by Yael Vodovotz (The Conversation/Curious Kids) To better understand why plastics don’t biodegrade, let’s start with how plastics are made and how biodegradation works. ... Petroleum contains a lot of a chemical called propylene. To make plastic, refiners heat the propylene together
Municipal fats, oils, & grease training & education conference. Free to attend for municipalities and utilities. Lunch is provided. Join us at the all new Brew Dog Columbus facility located just outside Columbus Ohio for a two-day conference focusing on
(HoSt Group/Biomass Magazine) The HoSt Group is very excited to kick-off business in the U.S. with three new biogas projects at dairy farms in upstate New York and in Ohio, to be realized in close cooperation with SJI Renewable Energy
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
by Ty Higgins (Ohio Farm Bureau) Last week, the Biden administration discussed how its strategy to spur the development of homegrown biofuels is critical to expanding Americans’ options for affordable fuel in the short term and to building real energy
by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg (Ohio's Country Journal) ... “In a life cycle analysis of ethanol and electric vehicles, you have to look at the base load of carbon intensity. Right now, that number is 114 grams of CO2 per
(Velocys/Biomass Magazine) ... During 2021 we saw the achievement of a number of important objectives in our growth strategy culminating in two multi-year sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offtake agreements; the selection of our technology for an e-fuels project commissioned by the
(Biofuels International) Velocys has recently secured a 15-year lease for a modern and sustainable facility in Columbus, Ohio. The company will be consolidating its catalysis services, microchannel reactor core assembly and technology licensing under one roof. In line with its recent Placing
(Clean Energy Fuels Corp.) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. continues to meet the growing demand for renewable natural gas with new fueling contracts, infrastructure expansions, and biomethane production projects. “More fleets are finding renewable natural gas to be the most easy and
by Spencer Chase (Agri-Pulse) The Biden administration is fielding a steady stream of requests for emergency action to allow for summertime sales of E15, but those calls are coming up against the realities of the fuel supply chain as demonstrated
(Atlantic Biomass) Atlantic Biomass, LLC has announced results of their Phase I Maryland Energy Innovation Institute Scale-Up project to verify the use of residual hemp biomass for the production of biofuels including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Robert Kozak, President of
(Environmental Protection Agency) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces the selection of 11 organizations expected to receive a total of approximately $2 million in funding to divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester capacity nationwide. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Iowa senators introduce bipartisan legislation to open up the use of clean, American-made renewable fuels that are available right now to replace banned Russian oil -- As gas prices hit all-time record highs, Sens. Chuck Grassley
(OPAL Fuels/NGV Journal) OPAL Fuels LLC, a vertically integrated producer and distributor of renewable natural gas, has commenced commercial operation of a new facility to extract and capture waste methane from Rumpke Waste & Recycling’s Noble Road Landfill, transform it into
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) from Finland and Ohio comes the news that Neste has established a 50/50 joint venture with Marathon Petroleum to produce renewable diesel following a conversion project of Marathon’s refinery in Martinez, California. Through the JV Neste obtains
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In part 2 of the Great Plains Institute’s just published Atlas of Carbon and Hydrogen Hubs, we look at where these 14 key carbon and hydrogen hubs are in the U.S., how can they offer
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Marathon Petroleum Corp. is working to optimize operations at its renewable diesel plant in Dickinson, North Dakota, and is ready to begin construction on the conversion of its refinery in Martinez, California. The company is also
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Like a feeding frenzy that doubles Godzilla’s size, in West Virginia, Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla FOG (fats, oils & grease) separation and processing systems will more than double the number of Greasezilla
by Ann Thompson (WVXU) Casey's and UDF call it unleaded 88. Thorntons labels it U88. And Tom's Marathon in Harrison calls it E15. No matter what you call it, it's less expensive than traditional fuel. You may have noticed another
Join your friends and conference delegates in the Smart Cities Connect exposition and meet industry leading innovators, entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders representing 150 world class companies, universities and startups. Recognized as the largest gathering of smart IoT technologies and services
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) The Biden Administration is ramping up its efforts to deploy clean energy infrastructure across the country. The White House announced this week plans to utilize public lands and rural America for wind, solar and other clean energy
(UGI Corporation) UGI Corporation (NYSE: UGI) announced today that it has entered into a 15-year agreement with California-based technology developer, Vertimass, to utilize their catalytic technology to produce renewable fuels from renewable-ethanol in the U.S. and Europe. The agreement centers on the development of production facilities using Vertimass’
by Jay Stowe (GE Aviation/Biobased Diesel Daily) After leading USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on a tour of the engine development assembly facility at GE Aviation’s headquarters in Evendale, Ohio, in early December, chief engineer Chris Lorence posed a rhetorical question to
by Tina Casey (CleanTechnica) United Airlines and ZeroAvia are teaming up to bring the dream of zero emission hydrogen fuel cell flight down to Earth. -- The dream of all-electric flight just got bumped up in scale last week, when
by : Richard J. Brenner, Wes Jurey and Todd Campbell (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) Introduction. The ATIP Foundation (Agricultural Technology Innovation Partnership) conducts projects in multi-county regions of 3 states to “advance the rural bioeconomy,” using a replicable model we developed
(Office of Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)) U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced that their bipartisan Carbon Capture Improvement Act has been signed into law as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IIJA recently passed the House in
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Ohio House of Representatives on Nov. 17 voted 89 to zero in favor of a bill that aims to offer qualifying fuel retailers a 5-cent-per-gallon tax credit for sales of fuel containing between 15
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit on Nov. 16 hosted a hearing on the renewable economy to help inform development of the next Farm Bill. The event featured testimony on the
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
by Ellen Rosen (New York Times) Developers say industrial-scale farms are needed to meet the nation’s climate goals, but locals are fighting back against what they see as an encroachment on their pastoral settings. READ MORE As Demand for Green Energy
(North American Clean Energy) Energy Vault, Inc. (“Energy Vault”), the company developing sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions with its proprietary technology, announced that it has entered into an energy storage system agreement with DG Fuels LLC (“DG Fuels”), an emerging leader in renewable hydrogen
Submit your Panel Proposal for review and consideration. Special consideration will be given to Panel Proposals that integrate city leadership with innovation and industry solutions, especially discussions that address cross-domain urban needs. Program Details Smart Cities represent the global vanguard communities addressing the
Smart Cities represent the global vanguard communities addressing the growing resiliency pressures and opportunities presented by climate, population, energy and resources. A full 3-day in-person conference on April 5-7, 2022. READ MORE
(Chesapeake Utilities Corporation/NGV Journal) Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has completed the construction of its Noble Road Landfill Renewable Natural Gas pipeline project has been completed. The company’s subsidiary, Aspire Energy of Ohio, constructed the 33.1-mile pipeline, which will transport biomethane generated from
by Nora Goldstein and Kat McCarthy (BioCycle Magazine) NRDC commissioned a survey of food waste hierarchy-related policies in 12 states across 3 regions. The publicly available reports are an invaluable resource. -- The NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Food Matters initiative
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under
by Christine Billau (University of Toledo) The U.S. Department of Energy awarded The University of Toledo a $3.2 million grant to continue advancing technology that speeds up the capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to grow algae, a critical part
(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
by Lillianna Byington (Bloomberg Government) Lawmakers and industry are pushing for incentives to make flying greener as part of a $3.5 trillion tax and spending bill. Democrats, who are prioritizing environmental projects in budget negotiations, say they see support for provisions such
by Samantha Watters (University of Maryland) Stephanie Lansing will serve as principal investigator, establishing a consortium of scientists and industry partners with the goal of creating renewable resources -- Stephanie Lansing, professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at
(Farm and Dairy) An Ohio company received a chunk of $26 million given out through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. Cincinnati-based United Dairy Farmers Inc. was awarded $634,000 to expand ethanol sales at its convenience stores and
(U.S. Department of Energy) Nine Research Projects Will Advance Cost-Effective Carbon Capture Technologies -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $24 million in funding for nine research projects to explore and develop new methods of capturing and storing carbon from the air. Direct Air Capture (DAC) is an expanding field in decarbonization and a key facet of the plan to achieving net-zero
(Clean Air Biodiesel Group/EIN Newswire) The State of Ohio will soon be cleaner, and greener thanks to the combined efforts of Clean Air Biodiesel and the Columbus based Clean Fuels Ohio organization. -- The State of Ohio will soon be
(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) Thirty lawmakers from both houses of Congress have written a letter urging House and Senate leadership to support an historic, long-term investment in farmers, ranchers and rural communities as a part of upcoming infrastructure and
(Ohio State News) Computer models estimate fewer environmental impacts than other crops -- A common farm weed could make a “greener” jet fuel with fewer production-related environmental impacts than other biofuels, a new study indicates. Growing the weed, pennycress – often called
(U.S. Department of Energy) 11 University- and Industry-Led Projects will Develop Biomass Resources to Convert to Low-Carbon Fuel for Planes and Ships -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced nearly $34 million in funding for 11 projects that will
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association was born in 1981 and RFA is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year by spotlighting some of the pioneers in the ethanol industry who were there at the beginning, like Bob Reynolds. Bob Reynolds founded Downstream Alternatives
(Bioenergy Insight) Bipartisan legislation has been introduced by US Senators to encourage investment in biodigester and nutrient recovery systems while establishing a new market for farmers. The Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act, a bill brought forward by US Senators John Thune and Sherrod
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy continues to power the clean energy revolution among American small businesses and entrepreneurs with awards totaling $127 million to support 110 innovative projects – each focused on tackling the climate crisis by harnessing market-oriented
(WaterWorld) Greasezilla is actively seeking new FOG (fats, oils and grease) processing locations nationwide for joint ventures with government and private operators -- Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™ FOG separation and processing systems, announces that Sheltowee CleanTech Fund I,
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) are introducing legislation today that would help businesses finance carbon capture technology at power plants and other industrial facilities, and seek to give a boost to direct air capture. The bill, dubbed
(Battelle) Battelle and Catahoula Resources (“Catahoula”) will jointly develop solutions for the capture, transport and sequestration of carbon dioxide produced at ethanol facilities in Nebraska. The agreement pairs the world’s largest private independent research and development company with a portfolio company of private investment firm
(Greasezilla) Greasezilla is actively seeking new FOG (fats, oils and grease) processing locations nationwide for joint ventures with government and private operators -- Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™ FOG separation and processing systems, announces that Sheltowee CleanTech Fund I, LLC, is
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (May 14, 2021) announced $35 million in funding that will help slash carbon emissions and scale up the volume and efficiency of renewable biofuel. The 15 awarded research projects are
(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
(Marathon Petroleum Corporation) Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) has signed an agreement with One Energy Enterprises LLC to install five 2.3 megawatt wind turbines at MPC’s renewable diesel facility in Dickinson, North Dakota. The wind turbines will provide energy to the facility and
by Christopher Helman (Forbes) ... “Nobody wants to send that material down the drain,” says Rick Sabol, president of the Mahoney division. And not just because fat globules can clog up sewer systems — but because that grease is valuable —
(Greasezilla) Greasezilla is investing $1 million per facility in joint ventures to build FOG processing facilities nationwide. -- Downey Ridge Environmental Company, developer of Greasezilla™, announces its work with a rising number of pumpers seeking end-to-end solutions from pumping through to processing,
by Sam Spofforth (Advanced Clean Tech News) Clean Fuels Ohio is ramping up new initiatives and launching a new brand that will build on success and drive clean transportation further into our economy. Our new brand will help better communicate our state
(Solutions from the Land) “There has never been a greater need for an Agricultural Renaissance. The many voices of farmers, echoing across centuries of scarcity and abundance, challenge us to find new ways forward, paths that produce abundance for expanding populations
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) Interest and growth in carbon market programs is booming. A recent ecosystem markets webinar hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership had more than 1600 participants registered with more than 600 questions submitted ahead of time. Speaker Kari Hernandez,
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Ohio, The Andersons, Inc. is making an investment in BioStar Renewables, LLC and is establishing an active working relationship focused on the areas of renewable natural gas and organic fertilizer. BioStar Renewables is a clean
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Sees Q1 2021 gasoline demand 90% of Q1 2020; STAR project continues at Galveston Bay, TX, refinery; Dickinson, ND RD plant to reach full rates end-Q1 -- US refiner Marathon Petroleum is embracing the renewable energy space
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times/New York Times) ... Few took carbon sequestration seriously during his previous tenure, a time when “resilient agriculture” had not yet entered the vernacular. But the fundamental conversation in the corridors of power and along
(AZO CleanTech) Scientists have figured out a cheaper, more efficient way to conduct a chemical reaction at the heart of many biological processes, which may lead to better ways to create biofuels from plants. Scientists around the world have been trying for
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) Reports indicate Obama’s 8-year agricultural secretary Tom Vilsack could be interested in the job. -- As President-elect Joe Biden continues to make announcements regarding his cabinet, former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack looks to now
(Solutions from the Land) A 20-minute video presentation in which Solutions from the Land farmer leaders offer a vision of solutions that farming operations can deliver to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by UN member nations is now available
(95.3 MNC) Jasper County, Indiana will soon have its first E15 fueling station thanks to efforts from two farmer-owned cooperatives and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ... Ceres Solutions owns the CountryMark-branded station on North McKinley Avenue in Rensselaer, Indiana,
(Green Car Congress/GTI) GTI and partners, The Ohio State University, Wyoming Integrated Test Center (ITC), and Trimeric Corporation (Trimeric), have been selected for award on a project to advance Ohio State’s transformational membrane technology to provide step-out reductions in CO2 capture cost
by Bill Taylor (Fairborn Daily Herald) ... We now have to pay an additional $100 a year “penalty” to register our hybrid — it’s $200 for all-electric vehicles. Anyway, we drive our hybrid about 5,000 miles a year — the same
by Brent Sohngen (Columbus Dispatch) ...When Joe Biden exclaimed that he wanted to transition the American economy from oil, the opposition pounced. I must say, I was a bit surprised by the uproar over the former vice president's comment, given
by Briana Bierschbach (Star Tribune) Republican Michelle Fischbach ousted DFL Rep. Collin Peterson in Minnesota’s Seventh District on Tuesday, ending a three-decade career in Congress and toppling Democras’ powerful chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Fischbach, a former lieutenant governor and state
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
(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
by Steve Horn (The Real News) ... The little-known company has pitched its proposal to convert the site into a biofuels refinery. It is run by a man one mayor has dubbed the “Flim Flam Man,” and the company has never actually opened
by George Miller (Columbus Dispatch) ... From geothermal steam in Nevada to the low-carbon biofuel feedstocks harvested across Ohio, carbon savings are available through the labor and ingenuity of green energy workers in every community. We’ve seen this strategy work in
by Aleksandra Wójcik (Haldor Topsoe) An article in the esteemed Science magazine suggests that solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technology can unlock the full potential of renewable power and provide climate-friendly fuels. SOEC is a core technology in power-to-X solutions
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Brightmark and Chevron just formed a joint venture to own projects across the United States to produce and market dairy biomethane. Greenlane Renewables signed a $5.8 million contract with Brightmark. Construction started in Ohio on
(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
(Biogenic CO2 Coalition) Scientifically Backed Change in Status of Carbon Emissions from Ag Feedstocks Could Provide Massive Boost to Struggling U.S. Economy -- The Biogenic CO2 Coalition, a working group of leading trade associations that support American agriculture, today released a new
by Tim Treadgold (Forbes) ... Until recently renewable diesel was very much a niche product which failed to attract mainstream investor interest. That could change after a leading investment bank, Morgan Stanley MS -2.4%, took a close look at the opportunities opening up
(National Biodiesel Board) "Better, Cleaner, Now" message delivered from coast to coast -- Newly branded vehicles highlighting biodiesel’s sustainability and emissions reduction benefits are rolling along city streets and interstate highways from the nation’s capital, to Texas oil country, up
(Business Wire) Fortistar, Rumpke Waste & Recycling and Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Announce $33 Million Project to Address Global Climate Change -- Fortistar, a privately-owned investment firm that addresses global challenges, and Rumpke Waste & Recycling, one of the nation’s largest
by Kathiann M. Kowalski (Energy News Network) The Midwest is ready for takeoff as a leader in cleaner aviation, thanks to researchers in Ohio and elsewhere and a cleantech startup in Illinois. -- Just as Ohioans pioneered aircraft flight more than a
(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
(Western Illinois University) Just 12 months after Western Illinois University Agriculture Professor Win Phippen announced the award of a $10 million federal grant to investigate the use of Pennycress as a commercial cash crop, a second grant has been awarded
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) “They seem to be serious,” said Atlantic Biomass’ Bob Kozak reflecting on a tour of a hemp farm in central Ohio. He noted, “They are going all-in, putting their own money into this—no grants
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers are investing in high-end alcohol production after seeing its value during the pandemic. And it’s not just alcohol for hand sanitizer, but other disinfectants, as well as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, cosmetics and more. ... Homeland
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
by Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) ... The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their
(Penn State News) Transdisciplinary research team aims to create new value chains on U.S. farms, with emphasis on the generation of renewable natural gas, improved rural economic outcomes and protection of the environment. -- A new federal grant will allow a
by Scott Koperski (Daily Sun) ... Katie Merx, Marathon senior communications manager, said in an emailed statement that the company plans to use the former biodiesel facility to aggregate and pretreat agricultural feedstocks that are used to make renewable diesel. "The
by Pamela Gregg (University of Dayton Research Institute) ... ASTM International has approved the use of a synthetic oil derived from municipal waste in the manufacture of jet fuel at petroleum refineries. The co-processing of “syncrude” with petroleum at the refinery
(Solutions from the Land) A blog posted on the World Resources Institute (WRI) website last month dismissed the potential for regenerative agriculture and related systems to contribute to large-scale emissions reduction and carbon dioxide (CO2) removal - cuts that will
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
(BloombergLaw) The Trump administration is seeking to overhaul the way it calculates the costs and benefits of environmental regulation, with proposed restrictions that could make it harder to justify air pollution curbs. Under a proposal announced Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency would subject
(University of Maine) Incentivizing both sequestration and avoidance of emissions— using a carbon rental or carbon tax and subsidy approach — versus only a carbon tax encourages protection of natural forests by valuing the standing stock, according to a new study
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) The governors of five U.S. states have asked the Trump administration for a nationwide waiver exempting the oil-refining industry from the nation’s biofuel laws to help it survive a demand meltdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, according
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
by Ellen Essman (Ohio Law Blog/Ohio's Country Journal) ... House Bill 400 “To authorize a nonrefundable income tax credit for the retail sale of high-ethanol blend motor fuel.” ... The bill would give owners and operators of gas stations a
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) At Hood College just blocks from Advanced Biofuels USA’s headquarters, the Biology Department’ Sustainability Work Group has proposed a new undergraduate major in Sustainability Studies. At Independence, Ohio’s middle school, teachers are exploring putting
by Laura Arenschield (Ohio State News) Researchers have found a way to harness the entire spectrum of sunlight -- Scientists for the first time have developed a single molecule that can absorb sunlight efficiently and also act as a catalyst to
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in North America was subdued in 2019. Only four operating biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels plants were sold during the year. These four acquired plants were relatively small with
(Renewable Fuels Association) Policy obstacles—especially ongoing trade disputes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of RFS compliance waivers to dozens of small refineries —dampened the U.S. ethanol industry’s economic contributions in 2019, according to a new study released today at
by Rick Fox (Ohio Ethanol Producers Association/Bucyrus Telegraph) Although Ohio is one of the nation’s leading ethanol producing states, it lags far behind other states in terms of the number of retailers that offer higher blends of ethanol gasoline such as
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Eliminating cost and site-location constraints –sounds like something we all want. But there’s a project working on getting rid of those constraints posed by the supply of concentrated CO2 to microalgae farms while simultaneously achieving high
by Rick Fox (Ohio Ethanol Producers Association/Columbus Dispatch) Even though Ohio is one of the nation’s leading ethanol producing states, it lags far behind other states in terms of the number of retailers that offer higher blends of ethanol gasoline such
(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
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A trio of Democratic senators urged four major Marathon Petroleum shareholders to exert influence to shift the refining company's climate change lobbying efforts. The letters from Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii) and Martin Heinrich (N.M.) to JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock, State Street and Vanguard cited
(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
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) When Ohio farmer Fred Yoder testified last month before the House Select Committee on Climate Change, the long-time no-till farmer and champion of climate-smart farming practices told lawmakers one of the best things that could
(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
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)) Klobuchar has spent months calling for an end to the harm caused by abuse of hardship waivers -- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led a public comment letter last week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) $2.25/gal or less than $3/gge (gallon gasoline equivalent) sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? That is one of the goals of a project that is working on developing engineered clostridial strains and a fermentation process that can
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV.com) This article is part of our special report COP25: Is transport decarbonisation pragmatic enough?. Until electrification of transport is fully in place, ethanol could be used as a “bridge” to make fuels cleaner, US farmers told EURACTIV.com on
by Zoltan Kish (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... At the same time, we have a tremendous business opportunity to convert waste into usable sustainable products. According to a market study report prepared by Market Insights Reports, the smart waste management market was valued at
by Mike Naig (Sioux City Journal/Iowa Department of Agriculture) There’s a growing sense of frustration across America’s heartland, and it’s not hard to understand why. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is undermining the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), which is hurting
(Heavy Duty Trucking) All of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine's Top Green Fleets of 2019 take sustainability to the next level — through fuel economy, freight efficiency, alternative fuels, energy savings, and more. -- What does it mean to be “green”?
by Shawn Robinson (University of Dayton News) The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative has greenlighted the University of Dayton Heyne Energy and Appropriate Technology Lab and the University of Dayton Research Institute to be the first in the nation to prescreen
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Angry over proposed ethanol changes, Iowa agriculture leaders warned Wednesday that President Donald Trump will lose rural voters next year unless he makes good on a deal to restore millions of gallons of lost renewable fuel demand. "No more
(Solutions from the Land) National Farmer's Day, an acknowledgement of the hard work that goes into feeding and supplying a nation, will be observed this Saturday, Oct. 12. The day acknowledges and thanks farmers for the hard work they do
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
(The Andersons/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Andersons Inc. today announced that it and Marathon Petroleum Corp. have merged four ethanol entities with and into the new legal entity The Andersons Marathon Holdings LLC (TAMH). The ethanol facilities involved in the merger include
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., reintroduced the Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act on Sept. 24. The bill aims to expand the biogas market by providing a 30 percent investment tax credit to help offset
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) Leaders in the renewable fuels industry say it’s urgent that President Trump fix the demand destruction and “economic crisis” created by RFS waivers. Ron Heck of Perry, Iowa, secretary of the National Biodiesel Board, says there’s
by Barry Cohen (National Algae Association) Continuous and devastating algae blooms & HAB problems are affecting fishing, swimming, tourism, real estate values and local economies. NAA today is encouraging algae researchers to focus their efforts on 'algae bloom and HAB remediation
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) The farmer-owned CountryMark cooperative and fuel refinery is caught in the middle of the small-refinery exemption controversy. The company operates in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky -- most of its customers at more than 100
by Jon Chavez (The Blade) Members of Ohio’s oil refining industry will rally in Toledo Thursday at One Government Center downtown to urge President Trump not to tamper with laws regulating U.S. biofuels policy, because doing so could put smaller refineries,
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
by Humeyra Pamuk and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) At a closed-door meeting at the White House on Aug. 19, President Donald Trump looked increasingly alarmed as his top envoy to China delivered evidence of rising Farm Belt frustration over his biofuel policy
by Tal Axelrod (The Hill) The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, saying the government has put it in “one hell of a bad situation.” The trade association hammered President Trump for approving what it called 31 “unjustified” refinery waivers
by Catalina Jaramillo (WHYY) Philadelphia-based biofuel company S.G. Preston Co. is the first of at least two prospective buyers to publicly express interest in taking over the damaged Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery to make renewable diesel, marine diesel and jet fuel,
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced approximately $40 million in FY 2019 funding for 29 projects to advance the H2@Scale concept. The focus of H2@Scale is to enable affordable and reliable large-scale hydrogen generation, transport,
by Chris Hubbuch (Wisconsin State Journal) ... “There’s (a) civil war within the Republican Party,” said Scott Irwin, chairman of agricultural marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It’s pitting two significant Republican constituencies of the president and neither one
(Solutions from the Land) A company that says it is "dedicated to harnessing nature to help farmers sustainably feed the planet," announced last month the launch of The Terraton Initiative™, a project designed to accelerate carbon sequestration at an unprecedented scale. ... Among the
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) Today (July 8, 2019), AFPM launched an advertising campaign asking President Trump to keep his promise to protect U.S. refiners from unchecked ethanol mandates that threaten to kill our jobs. This campaign comes on the heels
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) The future of an exemption shielding oil refining companies from a federal mandate that they blend corn-based ethanol into the nation’s fuel supply is looking increasingly uncertain amid increasing political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of
by Alayna DeMartini (Ohio State University College of Engineering) Although the stalks and leaves of a corn plant can be turned into ethanol, the high cost of collecting, storing, and transporting the material has limited its use in producing the fuel. Ajay
(Office of Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)) U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today reintroduced a bill to make it easier for power plants and industrial facilities to finance the purchase and installation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage
(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
(Clean Fuels Ohio) “High performing biodiesel is a win-win, drop-in fleet solution. Biodiesel is better for engines by adding lubricity, and better for the environment by reducing carbon and tailpipe pollution." -- The Franklin County Engineer’s Office has become the latest to
Dennis Zeedyk (Glycerin Traders, LLC/Lee Enterprises Consulting) ... Glycerin Traders LLC takes in waste raw glycerin from multiple biodiesel plants around the country. It acidulates the raw glycerin to remove the fats for sale to multiple industries. It also strips
by David A Ramirez‐Cadavid, Katrina Cornish, Upul Hathwaik, Robert Kozak, Colleen McMahan and Frederick C Michel Jr. (Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology) Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TK) is a rubber‐producing plant being developed as a commercial alternative source of natural rubber (NR). The
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... What was a nationwide celebration and peaceful demonstrations for environmental reform in the U.S. by some estimated 20 million Americans, Earth Day events have now expanded to over 193 countries and more than a billion people
(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
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Researchersfrom several labs and universities like Georgia Tech, Sandia National Labs, University of Dayton, and others are working together on Engine Optimized Sustainable Drop-in JET High Performance Fuels (HPF). Anthe George manages the Biomass Science and Conversion Technologies
(Solutions from the Land) Smart Agriculture: Solutions from the Land (OSA:SfL), A Call to Action for Ohio's Food System and Agricultural Economy," Solutions from the Land's (SfL) integrated, land management model was validated by a diverse range of stakeholders from around the
(Ohio Bioproducts Innovation Center) The Ohio Bioproducts Innovation Center (OBIC) connects different segments of the bioproducts community to nurture business ecosystems and facilitate commercialization of new, sustainable bioproduct technologies. With the emerging need for education about the bioeconomy, OBIC works with
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