by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) As a new wave of large-scale biomass-based diesel projects develops, experts suggest market forces are ready to deliver the necessary fats, oils and greases. -- ...Many of these new biomass-based diesel projects intend to produce renewable diesel
(Clean Methane Systems/NGV Journal) Clean Methane Systems LLC and EIP Ventures, LLC announced a joint venture named “EcoRNG” to develop more than 10 million gallons of renewable fuels from existing waste streams at landfills, waste water treatment facilities and dairies throughout
by Tom Banse (KLCC) An electric utility in north central Washington wants to branch out into hydrogen fuel production. It would be the first of a group of power companies in the Pacific Northwest to use their dams to make "renewable
by Kenneth Raphael, Jeffrey Bair and Wes Swift (S&P Global Platts) Portland, Oregon, rack gasoline has jumped more than 33 cents since March 12 on ethanol shortages tied to the recent "bomb cyclone" in the US Midwest that set off flooding
by Sarah Zimmerman (Associated Press) Oregon lawmakers on Monday unveiled a compromise proposal to a controversial cap-and-trade bill regulating greenhouse gas emissions, responding to overwhelming opposition from businesses and agricultural groups who worry the plan could put them out of work. If
(City of Eugene, Oregon) Every year the City of Eugene completes an inventory that tracks how the City as an organization is doing at meeting our Climate Recovery Ordinance (CRO) goalsOpens a New Window. to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel
(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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman noted: “Secretary Mabus advised us to set a goal. If it’s good enough for the Navy, it’s good enough for SeaTac airport, and we’ve established a partnership with 13
by Paul Greene (BioCycle Magazine/Montrose Environmental) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which grew out of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, is stimulating markets for biogas, including renewable natural gas -- Biogas project developers and financiers are finding strong offtake opportunities selling
by Brad Pleima (BioCycle Magazine/EcoEngineers) With prices for renewable electricity low in many states, biogas producers are turning to the renewable natural gas marketplace. This road map is a valuable navigation tool. -- There is a national trend to reposition biogas-producing assets
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) ... The largest source of pollution in Washington state is transportation, which is another way to say burning petroleum-based fuels like gasoline and diesel. Tackling emissions from transportation requires policies that focus on vehicles
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Oregon, Emerging Fuels Technology, has amended their license agreement with Red Rock Biofuels LLC under which EFT will provide its TL8a Fischer-Tropsch technology to provide additional FT capacity for RRB’s Bio-Refinery in Lakeview, Oregon, USA.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Shell will become an equal equity partner in the proposed commercial-scale waste-to-chemicals project, which will be the first of its kind in Europe to make valuable chemicals and biofuels out of non-recyclable waste materials. The consortium,
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Feb. 28, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., introduced legislation to extend 29 tax credits, including those that benefit producers of renewable diesel, second generation biofuels and bioenergy. According
by Maxine Bernstein (The Oregonian/OregonLive) Jack Holden and co-defendant Lloyd Benton Sharp together defrauded 12 people who invested in a project to produce biodiesel fuel in the West African nation of Ghana. When the project failed, the two men duped the investors
(NEXT Renewable Fuels) NEXT Renewable Fuels has agreed to purchase a 25‐acre parcel at the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Industrial Park. The land is zoned industrial and was purchased from Teevin Bros, a local material handling and timber company. “We are
(StockMarketWire.com) Alternative fuel company Velocys said it had agreed to a series of amendments in its licensing contracts with Red Rock Biofuels in order to speed up completion of a planned bio-refinery. The changes were related to RRB's license of Velocys Fischer-Tropsch
(NEXT Renewable Fuels/Informed Infrastructure) NEXT Renewable Fuels, Inc (NEXT) and Shell Trading (US) Company (Shell) have entered a long-term Purchase and Sale Agreement for the purchase of renewable diesel from NEXT’s planned Port Westward, Oregon facility. Representing an investment of more than
by Matthew Stone (PRIMA/Biofuels Digest) ... Exponential growth in liquid renewable transport fuel solutions however is still needed to keep governments and fuel providers on track to overarching climate change commitments. To manage the explosive growth, PRIMA has created the roadmap needed
by Brad Shannon and Carolyn Bick (INVESTIGATEWEST) ... The biodiesel-to-be that is being sucked into (Chad) Peters’ truck, like much of what’s collected in Washington, will help reduce climate-wrecking carbon emissions not in the Evergreen State but across the border in Oregon.
by Lauren Fletcher (WorkTruck) Renewable diesel is gaining popularity, mostly with west coast fleets, as a cleaner-burning alternative to diesel and biodiesel fuels. At its most basic definition, renewable diesel fuel is a direct substitute for diesel fuel that is refined
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a tale of two Washingtons, the sustainable aviation fuels movement will gather in Washington state in March and in Washington, D.C. in April to seek breakthroughs in the adoption rate of jet biofuels, which have
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Convergence reigns as the North American biofuels industry witnesses a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions, including exceptionally large deals -- Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in biofuels picked up considerably in 2018 after a slowdown in
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine provides a visual of prominent project development activities over the past year. READ MORE
by Helen Mountford and Molly McGregor (World Resources Institute) ... Recent research from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that bold climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030. ... On the other side of the
(Bergeson & Campbell's Clients and Friends Memorandum) On November 28, 2018, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), both senior members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, introduced legislation that would put the U.S. on the path
(Grain Net) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Environmental Entrepreneurs(E2), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) thank the Farm Bill conferees for including a new pilot Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report to promote and
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) New Energy Blue LLC is about five months away from finishing engineering and permitting on a $150 million plant project that would turn wheat and corn field residue into ethanol for high-end renewable markets. If everything goes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, white smoke has emerged from the REGI conclave: Tesoro EVP and former Sapphire Energy CEO C.J. Warner has been named chief exec of Renewable Energy Group, at a pivotal moment for biodiesel in Washington and
by Alex Gailey (Atlanta Business Chronicle) Monroe Energy, Delta's subsidiary refinery, will start converting plastic waste into jet fuel under an agreement with Agilyx, an environmental technology and development company backed by Sir Richard Branson. The idea is that the material will help create
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, we are now seeing project flow projecting a sustainable $7.63 price for renewable diesel in the California market, where the Low Carbon Fuel Standard stacks on top of the RIN values from the federal
by Brad Plumer (New York Times) ... A new study published on Wednesday, however, found that better management of forests, grasslands and soils in the United States could offset as much as 21 percent of the country’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. At
by Graham Noyes (OurEnergyPolicy.org/Noyes Law Corporation) In October, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reaffirmed the leading role that bioenergy continues to play in decarbonization. IEA Executive Director, Dr. Fatih Barol, pointedly stated, “Modern bioenergy is the overlooked giant of the renewable energy field…
Accepting abstracts now for presentations on April 2-3, 2019. BioCycle WEST COAST19 includes four tracks of sessions. Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words. Deadline for abstract submittal is December 10, 2018. Abstract selection will be completed by December 21, 2018; notifications will be
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) California-based biodiesel producer Crimson Renewable Energy LP has acquired SeQuential, a vertically integrated biodiesel producer based in Oregon. With the acquisition, Crimson will gain increased feedstock supply options for its biodiesel production facility in Bakersfield, California,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, World Energy announced a $350 million investment over the next two years to complete the conversion of its Paramount, California facility into one of the cleanest fuel refineries in the world. The project will
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) At its annual awards reception in New York City last week, Energy Vision, a national nonprofit that researches and promotes low-carbon energy and transportation strategies, presented awards for entities helping speed the adoption of renewable natural gas (RNG). The
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two ethanol producers are adopting quite different innovative technologies to add value to their corn oil—one making biodiesel with supercritical methods, the other making renewable diesel. East Kansas Agri-Energy’s renewable diesel plant has been
The theme of BioCycle WEST COAST19 is Catalyzing Organics Recycling. Topics to be covered: Infrastructure Development; Compost and Biogas Markets; Food Recovery; Contamination Management; Composting Science; Behavior Change; Organics Recycling. We are excited to be in Oregon in 2019 where
The theme of BioCycle WEST COAST19 is Catalyzing Organics Recycling. Topics to be covered: Infrastructure Development; Compost and Biogas Markets; Food Recovery; Contamination Management; Composting Science; Behavior Change; Organics Recycling. We are excited to be in Oregon in 2019 where
1820 Roosevelt Blvd. Eugene, OR (City of Eugene Parks and Open Space offices) Come learn from biochar consultant Kelpie Wilson about how biochar works in soils; how to make biochar and use it in agriculture, forestry, restoration and remediation applications; and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 42’s goal is to contribute to the development and deployment of integrated biorefineries as part of highly efficient sustainable value chains (co-)producing food/feed ingredients, chemicals, materials, fuels, power and/or heat out of sustainably sourced
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
by Lauren Colandreo (Bloomberg) ... Last fall, Oregon enacted the Bovine Manure Tax Credit, which offers bovine manure producers and collectors a tax credit for each wet ton of manure collected to be used as a biofuel or to produce a biofuel.
by Brian Scheid (SP Global/Platts) A federal appeals court on Friday upheld Oregon's low-carbon fuel standards, dismissing a challenge brought by US refiners and truckers. The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, American Trucking Associations and the Consumer Energy Alliance challenged Oregon's standards,
by Tim Albrecht (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The LCFS is administered by the California Air Resources Board and uses a market-based cap-and-trade approach to ultimately lower GHG emissions, says Jessica Buckley, senior environmental scientist for RTP Environmental Associates Inc. “California essentially created
by Bryan Sherbacow (World Energy) ... To understand a low carbon fuel standard, it’s best to look at California as an example. California is one of two states (neighboring state, Oregon, is the other) to enact a low carbon fuel standard. Typically,
by Courtney Vaughn (Columbia County Spotlight) NEXT Energy wants to develop 80-acre site near Port Westward, hire 210 people -- NEXT Energy Group, Inc. announced plans in July for a new renewable fuel production site that would yield 37,500 barrels a day of
by Kurt Liedtke (Herald and News) On Wednesday, members of Red Rock Biofuels, political dignitaries, corporate representatives and a large community contingent gathered on the outskirts of Lakeview for a groundbreaking ceremony for the $320 million renewable fuels facility. Taking
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)-funded Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) is proud to announce its first graduates from the algal certificate program at Santa Fe Community College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These first ATEC graduates
by Tim Albrecht (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., introduced three bills this week to boost rural economic opportunities by expanding USDA funding eligibility for clean energy projects. This funding would help improve electric grid security, create more energy choices for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In these top 20 projects, we usually say that we are using waste, but really we are converting something from a state of waste to a state of value — and that’s not just good for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. And most recently has repositioned from being a technology component supplier into initiating and drive
Exploring Biodiesel (XBX) is a series of regional, one-day seminars designed to educate those in the industry on the benefits and opportunities surrounding biodiesel. The National Biodiesel Board, in partnership with several industry sponsors, has announced a series of regional, one-day
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In the United Kingdom, renewable fuels company, Velocys, received a “notice to proceed” action to commence manufacturing of the Fischer-Tropsch reactors and catalyst for the Red Rock Biofuels biorefinery that will be located in Lakeview, Oregon. RRB has
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
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
(The Telegraph/Associated Press) A company has received final approval to start building a renewable-biofuels plant in south-central Oregon. The Herald and News reports the facility in Lakeview is expected to convert forestry waste into renewable fuels for the aviation industry. The firm
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A coalition led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the California Air Resources board has announced plans to sue the U.S. EPA over its failure to enforce existing landfill methane regulations. The coalition announced its plans
by Travis J. Tritten (Washington Examiner) ... (Former Navy Secretary Ray) Mabus’ vision is, however, quietly moving forward under the Trump administration. The Pentagon has authorized $140 million to help build two biofuel refineries in recent months, a move that
(The California Advanced Biofuels Alliance /Biodiesel Magazine) At the California Advanced Biofuels Conference March 1 in Sacramento, Jennifer Case, chair of California Advanced Biofuels Alliance, gave her annual address to a packed house that has evolved to include major industry players, both
by Kevon Paynter (Yes! Magazine) Portland, Ore., climate activists celebrate a win against Big Oil as city- and state-level initiatives gain momentum across the country. -- ... A key piece of Shell’s arctic drilling fleet, the vessel had arrived in Portland for
by Christiana Mayer (East Oregonian) We are continually bombarded with news about new oil drilling and fracking, but that’s not the only solution for domestic fuel production or the only path toward loosening OPEC and Russia’s grip on energy supplies —
by Katrina Cornish and Corinne Young (re:chem/Bioemergent Materials, The Ohio State University/Biofuels Digest/Lee Enterprises) Bioenergy/biofuel/platform chemical biomasses, whether grown (crops) or collected (forestry waste and municipal wastes of various kinds), still struggle with commercial competitiveness against the low cost, enormous scale, and market
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
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
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) has taken stock of its busy 2017 and has set priorities for 2018. Highlights on the sustainable alternative jet fuel (SAJF) front include development of many resources available
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world of drop-in military biofuels, two major updates appeared this week. In Oregon, Red Rock Biofuels got good news on Monday when the governor approved $245 million in bonds that will allow the company’s planned
by Kurt Leidtke (Herald and News) Jeff Manternach, CEO of Red Rock Biofuels, says the company was created in response to widespread and devastating wildfires in the Western U.S. caused by forest debris and the rising demand for drop-in, cost competitive
(Axios) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, will unveil a carbon tax proposal in his address to the state Tuesday, local media reported Thursday. Why it matters outside of that Washington: The debate, while unique to the Evergreen State, is also emblematic of the struggles
The 22nd Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (GC&E), hosted by the ACS Green Chemistry Institute®, will be held in Portland, Oregon on June 18-20, 2018. GC&E provides an opportunity for a diverse network of over 500 academic, industrial and government
by Dameon Pesanti (Columbian) With the earnestness of a missionary, Peter Brown will proselytize about the eco-friendliness of biodiesel and methane digesters — or extol their virtues with the already converted. In his mind, Vancouver could be to the green-energy movement
(Capital Press) According to the OSU study, Canola poses no greater threat to specialty seed producers than other Brassica species regularly grown in the valley. -- Results of a recent study by Oregon State University strongly suggests canola production could coexist with
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Cellulosic technology companies have invested time and millions of dollars to explore ways to convert biomass into cellulosic ethanol for the better part of 20 years. Most technologies have fallen victim to high capital and
by Michelle Ma (Phys.Org/University of Washington) In the quest to produce affordable biofuels, poplar trees are one of the Pacific Northwest's best bets—the trees are abundant, fast-growing, adaptable to many terrains and their wood can be transformed into substances used in
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana professor Madhu Khanna has been raising issues with including an indirect land use change factor for compliance with low carbon fuel standards. Why, since ILUC is a required calculation for the Renewable Fuel
by Siddharth Vodnala (Washington State University News) Researchers from Washington State University, along with those from Oregon State University and the University of Montana, have recently devised refined methods to estimate the amount of forest residue — the leftovers from trees
by Niamh Boyle (Prima Markets/Biodiesel Magazine) Prima Markets provides a comprehensive summary of the growing international demand for low carbon fuels, including U.S. policy drivers and waste feedstock consumption, along with a detailed overview of the international trade of low carbon
GC&E provides an opportunity for a diverse network of over 500 academic, industrial and government stakeholders to network and learn about the newest ideas in sustainable approaches to chemistry, chemicals and processes and products. This year’s conference is highlighting the
by Kathie Obradovich (Des Moines Register) ... Trump, while campaigning in Iowa, pledged to protect the RFS, which sets the minimum volume of renewable energy that must be part of the transportation fuels sold in the United States. The National Biodiesel Board posted
(My Columbia Basin) The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is fining Robert D. “Bob” Doughty and his companies for bilking investors of $250,000. Officials say the Ontario man with a Stanfield connection is fined $35,000 for selling fraudulent securities
by Peter Wilcox (Passage Maker) Having the opportunity to imagine and oversee the building of my own ideal Inside Passage vessel has been exquisitely educational—initiating a chain of engaging design, building, voyaging, and teaching adventures. ... Taking a break from sailing up
by Mick Harris (Oregon Live) I loved Richard Waring's Aug. 17 message to eclipse visitors. As somebody who continues to try and take the fight to climate change through a variety of organizations, I agree with him that, in order to preserve the Oregon
by Robert White (Yakima Herald) To the editor — The Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires refiners to blend an increasing amount of ethanol and other biofuels into petroleum, was enacted in part to help bring greater consumer choice to the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) One of the more striking outcomes from the DOE Bioeconomy 2017 conference in Washington DC was confirmation of the demise of Joule Unlimited. “We had a lot of prospects last year,” former CEO Brian Baynes
by Sean Bassinger (The Chronicle) Nine storage tanks out at Port Westward could be used to house massive amounts of crude oil. But Global Partners officials say they want the tanks for another reason: development for their ethanol facility. Oregon's Public
The American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute (ACS GCI) is pleased to announce that it will hold its 22nd annual scientific meeting June 18-20, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. The Green Chemistry & Engineering (GC&E) Conference Advisory Committee is now inviting the submission
The American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute (ACS GCI) is pleased to announce that it will hold its 22nd annual scientific meeting June 18-20, 2018 in Portland, Oregon. GC&E provides an opportunity for a diverse network of over 500 academic, industrial
by Jim Harris (Natural Resource Report) Please stand with me and ask our Oregon representatives in Washington, D.C. to protect the partnership between fuel and agricultural by preserving the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) as is, without changes. With so many policies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In late 2015, we reported Red Rock Biofuels will produce approximately three million gallons of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel per year (at that time, from 2017 through 2024) for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, in
by Jim Talent (Capital Ag Press/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) Unfortunately, even as fracking reached new heights, America’s total domestic crude oil production declined in 2016. According to new data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, that lost domestic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is headed for
By Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Rep. John Shimkus, chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment, said he expected to begin a series of meetings on how to potentially revamp the Renewable Fuel Standard in the coming
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What is different about a Low Carbon Fuel Standard — as compared to a Renewable Fuel Standard? There are 4 primary differences. 1. An RFS creates a standard, and any fuel that meets that standard can compete
by Marissa Luck (The Daily News) A Houston-based group of investors is once again looking to develop a biofuel refinery in Cowlitz County, more than a year after their plans for oil, propane and biofuel projects were rejected by the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Democrat Ron Wyden (Ore.) and colleagues introduced a clean energy tax reform package that includes a proposal for a technology neutral tax credit designed to encourage the development and
by Curtis Martin (Capital Press) As a rancher, we want to leave the land, air and water a little better for our children. -- Whether it’s for cattle or crops, farmers and ranchers have been on the forefront of conservation. Many
by Amelia Templeton (OPB FM) For years, the sewage flushed away by Portland households has decomposed into methane gas captured by the city’s wastewater plant and turned into energy and electricity. Now, the city’s wastewater agency, the Bureau of Environmental Services, has a
(KTVZ.com) Bill sponsored by Sens. Tim Knopp, Ted Ferrioli -- Oregon Senate Republicans say adding woody biomass as a recognized source of green energy technologies will help reduce carbon emissions and create jobs in rural Oregon. The proposal, Senate Bill
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
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. --
(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
(Phys.Org) Molds produce a wide range of both valuable and toxic molecules, which have important implications for energy production, agriculture and human health. A recent study revealed that an organelle within fungal cells called the endoplasmic reticulum acts as a
by Celia DuBose (California Biodiesel Alliance/Biodiesel Magazine) Jennifer Case, chair of the California Biodiesel Alliance, ended her opening address at the sixth annual California Biodiesel Conference March 1 in Sacramento with one simple message: The world of biodiesel is trending up.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (S)omething less than $200 million has been so far positively and affordably earmarked by lenders to revolutionize the entire supply chain of US air transportation fuels. Which is to say, you can just about get
(Pacific Ethanol/Globenews) Edeniq’s yield-enhancing Pathway Technology will now be installed at two Pacific Ethanol plants -- Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX), a leading producer and marketer of low-carbon renewable fuels in the United States, and Edeniq, Inc., a biorefining and cellulosic
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Velocys enables modular gas-to-liquids and biomass-to-liquids plants to convert unconventional, remote and problem gas and waste biomass into valuable, drop-in liquid fuels. After 15 years and some $300 million in investment, Velocys technology is headed for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The REG Okeechobee facility is now “open for business” as a contract manufacturing site, and that’s a fascinating development worth exploring, even if you don’t have a microbe you would like to manufacture without the
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) Half of U.S. states blended more than 10 percent ethanol, RFA's president and CEO points out in his View from the Hill column -- Reps. Bill Flores, R-Texas, and Peter Welch, D-Vt., introduced legislation
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2017? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2016 gives way
(Oregon State University) The use of residual forest biomass for rural development faces significant economic hurdles that make it unlikely to be a source of jobs in the near future, according to an analysis by economists at Oregon State University. In
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... the most innovative public-private policies are likely for some time to proceed out of regions, provinces and states. In some ways, in the United States the forces arrayed against the Renewable Fuel Standard will end up
by Scott Weybright (Washington State University) When it comes to second generation biofuels, Washington State University research shows that consumers are willing to pay a premium of approximately 11 percent over conventional fuel. “We were surprised the premium was that significant,”
(Environmental Protection Agency) This year’s projects focus on cookstoves, manufacturing, toxic chemicals, water, and building materials -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1.3 million to 13 small businesses nationwide to develop and commercialize technologies to help solve
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Trump and Congressional Republicans are expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform, infrastructure development, and repealing Obamacare. Some of those initiatives may touch the biobased economy but only at the margins. Renewable chemical
(Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest) This talk introduces a web-based decision support tool for biorefinery siting and explores the economic viability of potential biorefinery locations in Chehalis, WA, Dallas, OR, and Hayden,ID. WATCH VIDEO
by George Lurie (The Business Journal) In a first-of-its-kind ruling, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Pacific Ethanol’s registration of its Stockton ethanol plant to generate valuable credits by producing cellulosic ethanol with the same equipment the company
(Oak Ridge National Laboratory/NewsWise) GreenWood Resources has licensed an Oak Ridge National Laboratory technology based on the discovery of a gene in poplar (Populus trichocarpa) that makes it easier to convert poplar trees into biofuels. GreenWood, a global timberland investment and
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) New research has added yet another layer to a major scientific debate about our global emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is second only to carbon dioxide when it comes to driving climate
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst the discussion this week of the future of first-gen and advanced biofuels, and the launch of Hot 40 and Hot 50 voting — we were intrigued by this slide deck on advances in poplar production and
by Marissa Luck (The Daily News) Global Partners’ terminal at Port Westward has reopened, only this time ethanol is replacing crude oil as the commodity of choice at the Clatskanie-area facility. The terminal, known as Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery, began receiving shipments
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst all the discussion this week of deal-making in cellulosic and sugar-based fuels — the likes of Tesoro-Virent and Lufthansa-Gevo — we were intrigued by this slide deck on a pathway to low-cost cellulosic sugars and
by Susan Olson (Genscape/Biofuels Digest) Biomass-based diesel mandates for blending in transportation fuel have increased in many nations worldwide over the last year. In several of these countries, domestic biodiesel production is underutilized and many of these same countries are
by Ann Bailey (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A biorefinery proposed to be built in Grand Forks, North Dakota, would transform low-value agricultural byproducts, including sugar beet tailings, wheat straw and potato waste, into biofuel. The North Dakota Ag Products Utilization Commission
(U.S. Department of Justice) U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler for the Southern District of Indiana announced today the guilty verdict after an eight-day jury trial of Jeffrey Wilson of Evansville, Indiana, who was charged with securities fraud related to a
by Hillary Borrud (The Oregonian) Supporters of Oregon's controversial low-carbon fuels mandate, newly approved last year, hailed it as a chance to grow a local biofuels industry and reduce drivers' reliance on imported fuel. But six months into the program, a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Leaf Resources Limited (ASX:LER) is focused on making sustainable products from plant biomass, offering an advanced technology package for breaking down plant derived biomass to useful, sustainable, renewable and biodegradable products. Leaf Resources’ Glycell technology is
by Hillary Borrud (The Oregonian/OregonLive) As a committee of Oregon lawmakers tours the state this summer in an effort to build support for a possible 2017 transportation-funding package, there's one topic Gov. Kate Brown asked them to avoid: a repeal
by Toh Wei Zheng (Platts) The US West Coast is set to become a new export outlet for ethanol cargoes to Asia as competition heats up among traders and producers to capture more market share in the region, sources said on
by Gollany HT, Titus BD, Scott DA, Asbjornsen H, Resh SC, Chimner RA, Kaczmarek DJ, Leite LF, Ferreira AC, Rod KA, Hilbert J, Galdos MV, Cisz ME (Biogeochemical Research) Rapid expansion in biomass production for biofuels and bioenergy in the
by Courtney Vaughn (South County Spotlight) Global Partners LP, the fuel company that operates Columbia Pacific Bio-Refinery at Port Westward, may soon begin transloading ethanol. The company announced in January it was halting its crude oil transloading operations and laying off
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) ... The controversy centers on a specific provision in theHouse appropriations bill for fiscal year 2017 regarding the burning of biomass (typically wood and other plant material) for energy. The bill proposes that the Environmental Protection Agency treat
by David VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ICM Inc./Urban Air Initiative) ... We’ve learned that we can reduce harmful emissions by replacing toxic compounds in gasoline with clean burning ethanol, which improves air quality and protects public health. We can do so
by Gerald Kutney (Lee Consulting/Biofuels Digest) ... From the time of the caveman until the early Industrial Revolution, biofuels – namely wood and the advanced biofuel of the day, charcoal – reigned supreme. Both fossil fuels and biofuels originate from biomass. The
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues
(Joule/BusinessWire) EPA Qualifies Joule Ethanol Under Clean Air Act -- Joule, the pioneer of drop-in liquid fuels from recycled CO2, today announced major accomplishments in the first quarter of 2016 that are accelerating the commercialization of environmentally sustainable ultra-low carbon
by Bernie Hoffman (K-Coe Isom/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The more proactive roles producers take in reducing carbon intensity, the more they will benefit as energy use reduction moves from an incentive to a requirement. -- ... Carbon intensity and carbon accounting have moved
by Hillary Borrud (Portland Tribune) An oil industry group announced Thursday it will abandon a bid to get voters to weaken or repeal Oregon’s low-carbon fuel standard. The Oregon Fuels Association had filed three initiatives targeting the law for the November
(KEZI) About 40 city vehicles, including buses, will switch over to renewable diesel this summer --that's about one third of the city's vehicle pool. Renewable diesel burns cleaner and offers more power and better mileage while reducing the fleet's carbon footprint.
by Peter Vail and Dallas Burtraw (Resources for the Future) As the political likelihood of passing comprehensive national climate policy has remained low, many states have taken up the mantle. This devolution of climate policy has been further reinforced by the US
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The funding
by George Plaven (East Oregonian) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is stepping up with an $11 million loan to build a new biorefinery in Boardman. -- With financing in place, a Minnesota-based energy company plans to build its first
The ACS Green Chemistry Institute® hosts the only business plan competition (BPC) exclusively devoted to innovations in sustainable green chemistry and engineering. Applicants have the chance to receive expert feedback, training and mentorship, and the opportunity to market their business
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Australia, Leaf Resources and ZeaChem signed a joint venture agreement to establish a Glycell based project in the USA. The new agreenent advances the relationship between the two companies from an October 2014 Collaboration
(Fleets & Fuels) Sales of the Renewable Natural Gas More than Doubled in 2015 -- Clean Energy Fuels said today that its sales of Redeem brand biomethane, aka renewable natural gas, more than doubled last year to 50 million gallons, from
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Union of Concerned Scientists has released a major report, “Half the Oil”, outlining steps required to achieve a 50% reduction in petroleum use in the US Pacific Coast States by 2030. The
(Union of Concerned Scientists) Analysis Finds Extending and Expanding Current Clean Transportation Policies Would Significantly Reduce Oil Use -- California, Oregon and Washington could cut their petroleum use by half in the next 15 years through policies that encourage greater transportation
(Diesel Technology Forum) They are all committed to using renewable diesel fuel. Interest in renewable diesel fuel is growing quickly among public and private fleets looking to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality without sacrificing power, performance, and driving
by Marissa Luck (The Daily News Online) Environmental groups are raising more concerns about the background of people proposing a $1.25 billion oil refinery and a propane terminal at the Port of Longview. Columbia Riverkeeper recently released state and federal documents detailing
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