week launched a new initiative designed to encourage the wider use of sustainable biofuels across the global shipping industry. The GoodShipping Program is inviting shipping operators and customers to
by Charles Komanoff (Huffington Post) The Carbon Tax Center is out with a new report timed to the surging climate movement. We surveyed all 50 U.S. states (and Washington, DC) to identify the ones with the most favorable conditions for enacting a statewide carbon tax. Joining the report is a
NEWBio Commercial Collaborators: Building a Sustainable Energy Future in the Northeast United States
(Extension.org) The Northeast region of the United States (from the Ohio River to the New England coast) has the natural, social, and technological resources needed to help create a sustainable, rural renaissance by using biomass to create biofuels, biopower, and advanced bioproducts. The Northeast Woody/Warm-Season Biomass Consortium (NEWBio) believes that
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) …Led by Don O’Connor, a Vancouver-based international expert on greenhouse-gas emissions, the panel discussed biodiesel opportunities from coast to coast. From the west coast was Simon Mui, Director of California’s Fuels, Energy and Transportation Program for the Natural Resources Defense Council, who praised the enactment of
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) U.S. imports of biomass-based diesel hit extreme heights in 2016, fulfilling a third of the consumption market, driving the domestic biodiesel industry to more actively seek counteracting measures to protect its own investments. — The U.S. imported nearly three times more biodiesel and renewable
(California Air Resources Board) CARB votes to move forward with greenhouse gas reductions and zero emission programs through 2025; action sets the table for accelerating programs post-2025 — Today (March 24, 2017) California re-affirmed its commitment to clean air, protecting public health and continuing the fight against climate change when
Proteins Interactions Hold Key for Maximizing Oil Production in Plants for Biofuels and Biomaterials
(Brookhaven National Laboratory/Lab Manager) Findings point to new biochemical strategies for increasing oil yield from crops grown to produce biofuels and biomaterials — … By exploring the details of this delicate energy balance, a group of scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a previously
by Sharita L Forrest (Phys.Org) A semiautonomous robot may soon be roaming agricultural fields gathering and transmitting real-time data about the growth and development of crops, information that crop breeders—and eventually farmers—can use to identify the genetic traits in plants likely to produce the greatest yields. A team of scientists from the
by Matt Wheeler (Phys.Org) … Bendy Estime, a biomedical and chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate, has devoted his research to this area, and developed a new technology for energy efficient cultivation and harvesting of microalgae. … “The study is an attempt to address three ‘bottlenecks’ in microalgae cultivation,” says Sureshkumar (Distinguished Professor Radhakrishna
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Led by Don O’Connor, a Vancouver-based international expert on greenhouse-gas emissions, the assembled panel detailed efforts that spanned from municipal victories to boost biodiesel use to the Paris Climate Agreement that aims to significantly reduce global carbon emissions. Simon Mui, Director of California’s Fuels, Energy
by Blaine Friedlander (Phys.Org) To unravel how intricate waste biomass converts to biofuels, a Cornell professor studied the bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum to decipher its metabolism. Understanding the bacterium’s sugar-processing complexities may lead to improved biofuel yields. “It is recognized for over a century that Clostridium acetobutylicum [a soil bacterium] is
by Jeff Kulikowsky (MyTwinTiers.com) Morrisville partners with JD Farms in Eaton on industrial hemp pilot program — Hemp may not be what you’d think of as the next big cash crop but plenty in New York, including Governor Andrew Cuomo, think it can be for this state. Cuomo is making it
(National Biodiesel Board) Clean air champions, policy drivers, fleet influencers highlighted with industry awards — The biodiesel industry saw record market growth in 2016 and this year’s National Biodiesel Board industry awards highlight champions who have had a major impact on the use of biodiesel. Clean air champions, policy

Aiming to discuss the main issues of the global Sugar and Ethanol industries and to bring together representatives of the international community of producers, traders, brokers, investors, and from the financial market in general, the International Sugar Organization (ISO) and DATAGRO will held, on May 10th, 2017 the 11th edition of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … This week, a company known as Oberon Fuels running a DME technology is coming Straight Outta New York City with the idea that you can make it out of the the boutique world of advanced renewable fuels and into the world of mainstream of
by Bob Dinneen (The Hill/Renewable Fuels Association) In the flurry of post-election punditry and analysis, much credit was given to disenfranchised factory workers and coal miners in the Rust Belt and Appalachia for delivering Donald Trump’s surprising swing state victories on Election Day. To be sure, those voters played a
(New York State Senate) Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit: The 2016-17 budget extended the Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit from Jan. 1, 2017 until Jan. 1, 2020. It also requires that beginning in 2017, to qualify for the credit, each gallon of clean heating fuel must be at least 6
by John D. Forcier (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Most trash and recycled waste materials are being processed on a regional basis to maximize the economy of scale. There have been various attempts to gather and process organic waste materials utilizing similar methods, but the challenges are far from resolved.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oberon Fuels is facilitating the growth of the DME transportation industry by converting biogas and other hydrocarbon rich waste streams to higher valued commodities such as DME. Using its proprietary small-scale process, Oberon makes DME and methanol from various methane and carbon dioxide sources. In
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the Energy Department (DOE) announced up to $7 million for eight universities to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable high-performance fuels for use in high-efficiency, low-emission engines. Under the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative, DOE’s Bioenergy Technologies Office and Vehicle Technologies Office are collaborating to maximize
(Phys.Org/ DOE/Joint Genome Institute) … To learn more about how bacteria interact with fungi in a symbiotic relationship to support the biochemistries that could contribute to the development of alternate fuel sources, Cornell and DOE JGI researchers used a model bacterial-fungal system to reveal the mechanism for lipid production in oil-producing
by Aswin Mannepalli (Philadelphia Inquirer) The King of Prussia company takes biowaste and converts it into useful materials such as bioplastics. So far, it counts Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates as a backer. He led a $14 million investment in the firm in September, saying Renmatix could help ease climate change by
(Algae Industry Magazine) A group of educators and researchers from Cornell University, the Cornell Algal Biofuel Consortium (CABC), has published a comparative commentary in the December, 2016 issue of Oceanography, the quarterly journal of The Oceanography Society. The commentary sums up a tremendous amount of integrated research and life-cycle analysis, and
(Center for American Progress) Carbon taxes and emissions trading systems, once considered political moonshots in the battle to combat carbon emissions, have found purchase in Canada, Mexico, and parts of the United States, raising the possibility that carbon pricing could span the continent. The Center for American Progress released an
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a major piece of legislation Oct. 18 that will significantly increase the volume of biodiesel in heating oil sold in within the city over the next two decades. The bill, led by Councilmember Costa Constantinides, passed in