(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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
(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
(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
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
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
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
(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,
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
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
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
(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
(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
(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
(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
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
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)
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
(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
(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
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
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
(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
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. [caption id="attachment_57305" align="alignleft" width="300"] Joanne Ivancic speaks
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
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
(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
(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
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
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
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
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
(Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics/Biomass Magazine) Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has requested U.S. EPA Inspector General Arthur Elkins investigate whether the Carlyle Group and Delta Airlines improperly influenced the EPA’s proposed renewable fuel standards (RFS). The proposed standards actually
by Seth Borenstein (Associated Press) In Pennsylvania's gas drilling boom, newer and unconventional wells leak far more often than older and traditional ones, according to a study of state inspection reports for 41,000 wells. The results suggest that leaks of methane
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) The 2014 edition of the Energy Path convergence which took place at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, delineates the path that we should take for the betterment of the populace and posterity – the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Delta Air Lines is partnering with the Carbon War Room, a nonprofit organization founded by Sir Richard Branson, in an effort to accelerate low-carbon jet fuel production worldwide. This is part of the global carrier’s commitment
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The June edition of the Northeast bioenergy webinar series by Northeast Woody/Warm-season Biomass Consortium (NEWBio) featured Kwesi Boateng - Lead Scientist at the United States Department of Energy, Agricultural Research Service, (USDA-ARS) Eastern Regional
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill Implementation Continues at Brisk Pace with Universities and State Cooperative Extension Programs Now Set to Help Educate Farmers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $6 million
by Amanda Peterka (E&E reporter/Greenwire) The United States may be losing a major opportunity to be a global leader in the growing market for green chemicals because of its overwhelming policy tilt toward biofuels, industry experts say. There are big profit
by Cesary Podkul and Jeff Mason (Reuters) Six months ago the U.S. oil industry scored a surprise win against farm groups when the Obama administration proposed slashing the amount of ethanol refiners must blend into gasoline, a move that could
by Pamela Rockwell* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Sid Harwood and Shannon Helzer both have a military background, both are physics teachers at Daniel Boone High School in Birdsboro, PA, and both are committed to the success of the Go Clean, Go
by Philip Gruber (Lancaster Online) A plan to make biofuel partially on the farm is starting to take shape in Montgomery County. Typically, the entire process of converting high-energy crops to biofuel has been done at a biorefinement plant, but
by Chuck (DomesticFuel.com) ... This new virtual community is set up to provide a meeting place to share information, contribute to farming related discussions and access premium contents and services. It is very simple to create your account by visiting MyNewHolland.com. Then
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture) Innovations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are bringing researchers one step closer to developing "green" biofuel production systems farmers can use to meet on-farm energy needs, or to produce renewable fuels for commercial
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (FuelFix) Researchers found higher-than-expected emissions of a potent greenhouse gas emanating from Pennsylvania wells, according to a study published Monday that adds to concerns about the environmental footprint of natural gas. The study, conducted by Purdue and Cornell universities
by Lisa Song and Jim Morris (InsideClimateNews.org) Gas drilling facilities have sporadic emission spikes that spew toxins harmful to human health, but states rarely monitor these fleeting events. People in natural gas drilling areas who complain about nauseating odors, nosebleeds and
by Kevin Begos and Marc Levy (Associated Press/Fuel Fix) An energy company is dusting off an old, unused state law that can force property owners to accept oil and gas drilling under their land, pitting neighbor against neighbor in a
by Valerie Myers (Erie Times-News) Local farmers soon might be planting crops that previous generations would have plowed under. That's the goal of a $10 million, five-year project to convert perennial grasses and other "throwaway" plants to fuel. Local farmers and landowners
(NEWBio) Scholarships are available for two online courses that will be offered this summer: ABE 884: Bioenergy Systems and ABE 885: Bioenergy Harvest & Logistics. The courses are 3 credits each, and scholarships are available that cover all tuition
by Samantha Wallace (Williamsport Sun-Gazette) ... The Northeast Woody/Warm Season Bioenergy Consortium, or NEW Bio, a regional network of universities, businesses and governments, dedicated to establishing sustainable biomass energy projects is supervising the project at the high school and is
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Thanks again to Lee Publications, Inc., the Keystone Farm Show organizers, for donating exhibit space to Advanced Biofuels USA at the York, PA “Farm Show for Farmers” January 7-9. See our tweets (@AdvancedBiofuel)
The Bioenergy Scholars Program offers summer research work to undergraduates, who can apply to work at one of several universities in the Northeast US (including Penn State, Cornell, Rutgers, West Virginia University, SUNY ESF, and Delaware State University and others).
(EcoNews) A new study conducted by Drexel University environmental sociologist Robert J. Brulle, PhD, exposes the organizational underpinnings and funding behind the powerful climate change countermovement. This study marks the first peer-reviewed, comprehensive analysis ever conducted of the sources of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Pennsylvania and Germany, BASF and Renmatix signed a non-exclusive joint development agreement to scale up the Renmatix Plantrose process for the production of industrial sugars based on lignocellulosic biomass. The parties have agreed to
by Nicholas De Filippis (Advanced Biofuels USA) Doctors are some of the most highly respected people in the world. They help cure the sick and research ways to prevent cancer and disease. Dr. Ritambhara Singh is a doctor of a different
by Rachel Passmore (NewBIO) ... The shrub willow lifecycle begins with a place to plant the seeds. Part of NEWBio's research focuses on the use of land that is undesirable for food production, land that contains "marginal soils". According to Dr.
by Amelia Fox and Emily Thiel (Daniel Boone Student Reporter/Berks-Mont News) In this oil-dependent world, a group of students at Daniel Boone High school are looking at alternatives that “Go Clean, Go Green, Go Algae!” A handpicked group of nine juniors and seniors
by Matthew McFeeley (The Energy Collective) Fracking’s water footprint is higher than previously thought, according to a new report that combined data from many sources to provide one of the most comprehensive looks at how water is used by the oil and
(American Chemical Society) A new study has found that liquid wastes from hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” that was treated and released into local streams in Pennsylvania still contained elevated levels of salts and other contaminants, which could be dangerous to
The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology is the world’s largest industrial biotechnology event for business leaders, investors, and policy makers in biofuels, biobased products, and renewable chemicals. BIO is excited to partner with the PHLLife to bring the 2014 conference to
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Petroleum Institute has filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. EPA’s 2013 volume requirement under the renewable fuel standard (RFS), which was finalized in August. Representatives of the biofuels industry are calling the
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
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US Department of Energy announced that 15 breakthrough energy projects will receive approximately $34 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) via the REMOTE program (Reducing Emissions using Methanotrophic Organisms for
by Chris Kick (Farm and Dairy) ...At 10 feet tall and higher, (Jon) Griswold’s “giant miscanthus” surpasses even the tallest of corn hybrids and the tallest of farmers. And its dense, wide-reaching foliage makes for a fort-like appearance from the roads. ...Griswold
by Patrick Meehan and Pat Eiding (The Wall Street Journal) The price of EPA compliance rose 3,625% since the end of 2012. ... As a display of regulatory failure at its finest, current regulations place the compliance obligation on refiners rather than on
(Pennsylvania State University) Interest in renewable energy is growing worldwide and so are jobs in this field, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s green economy occupations database. Penn State, which is ranked first among universities engaged in alternative energy research by Elsevier
by Kevin Flanigan (WeAreCentralPA.com) The huge ethanol plant in Clearfield County is currently running near capacity. A number of farmers who help supply the plant with all of the corn it uses got an up close look at the operation. Farm
This fall semester, Penn State World Campus is offering the following online graduate course: ABE 884 - Bioenergy Systems You are invited to register now for this advanced course in bioenergy principles and applications. The course examines the theories and applied technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Using just CO2, sunlight and water – and some math right off Einsteins’ blackboard — researchers come up with a potential game-changing technology for making renewable fuels. The National Science Foundation’s division of Emerging Frontiers in
by Andrew Freedman (Climate Central) A new study of the air above a natural gas field in Utah suggests that far more methane gas may be escaping into the atmosphere from drilling operations than previously estimated. The study, to be published
(Algae Biomass Organization) The algae industry is moving faster than many people suspect. To help demonstrate how far along so many of ABO’s members are we recently created the Algae Industry Project Book, an illustrated guide of some of the most
(US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) The process dates to ancient Egypt. Now, it’s being studied here by the USDA as a way to fuel farms. Pour a few handfuls of chopped- up corn stalks or switchgrass into a hopper.
by ANI (Yahoo! News) ..."It is thought that Jatropha's future lies in further improvement of Jatropha for large-scale production on marginal, non-food croplands through breeding and/or biotechnology," John E. Carlson, professor of molecular genetics at Penn State, said. "The more that is
by Susanne REtka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bruce Dale urges careful thought about energy and agriculture. A 1-ton-per-day pilot facility on the campus of Michigan State University geared up this spring to produce pretreated biomass for feed trials. It’s part of
by Katy Stech (The Wall Street Journal) Struggling Fuel-Making Facilities Are in Danger of Falling to Liquidators Before Market Recovers When the New Energy Corp. ethanol plant in South Bend, Ind., was idled by its bankruptcy filing last November, people nearby
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public hearings in April on the Tier 3 proposed rulemaking aimed at addressing the impacts of motor vehicles on air quality and public health. The program proposes to
by Zack Coleman (The Hill E2Wire) Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) filed two amendments to a $984 billion government funding bill on Thursday that would gut the military's alternative fuels program. The amendments already are drawing criticism the program's supporters, which are
by Daniel Ciolkosz (Pennsylvania State University) ...The sizes of the molecules in biodiesel and petroleum diesel are about the same, but they differ in chemical structure. Biodiesel molecules consist almost entirely of chemicals called fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), which
(Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania) The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors has approved the investment of $354,876 in support of regional economic development. BFTP/NEP’s goal is to help lead northeastern Pennsylvania to a
By Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Thanks to Lee Publications, the organizers of farm shows up and down the mid-Atlantic, for donation of booth space at the “farm show for farmers,” Keystone Farm Show 2013. This provides an opportunity for
by Alexandra Duszak (PublicIntegrity.org) When Pennsylvanians agreed to a massive increase in natural gas drilling in the state, they were told that the economic benefit would outweigh any potential risk to the environment. The drilling employs a controversial technology known as
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited a state-of-the-art bioindustrial facility at Renmatix today, where he announced $25 million to fund research and development of next-generation renewable energy and high-value biobased products from a variety of biomass sources. "USDA's
(Renmatix/Sacramento Bee) Building on success in hardwood, Philadelphia-based Renmatix adds on-site capability to convert multiple local and international feedstocks to cellulosic sugar Renmatix, the leading manufacturer of cellulosic sugars for biobased chemical and fuel markets, welcomed Secretary Tom Vilsack, leader of
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $10 million in research grants to spur production of bioenergy and biobased products that will lead to the development of sustainable regional systems and help create jobs. Vilsack highlighted the
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) EESI Policy Associate Ned Stowe recently gave a presentation on biomass, bioenergy, and sustainability to the 11th Annual Great Lakes Environmental Legislators Forum of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in Chicago,
by Diana Nelson Jones (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) ... Ting Yen stores about 35 pounds of used oil a day in the basement of Sushi Fuku on Oakland Avenue, including contributions from the owner of Oishii Bento across the street. He had
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) The United Nation’s emphasis of “Sustainable Energy for All” (SE4All) in 2012 wrapped up with a decision to continue the focus with a Sustainable Energy for All Decade. The Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF)
(ACORE) The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) released the 2012 edition of its report, Renewable Energy in the 50 States, as an interactive, online resource. Compiling updated financial data, resource potentials, market and policy information in one easily-accessed, online
(Pennsylvania State University) The Northeast could help lead the way to a renewable-energy-based economy by utilizing marginal and abandoned land to grow energy crops such as perennial grasses and fast-growing woody plants. That's the goal of a new research and education
(Primus Green Energy) New Northeast Consortium Tasked With Developing Perennial Biomass Feedstock Production Systems As part of its continued effort to drive the commercialization of alternative fuels, Primus Green Energy Inc. an alternative fuel company based in Hillsborough, N.J., has signed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Are they biofuels? We think so – even if they are post-biomass. They do what organisms have done for eons to make biomass in the first place: convert lifeless CO2, sunlight and water and nutrients
(Renmatix) U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) visits facility to discuss job creation and growth of biobased markets Renmatix, the leading manufacturer of cellulosic sugars for biobased chemical and fuel markets, marked the opening of a new research and development center in
(Renmatix) Companies embark on program to explore viability of MSW as inputs for PlantroseTM process Waste Management, Inc. , the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services, and Renmatix, the leading manufacturer of biobased sugar intermediates for global chemical and fuel markets,
(Genuine Bio-Fuel/Biodiesel Magazine) Genuine Bio-Fuel Inc., headquartered in Indiantown, Fla., expands its operations to Lincoln Park, N.J., with the build-out of a state-of-the-art biodiesel refinery at the Lincoln Park Airport, while creating15 to 30 new jobs in the process. Genuine Bio-Fuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced payments for 125 advanced Biofuel producers across the country to support the production and expansion of advanced biofuels from a wide variety of non-food sources, including waste products. "Advanced biofuels are
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here we are, some 30+ years into the era of genetic modification of crops. The primary breadbasket of the world, the United States, is experiencing its most severe drought conditions in decades, and you might
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As bio-based companies race across the Valley of Death, in the dash for scale, who’s getting financing now, and how? The path to financing success in bio-based project development used to be a little less complicated. Raise
by Tim Bryant (STLToday.com) The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is among five recipients of a $12.1 million federal grant to develop drought-tolerant grass as a sustainable source of biofuel. Developing bioenergy grasses with the desirable traits needed for
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) He was dressed like an executive; dark suit, white shirt, tie, and struggling to get a poster board out of the back of an SUV as his mother tried to help. I glanced the
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) EnergyPath, a project of the Sustainable Energy Fund, provides a unique conference/workshop event to promote implementation of sustainable energy in Pennsylvania, in the broadest sense. Founded in 1999 via a settlement approved by the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Section 9011 of the Farm Bill – the Biomass Crop Assistance Program – USDA deploys $9.6M in new investments in bioenergy crops as questions revolve around the program’s future and effectiveness. Is BCAP important? Will
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Most of the stories we write at the Digest on the subject of biofuels feedstocks fall into the well-established realms of normal. But every once in a while, a feedstock emerges that is so compellingly
by Brittany Boyer (WJAC TV) Pennsylvania Grain Processing has officially closed on the purchase of the former Bionol Ethanol plant in Clearfield. According to a news release obtained by 6 News, production at the plant is expected to begin sometime during
by Bryan Sims (Biorefining Magazine) The biorefining industry is hungry for a low-cost, high-quality and readily available supply of sugar feedstock from nonfood biomass sources. A number of pure-play sugar technology developers and manufacturers like Renmatix, Virdia (formerly HCL CleanTech),
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Bio-Energy Holdings Inc. has developed a brown grease collection process unit available for restaurants, trademarked the A-Ceptor, to help avoid clogged grease traps, fines and sewer problems. The unit, which the company says is
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A new study released today by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) indicates that a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states could result in doubling gasoline prices and other negative economic impacts. The study, “Analysis of the
by Jim Martin (Erie Times-News) U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack knows gas prices are high. ...But Vilsack, a Pittsburgh native, said prices could be a lot worse. In an interview with the Erie Times-News, Vilsack said Tuesday that ethanol and other biofuels
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) The distribution of biodiesel-blended fuels for both on- and off-road applications in the Northeast just got easier as Lancaster, Pa.-based fuel dealer AMERIgreen Energy Inc., in partnership with International Petroleum Traders LLC, recently opened a
by Martin LaMonica (CNET) For a new crop of biofuel companies, ethanol is out and "biogasoline" is in. One of them is Primus Green Energy, which plans to open a demonstration plant by the end of the year that will convert wood
by Jeff Corcino (The Progress News) The Bionol Clearfield ethanol plant could have some potential buyers. At last night's meeting of the Clearfield Lawrence Township Joint Airport Authority, manager Richard Shaffer said he has received some inquiries on how tall
(Iowa State University) Now, an Iowa State University-based study over the next five years will examine whether a single, coordinated production system can address all of these concerns while making profits for producers. A multi-state, interdisciplinary team led by Ken Moore,
by Jacob Barker (Columbia Tribune) Despite large cuts to the federal program supporting it and concerns from some groups about environmental impacts, a project to begin growing a giant perennial grass to serve as a dedicated biofuel crop is moving
by Jeremy Hsu (MSNBC) Engineer says cheap biodiesel can be made on any scale year-round — he just needs cash The biofuel farm contained only a small wind turbine, solar panel and container of green scum packed within a tub-size frame
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first gas fermentation technology to come to the public markets: Coskata files its $100 million IPO. Here’s our 10-minute version of the filing, with a translation of the risks into English. ...Coskata, which in the
(Science Daily) ...But how the sucrose produced in the leaves via photosynthesis is delivered to the transporters that move it into the phloem has remained a mystery. Thus, a critical piece of the molecular pump was unknown--the protein that moves
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Idled ethanol plant Bionol Clearfield LLC is working to get approval to sell some of the water it would be using for ethanol production to sell to the natural gas extraction industry for
by Carrin Hall (Energy Digital) As the natural gas industry targets vehicles, what will happen to biofuels development? Clean Energy Fuels, a leading natural gas provider in Seal Beach, has teamed up with Quarles Petroleum Inc. to bring customers alternative fuel,
(Pennsylvania State University) Penn State Harrisburg has opened its new $1.6 million biofuels research and teaching laboratory and greenhouse. Dedicated during a recent ceremony, the facility serves a center for the study of second- and third-generation biofuels, with the goal of
by Carole Duran (Reading Eagle.com) Berks County Intermediate Unit has been awarded a $100,000 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to continue offsetting the difference in diesel and biodiesel fuel costs. ...The grant was a follow-up to a
by Stephen J. Pytak (RepublicanHerald.com) A company is planning to start up the first biodiesel plant in Schuylkill County, which will convert food waste oil into biodiesel fuel. Borough officials have been in talks with NAGSCO Corp., which is working with
By Richelle Gonzalez (Severna Park Patch) University of Maryland researcher says algae could remove pollutants from agricultural wastewater. The Eastern Shore is known for vast soybean and corn farms, but if Patrick Kangas had his way it would be covered
(Coskata) With More than 15,000 Run Hours, Company Focus Turns to Commercial Scale Facilities Coskata, Inc., a developer of technology for the production of advanced biofuels and biochemicals from biomass and waste materials, achieved two years of successful operations at
(Enhanced Online News) Primus Green Energy (“Primus”), the leader in renewable, drop-in fuel, successfully proved its pilot scale production is capable of producing “drop-in” standard gasoline that achieves 25 percent longer runtime than regular unleaded fuel. The bio-gasoline product was
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The Energy Cooperative, a Philadelphia-based member-owned nonprofit, has launched an initiative to encourage the use of Bioheat. To kick off the Clean Heat initiative, The Energy Co-op is holding a Clean Heat video contest. Members
(The Weekly) Company to Direct Manufacturing for Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Bio-Fuel Industry Bard Holding Inc., a U.S. based algae production company, announced the opening of its Calhoun, Georgia facility, the first of multiple manufacturing sites the company plans to operate in
by Jeff Mulhollem and Chuck Gill (Penn State/Gant Daily) A forest products researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is playing a role in a national effort to gauge the viability of a novel use for wood-based biofuels. The U.S.
(BusinessWire/Yahoo!Finance) Air Force Purchase is for Jet Engine Testing and Feasibility Flight Demonstration Gevo, Inc., a leading renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels company, received a $5 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the development of biojet
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (September 27, 2011) announced that USDA will make payments to more than 160 energy producers in 41 states to support and ensure the production and expansion of advanced biofuels. "Renewable energy production
(PR Newswire/Renmatix) Kleiner Perkins' John Doerr, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, and Amyris CEO John Melo laud company's novel use of super critical water Renmatix, the leading producer of cellulosic sugars, today unveiled the Plantrose™ process, the company's commercial approach to producing
by Matthew L. Wald (New York Times) A Georgia company says it has overcome a major roadblock in turning agricultural waste into vehicle fuel and other useful chemicals by experimenting with a technology that treats the waste with compressed water
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The International Biorefining Conference & Trade Show in Houston wasn’t exclusively about biobased chemicals and next-gen biofuels. In fact, the event featured two speakers who presented novel biodiesel technologies that are on the verge of
by Tom Shortell (LehighValleyLive.com) A New Jersey company is considering building a biorefinery in Plainfield Township that would convert tall grass and wood pellets into fuel, but no official plans have been submitted to the township. Primus Green Energy, based out of
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service) A commercial enzyme could reduce overall costs linked with producing ethanol from grain, and also reduce associated emissions of greenhouse gases, according to a study by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Monica Von Dobeneck (The Patriot-News /PennLive.c0m) Ben Wooten is doubling his workforce, quadrupling his space and increasing his production tenfold at his Keystone BioFuels in Lower Allen Twp. Not bad in a stagnant economy, he said. Wooten said government
by David Hughes (Post Carbon Institute) This week the USGS released anew assessment of gas resources in the Marcellus Shale, Appalachian Basin. The report is a reasonable effort by the USGS to sort out some of the wheat from the
(The Pew Charitable Trusts) This week, former Navy secretary and U.S. senator John W. Warner (R-Va.) is traveling with Vice Adm. Dennis V. McGinn (Ret.), vice chairman of the CNA Military Advisory Board, as part of a national tour to discuss
by Lindsay Derba (PopCityMedia) Andrew Butcher, 30, co-founded GTECH, one of Pittsburgh's premier green economy initiatives, along with his partner, Chris Koch. The nonprofit aims to help Pittsburgh grow by transforming vacant land, connecting people to the green economy, and using
by Walt Frank (Altoona Mirror) Cars and trucks are capable of running on E-10 gasoline - gas that contains 10 percent ethanol - but it may not be so good for boats and other machinery with small engines. Service departments at
(ABC27.com) Messiah College has been around for over 100 years, but they're trying something for the first time this year. The school is a couple of months into what they are calling, "The Sunflower Power project." ...The school is growing five acres of
by John Roach (MSNBC) Could lead to microbes that produce drugs and biofuels A computer software program is outfitting biotechnology companies with the ability to determine the genetic plans they need to engineer microorganisms for the production of products such as
by Paul Voosen (New York Times/Greenwire) ...For eons, plants have locked the sun's energy into complex strands of sugar, used to build their stems and leaves. These chains are far different from table sugar or grain starch; they cling together,
by Tom Beres (WKYC) Farmers in Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania are being recruited to grow a special grass that can be converted to biofuel energy. Some are already planting miscanthus, a durable grass that won't spread and requiries little fertilizer and care. It
(US Department of Agriculture) Projects Further Obama Administration's Effort to Produce Clean Home-Grown Energy, Create Sustainable Rural Jobs Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the establishment of four additional Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) project areas to promote the cultivation of
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