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 Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA)The 22nd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition took place in Hamburg, Germany in June 2014. The conference gathered 1085 attendees from 66 different countries: researchers, policy makers, industry and business people to communicate and learn
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
by Bruce E. Dale, James E. Anderson, Robert C. Brown, Steven Csonka⊥ Virginia H. Dale, Gary Herwick, Randall D. Jackson, Nicholas Jordan, Stephen Kaffka, Keith L. Kline, Lee R. Lynd, Carolyn Malmstrom, Rebecca G. Ong, Tom L. Richard, Caroline Taylor, and Michael Q. Wang
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 Chris Marston (Page County Dot Net) U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, U.S. Congressmen Scott Rigell, Bobby Scott, and Rob Wittman, as well as Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim and Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms hosted a regional conference on sea level
by Angela Bowman (Drovers Cattle Network) The USDA’s highly-anticipated Acreage report, released Monday, showed corn planting at 91.6 million acres, down 4 percent from 2013. “This represents the lowest planted acreage in the United States since 2010; however, this is the fifth
Money to Burn: Assessing the Costs and Benefits of Canada's Strategy for Vehicle Biofuels by Douglas Auld and Ross McKitrick (Macdonald-Laurier Institute) Authors find that supporting biofuels costs at least three times the value of environmental benefits – if they even reduce greenhouse
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) This week the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report, "The Renewable Fuel Standard: Issues for 2014 and Beyond." In the analysis, CBO looks at the possible impacts on emissions, fuel and food prices under
by Milsa Vijayadharan (Advanced Biofuels USA) Bioenergy is considered to be an important source of energy for the next decades for several reasons. Most important reasons are: bioenergy can contribute to the reduction of CO2, and therefore decrease the greenhouse-effect;
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on the U.S. EPA’s Tailoring Rule. While the court invalidated a portion of the rule, it essentially held up EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas
(ASTM International/Biomass Magazine) Renewable Synthesized Iso-Paraffinic fuel has now been included in ASTM International standard D7566, Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons. A recently approved revision that adds SIP fuel to the ASTM D7566 annex will facilitate use
(SkyNRG) SkyNRG Nordic, the recently established cooperation between SkyNRG and Statoil Aviation, announces Karlstad as its first BioPort in Sweden. Starting today (June 26, 2014), with the launch of BioPort Karlstad, SkyNRG Nordic will make the first volumes of sustainable jet
by Tim Portz (Biomass Magazine) Enerkem President and CEO Vincent Chornet and his team have driven Enerkem along a commercialization pathway for the past 10 years. As Enerkem’s first commercial-scale deployment in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, enters its commissioning phase, its technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Finland, VTT and the Government Institute for Economic Research advise The Digest that have completed a study commissioned by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment, assessing the
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) On June 13, the European Union Energy Council announced it has reached a political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into EU biofuel policies. Biofuel trade groups said the move is
(ePure) The European Renewable Ethanol Industry Association (ePURE) has published its first ever State of the Industry Report. The report gives a comprehensive overview of the situation of renewable ethanol production and consumption in Europe today and sets out the opportunities and challenges
(Platts) Global biofuels output is expected to increase 2.7% per year to 135 billion liters in 2019, but withering political support for renewable transport fuels may undermine the industry's medium-term outlook, Anselm Eisentraut, biofuels analyst with the International Energy Agency
by Shankar Rampalli (Mordor Intelligence/Renewable Energy World) The verdict on biofuels is in, and the catchphrase seems to be over-promised and under-delivered. Biofuels have been in public use in some form or the other for a long time (remember the
(POET/DSM) Emmetsburg research aggregated with 500+ years of other USDA site data Five years of soil nutrient data gathered at POET-DSM’s Project LIBERTY site are consistent with more than 500 site-years of additional soil research, experts at USDA and Iowa State
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The agricultural industry has reached the point to begin the production of cellulosic ethanol from corn stover. The tipping point has not only been reached in utilizing crop residues, but also in optimizing corn in
(Honeywell UOP/PR NewsWire/Wall Street Journal) GOL Airlines, the official airline of the Brazil soccer team, will use Honeywell Green Jet Fuel on 200 commercial flights during the 2014 World Cup UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that Honeywell
by Todd A. Taylor (Biodiesel Magazine) If you are a biodiesel producer, you already believe in sustainability and taking care of our natural resources. You already have your renewable fuel standard (RFS) pathway and are making the best biodiesel you can
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producers Magazine) With ethanol plants extracting oil from DDGS, the question of how this affects feeding performance becomes paramount to the livestock and poultry industries. University of Minnesota professor Jerry Shurson talks with Ethanol Producer Magazine about
(TimesDispatch.com) LYNCHBURG — Conservation researchers set about killing the grass on about 500 acres of land at Sweet Briar College this spring in preparation for a multiyear study that could have implications for landowners and environmentalists nationwide. ... The Conservation Innovation Grant is from
(Amyris/MarketWatch) Renewable Jet Fuel Developed by Total & Amyris Meets Newly Updated ASTM Standard for Jet A/A1. With the newly revised ASTM standard for jet fuel, Amyris and Total (cac:TOTF.PA) today begin to prepare to market a drop-in jet fuel that
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest/Council of the European Union) Received at the Digest from the Council of the European Union: Today’s Energy Council reached a political agreement on the draft directive on indirect land-use change (ILUC) amending the fuel quality
(Vermont Bioenergy Initiative) A new report evaluating grass biomass energy as a potential heating fuel has been released. Grass Energy in Vermont and the Northeast summarizes current research on the agronomy and usage potential of grass as a biofuel, and points to
(25 x '25) With the White House shining a very bright spotlight on its plans for addressing climate change – in particular, the long-awaited proposal to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants under Clean Air Act ‑ it is important that
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Developments of OBN west coast partners was the focus of the latest presentation by OBIC Bioproducts Network. The presentation is a part of the bioproducts commercialization webinar series. The webinar was conducted on May
(Byogy Renewables/Nassau News Live) Continuing its commitment to deliver price competitive, 100% replacement biofuels and chemicals, Byogy Renewables Inc. has invested in a strategic partnership with AusAgave Australia, as part of the upstream integration of multiple feedstocks to develop low
(TÜV Rheinland/Eco-Business.com) On 5 June 2014, Hong Kong, TÜV Rheinland Greater China issued its first International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) certificate to one of the largest bio-diesel suppliers and producers in Asia, ASB Bio-Diesel Hong Kong Ltd. The audit was
by Lynn Doan (Bloomberg) Green Plains Inc. (GPRE), which just became the first major ethanol producer to buy its own cattle-feed yard, has plans to milk it for more -- by buying the cattle too. The fourth-largest ethanol maker in the U.S.
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) One of the rallying cries in favor of liquefying and exporting U.S. natural gas has been to help reduce greenhouse gases in other countries, by crowding out coal in Asia and Europe. Yet tucked into
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency should recognize that carbon emissions from renewable biomass are fundamentally different from those of fossil fuels and that biotechnology can and must play a key role in mitigating fossil carbon emissions, the Biotechnology
(Synthetic Biology Project) Environmental scientists and synthetic biologists have for the first time developed a set of key research areas to study the potential ecological impacts of synthetic biology, a field that could push beyond incremental changes to create organisms
(Boeing) Boeing [NYSE: BA] today (June 5, 2014) released its annual Environment Report highlighting the company's commitments and accomplishments in improving environmental performance for its products and operations. The report also features Boeing's continuing progress in sustainable growth and environmental conservation
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) – Ennovor Group has earned the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) sustainability certification for their used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) biodiesel. “As an international certification system, RSB is appropriate for any feedstock in any country thus works
(Ricoh/PR NewsWire) Winners of the 10th Ricoh Sustainable Development Award prove sustainability and good business are entirely compatible Derived from plants, biofuel is an environmentally sustainable approach to the world's energy needs, but its production is generally too inefficient and expensive
(Governors' Biofuels Coalition/Clean Fuels Development Coalition) Gasoline exhaust is a much greater source of toxic emissions than previously reported, and lethal, ultra-fine particulates are not being adequately regulated and controlled. according to a new White Paper released here today. The paper
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol producers looking for the next big market for distillers grains may want to seriously consider aquaculture feed. “For a variety of reasons, we’re just at beginning phases of seeing the potential for a significant
(PR NewsWire/Illinois Corn Marketing Board) Land attributable to ethanol will drop from current 25% to as little as 11% of U.S. corn acres A too common error made in reporting the amount of land used for U.S. ethanol production is to measure
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) EPA comes down hard on CO2, with proposed rule calling for deep emission cuts, but opts for highly-flexible, state-by-state approach. Carbon Capture and Use not deemed a key strategy, but algae advocates aim to change
by John Davis (domesticfuel.com) A project by a group of Tennessee high school students to make and promote biodiesel garnered an environmental award in that state. The Whites Creek High School group is the winner in the Excellence in Energy
by Michael Carus, Lara Dammer, Andreas Hermann and Roland Essel (nova-Institute) nova-paper #4 “Proposals for a Reform of the Renewable Energy Directive to a Renewable Energy and Materials Directive (REMD)” presents a reform proposal that aims at creating a level
by Stephanie Storm (The New York Times) Consumer products containing ingredients made using an advanced form of engineering known as synthetic biology are beginning to show up more often on grocery and department store shelves. A liquid laundry detergent made by
By Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) If the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) systematic analysis study of 2010 is anything to go by, then by the time you are done reading this article about 35 people would probably be dead
(Aston University/Biomass Magazine) A sustainable biofuel made from Norwegian forest wood waste could help transform the shipping industry and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative sustainable fuels are urgently needed in the marine transport sector due to stringent upcoming regulations demanding
(Forum News Service/SC Times) Opportunities to provide bio-based industrial products exist, but they probably will need to provide price, utility and environmental benefits, especially if they want to compete at a premium to petrochemical substitutes, according to a recent industry
(Environmental Working Group) The Environmental Protection Agency’s pending proposal to cut the amount of corn ethanol that must be blended into gasoline in 2014 by 1.39 billion gallons would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 3 million
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is pleased to announce that Biomass Supplies has applied for RSB certification. Biomass Supplies is pioneering innovative and progressive partnerships with small farmers and land owners to access biomass supply that
By Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Imagine a world without non-renewable energy sources, where we just use sun, wind, and biomass to generate our electricity for industries and homes, and fuel for transportation. Is it a dream? I
by Calen May-Tobin (Union of Concerned Scientists/Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative ) ... In our report Donuts, Deodorant, Deforestation, UCS was one of the first groups to highlight how little the fast food sector as a whole has done to address palm-driven deforestation.
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Think algae biofuels are real and near? Or, think it’s a promotional scheme for attracting finance for nutraceuticals and academic bridges-to-nowhere? The barriers might be more, or less, daunting than you think. Let’s look at
by Justine Fredericksen (Daily Journal News) Cash-strapped Yokayo Biofuels is for sale ... "The grant was to install an enzymatic process that would increase our capacity by about 75 percent, which would dramatically increase the yield we get, and dramatically change
(25 x '25) Ethanol’s role in the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was underscored this week in a forum of biofuel value chain partners, conservation and greenhouse gas experts organized by the 25x’25 Alliance at the request of the
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The land of 10,000 lakes becomes the first for another 10… a 10 percent biodiesel mandate. The move from a B5 to B10 blending requirement for summer months starting this July 1st was welcomed by the
by John Kemp (Reuters Africa) Fossil fuel subsidies cost governments in emerging markets more than $500 billion every year and are a major contributor to climate change, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). The biggest
by (University of Waterloo) Media are invited to attend as researchers from Waterloo and Bordeaux gather to create a bio-chemistry program that will support research into sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. The University of Waterloo and Université de Bordeaux also begin a longer
(SkyNRG) SkyNRG, the global market maker for sustainable fuels, will supply sustainable jet fuel to a new series of KLM flights from Amsterdam to the Caribbean islands Aruba and Bonaire. The program will run for six months and is operated
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB recognizes the complex realities of smallholder production systems and is committed to make the RSB certification requirements more accessible to small producers, in order to facilitate their entry into the mainstream sustainable biomaterials market and
(National Wildlife Federation) Last week, Unilever announced that any product certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) will be considered to be “sustainably sourced” according to their corporate standards. This step helps to simplify the assessment of sustainability of Unilever’s supply chain and reduces the
by Stacy Shackford (Cornell Chronicle) ... A $499,998 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture – one of two awarded to Cornell as part of a $12 million program – will allow researchers to delve
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Illinois, Archer Daniels Midland Company announced its intention to exclusively offer Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil certified sustainable palm oil to North American customers beginning in 2015. ADM is also working with Wilmar International
(Sierra Express Media) Addax Bioenergy (SL) Limited has been fully and formally certified under the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This is said to quite an achievement and everyone involved has to be commended. RSB is recognized as being the
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
by Daniel Parry (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory/Renewable Energy World) Navy researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Materials Science and Technology Division, demonstrate proof-of-concept of novel NRL technologies developed for the recovery of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2)
by Rick Smith (The Gazette)"First-in-the-nation" plant to convert municipal solid waste and other trash into cellulosic biofuel No Martians are landing, but loads of steel began arriving on Monday for the takeoff of project to expand and revitalize the shuttered ethanol
by Greg Krissek (Lawerence- Journal World) To the editor: Kansas University biologist Chip Taylor has brought ethanol to the top of his list of enemies to monarch butterflies in an article published on March 31. Over the years, Taylor has blamed global
by Kelvin Alversion (Rapid City Journal) We are blessed as Americans to have the safest, most affordable and abundant food supply in the world. Consumers have thousands of choices when it comes to food any time of the year. It’s the
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It's something that has been said over and over and, yet, it's worth repeating because so many people don't seem to get it. Distillers grains is an important part of the ethanol production and
by Steve Baragona (Voice of America) ... Another benefit, according to Bob Dinneen, head of the ethanol trade group the Renewable Fuels Association, is that corn absorbs the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide as it grows. “We are produced from agricultural crops and residues
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) In a letter to President Obama sent today, leaders of America’s renewable fuel industry are urging the Administration to rethink its proposal to weaken the bipartisan Renewable Fuel Standard – a proposal that is at odds with the National
(25 x '25) The 25x'25 Alliance commends the U.S. Global Change Research Program for its candid appraisal of changing climate conditions that are currently effecting agricultural production and could have a broad negative impact on the nation's farmers, ranchers and forestland owners
(China Daily USA) Electric vehicles already were a hard sell in China. Now, battery-pollution concerns have made the task even tougher. Graphite used in US luxury electric-vehicle maker Tesla Motors Inc’s batteries has been tied to pollution problems in China.
by Bill Chameides (Duke University) ... Recently, NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory released its Annual Greenhouse Gas Index, “a measure of the warming influence of long-lived trace gases and how that influence is changing each year.” The data presented on methane is striking and
(CIRES) During two days of intensive airborne measurements, oil and gas operations in Colorado’s Front Range leaked nearly three times as much methane, a greenhouse gas, as predicted based on inventory estimates, and seven times as much benzene, a regulated
by Ron Kotrba (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The synergies between co-located ethanol and biodiesel production have been discussed for a decade. Existing infrastructure to share process essentials, in-house feedstock with distillers corn oil (DCO), and use of ethanol rather than methanol for biodiesel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest's) ... 1. Feedstock diversification. If you thought it was all cane, cane, cane, think again. There’s a lot of movement on sorghum, and castor beans — and even some on corn. Sorghum. The biggest news of late
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association has published an updated infographic to illustrate how corn is used for fuel and feed. READ MORE
by Ropate Valemei (Fiji Times) Villagers on Koro Island are making use of the abundance of coconut trees and using their copra-making skills to produce enough energy to light up their homes and power alliances. Nacamaki Village was host to the Koro
(Renewable Energy Association) Lack of clear policy framework for sustainable biofuels sees UK lose out as investments and jobs go overseas The REA is frustrated by the lack of concrete measures to improve the policy framework for sustainable biofuels in Government decisions
(Amyris/GlobeNewsWire) Amyris, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMRS) has completed the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) certification process and has earned one of the most respected sustainability certifications in the world. Amyris, a leading renewable products company, is one of the first commercial-scale second-generation biomaterial producers and
by Zoe Casey (Renewable Energy World) From direct government support to tax breaks and the cost of negative externalities like pollution, subsidies to the power sector take many different — and often hidden — forms. In fact, the exact definition of a subsidy
by Dana Milbank (The Washington Post: Opinion) On the eve of the Obama administration’s release Tuesday of a report warning about grave consequences of climate change, presidential counselor John Podesta went into the White House briefing room and crowed about fossil-fuel production in
by Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry (Biodiesel Magazine) While lathes are turning in Washington State, dozens of riggers have begun working on the standing rigging that will faithfully support the three masts of SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. The 200-foot square-rigged
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The government of Ontario, Canada, issued its new biodiesel mandate regulations for the province April 1, and some biodiesel stakeholders, including members of the Ontario Biodiesel Producers Association, are frustrated and concerned with how the government
(California Institute of Technology) A new $15 million gift by Lynda and Stewart Resnick in support of the Resnick Sustainability Institute at Caltech will help scientists and engineers advance research aimed at helping humanity sustainably meet its needs for energy, food, clean
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Concerns about air pollution in China were voiced by a number of speakers at the 2nd International Bioenergy and Biomass Utilization Summit. The Summit that drew 500+ delegates took place in Shanghai, China, on
by Mike Scott (Forbes) A new index has been launched that will make it easier for investors to steer their investments away from fossil fuel companies, which contribute to climate change and pollution. The new index series, launched by FTSE Group, BlackRock and the Natural
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) Hardly any of Canada’s biodiesel mandate is being filled by domestically produced product. “Last year we exported 100 percent of our production and then imported the equivalent to meet our mandate,” said Scott Thurlow,
(Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders) The air transport industry currently supports 58.1 million jobs and $2.4 trillion in global gross domestic product, according to a new study released today by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) at its Global Sustainable Aviation
by Brendan Jordan (Midwest Energy News) A new academic paper on biofuels was released this week, and some media outlets have reached sweeping conclusions. “Fuels from corn waste not better than gas,” claimed the Associated Press. The Daily Caller one-upped
(Fuels America) Farmers feed America -- and they help fuel it, too! That's a huge job, and one that never slows down. Luckily for us, they're getting better at it every year. Want to know how they do it? All
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In the meetings, hallways and conference sessions at Biofuels Digest’s Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference near Washington, DC, the following issues, rumblings, lessons and congratulations abounded. Criticism of the Obama administration and its lack of enthusiastic
(Advanced Biofuels USA) "Why Transition to Sustainable Renewable Fuels?" asks Advanced Biofuels USA, providing as an answer, 10 Excellent Reasons in a one-page Earth Week handout for use by civic organizations, church stewardship groups, environmental organizations, teachers, students and anyone
(Canadian Biomass) The Government of Ontario has released new rules for the use of biodiesel in the province's fuel supply. New rules, which went into effect April 1, are being phased in over three years. By 2017, the amount of biofuel blended
by Don Konantz (Calyx Bio-Ventures/R&D Magazine) ... The “Holy Grail” of non-food feedstocks has arrived with a proprietary non-food energy feedstock crop called carinata which yields oil that is being refined into fuel that meet the specifications of petroleum-based fuels and work
(Solena Fuels) Solena Fuels in partnership with British Airways has committed to building the world’s first facility to convert landfill waste into jet fuel. This comes just two weeks before the global aviation community joins forces to discuss ways to
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN IPCC) released their “Bioenergy and Climate Change Mitigation: An Assessment” report in Berlin on Sunday that confirmed that biofuels production is economically beneficial and that Indirect Land Use
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alberta’s Grand Challenge on carbon — Liquid Light, Enerkem among 24 winners picking up $500,000 seed grants in first round. Next round will result in up to five $3M grants in 2018, and $10M to
(Axens/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Axens, Total and IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) have launched Atol, an innovative technology for bioethylene production through dehydration of bioethanol. Atol is a technology for the profitable production of polymer grade bio-ethylene by dehydration of 1G and 2G-renewable
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Golden, Colo.-based GeoSynFuels LLC has acquired the cellulosic demonstration facility formerly owned and operated by Blue Sugars Corp., the parent company of Western Biomass Energy LLC. GSF plans to retrofit the plant to use its
(Brownfield Ag News) An Illinois beef industry leader says cattle and corn farmers in the state complement each other very well, no matter what the market is. Illinois Beef Association Executive Vice President Reid Blossom says cattlemen are enjoying a
by Clifford Krauss (The New York Times) ... But even as Abengoa and other companies prepare to produce significant amounts of cellulosic ethanol, using corn stalks and wheat straw as opposed to corn itself, the appetite for such fuels seems to
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Advanced biofuels – are plans turning into reality? Are development plans realistic? When these 10 projects open for business (or not) in 2014, you’ll know for sure. ...Well, the picture is incomplete. Plants like the Valero Darling renewable
EERE offers exciting student volunteer internships throughout the year in its Washington, D.C., headquarters. These volunteer internships provide exciting opportunities for students to learn through direct experience about the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. In addition, some colleges and universities give academic
by Peter Brown( Biofuels Magazine) Except for volume, biofuels and petroleum-derived products have reached parity in production efficiency and availability. What that means is that anything pulled from the earth can now be created from sources growing on the earth
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 Will Campbell (The Canadian Press/Huffington Post) An environmental analyst says the rise of oil and gas production as Canada's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions adds further weight to calls for the federal government to bring in long-promised regulations
by Ker Than (Stanford University/Biomass Magazine) rowing agave and other carefully chosen plants amid photovoltaic panels could allow solar farms not only to collect sunlight for electricity but also to produce crops for biofuels, according to new computer models by
by John M. Urbanchuk (ABF Economics, Agriculture and Biofuels Consulting, LLP) The impact of biofuel production mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) on U.S. consumer food prices has once again emerged as an issue in public debate. The impact of
(25 x '25) The 25x'25 Alliance welcomes the recognition by an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change work group report released this weekend that renewable energy is a critical element necessary to curb rising global temperatures and the changes in climate
by Anna Locke and Giles Henley (Overseas Development Institute) • People worry that using crop-based biofuels to increase the volume of low-carbon fuels could worsen hunger in poor countries by pushing up global food prices and endangering local food security. • ODI research finds that
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) pertinent to CARB’s draft indirect land use change (ILUC) analysis. Geoff Cooper, RFA’s senior vice president, notes in his submission that RFA is greatly concerned
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Finland is a forerunner in bioeconomy and biotechnology, states Asko Ojaniemi, the executive director of Benet Oy. The bioeconomy seminar held recently in Helsinki, Finland and organized by Benet Oy, covered extensively the future
(25 x '25) Risk is a word closely associated with the agriculture industry ‑ and rightfully so. Farming and ranching are some of the most risk-prevalent callings on the planet, given the vagaries of weather, markets, soil conditions, technology and
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 Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Luxresearch conducted a webinar on March 4th 2014 about new opportunities for downstream producers due to the growing production of bio-based chemical Intermediates. The basic science of bio-based material and chemicals has advanced.
by Paul Winters (Biotechnology Industry Organization) If left unchanged, the Obama administration’s proposal to slash use of biofuels in 2014 would increase emissions of greenhouse gases next year, according to a new white paper from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Brent Erickson,
(GreenAirOnline) With a crucial vote in the European Parliament this week, MEPs will be presented with two choices that will likely determine the future of the Aviation EU ETS until at least 2016. As the lead environment committee (ENVI) voted
(UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. )/Biodiesel Magazine) The European resolution and discussion situation with respect to European Commission proposals for amendments to the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive only permits one conclusion at
(Sunshine Biofuels/PR WEB) The company now brings replacement fuel for marine diesel that can save thousands of dollars per week and effectively reduce environmental impact. Sunshine Biofuels now offers a replacement fuel for marine diesel and fuel oils. Branded as Sunshine Renewable
by Chris Hanson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The $163.9 million Illinois Basin-Decatur Project celebrated as new milestone as its carbon sequestration project stored 750,000 metric tons carbon dioxide from Archer Daniels Midland Co.’s ethanol plant in Decatur, Ill. “We are here today
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Commission’s Joint Research Center recently published a new report on indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions from biofuels. The study presents the results of a new run on the economic model MIRAGE
(25 x '25 Alliance) The 25x'25 Alliance and the Energy Future Coalition applaud an International Panel on Climate Change work group for recognizing the valuable role that bioenergy, including biofuels, can play in addressing a changing climate. The second of
(Extension.org) Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows. Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can
by Tim Sklar (Biofuels Digest) Part 1 ... It seems that many of the companies providing new biofuels technologies do not fully understanding the competitive environment that they must navigate. As a consequence they fail to develop strategies that will allow
by Richard G. Newell, William A. Pizer, Daniel Raimi (Science Magazine) Prices in the European Union's (EU) Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) spent 2013 at historic lows. Elected officials have promised to repeal the Australian carbon market. Yet five new regional carbon
by David Muller (MLive.com) U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D - Bloomfield Hills, joined a counterpart in Illinois on Wednesday to call on the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the best methods for storing and transporting petroleum coke, as well as
(Arjuna Capital/PR NewsWire) In response to a shareholder resolution, ExxonMobil (XOM) – the largest U.S. energy company, for the first time ever has agreed to publish a Carbon Asset Risk report on the Company website describing how it assesses the
by John Podesta, Dr. John P. Holdren (White House) ... Rising seas threaten our coastlines. Dry regions are at higher risk of destructive wildfires. Heat waves impact health and agriculture. Heavier downpours can lead to damaging floods. Even as we work to curb
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) First-generation ethanol reduces our dependence on foreign oil, revitalizes our rural communities, improves our environment and employs nearly 400,000 workers while driving down fuel costs. The next generation will make an even greater
by Bob Dinneen (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) The success of cellulosic ethanol is critical to the success of all renewables. We will continue fighting to keep the renewable fuel standard at the levels Congress intended to maintain market stability
by Tom Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Still seeking commercial-scale opportunities, Lignol continues to collaborate with companies that are eager to buy high-purity lignin in bulk. Is this abundant byproduct of pulp and paper milling and biorefining poised for new and
by Dennis Pollock (Western Farm Press) Salinity and scarcity of water were very much in the spotlight at the 2014 California Plant and Soil Conference in Fresno. Multiple speakers showed pictures of what they labeled “California snow,” salt that had precipitated out
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is pleased to announce that Bonsucro certified operators will now be able to access RSB certification through a simplified audit process to demonstrate compliance, therefore saving costs and time. An RSB
by Chris Hanson (Biomass Magazine) 2014 will bear witness to the commissioning of some of the first U.S. commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plants. Those in the cellulosic ethanol industry know “five more years down the road” as a phrase that’s been associated
by Anna Simet (Ethanol Producer Magazine) According to a new paper authored by two University of Missouri professors, rural regions are poised to benefit from bioenergy. While remoteness is a penalty in the centralized petroeconomy, due to high power transmission and
The Leopold Leadership Program seeks applications from outstanding midcareer academic environmental researchers from North America for the 2015 Leopold Leadership Fellowships. The program provides researchers with the skills, approaches, and theoretical frameworks for translating their knowledge to action and for
(Algae Industry Magazine) This American Land travels to Shenandoah, Iowa, to take a look at BioProcess Algae’s novel technology for recycling CO2 from corn ethanol production into algae production. WATCH VIDEO and Duke Power VIDEO
by Commander Pasquale Tripodi (Italian Navy/Biofuels Digest) Italy’s Navy joins the global green fleet movement with its first sea trials and certifications. Including a dramatic at-sea rescue, powered by alternative fuel blends. The complete story, in pictures. ... On January 27th, ITS Foscari was refuelled
by Rick Smith (The Gazette) Keynote speaker Craig Stuart-Paul, chief executive officer of waste-to-energy company Fiberight, told a luncheon crowd of 315 here on Wednesday that his company will be able to keep 80 percent of what they toss in
by Will Drabold (Columbus Dispatch) While geologists raised questions yesterday about whether a northeastern Ohio fracking operation caused a series of earthquakes in Mahoning County on Monday, state officials refused to provide any answers. On Monday, Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials
by Mark Peplow (Nature) Pioneering biofuel producers hope that US government largesse will ease their way into a tough market. ...Thousands of tonnes of corn stover — the leaves, stalks and husks left over after the maize harvest — are already waiting,
by Dave Kolpack (Associated Press/Star Tribune) Backers of a proposed project in North Dakota that would turn a variety of sugar beets into ethanol have preached patience for the last five years. Now they're looking for a commitment from farmers
(Senator Susan Collins) U.S. Senator Susan Collins today introduced the "Clean Cookstoves Support Act," a bill that would reduce carbon pollution and improve public health by supporting a global market for clean and efficient cookstoves. "Replacing unsafe cookstoves with modern alternatives
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) According to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and other media organizations, 14 scientists and researchers submitted a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on March 6 urging the agency to meaningfully reduce its
by Ashwin Raman (Duluth News Tribune) I disagreed with the Feb. 18 commentary, “Ethanol mandate hurts environment,” by Annette Meeks of the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota. How Meeks came to the conclusion that, “Since its inception, the ethanol mandate had made neither
(Rothamsted Research) Application of biodiesel co-product (BCP) reduces the amount of soil nitrogen (N) loss when compared to traditional agricultural practices. An important goal in agricultural sustainability that would also impact national sustainability is to establish better management of nitrogen (N) to
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