by Nick Malawskey (PennLive.com) Noticed the new pumps at some Sheetz stores in Pennsylvania? The Altoona-based convenience store and gas station chain has started offering Unleaded-15 alongside Flex-Fuel at new stores and a number of its older locations. Over the last year the company has rolled out the new gas offerings to
Pennsylvania
by Eric Wolff (Politico) The Trump administration plans to reject a proposal that would let oil refiners off the hook for complying with the federal ethanol mandate, a senior administration official told POLITICO, dashing the hopes of billionaire Carl Icahn and a slew of independent companies. The Environmental Protection Agency

The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology provides a unique forum for business executives, government officials, academic researchers and industry leaders to share the latest advances in renewable chemicals, synthetic biology, enzymes, food ingredients, biofuels and more. Top Reasons to Attend: Meet and network with 1,000 global business leaders, investors and policy makers. Attend
(Energy Today/Carnegie Mellon University) How do you efficiently isolate hydrogen, unlocking its full potential as a primary, mainstream source of energy? — The universe consists of a number of elements, the most abundant of which is hydrogen – making up 75% of the matter in the universe. Rarely does it
(Penn State News) Slowed as much by extremely low oil prices as supply-chain and technological challenges, the effort to integrate biofuels into the nation’s aviation fuel supply is nonetheless progressing, according to a researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. Sustainable jet fuel continues to represent an important component of
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 Amy Duke (Pennsylvania State University) Strip mines are so common in rural Pennsylvania that many people are unfazed by the sight of rock-filled piles of dirt and tracts of barren land. Marvin Hall, a researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, is not one of those people. To him, all land has
(Univeristy of Pittsburg/R&D Magazine) Numerous studies have raised critical concerns about the promise of corn ethanol’s ability to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Some of the studies have suggested that after a full life cycle assessment–meaning an analysis of environmental impact throughout all stages of a
(U.S. Department of Justice) A Pennsylvania biofuel producer and two of its officers have been indicted on conspiracy and false statements charges for participating in a scheme that generated over $10 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) renewable fuels credits (RIN credits) at Keystone Biofuels, Inc., a company that
(Optimus Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection presented Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies and 20 other organizations from across the state with the 2017 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. According to DEP, their projects “represent the very best in innovation, collaboration, and public service in environmental stewardship”. Optimus partnered with Pittsburgh
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

The Keystone Farm Show is the fastest growing farm show on the East Coast! Started in January of 1998 to address the needs of agrimarketers in the Mid-Atlantic area, the show has nearly tripled in size! The Keystone Farm Show has been extended to 3 days to accommodate the increase
(Gant News) Pennsylvania Grain Processing Corn Merchandiser, Brian Kelly, was a little doubtful four years ago when he first approached Sheetz Inc. about selling new blends of ethanol at its fuel station near Interstate 80 in Clearfield. “Truthfully, I didn’t think we would get too much of a response. I
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

The Pennsylvania Biomass Energy Association (PBEA) is proud to present the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Biomass Conference and Expo, taking place September 12-14, 2017, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. This event will bring together attendees from across industry and the general public, from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Energy Days is an annual conference (May 22–23, 2017) that brings together leaders from across the energy realm, including members of industry, government, non-profits, and academia. The purpose is to identify and discuss the regional, national, and global energy challenges facing society in a way that helps inform the issues
(Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) Projects Mark Return of Hemp to PA following Gov. Wolf’s Signing of Act 92 — After decades of being gone from the landscape of Pennsylvania, a promising and versatile crop with enormous market potential will soon be back in the Keystone State, according to state Agriculture
Energypath is the region’s largest sustainable energy event attracting industry professionals, policymakers and academia throughout the region and across the United States. The goal of Energypath is to increase the knowledge of and passion for sustainable energy in the leaders of today and tomorrow. Energypath 2017 has something for everyone: Learn
(NEWBio) Spend a week (July 10-14, 2017) at University Park (Penn State) learning about current bioenergy research from nationally recognized faculty. Renewable Energy alternatives are vital for the health of our planet, and the NEWBio Project, funded by the USDA, is helping us learn more about how to best realize
(NEWBio) The NEWBio graduate distance education program provides scholarship support to students wanting to enroll for one of the following online courses from Penn State World Campus: Bioenergy Bioenergy Feedstocks Bioenergy Harvest and Logistics Conversion Technologies for Bioenergy Production Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Applicants must have completed
(MoveEnergy) Penn State Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Yuan Xuan and researchers at Yale University will work together to identify clean-burning biofuels for next-generation internal combustion engines under to a $1.2 million award from the Energy Department’s Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines Initiative (Co-Optima). (Earlier post.) Co-Optima has two goals:
by Rudy Miller (Lehigh Valley Live) The attorney for a man charged with participating in a $50 million biofuel scam says the charges should be dismissed because his client got bad legal advice. David Dunham, of Bethlehem, allegedly claimed $50 million in tax credits he didn’t deserve through his company Smarter Fuel Inc.,
By Matt McGrath (BBC) Up to 16% of hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells spill liquids every year, according to new research from US scientists. They found that there had been 6,600 releases from these fracked wells over a ten-year period in four states. The biggest problems were reported in oil-rich North
by Steffen Mueller (University of Illinois at Chicago/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Strategically located ethanol sources cannot be economically replaced. — Carbon dioxide sourced from corn-ethanol plants is not a waste-recovery product but a coproduct that, in many regions, can only be replaced by higher-emitting, less-economical resources. A reduction in U.S. ethanol
(NewBIO) Something new happened in the bioenergy willow world this week in Pennsylvania. A new type of willow energy crop harvester got its first run on a willow crop in Pennsylvania. The machine, a 2 row harvester, was acquired as part of the NEWBio project by Double A Vineyards https://doubleavineyards.com/. The
by Tim Meko and Laris Karklis (The Washington Post) There are more than 900,000 active oil and gas wells in the United States, and more than 130,000 have been drilled since 2010, according to Drillinginfo, a company that provides data and analysis to the drilling industry. We’re familiar with oil-rich regions
by Steffen Mueller (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Strategically located ethanol sources cannot be economically replaced. — Carbon dioxide sourced from corn-ethanol plants is not a waste-recovery product but a coproduct that, in many regions, can only be replaced by higher-emitting, less-economical resources. A reduction in U.S. ethanol production (for example, in
by Chad Umble (LancasterOnline) … Two gasoline-ethanol blends, Unleaded15 and E85, are now available at four of the 13 county locations of convenience store chain Sheetz. … Altoona-based Sheetz says it wants to give customers more options with a higher octane, cleaner-burning fuel. … Unleaded15 has a higher octane level — 88
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Highlighting Advanced Biofuels USA’s work on a feasibility study of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore energy beet project proved to attract many visitors and a bit of buzz at the Keystone Farm Show, “The Farm Show for Farmers,” in York, Pennsylvania from January
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Erie, Pennsylvania-based biodiesel producer Hero BX announced a new business enterprise Jan. 12, the Hero BX-branded Bioheat program. Bioheat is a blend of biodiesel and heating oil in varying concentrations. Hero BX’s new program offers heating oil retailers the opportunity to carry the Hero BX
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

The Pennsylvania Biomass Energy Association (PBEA) is proud to present the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Biomass Conference and Expo, taking place September 12-14, 2017, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. This event will bring together attendees from across industry and the general public, from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Visit
(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

An in-depth look at opportunities for the use of perennial biomass crops in accomplishing conservation and rehabilitation goals on a landscape scale. Though difficult to quantify in dollars, vegetative ecosystem services such as water filtration, carbon storage, erosion and runoff prevention, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty provide extraordinary
by Lenay Ruhl (Central Penn Business Journal) … State regulators announced last week an industrial hemp program that will allow for cultivating and researching hemp in efforts overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Applications to grow hemp in 2017 are due Jan. 6. Farmers who have been eyeing the
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
by Andres R. Aquino (The Intelligencer) … In order to reach the required octane grades of 87, 89 and 93, gasoline is blended with octane boosters. Traditionally, these octane boosters have been the hazardous BTEX chemicals of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. However, these compounds have harmful effects on the
by Ari Natter and James Rowley (Bloomberg) … Fifty rigs need to be drilling for natural gas in America’s most prolific shale region to keep production of the fuel from falling — and by one explorer’s count, they’re already below that level. The Appalachian Basin, home to both the Marcellus
by Timothy P. Carney (Washington Examiner) Katie McGinty, the Democrats’ nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania, cashed out of state government and into the subsidized renewable-energy companies whose agenda she had pushed when in office. That subsidized energy company then turned around and funded her political campaigns. … Thar Energy is
(Ag Annex) Ag-Grid Energy LLC, based in Kennett Square, PA, working with RCM Digesters, located in Berkeley, CA, has selected the Anaerobic Digestion Lab Test Network (ADLTN) to perform a set of four lab tests on solid mushroom substrates (SMS) including biomethane potential (BMP) testing. “We are exploring new ground
by Jeff Corcino (The Progress) … Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that Continental Carbonic Products Inc., a producer and distributor of solid and liquid carbon dioxide and dry-ice blasting machines, is establishing a manufacturing facility in Clearfield that would have 60 full-time jobs. Executive Director Rob Swales of the
by Gary C. Young (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Bio-Thermal Energy Inc.) A new process for the economical conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels such as ethanol has been developed. The proprietary noncatalytic process combines CO2 with a carbonaceous feedstock and water in the form of steam at temperatures between 1,600 to 3,000

SAVE THE DATE Website coming soon. Host: Northeast Woody/Warm-Season Biomass Consortium Location: The Penn Stater Hotel, State College, PA Dates: July 24-25, 2017
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) jetBlue has announced a 10-year, 330 million gallon renewable jet fuel purchase agreement with SG Preston. This marks one of the largest renewable jet fuel purchase agreements in aviation history, and the largest, long-term, binding commitment by any airline globally for HEFA (hydro-processed esters and
(JetBlue) Preparing for a Lower Carbon Future, Airline Partners with SG Preston to Purchase Renewable Jet Fuel; JetBlue Expects To Take First Delivery of Renewable Jet Fuel In 2019 With A 10-Year Purchase Agreement and the Ability to Lower the Fuel’s Carbon Footprint through the Use of Renewable, Biomass Based

Speaker: Weston Eaton, Penn State University — This month, Weston Eaton, postdoctoral research associate at Penn State University, presents “Socio-cultural factors shaping landowner support for and willingness to plant bioenergy crops.” Dr. Eaton’s work examines renewable energy technology development from the perspective of people living in communities where new developments
by Marc Levy (Associated Press/The Morning Call) Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and his Democratic challenger Katie McGinty tangled Monday over the use of corn ethanol in motor fuel and post-recession bank regulations as they try to show that the other favors big corporations over regular people. … On Monday,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renmatix is a technology licensor that enables the production of petrochemicals from plants. The company’s water-based Plantrose process is the lowest cost method for converting a wide range of non-food biomass into cellulosic sugars, used in the global chemical and fuels markets. Renmatix CFO Tim
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Pennsylvania, Bill Gates is leading the latest investment round into the pioneering cellulosic sugars producer Renmatix as energy giant Total joins in with second investment and a 1 million ton per year license. Gates is the chairman of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition— along with
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* and Joanne Ivancic** (Advanced Biofuels USA) After Dan Quadros’ oft-repeated criticism about biofuels education and the big gap between research and the job market, he was pleased to experience the best example of how to bring them closer together, demonstrated by the Sustainable Energy Fund organizing,
(West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund) A collaboration between Sustainable Energy Fund and West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund created Energy Sprout, a competition with the goal of developing new technology and business models that lead to improved sustainable energy solutions. Finalists competed in two categories, Community and Business, on July 28 at Energypath
by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice (Reuters/Yahoo! Finance) … The alternative is for merchant refiners to increase their ability to blend ethanol. PBF Energy is the latest refiner to take this approach. PBF has asked Delaware regulators to expand its ethanol handling capacity at its Delaware City refinery to 420,000 gallons
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) NIFA ‘s Bioeconomy-Bioenergy-Bioproduct portfolio facilitates the development of sustainable regional production systems for biofuels and bio-based products through research, product development and demonstration, extension, and education. By creating non-carbon based fuels, power sources, chemicals, and other products, these programs contribute to rural economic development; mitigate climate
by Kathie Obradovich (Des Moines Register) It’s hard to beat this as a summer job for a Des Moines teenager: Two weeks at the Republican and Democratic national conventions as part of an Iowa team promoting ethanol. Otto Gunderson, 16, traveled to Cleveland last week with the America’s Renewable Future organization and
by Sara LaJeunesse (Penn State News) On July 20, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a law allowing the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and institutions of higher education to grow hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for research purposes. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is working with the state department of agriculture to
by Susanna Retka-Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sheetz, Thortons executives give careful thought to strategically offering the new fuel. — Almost weekly, another announcement is made about a retail location offering E15. The rollouts, large and small, are indicators E15 is gaining steam and, in late July, HWRT Oil Co. announced

Save New Date READ MORE This short course has been rescheduled for April 5-6, 2017. Offered by Penn State Extension in partnership with Penn State Biomass Energy Center and the NEWBio bioenergy consortium, Designing Sustainable, Working Landscapes with Perennial Crops for Bioenergy & Ecosystem Services will provide an in-depth look at
by Jasen Lee (KSL.com) Scientists believe that organically produced bio-fuels could be one of the answers to the environmental challenge posed by greenhouse gases emitted around the globe by the commercial aviation industry. A panel of researchers presented their findings Monday during the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics convention
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Students of all ages were able to voice their ideas on America’s energy future in AMERIgreen Energy’s Video Essay Challenge. Students ranging in grades 1st-12th, as well as undergraduate college students submitted 30 second videos focused on one of two question prompts related to what is
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Poor DME. it burns like natural gas, handles like LPG, powers like diesel, and it’s as well-known as a good place for sewing machine repair in Burundi. San Diego-based Oberon Fuels has been the one consistent champion on the “what are we doing about energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Through The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk and other environmental problems into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development — tackling climate change, water, and chemical issues. Here
(Amerigreen Energy/Biodiesel Magazine) Amerigreen Energy, in conjunction with Clean Cities of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, hosted “The Fleet Footprint Event: Emissions Requirements and the New Energy Landscape,” in Morristown, New Jersey, this spring. The event presented an honest assessment of all transportation fuels and energy so fuel dealers and their fleet customers can
by Charlotte Hsu (University at Buffalo/Biomass Magazine) Researchers from four U.S. universities are teaming up with dairy farms across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to study the effect of three different manure management techniques on preventing the occurrence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, genes tied to resistance, and antibiotic residues—traces of
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that incentives resume this month for farmers and foresters who grow and harvest biomass for renewable energy and biobased products. The funds come through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was
by John M. Urbanchuk (The Intelligencer) I am writing in response to Andrew Mikula’s May 13 letter (“With oil now plentiful, why the need for ethanol in gasoline?“). Several points come to mind. Ethanol has several characteristics that make it an ideal additive to petroleum-based gasoline. First, ethanol increases octane in
by Rosalie Marion Bliss (US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) … Now, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have advanced a process to produce crude liquid fuel called “bio-oil” from agricultural waste. The bio-oil is produced by a process called “pyrolysis,” which involves chemical decomposition of plant and other organic
(NewBIO/Cooperative Extension System) Technology patented by Renmatix enables the manufacture of industrial sugars from biomass on a scale that is commercially cost-effective. Table of Contents Introduction From Biomass to Sugars Benefits of Supercritical Water Customers Rebuild Biorefiners based on Plantrose™ Process Building a Renewable Economy For More Information Contributors to

The Keystone Farm Show is the fastest growing farm show on the East Coast! Started in January of 1998 to address the needs of agrimarketers in the Mid-Atlantic area, the show has nearly tripled in size! The Keystone Farm Show has been extended to 3 days to accommodate the increase
By Michael McCoy (Chemical and Engineering News) Seeing more growth ahead, two small companies invest in new plants — Growth in the biodiesel market is spurring two small companies to invest in U.S. production of sodium methylate, a catalyst used to convert fats and oils into the renewable fuel. These
by Keith Norman (Jamestown Sun) Plans for a $150 million cellulosic ethanol plant at the Spiritwood Energy Park Association industrial park are underway, according to Thomas Corle, founding partner of New Energy Investors, a Pennsylvania company. If built, the ethanol plant would directly employ about 40 people with another 60
by Alan Neuhauser (US News and World Report) America’s fracking boom promised big paychecks, but thousands of workers were exploited, the Labor Department says. — … Despite booming industry profits and record oil and gas output – which together rejuvenated the country’s economy and transformed the U.S. into the world’s top
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) … Congress changed mandatory funding for two key bioenergy programs – despite their tangible successes – through its Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Omnibus spending bill. USDA’s Section 9003 Loan Guarantee Program and the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) were capped well below the funding

Join fellow switchgrass growers as we discuss the potential for a statewide group to provide support, information, and networking for growers and sellers of switchgrass. This meeting brings us together to share ideas and discuss future opportunities and challenges faced by those working with switchgrass, regarding the growth of the
by Jeff Mulhollem (Penn State) The first harvest of 34 acres of fast-growing shrub willow from a Penn State demonstration field this winter is a milestone in developing a sustainable biomass supply for renewable energy and bio-based economic development, according to researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. The shrub

Bioenergy and Bioproducts Education Programs provide professional development and hands-on teaching tools for educators (grades 6 – 16, in-service and pre-service teachers and extension educators) who want to learn and teach about the Bioenergy systems currently in use and under development in the United States. Three will be offered in
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced eight contracts to small businesses to develop innovative technologies to protect the environment, funded through EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. “The green technologies that these SBIR companies are developing will help us address some of today’s most pressing
by Michael Jacobson (NEBioenergy) On a cold crisp day in early January, an historic event took place in Central Pennsylvania. The location was minutes from the Penn State campus. The wait was over. The specialized harvesting equipment had arrived from NY, the four local transport trucks were ready, and the weather was
(NEWBio) NEWBio is offering a limited number of scholarships for students to take the following online graduate-level bioenergy courses during the summer semester of 2016: ABE884 (Bioenergy Systems) and ABE885 (Bioenergy Harvest and Logistics). Find more information and the scholarship application form here. Deadline is March 15. READ MORE
(Drexel NOW) A blob of algae scooped from a fountain on South Street almost two years ago, has seeded a crop of the green stuff that Drexel University researchers claim is more effective at treating wastewater than many of the processes employed in municipal facilities today. The algae is a
by Rosalie Bliss (US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) … U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have advanced a process to produce a crude liquid called “bio-oil” from agricultural waste. The team is headed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemical engineer Akwasi Boateng with the Sustainable Biofuels and Coproducts
by Eric Wolff (Politico Morning Energy) The massive methane spill at the Aliso Canyon storage field has pumped out at least 77,500 metric tons of gas since Oct. 23, and it will be months before the spill can be closed. As Pro’s Elana Schor and your host report, the spill
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Several U.S. producers, including Genuine Bio-Fuel, Hero BX and the now-defunct Promethean Biofuels, in addition to Miami-based biodiesel exporter and hopeful technology provider Lagosur, sketch out overviews of international developments. … “Taxation, regulation, cost of production, market access, distribution, and feedstock procurement are all more
(Algae Industry Magazine) In any industry, a few incredible people make an enormous impact. The algae industry is fortunate to honor Algae Ambassadors that are great scientists and industry leaders. They are also superb educators for our next generation of algae scientists and business leaders. The Algae Ambassadors have inspired
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 64
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology recently released results of a research project that investigated the technical feasibility, commercial viability and environmental compliance of the use of liquefied coal and biomass mixtures as a military jet fuel replacement. Overall, the
by Kurt Bresswein (Lehigh Valley Live) The owners of a Lehigh Valley company are accused of scamming taxpayers out of about $50 million in payments, subsidies and other benefits paid out for purportedly turning cooking oil into biofuel. David Dunham, 35, of Bethlehem, and Ralph Tommaso, 46, of Warren Township, New
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, King County Superior Court Judge Hollis R. Hill issued a groundbreaking ruling that the “scientific evidence is clear that the current rates of (emissions) reduction mandated by Washington law. . . cannot ensure the survival of an environment in which [youth] can
Emerging Technology and Business Models Energypath is the region’s largest sustainable energy event attracting industry professionals, policymakers and academia throughout the region and across the United States. The goal of Energypath is to increase the knowledge of and passion for sustainable energy in the leaders of today and tomorrow. Energypath
by Jarrett Renshaw and Catherine Ngai (Reuters) … North Dakota’s Bakken production peaked at 1.153 million barrels per day in June, and had fallen to 1.13 million barrels per day by August, according to state data. The supply restraint has made Bakken crude relatively more expensive after transport costs than oil
by Marc Gunther (Nonprofit Chronicles) … “Why exactly are we ahead with 100 million more wood burning stoves in the world? It’s an output metric and not an impact metric,” says Kevin Starr of Mulago, who wrote a pointed 2014 essay about cookstoves called Getting Beyond Hype in the Stanford Social
by Jon Scharingson (Renewable Energy Group, Inc./Convenience Store Decisions) Whether or not to sell biodiesel can be a significant decision for a convenience store owner. Convenience store owners need to determine what will work best for their operation and how they can maximize their profitability through the use of biodiesel. Here
(PR Newswire/IHI E&C) SG Preston, a Philadelphia-based bioenergy company, and IHI E&C, a Houston-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) subsidiary of IHI Corporation, today announced a ground-breaking agreement for a Multi-Facility Program that will include the development and construction of a series of commercial volume, advanced biofuels manufacturing plants, initially
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Forty DuPont employees signed a letter sent recently to Sen. Pat Tommey, R-Penn., making it clear they oppose his efforts to modify the renewable fuel standard (RFS) in any way. Tommey was unsuccessful at recent efforts to add an amendment to a bill about
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, an amendment offered by Senator Pat Toomey that would end a key provision of the RFS – the requirement to blend traditional ethanol-based renewable fuels into U.S. gasoline failed in the Senate Committee on Banking, by a 15-7 vote. “Biofuels are a key
by Barry Blitstein (TribLive) Letter to Editor: Regarding the editorial “The ethanol racket: More perversion” : Calling the ethanol industry a “racket” as if it were a form of organized crime is nothing short of scandalous. … Ethanol is the cheapest and safest form of octane on the market today; it
by Robert F. Service (Science Magazine) Stuart Licht has designed the ultimate recycling machine. The solar reactor that he and colleagues built in his lab at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., takes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere—a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion—and uses the energy in sunlight to turn
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA announces state finalists for the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership. Will it move the needle? The Digest investigates. In Washington, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that 21 states will receive grants through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to add infrastructure needed to supply more renewable
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 21 states will receive grants through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to add infrastructure needed to supply more renewable fuel to America’s drivers. Since announcing the program in May 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic area is fortunate to benefit from funds derived from a settlement approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission during the Commonwealth’s electric deregulation proceedings. As part of its educational mission, Sustainable Energy Fund has organized and hosted the EnergyPath Camp/Expo/Conference for

Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition, is held annually during three days in August. Ag Progress Days features the latest technology and research exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours. Sponsored by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, the event is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock
(Extension.org) Renewable energy production options are growing thanks to expanded farm equipment capabilities for harvesting biofuel feedstocks like shrub willow. — Harvesting is the single most expensive operation in the production of shrub willow biomass, accounting for about 30% of costs over the life cycle of the crop (20-plus years). In
by Douglas R. Kauffman, Jay Thakkar, Rajan Siva, Christopher Matranga, Paul R. Ohodnicki, Chenjie Zeng, and Rongchao Jin (ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces) The catalytic conversion of CO2 into industrially relevant chemicals is one strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Along these lines, electrochemical CO2 conversion technologies are attractive because they
(New Holland) Following the United States Department of Energy’s announcement to award State University of New York up to $3.5 million to fund a research project that seeks to develop ways to reduce the cost of delivering biomass for refinement, New Holland Agriculture announced plans to assist SUNY researchers in
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing landmark green chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate risk and other environmental problems into business opportunities, spurring innovation and economic development. “From academia to business, we congratulate those who bring innovative solutions

Speaker: Jim Dooley, PhD, P.E., Chief Technology Officer of Forest Concepts High density bales of biomass enable lower-cost transport, storage, and processing of feedstocks for advanced biofuels and bioenergy. Most agricultural balers are designed to make bales that are in the range of 10-12 pounds per cubic foot. Forest Concepts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Six projects land major multi-year awards for Project TERRA, Tramsportation Energy Resources from Renewable Agriculture In Washington, ARPA-E announced awards totaling $30 million for projects seeking to accelerate the development of sustainable energy crops for the production of renewable transportation fuels from biomass. The projects
by Cherie Winner (Pennsylvania State University) By virtue of their chloroplasts, plants are superb harvesters of solar energy. They use it to build leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, and roots. We harvest a small percentage of that energy in the form of food and a smaller amount in the form of wood
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) I had heard about Pennsylvania State University’s bioenergy and biofuels educational initiatives from Advanced Biofuels USA’s Joanne Ivancic, just after starting to work on a project to identify college level biofuels education opportunities in the US. We were interested in finding out
by Damian Carrington and Harry Davies (The Guardian/MSN.com) The world’s biggest and most profitable fossil fuel companies are receiving huge and rising subsidies from US taxpayers, a practice slammed as absurd by a presidential candidate given the threat of climate change. A Guardian investigation of three specific projects, run by Shell,
Evaluating a Groundwater Supply Contamination Incident Attributed to Marcellus Shale Gas Development
by Garth T. Llewellyn, Frank Dorman, J. L. Westland, D. Yoxtheimer, Paul Grieve, Todd Sowers, E. Humston-Fulmer, and Susan L. Brantley (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) New techniques of high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) are now used to unlock oil and gas from rocks with very low permeability. Some members

The Keystone Farm Show is the fastest growing farm show on the East Coast! Started in January of 1998 to address the needs of agrimarketers in the Mid-Atlantic area, the show has nearly tripled in size! The Keystone Farm Show has been extended to 3 days to accommodate the increase

Chuck Coe, Department of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University will speak on “Biomass Utilization: A Renewable, Versatile Pathway to Fuels and Chemicals” at this month’s MAREA meeting at 7:00PM. Biomass is the only renewable source of organic carbon that can be used directly for fuel or converted to other carbon-based chemicals and
by Natasha Khan (PublicSource) A new report out Tuesday says Pennsylvania provided more than $3.2 billion in subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, much of which went to the state’s booming natural gas industry, at a time when the state carries a $1.5 billion budget deficit and very little investment
by Jon Hurdle and Susan Phillips (StateImpactNPR.org) Radon levels in buildings near unconventional natural gas development in Pennsylvania are higher than those in other areas of the state, suggesting that hydraulic fracturing has opened up new pathways for the carcinogenic gas to enter people’s homes, according to a study published
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … Optimus Technologies manufactures the first and only EPA-approved biofuel conversion systems for medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks. Its fuel partners supply B100/B99 and Optimus-grade biofuel to fleets nationwide. Optimus has a simple, bolt-on approach that provides fleets the easiest way to reduce fuel costs and

Energypath 2015 has something for everyone: Learn about renewable technologies, energy efficiency techniques and start or expand your career in the energy industry with a crash course in sustainable energy. Energypath is an ideal place to exhibit to an audience of diverse attendees including students, professors, industry professionals, policy makers and
(Optimus Technologies) Outfitting 20 more public works trucks to reduce fuel costs and to reduce lifecycle emissions over 80%. – Optimus Technologies today announced the City of Pittsburgh has agreed to expand its use of Optimus’ EPA-approved, biofuel conversion solution to an additional 20 public works trucks. Further, the
(Renmatix/Total/PR Newswire) – Total invests in Renmatix – Takes equity and Board seat in Philadelphia based licensor of supercritical hydrolysis technology for conversion of biomass into economical cellulosic sugar — Companies complete Joint Development Agreement to initiate distinct R&D programs to process selected lignocellulosic biomasses into sugars for use
How can you grow your own knowledge and skills to inspire your students? What new opportunities are developing for science-based careers in the region? Learn about this and more at the USDA-sponsored Bioenergy and Bioproducts teacher training workshops, organized by Cornell University, West Virginia University, and Penn State. Summer workshops

Join Penn State Extension at this three day workshop that covers the latest developments and opportunities in farm energy. Topics to be covered include: Day 1: Smart Energy Buying and Use (energy use monitoring, understanding energy buying habits, buying energy in a time differentiated market, opportunities in deregulated markets). Day
by Nat Williams (AgriNews) The National Corn Growers Association is going into the gas pump business. The commodity group is working with service station chains and even manufacturers of pumps in order to expand sales of ethanol. Large ending stocks call for more corn use, Paul Bertels said at a meeting
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 26, Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015. The bill, which is cosponsored by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., aims to alter the renewable fuel standard (RFS). Earlier this year, Toomey and Feinstein
(Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)) U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) are working to repeal a law that drives up the cost of everything from gasoline to groceries. The Toomey-Feinstein Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015, introduced today, abolishes the corn ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel
by Robert Zullo (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Pittsburgh is looking to add new fuel systems to 20 trucks in the Department of Public Works that will allow the engines to run on biofuel as well as traditional fuel, reducing emissions and expenses. Legislation will be introduced at City Council today authorizing the

The world’s largest biotechnology gathering, the BIO Exhibition allows exhibitors to reach high-level executives and influential decision makers who come to BIO to discover new players in the industry, form partnerships and evaluate emerging technologies. The 2015 BIO Exhibition will feature more than 1,700 exhibitors and approximately 160,000 square feet.
by Brady Luceno (Project Gaia) Five years ago today at approximately 5pm, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti. Over three million of Haiti’s ten million people were affected, and over 230,000 deaths were reported. The earthquake put Haiti in the center of the humanitarian agenda- for a little while. It
by Chris Fleisher (Trib Total Media) Last fall, Ed Vescovi planned to restart a dormant biodiesel plant in Beaver County. The market for biofuel was shaky. But a new owner, Weavertown Environmental, pledged to get the plant going after purchasing it in 2013. Vescovi was hoping to begin production before
(NEWBio) Five cooperative projects have been funded that advance NEWBio goals and fill in key knowledge gaps related to bioenergy crop expansion in the Northeast U.S: Abandoned Ag. Lands in the Northeast U.S.: A GIS-based Analysis of Estimates, Causes, and Envisioned Uses In short: Addresses uncertainties in current land availability
(LANXESS) Specialty chemicals company LANXESS Corporation has added two new highly concentrated antioxidants to its existing range of biodiesel stabilizers. The new products – Baynox Ultra and Baynox Cargo – will be introduced to the U.S. market at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo January 19 – 22 in Fort
(Renewable Fuels Association) Today, Sheetz — a major retail gas station chain in the Mid-Atlantic — announced that 60 of its locations in North Carolina will offer E15 by the spring of 2016. This announcement comes on the heels of E15’s expansion into 15 states. More states are expected to
(Environmental and Energy Study Insitute) On January 16, Sens. Feinstein (D-CA) and Toomey (R-PA) floated an amendment to the Keystone XL pipeline bill, the ‘Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2015,’ that would remove corn ethanol from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Sen. Flake (R-AZ) is a co-sponsor. Citing growing
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oil prices continue to show incredible volatility. $106 in June, $50 today. Which biofuels ventures have the pro-formas to make money in a tough market? The Digest investigates. … Avello Bioenergy Cost: $57.50 per barrel (gasoline, diesel) Stage: Preparing for commercial demonstration Avello Bioenergy is commercializing
by Mary Beckman (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory/R&D Magazine) Rapidly growing bacteria that live in the ocean and can manufacture their own food hold promise as host organisms for producing chemicals, biofuels and medicine. Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and The Pennsylvania State Univ. are closely studying one of
by Austine Decker (NEWBio) In November 2013 , Paul Heasley, an instructor with State College Area High School’s (SCASD) Career and Technical Center in State College, PA, received funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for a Biomass Education Center. Heasley had participated in the July 2013 USDA NIFA Northeast Bioenergy
(US Department of Energy) Last week concluded the beta run of the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) sponsored BioenergizeME Virtual Science Fair—a high school competition that has students create and share infographics about bioenergy concepts. Student teams from five high schools in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Texas teamed up to create
(NewBIO) The Northeast Bioenergy Scholars Program is an exciting summer research experience program for enthusiastic undergraduates who are interested in exploring bioenergy utilizing cutting-edge techniques. Check out the list of current topics and locations for summer research opportunities. An accepted scholar receives a stipend to help cover living costs during
by Mary Kanga, Cynthia M. Kannoa, Matthew C. Reida, Xin Zhangb, Denise L. Mauzeralla, Michael A. Celia, Yuheng Chen, and Tullis C. Onstott (PNAS) Abandoned oil and gas wells provide a potential pathway for subsurface migration and emissions of methane and other fluids to the atmosphere. Little is known about methane fluxes from the millions
by Talla Buford (The Center for Public Integrity) … By 2018, the land (Stacey) Ryan and other holdouts have fought to keep will be consumed by an $8.1 billion ethane cracker and a multibillion-dollar gas-to-liquids facility, a massive addition to a plant Sasol already operates nearby. The state of Louisiana
(The White House Office of Science and Technology) … Continued progress into the future will depend on ensuring a climate-smart citizenry and a next-generation American workforce of city planners, community leaders, engineers, and entrepreneurs who understand the urgent climate-change challenge and are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and training to seek and implement solutions.
Villanova Center for the Advancedment of Sustainability in Engineering Invites Advanced Biofuels USA
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) What a wonderful day, talking from dawn ‘til dusk about the past, present and future of biofuels with faculty and students excited about their work in this area. It was a real treat to immerse myself in academia on the beautiful autumn-colored Villanova campus
by Wendy Koch (USA Today) People living near natural-gas wells were more than twice as likely to report upper-respiratory and skin problems than those farther away, says a major study Wednesday on the potential health effects of fracking. Nearly two of every five, or 39%, of those living less than
by Sergei Blair (Town and Country) Although it may look like an ordinary tall grass, scientists from Penn State’s Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County, said switchgrass—commonly found across much of the eastern and southern Unites States—can be the next best source for biofuel and alternative energy production. Educators and researchers from

The Keystone Farm Show is the fastest growing farm show on the East Coast! Started in January of 1998 to address the needs of agrimarketers in the Mid-Atlantic area, the show has nearly tripled in size! The Keystone Farm Show has been extended to 3 days to accommodate the increase
(prweb.com) The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) has selected Drexel University to perform research that will monitor and quantify the composition of waste greases to improve knowledge about the feasibility of grease-to-biodiesel processes. A key outcome of the Extraction of Lipids from Wastewater to Produce Biofuels (U3R13) project is an
(Yahoo! News/SG Preston) $400 Million Facility in Lawrence County to Create 100 Permanent Jobs and Produce 120 Million Gallons Annually SG Preston (SGP), a bioenergy leader, today announced the planned development of a 120 million gallon renewable diesel facility in Lawrence County, Ohio. The SGP South Point facility will have
by John M. Urbanchuk (ABF Economics/Renewable Fuels Association) … Reflecting this enhanced competitiveness and maturation, ethanol prices (both FOB plant and delivered at key U.S. markets) have declined, while crude oil and conventional gasoline prices remained stable or increased. Consequently: 1. U.S.-produced ethanol continues to improve its economic competitiveness relative to gasoline. 2. U.S.
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Bioenergy professionals interested in getting certified or earning a master’s degree might want to check in on Penn State’s program in renewable energy and sustainability systems. The university launched its masters program last year and recently added graduate certificates in four areas: bioenergy, sustainability
by Seth Palmer (Phys.Org) Cocoa farmers this year will lose an estimated 30 to 40 percent of their crop to pests and disease, and with chocolate prices having risen globally by roughly two-thirds in the past decade, concern is growing about sustainability in cocoa production. Of particular concern are the
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) The multibillion-dollar Anschutz Exploration Corp., which helped make its founder, Philip Anschutz, one of the richest men in America, filed a lawsuit three years ago against Dryden, a small town in Upstate New York. The issue: Dryden was sitting on top of some of the best