by Erik Gunn (Wisconsin Examiner) About 1 million acres of Wisconsin farmland produces corn for ethanol fuel, but an environmental group says the land could produce 100 times as much energy if planted with solar farms instead. In addition, it would take less than one-third of the land currently used for
Wisconsin
(Hydro Review) Hydrogen Charbone Corporation announced it has signed the contract of purchase and sale with Northwoods Hydropower Inc. to acquire all general partner and limited partner interests in Tower Kleber Limited Partnership and the Black River Limited Partnership. Together, these two companies own the 560 kW Tower, 1.2 MW Kleber
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) RNG and it’s companion product biogas have taken the project and sustainable power sectors by storm — there’s project action, fast-developing technology, M&A activity, and policy advances of the first magnitude, in the United States and all around the developed world, What’s up, who’s in
(Galileo Technologies/AltFuels) Liberty RNG once again relies on Galileo Technologies to produce renewable natural gas, and has incorporated a new Microbox-Bio to increase integrated biomethane production. This unit will join the two that the company has operating in Wisconsin. The company’s two Microbox-Bio units upgrade and compress biogas obtained from manure from
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on Jan. 4 published its 2022 Fall Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, confirming the expected timeline on federal rulemakings related to the Renewable Fuel Standard, E15 sales and the Biopreferred program. According to the agenda, the U.S. EPA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) These slides were presented by Digest editor Jim Lane for the December 22 episode of ABLC CONNECT, and focused on the Drivers, Margins, Project List. Value Stack, Mandates, Policies, Tax Credits, Supply Crunch, and Hot Projects Of The Sector. READ MORE WATCH PRESENTATION Renewable Diesel
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Awards presented at Transportation Conference & Annual Meeting — … “It’s rewarding to see Wisconsin Clean Cities members demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through the use of clean transportation fuels, advanced vehicle technologies and energy-saving strategies.” Wisconsin Clean Cities Executive Director Lorrie Lisek said. “We applaud their efforts
by Amit Malewar (Inceptive Mind) Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has flown a G650 business jet fuelled with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a feat the company calls a first among business jet manufacturers. The flight took place from Gulfstream’s worldwide headquarters in Savannah and was flown in partnership with engine supplier Rolls-Royce
by Sarah Ferris (Politico) Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell and her allies are done being polite about Democrats’ lack of leadership in the Heartland. — A vocal group of Midwestern Democrats is telling it straight: Their party has a flyover country problem. And Democrats are going to have to do a lot more
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News arrives from Europe that Shell plc has agreed to acquire 100% of Nature Energy for nearly USD $2 billion (€ 1.9 billion) from Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, Pioneer Point Partners and Sampension. The acquisition will be absorbed within Shell’s current capital range, which remains
(Wisconsin Clean Cities) Kwik Trip, Inc. – headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin – has been a Wisconsin Clean Cities member since 2011. Joel Fasnacht, Business Development Alternative & Commercial Fuels for Kwik Trip, serves on the Wisconsin Clean Cities Board of Directors. The family-owned business was founded in 1965 and owns and
(Wisconsin Science Festival) Jack Williams is a microbiologist from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center who investigates the ways bacteria change and react when producing biofuels. Take a virtual tour of a microbiology lab, to learn how scientists transform bacteria found in soil and rotting fruit into chemical producers, especially biofuels, and to
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter sent yesterday to U.S. Senate and House leadership, a broad coalition of energy and agriculture organizations called on Congress to quickly adopt legislation that would resolve inconsistent fuel volatility regulations. Specifically, the groups expressed support for legislation that would result in equal regulatory treatment for all gasoline

Wisconsin Clean Cities Transportation Conference & Annual Meeting — December 8, 2022 — Green Bay, WI
Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for an afternoon of sustainable transportation at the Transportation Conference & Annual Meeting! Join us as we recognize our members’ successes during the awards ceremony. Learn how the state’s top clean fuel leaders achieved environmental and economic successes. Network with industry leaders, visit with exhibitors, attend
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here are the 50 Hottest Project Development & Deployment Spots in the Advanced Bioeconomy for 2022, as selected by the Digest’s editors. READ MORE
by Robert Zullo (Wisconsin Examiner) Across the country, states are inking agreements with neighbors or striking out on their own to pursue billions in federal funding to set up “hydrogen hubs,” clustered centers for production, storage and use of the gas that many see as a crucial piece of the puzzle
by Jon Scharingson (Renewable Energy Group/League of Cities) … Among a number of strategies to reduce emissions, improve resilience, and support green job creation, the plan also requires that all municipal vehicles run on 100% renewable resources and be carbon neutral by 2030. Because the technology and infrastructure for heavier-duty vehicles
by Natalie Johnson (University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh/Biomass Magazine) Marked by a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 17, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh launched a new effort with biogas partner Agra Energy to build Wisconsin’s first commercial facility to turn dairy farm waste into renewable biofuel. The $20 million facility, located at
(U.S. Department of Energy) Combining chemical and biological processes is a promising new strategy for the valorization of mixed plastic waste, according to researchers from the Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) Consortium. BOTTLE is a collaboration between scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and
(Optimus Technologies) ADM conducts a 16-month field trial equipping Class 8 Mack trucks with Optimus Technologies Vector System — The Vector System is an advanced fuel system technology that enables heavy-duty diesel engines to reduce carbon emissions by using 100% biodiesel (B100). Already running on commercial and government fleets from
(The Advance-Titan) Marked by a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh launched a new effort with biogas partner Agra Energy to build Wisconsin’s first commercial facility to turn dairy farm waste into renewable biofuel. The $20 million facility, located at Dairyland Farm in New Franken, will use pioneering technology
by Rachel Schutte (Farm Progress) Bipartisan letter comes as the agency prepares to issue the ‘set’ rule in coming weeks. — As the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to issue its “set” rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a bipartisan group of thirteen senators sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging the
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Dane County, Wisconsin, has announced plans to increase the production capacity of its renewable natural gas (RNG) facility. The county also said it plans to capture carbon emissions from the gas plant itself. The RNG projects are discussed in a 2032 budget memo released by Dane
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Policymakers and energy security hawks love fuel, but consumers love renewable chemicals that power the everyday applications in their lives — resins, solvents, nutraceuticals, intermediates to make fabrics, nylons, plastics, and more. There’s a dizzying array of candidates — hydrogen for chemistry, methanol ammonia, PLA,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What’s up with the most exciting molecule in the bioeconomy as measured by capacity building? There are greenfield projects, refinery conversions, new technologies headed toward commercial, and the exciting arrival of DME at scale. What are the drivers, who are the players, what technologies are
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol made from corn fiber has a low carbon intensity and the potential to generate D3 RINs, but navigating the regulatory landscape to capture its fullest value can be complex. — Producing corn fiber ethanol alongside standard, D6 RIN-generating corn starch ethanol gives producers
(American Coalition for Ethanol) As the new school year gets underway, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) congratulates the 2022 scholarship recipients Heath Huschitt, Tyler Robert and Mallorie Schultz. Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship through ACE’s Scholarship Program to help further their collegiate education. “ACE wishes these bright, young students
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) As part of the Federal Government’s response to a fire and shutdown at the Bp Whiting Refinery in Whiting, Indiana, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan today issued an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate fuel shortages in four states whose supply of gasoline has
(Liberty/PR Newswire) Furthering net zero goals with four RNG sites in Wisconsin and hydrogen consortium in New York — Liberty (RNG), LLC (“Liberty”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (“AQN”) (TSX: AQN) (NYSE: AQN) , announced today the recent completion of its acquisition of Sandhill Advanced Biofuels, LLC (“Sandhill”). Sandhill
(Optimus Technologies) City of Madison’s Fleet Superintendent, Mahanth Joishy, and the City’s Sustainability & Resilience Manager, Jessica Price, talk about the Optimus Technologies Vector System pilot on 12 of Madison’s fleet vehicles. The City of Madison, WI, is approaching 8M pounds of CO2 reduction from its sustainability efforts. According to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week on ABLC CONNECT, we networked and exchanged information about the world of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and as part of the proceedings, we had the State of Sustainable Aviation Fuel presentation. The slides are here. READ MORE Recording: THE STATE OF SAF – Markets,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … The biogas frenzy of course is a happier story. It seems every company in the world has discovered the virtues of decarbonization but few have mastered the logistics, global footprint, capital and technology to convert reams of daily and agricultural waste to replace fossil fuels
(Novilla RNG/Biomass Magazine) Three Petals RNG LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Novilla Investment Holdings LLC, announced on July 12 the beginning of construction of its first dairy renewable natural gas (RNG) project at Trillium Hill Farm. The start of construction comes only two months after executing a manure rights contract
(Renewable Fuels Association) The state of California took an important step toward approving the use of cleaner, lower-cost E15 today (July 15, 2022) by releasing the results of a multi-year study of the fuel’s emissions impacts. The results of the study, which tested 20 vehicles, show that shifting from E10 to
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Federal Judge Dismisses Ethanol Lawsuit Against Archer Daniels Midland — A federal court in Illinois dismissed one of three ethanol market lawsuits against Archer Daniels Midland this week, outlining in an order that six ethanol companies in Iowa and Wisconsin were unable to prove antitrust
by Jason Calvi (FOX 6 Milwaukee) … Inside University of Wisconsin-Madison labs, there is a possible breakthrough, something for which UW is seeking a patent. … “It’s got to be a reality. It’s the only option we have. Because we know some day we’re going to run out of oil,” said
(American Biogas Council/Biomass Magazine) As renewable energy captures a greater share of U.S. energy and fuel production, the American Biogas Council is proud to recognize several anaerobic digester projects that have been pushing the industry forward in these ambitious efforts. Biogas systems, which use anaerobic digestion to recycle organic material into
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) List of Midwest States Seeking E15 Rulemaking Grows to Nine With Ohio Request — Add Ohio to a list of Midwest states that are asking the EPA to make a permanent change to allow year-round E15 sales beginning in 2023. The state’s governor on Friday
(Red Rock Biofuels/Business Wire) Award funds Red Rock Biofuels Holdings, Inc. (“Red Rock”) to Convert Post-Fire Charred Waste Woody Biomass to Sustainable Aviation Fuel & Renewable Diesel — Red Rock is pleased to announce that it has received a Wood Innovations Grant from the U.S. Forest Service to fund its project
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, a recent, highly publicized report led by Tyler Lark of the University of Wisconsin attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard is “more problematic than what we initially evaluated to be the case,” according to a new review of the work by researchers from the Department of Energy’s Argonne
by John Blum (Marquette University) A new combustion system for engines allows heavy-duty farm equipment normally powered by diesel fuel to run on gasoline and ethanol, without sacrificing performance. — Having grown up working on his uncle’s farm and in his father’s concrete business in northern Illinois, Dr. Adam Dempsey
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. governors from eight Midwest states, many of which are major corn producers, asked the Biden administration on Thursday to apply rules that would allow gasoline blended with a higher level of ethanol to be sold year-round in their states. Governors from Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota said
(Dane County/NGV Journal) Dane County has acquired its 100th vehicle that runs on renewable natural gas. The announcement comes as the county celebrates Earth Week and recognizes the investments it has made over the last decade to transition to alternative fuels. By growing its green energy fleet to more than 115 vehicles,
(EnTech Solutions) Organizations Unveil Completed Facility Powered by Clean Energy as Part of Earth Day Commemoration — With the support of leadership from Dane County, Wisconsin, EnTech Solutions, a full-service clean energy solutions provider, has partnered with Northern Biogas, a fully-funded renewable natural gas (RNG) producer, to repurpose an anaerobic biodigester facility formerly
by Damian Mason (The Business of Agriculture) In February of 2022 a “study” caught wide media attention (as it was designed by its sponsors to specifically do). The study, commissioned by National Wildlife Fund, found that corn ethanol is worse for the environment than fuel derived from oil. Groups ranging
Advanced Biofuels USA, a nonprofit educational organization HELPS students STUDY how to defossilize transportation and OTHER energy use. Here’s an example from students in Wisconsin: https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/seventh-grade-environmental-issues-project-students-use-advanced-biofuels-usa-resources/ Each day throughout EARTH MONTH in 2022, Advanced Biofuels USA will highlight one or more 5-letter words that you MIGHT some day see
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With the start of the summer driving season fast approaching and year-round E15 sales no longer an option, EPA’s Rod Snyder said on Thursday the agency continues to work to restore those sales. Snyder, who is the ag adviser to EPA Administrator Michael Regan and
by F. Taheripour, S. Mueller, H. Kwon, M. Khanna, I. Emery, K. Copenhaver, M. Wang (Argonne National Laboratory) The Systems Assessment Center and its collaborators provide a detailed technical review of a recently published article “Environmental Outcomes of the US Renewable Fuel Standard” by Lark et al. (2022). Our review
(Kohler) It’s full speed ahead for Kohler Engines and its commitment to lessen the environmental impact of its engines. The company recently approved use of EN15940- compliant Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils, or HVOs, for all its diesel engines – either pure or as a blend with conventional diesel. The approval came
by Geogg Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Minneapolis Star Tribune) Contrary to the assertions of the March 13 article “Ethanol’s emissions clouding its benefits,” ethanol’s environmental benefits are as clear as the blue sky on a cloudless, sunny day. While the article correctly mentions that ethanol’s carbon footprint continues to shrink, the reporters unfortunately omit
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) On Day 2 of ABLC in Washington, DC, The Digest announced the 50 Hottest Projects in the Advanced Bioeconomy 2022. This year, the focus was on advanced bioeconomy manufacturing sites, completed or in development, at pilot, demonstration or commercial scale for intermediates or finished products, rather
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm calling on the department to address the most recent inaccurate and misleading study by Tyler Lark and others that claims to have been partially funded by the department. The study directly contradicts conclusions from
(Optimus Technologies) Use of 100% Biodiesel Will Help Fleet Reach Net Zero Target — The City of Madison, Wisconsin will soon be seeing emissions reductions after converting 17 of their fleet vehicles to operate on 100% biodiesel, thanks to their partnership with Optimus Technologies and Renewable Energy Group (NASDAQ: REGI) (REG).
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) … Erik Huschitt with Badger State Ethanol in Monroe, Wisconsin tells Brownfield America had the one-pound waiver approved by the prior administration, “And then, we have a change in the Supreme Court level that doesn’t acknowledge that change, and so here we are now all

Transportation & Innovation Expo, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wisconsin — Register now for the Transportation & Innovation Expo April 28 in Madison! Our sustainable transportation, infrastructure, technology and fleet vehicle conference & expo is the must-attend event of the year. Attend breakout sessions to hear from
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Biorefinery profitability scale with a carbon credit in cases of (A) no capture, (B) capture from fermentation, (C) capture from fermentation and biogas, and (E) full capture from fermentation and biogas, with exactly enough capture from flue gas to neither purchase nor sell electricity. Bioenergy carbon
by Mary Riker (Great Lakes Bioenery Research Center) … After I completed my Ph.D., I was looking for a lab where I could do further research in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, and I found the Landick lab as a suitable group to pursue my research interests in that same field.
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In South Dakota, the American Coalition of Ethanol said a report released recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences by Tyler Lark and others brought to life several misrepresentations of the environmental outcomes of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and refutes three key
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A new report published today (February 14, 2022) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, funded in part by the National Wildlife Federation, purports to examine the “environmental outcomes” of the Renewable Fuel Standard. In keeping with their previous “research” on biofuels
(Air Liquide/Biomass Magazine) Air Liquide continues its development of biomethane activities with the construction in the U.S. of its largest biomethane production unit in the world. This will bring the worldwide biomethane production capacity of the group to 1.8 TWh. The new production unit in the State of Illinois will allow
(National Biodiesel Board/Clean Fuels Alliance Americ) Clean Fuels Recognized as Essential Part of a Low-Carbon Transportation Future — The National Biodiesel Board this week announced its transition to a new name, Clean Fuels Alliance America, reflecting the organization’s progressive vision and the diversity of clean fuels its members produce – including
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) … Recognizing this, the governors of seven Midwest states sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in early November seeking guidance from the agency on how best to pursue a specific—and little known—provision of the Clean Air Act that allows independent
(Macquarie Capital/Business Newswire) Macquarie Capital Launches Renewable Fuels Platform Aerogy; Completes Financing of First US Project; Aerogy will focus on developing and investing in renewable fuels, supporting energy transition; Announces financial close of Zahn Farm Project anaerobic digestion facility in Gillett, Wisconsin, forming anchor investment for Aerogy — Macquarie Capital, the
(National Biodiesel Board/Biobased Diesel Daily) … Six decades later, a lot has changed for John Benish Jr., the second-generation executive of the family-owned and operated school bus company based in Oak Brook, Illinois. For one thing, today’s kids have clean-emission buses to ride on—with biodiesel playing a big role. Benish
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) The Biden Administration is ramping up its efforts to deploy clean energy infrastructure across the country. The White House announced this week plans to utilize public lands and rural America for wind, solar and other clean energy projects, but admits it will be a balance to ensure
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Last week it was elephant dung and now this week it’s human feces being turned into diamonds. Yes, you read that correctly…provocative installation artist Christoph Büchel will convert his unsold work and DNA extracted from his own feces into lab-grown diamonds. Büchel expects to make
by Dan Gearino (Inside Climate News) This 1970s Minnesota Farmers’ Uprising Tried to Block One. What Can it Teach Us? As the country moves toward a massive build-out of transmission lines, a decades-old rebellion offers a way through potential opposition. — If the United States is to make a transition to clean
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) A Wisconsin Congressman remains optimistic about legislation that would require the EPA to stay on track with setting biofuel blending requirements. Representative Ron Kind tells Brownfield the Defend the Blend Act simply requires the EPA administrator to not reduce any volume of biofuel blending or
by David Appleyard (Microgrid Knowledge) Powering an anaerobic digester project with a renewable microgrid has transformed the economics of biogas at a newly commissioned plant in Wisconsin. The facility is turning organic waste from more than 4,000 dairy cows into renewable natural gas and injecting it into a natural gas pipeline
by Mark E. Griffin (University of Wisconsin–Madison) University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers have demonstrated a new process for transforming a plentiful Wisconsin waste into fatty acids, energy-rich molecules that can be used to make fuels and a wide range of important chemicals. … Researchers at UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Energy Institute have published

Our sustainable transportation, infrastructure, technology and fleet vehicle conference & expo is the must-attend event of the year. Our last Transportation & Innovation Expo was the largest one-day sustainable transportation event in Wisconsin, with more than: 50 exhibitors in the 70,000-square-foot expo hall 60 vehicles and equipment on display 30
(Oberon Fuels) Awards recognize DME as a viable, low-carbon solution for use in a variety of vehicles and as a variety of fuel types — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) has awarded more than $4 million in funding to test novel applications of dimethyl ether (DME)
by Matthew Choi (Politico’s Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of Midwestern lawmakers is taking aim at the potential for EPA to retroactively lower biofuel blending mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) introduced the Defend the Blend Act on Tuesday that would prevent the agency from
by Michael Bates (NGT News) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) has awarded more than $4 million in funding to test novel applications of dimethyl ether (DME) as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. Oberon Fuels, a company producing renewable DME (rDME) in the U.S., is a supporting
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked a bipartisan group of seven Midwestern governors for their efforts to explore what actions can be taken to allow the year-round sale of E15 in their states. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan today, the governors seek guidance from the agency
(U.S. Department of Energy/Clean Technica) 25 Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects Will Advance Electrification of Freight Trucks, Reduce Vehicle Emissions and Improve Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Vice President Kamala Harris joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in New York yesterday to announce the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Jill Sakai (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Breaking down plant material for biofuels processing has always required multiple steps, especially when it comes to dealing with the tough, complex polymer lignin. Current methods use a multi-step pretreatment process that focuses on extracting sugars to ferment into fuels. These steps leave
by Nora Goldstein and Kat McCarthy (BioCycle Magazine) NRDC commissioned a survey of food waste hierarchy-related policies in 12 states across 3 regions. The publicly available reports are an invaluable resource. — The NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Food Matters initiative partners with cities to “achieve meaningful reductions” in food waste
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an investment of more than $146 million in sustainable agricultural research projects aimed at improving a robust, resilient, climate-smart food and agricultural system. This investment is made under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Sustainable
(Dane County/NGV Journal) … The renewable fuel injected into the pipeline at the Dane County Landfill comes from rotting trash and renewable natural gas brought in from manure digesters. It powers trucks and vehicles across the region, reducing diesel and carbon emissions. In fact, since Dane County launched its NGV
(NH Business Review) Department of Energy awards $1.2 million to study cellulosic biofuel production — A newly awarded $1.2 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy will help fund the research of Dartmouth engineering professor Daniel Olson, who is investigating the use of biomass to produce next-generation fuels and
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) A double doozy came in the news with Chevron expanding their JV partnership with Brightmark on their dairy biomethane renewable natural gas work together, and then bp and Clean Bay Renewables’ new 15-year agreement where bp will buy RNG processed from poultry litter and sell
by Kamalakanta Sahoo, Richard Bergman, Sevda Alanya-Rosenbaum, Hongmei Gu and Shaobo Liang (Sustainability) Climate change, environmental degradation, and limited resources are motivations for sustainable forest management. Forests, the most abundant renewable resource on earth, used to make a wide variety of forest-based products for human consumption. To provide a scientifc
(Wisconsin Energy Institute) What is the difference between biofuels and fossil fuels? Why are researchers at GLBRC (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) investigating making biofuels from corn stalks, grasses and other inedible plant material? This short interactive presentation introduces why GLBRC is researching making biofuels from non-food crops and traces
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Will Increase Availability of Biofuels by 822 Million Gallons Annually — Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to build infrastructure to expand the availability of higher-blend renewable biofuels (PDF, 177 KB) by 822
(PBS NewsHour) Plastic pollution is a global threat on our lands and seas. Since World War II, we have created over 9 billion cubic tons of it, yet its recycling remains extremely limited. As part of our “Breakthroughs” series, Miles O’Brien looks at new ideas and innovations, such as chemical

The National Biodiesel Board’s Exploring Biodiesel Regional Seminars (XBX) will visit Madison, Wisconsin, on Thursday, Sept. 30, for the sole event of its abbreviated 2021 series. Now in its fourth year, XBX is designed to educate fuel wholesalers, distributors, retailers, marketers, fleets, municipalities and other end users on the benefits
by Lorrie Lisek (Wisconsin Clean Cities/Kenosha News) … Today, Americans can and should band together with the same sense of patriotic pride of the World War II scrap drives in supporting the use and adoption of sustainable, domestic transportation fuels and technologies. … Madison now boasts a fleet of more
(OPAL Fuels) OPAL Fuels LLC, a vertically integrated producer and distributor of renewable natural gas for heavy-duty truck fleets, announced a contract with Contract Transport Services (CTS) to sell 15 million gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) of biomethane and build the station and related infrastructure at CTS’s facility in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
by Molly Beck and Rick Barrett (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) President Joe Biden moved his Wisconsin visit from a family farm in the rolling bluffs of Iowa County to the concrete floor of a city bus garage in La Crosse to promote passage of a $973 billion infrastructure bill just days after a
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) Biofuels supporters remain opposed to President Biden considering relief for oil refiners from biofuel blending requirements. Jonathan Gibbs with the Wisconsin Soybean Board tells Brownfield Biden’s planned Tuesday visit in Wisconsin would be a good opportunity for the President to show farmers he still supports
by Neal Kemmet (Wisconsin State Farmer) President Biden is expected to discuss the farm economy during a trip to Wisconsin this week. It’s an exciting visit that will showcase the state’s leadership in the field and across the broader agricultural supply chain. It’s also a rare opportunity for our state’s leaders
by Easton Kitowski and Tyler Falkavage (P.J. Jacobs Junior High School/Advanced Biofuels USA) Our final project for seventh grade science this year was an environmental issues project. Each group got to choose an environmental issue that was important, research the issue, and develop a potential solution to the problem. Our
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (May 14, 2021) announced $35 million in funding that will help slash carbon emissions and scale up the volume and efficiency of renewable biofuel. The 15 awarded research projects are housed at colleges, universities, and labs across nine states and
ORIX Corporation USA (ORIX USA) announced today (May 11, 2021) the completion of an equity investment in BC Organics Anaerobic Digestion Facility (BCO), a commercial biorefinery that processes dairy manure into renewable natural gas (RNG), a concentrated nutrient stream, dried fiber and clean water. BCO, located in Brown County, Wisconsin,
Cenex to Offer E15 through Rock Rapids Terminal, Making It More Accessible to Cenex Retail Locations
by Scott Van Aartsen (KIWA Radio) An area pipeline terminal will be helping to get more E15 fuel into our part of northwest Iowa. CHS, formerly known as Cenex-Harvest States is expanding access to higher ethanol blend fuels by offering E15 through 10 additional fuel terminals starting soon. In early 2021, CHS
by Abriela Thiel (The Badger Herald) ‘This has the short and long-term advantage of making Wisconsin a producer of materials it would otherwise import,’ UW expert says. — The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and the National Biodiesel Board announced they will be investing in greener vehicles for the City of Madison. Twenty
by Leslie Reed (University of Nebraska–Lincoln/Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute/Nebraska Today) University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers affiliated with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute have received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to better quantify carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions connected with corn production
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association) … At the same time—flying under the radar—has been the latest round of grants approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, also known as HBIIP. This is an important effort begun last year by the USDA to
(CHS) High ethanol blend E15 gasoline is available at about 50 Cenex locations and that number is expected to grow. — In early 2021, CHS announced it had taken steps to make E15 fuels more accessible to the company’s Cenex® branded retail locations by registering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
by Rhiannon Branch (Brownfield Ag News) Interest and growth in carbon market programs is booming. A recent ecosystem markets webinar hosted by the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership had more than 1600 participants registered with more than 600 questions submitted ahead of time. Speaker Kari Hernandez, Global Head of Carbon Operations and Offer Marketing with Indigo
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy)Conservation groups on Wednesday sued over the federal government’s approval of the 102-mile, $500 million Cardinal-Hickory Creek high-voltage transmission line that would carry electricity from renewables from Iowa to Wisconsin. The suit argues that the Agriculture Department’s Rural Utilities Service’s environmental study didn’t properly consider
(Bioenergy Insight) The Integrated Biogas Alliance (IBA) is in final stage development of a seven dairy, 16,500-head biogas project in Idaho. Working with EIP Ventures, the project represents the IBA’s first dairy biogas project in North America and is expected to close this quarter. … The project is set on
(BioCycle agazine) The Wisconsin Biogas Council reports the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin-Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) and University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point (UWSP) have initiated a statewide Biogas Feedstock and Industry Survey. “The survey aims to explore and assess the current status, challenges, and future opportunities of biogas facilities
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) Wisconsin Farmers Union has proposed ethanol policy that would seek 20% cost sharing from state and federal governments for blender pump installation. That same proposal would also drop policy language supporting federal subsidies for ethanol research, ethanol import tariffs and biofuel exports, bringing plenty of
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six democratic senators sent a letter President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 11 urging his administration to support U.S. farmers and the biofuels industry by restoring the integrity of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The letter, signed by Sens. Tammy Duckworth. D-Ill.; Amy Klobuchar,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Renewable Energy Group is the largest operator of renewable diesel and biodiesel plants in the US, with 12 refineries and a fast-growing capacity, especially in red-hot renewable diesel. In today’s Digest, we take a DigestData DeepDive™ with Actionable, Relational, Granular, Global Hard Data on REG’s Bioeconomy
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Novozymes has released a platform to convert more fiber to ethanol, giving producers an attractive ‘D3 lift.’ The company is also helping its customers navigate the low-carbon fuels marketplace, streamlining certification and assisting where it can. … Novozymes has released its Fiberex platform, for
by Tom Luljak (WUWM) Giant kelp is usually found thousands of miles from Milwaukee. It’s known for being an incredibly fast-growing seaweed in the Pacific Ocean. But recently, scientists have learned that the kelp could be a huge source for biofuel. That’s where a UWM scientist, Felipe Alberto, comes into
by Stephanie Hoff (WisBusiness News) U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said he thinks a new Biden administration should look at reviving the Trans-Pacific Partnership. “I think our withdrawal from TPP is one of the greatest strategic mistakes we’re making in the 21st century,” the La Crosse Dem and Ways and Means Committee
(State of Wisconsin) … Our charge is to combat the crisis at hand, to do so in a way that weds science and data with the experiences of citizens in the state, to learn how different communities and industries have been impacted, and to learn from those that are already
(Office of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers) Gov. Tony Evers today announced that Wisconsin will be making up to $3.25 million of federal Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding available to Wisconsin’s nine ethanol producers. The support aims to help offset some of the significant losses experienced by
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Add six more ethanol companies to the list of plaintiffs suing Archer Daniels Midland, alleging one of the nation’s largest ethanol producers manipulated the market. Wisconsin producers United Wisconsin Grain Producers, Didion Ethanol, Ace Ethanol, Fox River Valley Ethanol, Badger State Ethanol and Iowa producer Pine
by Marc Berger (Daily Citizen) … The EPA announced that E15 — a gasoline blend made with 15% ethanol — can be pumped through existing E10 infrastructure, helping expand the market for ethanol at a critical time. Despite this, we’re still waiting on concrete action to make this news a

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the 2020 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel. Scheduled speakers include: David Cox, Chief Financial Officer & Director of
(University of Wisconsin Oshkosh/Biomass Magazine) The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has partnered with Agra Energy Corp. to promote a new technology that converts biogas to fuel. The renewable solution makes use of Agra Energy’s Micro-GTL (gas-to-liquids) technology that converts methane-rich biogas into liquid fuels that meet diesel fuel specifications. “Agra Energy’s
by Michael Bates (NGT News) … The Deer Run Dairy anaerobic digester transforms animal waste to clean, low-carbon fuel for the transportation market. RNG production offers Deer Run Dairy the opportunity to improve manure management practices from its herd of 1,700 milking cows. “We’ve developed a great relationship with Deer Run
by Doug Rebout (GazetteXtra) … The EPA has consistently undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard by granting Small Refinery Exemptions—or waivers—to big oil, essentially cutting billions of gallons of biofuel demand and cutting off this vital market to corn farmers. The president has an opportunity to make this right and follow

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the 2020 Natural Gas for Transportation Roundtable! Join us and other industry leaders as we examine the multiple benefits of using compressed, liquefied and renewable natural gas as a viable alternative transportation fuel. READ MORE
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to

The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program and the Wisconsin Energy Institute are excited to bring no-cost interactive climate solutions workshops to your middle or high school classroom. Explore the En-ROADS simulation with us as you network with other teachers and imagine how this workshop fits into your curriculum. En-ROADS is
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Nacelle Solutions says two renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities in Wisconsin – S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay and Dallmann East River Dairy in Brillion – have been completed and recently begun operations. Nacelle will own, operate and maintain the RNG processing equipment under a long-term service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From fermentation ingredients to fermentation technology for fuel alcohol and distilled beverage production, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits has an interesting story and even more interesting path ahead. Check out this slide guide from a recent DigestConnect webinar on how the convergence of the two worlds
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ACE Ethanol’s facility in Stanley, Wisconsin has a D3MAX corn fiber to ethanol plant. Mark Yancey, Chief Technology Officer at D3MAX takes us on a tour of the plant, shares their startup issues and successes to date, shows us the Ace Ethanol D3MAX process integration, a
(Houston Chronicle) Using current and past Census data, Stacker tracks the way the American farming industry has changed over the past century. Over the past century, American farming has changed dramatically. Crops with long histories like tobacco are still prevalent throughout the South, while many farmers across the country are now
(Western Illinois University) Just 12 months after Western Illinois University Agriculture Professor Win Phippen announced the award of a $10 million federal grant to investigate the use of Pennycress as a commercial cash crop, a second grant has been awarded that dovetails into the initial grant and helps ensure a
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) … It was nearly a year ago when farmers’ cries started getting louder demanding that President Donald Trump and his Administration stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and defend the interests of biofuels over big oil. Fast forward to today, and the biofuel industry
by CJ Baumgartner (FOX 21 Local News) … One DFL senator has criticism on the president’s policies toward farmers. Assistant Minnesota Senate Minority Leader and District 19 Senator Nick Frentz says he’s glad to have any president come to the area to talk about key issues, including issues facing corn and
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a national network of progressive state and local elected officials, unveiled its own climate policy agenda this morning. The report focuses on how state and local officials can reduce emissions and build resiliency while fostering widespread support. It was developed by
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the gap SRE applications have been sent over from the Department of Energy. “They just started sending them to us the week before last, so our guys are just now starting to look at them.” Farmers and biofuel producers have
by Natalie Sopyla (WAOW) An Auburndale teacher is using the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to educate people. Back in March, Mark Cournoyer decided to produce a web series, “Fun with Cheese,” profiling Wisconsin’s cheese varieties. Since then, it has expanded to include all facets of life on the farm. … Cournoyer’s
by Jackie Pohlman (Renewable Fuels Association) When a group of dynamic individuals come together to make a difference, there’s no limit on the impact that they can make. This was the case when CTE Global’s employees came together with a single purpose: to make a difference by supporting the communities they
(U.S. Gain) U.S. Gain, a leader in development, procurement and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG), proudly announces that after only eight months their digester at S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is now transforming animal waste to clean, low carbon fuel for the transportation market. “We’re pleased to add
(Department of Energy) Studies Will Focus on Improving Crop Productivity and Resiliencen — Today (July 28, 2020) the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $68 million in funding over five years for basic research aimed at making bioenergy feedstock crops more productive and resilient. “One key requirement for sustainable bioenergy
by Anna Marie Tomczyk (Argonne National Laboratory/Phys.Org) … The practices that grain farmers use to produce their crops—managing fertility, tillage practice and crop rotations—influence the overall carbon footprint of U.S. agriculture. By using sustainable practices, farmers could substantially reduce their carbon footprint and become a vital partner to the biofuel
by Mark E. Griffin (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) … Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center scientists are enamored with one particular kind of long chain fatty acid, called furan fatty acid, because it could substitute for petroleum-based products including fuel, engine lubricant, medicines and food additives. Now, a team of
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) … Just this week, Green Plains shifted one of their Nebraska facilities to make FCC grade alcohol to be used for producing hand sanitizer. Lactips developed a solution to produce water-soluble strips for sealing COVID-19 contaminated hospital linen bags. ENGlobal started providing the world’s
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) When the U.S. EPA approved Ace Ethanol’s Part 80 registration for corn-fiber-to-ethanol production this spring—qualifying the facility to generate D3 RINs—it was not just another project milestone, but a critical validation and definitive green light to go. “Securing that D3 approval was never in
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected three projects to receive approximately $1 million in funding to leverage the unique computational capabilities at DOE’s National Laboratories. The projects will address technical challenges in bioenergy feedstock handling and logistics, as well as catalyst design and development.
(U.S. Department of Energy) Today (July 2, 2020), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of seven projects totaling $1.94 million to conduct research and development to accelerate the adoption of performance-advantaged biofuel blendstocks. These fuels are derived from renewable feedstocks, and can deliver exceptional efficiency with low emissions.

Join Wisconsin Clean Cities for the Wisconsin Renewable Natural Gas Success Stories Webinar! Hear how industry experts – including U.S. GAIN, CMD CNG Energy Solutions and Nacelle Solutions — are implementing successful RNG projects at dairy farms across Wisconsin, including at Clover Hill Dairy in Campbellsport. Hear firsthand from the Clover Hill Dairy farmers how the project
by Rachel Hatch (Illinois State University News) … An ISU professor of genetics, (John) Sedbrook is devoted to integrated plant biology and bioenergy, meaning his research focuses on bringing out positive genetic traits in plants. “We’re making mutations that are good,” he said. “That is the whole story behind domestication,
(Journal Standard) Adkins Energy LLC recently announced Aaron Folk, Kayla Runkle and Hannah Pickard as the recipients of this year’s scholarship awards. The scholarship provides each student with $500 scholarships to help them further their higher education. Entries for this year were judged on academic achievement and an essay answering the
(Farm Journal/AgWeb) Bankruptcies are rising and are expecting to increase due to problems associated with COVID-19. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies for the 12 month period ending in March totaled 627 filings. That’s a 23% increase from the previous 12 months. It also marks five
by Jill Sakai (University of Wisconsin-Madison News) Researchers at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a method to combine traits from up to six different yeast species in a single hybrid strain — a yeast that could carry more tools for a specific job,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … We can add capacity for energy by turning to the massive spaces in the open oceans to gather sunlight to grow abundant, competitive biomass for carbon-neutral fuels. For scale, we need 220,000 square kilometers to grow kelp to replace 10% of fossil liquid fuels used
Growth Energy Submits RVO Comments to Debunk Anti-ethanol Study
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Yesterday, Growth Energy submitted supplemental comments to the U.S. EPA responding to erroneous comments from others on the environmental, economic, and compliance impacts of EPA’s proposed 2020, 2021, and 2022 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Growth Energy’s supplemental comments are in addition to its