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by Lisa Song, with additional reporting by Paula Moura (Pro Publica) … If the carbon in these trees could be quantified, then Acre could sell credits to polluters emitting clouds of CO₂. Whatever they release theoretically would be offset, or canceled out, by the rainforest. … The state (California) is the
What You Can Do
May 23, 2019
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by Katy Siddall (River Cities’ Reader) New York Mayor Bill de Blasio toured the POET Biorefinery in Gowrie, Iowa and discussed the benefits of value-added agriculture in rural America. De Blasio was joined by Secretary Tom Vilsack, who served both as Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture under President Obama and as
May 21, 2019
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“You’d think that the pain that farmers have felt since Trump came into office might leave an opening for Democrats to move into in 2020, but they’ll have to do more than Clinton did in 2016, when her rural policy pitch mostly ignored crop prices, but focused on environmental sustainability, broadband access
May 14, 2019
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by Dale Christensen (Farm Forum) … Unless we all use the products that come from our fields, such as higher ethanol blends like E30, we are not fully supporting our local industries and producers. Renewable, clean-burning (with no cancer causing benzene, toluene or xylene octane boosters), higher octane, and lower cost
May 10, 2019
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“(E)thanol facilities capturing carbon deserve credit for the difference in emissions between gas cleanup and compression of fermentation CO2 versus alternative CO2 production from dirtier, often fossil, resources,” write Steffen Mueller and Sam Rushing in a recent Ethanol Producer Magazine piece on carbon capture and use. READ MORE
May 10, 2019
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by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Coal powers the GM Bolt with West Virginia license plates parked in the EV section at Frederick Maryland’s Green Neighbor Festival, explained the enthusiastic owner. Actually, it’s his wife’s car. His is the Volt (with a “V”). He and his WVA extended family have
May 8, 2019
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by Lisa Grouette (The Globe Gazette/KPVI) Marianne Williamson, a proclaimed spiritual leader and activist, sat in on a PowerPoint-style presentation Monday afternoon at Golden Grain Energy to learn more about an Iowa staple: ethanol and ethanol production. The ethanol educational crash-course was a campaign stop for Williamson who officially launched
May 8, 2019
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“Democrats have been looking for the key to unlocking the rural vote. This however should be a layup for them. Other than progressive protectionists who rather like trade wars, Democratic contenders should be at every farm and farm town in Iowa, as well as a lot of other states where
May 1, 2019
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by Jennifer Rubin (Washington Post) A new report confirms that President Trump is causing the most pain in areas of the country that were the most supportive of his 2016 campaign. Personal income for farmers fell by the most in three years in the first quarter, as losses to U.S. agriculture mount
May 1, 2019
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Key Principles from the California Clean Air Dialogue‘s Roadmap: A Technology Neutral Approach – The goal of mobile source incentive funding should be to achieve emission reduction mandates in a manner that does not predetermine a technology approach. Funding should be directed in a technology neutral manner that best achieves air quality
April 30, 2019
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(Argus Media) US presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke wants the country to slash its greenhouse gas emissions to near zero over the next 30 years, possibly through the use of a carbon market. The Democratic former US representative today released a sweeping climate change plan that calls for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as
April 30, 2019
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by Katy Siddall (River Cities’ Reader) Entrepreneur and presidential-candidate Andrew Yang toured POET Biorefining in Gowrie, Iowa. Yang was joined by Focus on Rural America Chair Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge, who has served Iowa as Lt Gov and as Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture. “I’m grateful Mr. Yang came to Gowrie, a small town in
April 29, 2019
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“Switching from petroleum diesel to renewable diesel automatically converts the City’s oldest and dirtiest polluting vehicles into alternative fuel vehicles – overnight and with no additional costs,” Oakland Public Works Director Jason Mitchell said. READ MORE
April 25, 2019
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by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) You can reduce your travel carbon footprint without waiting for electric cars to be affordable, available, and running on renewable electricity with fair trade batteries. Recently, Advanced Biofuels USA co-founder and Treasurer, Bob Kozak and I have had two opportunities to take people on a
April 23, 2019
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by Casey Leins (US News and World Report) The Midwest added more than 28,000 clean energy jobs in 2018, resulting in a 4 percent growth rate, according to a recent report released by national advocacy groups Clean Energy Trust and Environmental Entrepreneurs. The 12 Midwestern states employed more than 737,000 workers
April 17, 2019
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In 2018, young Sunrise leaders put the Green New Deal on the map and permanently changed the conversation on climate policy in this country. The political establishment is scrambling to keep up with thousands of people across the country who are eager to take action and bring the promise of
April 12, 2019
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Researchers tested regular E10 with 10% ethanol to a mid-level blend with 27% ethanol or E27. They found that when splash blending or simply adding ethanol to regular consumer fuel, ethanol lowered particulate matter (PM), CO and CO2. The vehicles were also able to adjust ignition timing and properly control
April 8, 2019
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by J.D. Scholten (The Hill) … To win back the White House, Democrats can’t just rely on “Whole Foods” districts of educated, affluent suburbanites. Democrats can do well in “Dollar General” districts if they show up and address the issues. No one gave me much of a chance when I ran against Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), but
April 1, 2019
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by Zachary Oren Smith (Iowa City Press-Citizen) … Mighty Earth, a program affiliated with left-leaning think tank Center for International Policy, has three paid organizers setting up shop in Iowa City, Des Moines and the Quad-Cities in hopes of getting 2020 candidates to pledge opposition to biofuels. “The climate impacts of food-based biofuels
April 1, 2019
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By Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Rhetoric is a fundamental part of social change. According to a 2015 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, the majority of American scientists support the idea that participation in policy debates and engagement with citizens and journalists is necessary to further their work.
April 1, 2019
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by Miranda Green (The Hill) Democrats are putting the Green New Deal in the rearview mirror, but they’re not abandoning climate change legislation. Supporters of the progressive measure are shifting their sights away from passing a comprehensive plan to create green jobs and pursue 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. They are
March 28, 2019
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(Renewable Energy Magazine) El músico británico Paul McCartney se presentó el sábado pasado en el Campo Argentino de Polo de la ciudad de Buenos Aires ante 60 mil personas, en lo que fue su cuarta visita al país. Una particularidad del show, que por supuesto incluyó numerosas canciones de su etapa
March 27, 2019
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by Zack Colman and Anthony Adragna (Politico) Tuesday’s expected Senate vote rejecting the Green New Deal masks a striking reality: In a matter of months, liberal activists have upended the conversation about climate change among both parties in Washington. Democratic presidential candidates are rallying around calls from their base for immediate action
March 26, 2019
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“Effective, long-term policy instruments are needed to reduce the negative climate impact of aviation. Introducing a reduction quota scheme as an alternative to the national aviation tax is thus a step in the right direction since it both reduces emissions and contributes to Swedish, large-scale production of biofuel,” said Swedavia
March 24, 2019
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This notice announces an open meeting of the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee under Section 9008(d) of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014. The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that agencies publish these notices in the Federal Register. Purpose of
March 22, 2019
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by Pat Rynard (Iowa Starting Line) Senator Amy Klobuchar blasted the Trump Administration’s continued use of blending waivers for renewable fuels usage while in Iowa this weekend. Using it as an example of how Donald Trump’s presidency has hurt rural America, she linked the EPA’s decisions to the first decline in
March 20, 2019
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(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) The EPA is announcing a public hearing to be held in Ypsilanti, MI on March 29, 2019 for the proposed rule ‘‘Modifications to Fuel Regulations to Provide Flexibility for E15; Modifications to RFS RIN Market Regulations.’’ This proposed rule will be published separately in the Federal Register. The pre-publication version of this proposal can be
March 19, 2019
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by Edward-Isaac Dovere (The Atlantic) … The first woman who asked a question wanted to know about ethanol. E10 or E15? … Beto O’Rourke’s full answer went on for a bit. “How do we free ourselves from a commodity market over which we have no control? We do so by adding value
March 18, 2019
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(WeAreIowa.com) … Senator Booker held a meet-and-greet in Indianola at the Annelise Winery Saturday evening. He spoke about his platform including that of green technology. He is a leading proponent of the Green New Deal. “If I’m your President, I’m going to double and triple down the investments of green technologies to create the
March 18, 2019
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by Katy Siddall (River Cities Reader) … Beto O’Rourke, former Texas Congressman and newly-announced presidential candidate, made a visit to an ethanol plant in rural Iowa on one of his first stops as he courts caucus-goers. O’Rourke toured Big River Renewables LLC, an ethanol plant in West Burlington, Iowa, on Friday morning. “I want
March 18, 2019
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Youth activists concerned by the threat of climate change will skip class across more than 100 countries today to call for greater climate action. The U.S. effort is inspired by 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg, who held weekly strikes to protest outside the Swedish
March 15, 2019
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(KOKO Networks) Ahead of the Go-Live of KOKO’s Greater Nairobi Network, the company officially inaugurates 17,500 sq.ft facility that is the beating heart of its Nairobi operations — KOKO Networks (“KOKO”) today cut the ribbon on its state-of-the-art technology production facility in Ruaraka, Nairobi, in an event attended by senior politicians, business
March 14, 2019
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by David Weigel (Washington Post) … On Monday morning, when Washington Gov. Jay Inslee visited the Seminole Springs mobile home park, the husks of cars and houses were still sitting in pools of melted plastic. It had been four months since some of the worst forest fires in southern California’s history. Inslee, joined by
March 14, 2019
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by Joseph O’Sullivan and Hal Bernton (Seattle Times) Washington House Democrats approved clean-fuels legislation Tuesday night after overcoming fierce Republican opposition that was expressed in an hourslong floor debate. House Bill 1110, which would lower the greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels, passed 53 to 43. After the vote, sponsor and
March 13, 2019
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Frank Mitloehner, an air-quality Extension specialist at the University of California-Davis says that farmers need to be at the forefront of the conversation about climate change. “I want to turn frustration into renewed energy into encouraging the farm community to own the topic. This is not a cuss word. Sustainability is
March 12, 2019
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(Pennsylvania State University) The global power shift is creating jobs for renewable energy project developers as well as policy experts who can drive clean energy initiatives and encourage a more sustainable culture. Let our online programs help you become an agent of change in the emerging green economy. Prepare yourself —
March 5, 2019
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by Coral Davenport and Sheryl Gay Stolberg (New York Times) Facing a showdown vote as early as this month over the embattled “Green New Deal,” Senate Democrats are preparing a counteroffensive to make combating climate change a central issue of their 2020 campaigns — a striking shift on an issue they
March 5, 2019
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Only a few days after Jay Inslee formally announced his 2020 presidential bid with a specific focus on climate change, the Washington governor preached that the United States will face “enormous cost” if it doesn’t act on climate change. “We know we can invent and
March 4, 2019
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As someone once told me, biomass can be hard to love – there are so many questions about land use and ecosystems, food versus fuel, and other unintended consequences. But the modern economy is built on carbon. The central question, therefore, is whether that carbon be renewable and sustainably sourced,
March 1, 2019
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy) Senate Democrats remain divided on the Green New Deal as they face a vote on the nonbinding resolution before August recess. Their solution? Come up with something different. All 47 members of the Senate Democratic caucus are backing a resolution that urges Congress to
February 27, 2019
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(Washington Post) We favor a Green New Deal to save the planet. We believe such a plan can be efficient, effective, focused and achievable. The Green New Deal proposed by congressional Democrats does not meet that test. Its proponents, led by Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
February 26, 2019
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(Argonne National Laboratory) Many fleet managers are looking at alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies to reduce their environmental footprint and save money. The AFLEET Tool, and its newly launched web-based version, AFLEET Online, developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, can help fleets optimize their purchasing decisions to do exactly that.
February 26, 2019
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“Whether it’s a policy to eliminate it, reduce it or price it, carbon is the new currency…” explains Andrea Kent of Greenfield Global and Board Member for Renewable Industries Canada, describing the current Canadian elections. She could also be describing insights about current US elections, “But if anything is sure, it’s
February 26, 2019
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by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For at least one student in James Burk’s engineering class at Trego County Community High School in WaKeeney, Kansas, ethanol is a passion. “I have them test different factors and kind of design their own recipe for how they would best produce a fermentation for
February 26, 2019
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(GreenAir Online) Three airlines – SAS, Finnair and China Airlines – have each introduced carbon offsetting initiatives for their customers. Starting this month, SAS Group will offset the carbon emissions of all tickets booked through its EuroBonus loyalty programme, which has 5.6 million members. The airline estimates that around 40% of
February 22, 2019
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by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Asked recently to summarize the most important points about biofuels, here’s my top 6 list: Biofuels have a vital role to play in getting us off fossil fuel in the immediate past, present and short- and medium-term future. (See graphic below) Benefits are not
February 20, 2019
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(Diesel Technology Forum) As more governors look to California for leadership on climate change, they should look to what’s working in California…and it doesn’t have to do with electric cars, but with use of low-carbon renewable biofuels in internal combustion engines. — According to @CalEnergy 10x as much C02 has been eliminated
February 19, 2019
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by Ben Jacobs (The Guardian) … Tim Gannon, the Democratic nominee for Iowa secretary of agriculture in 2018, told the Guardian the idea of ethanol as a dealbreaker in the state was “very much a stereotypical thing because of The West Wing and the big issue with Ted Cruz four years
February 18, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In North Carolina, with the goal of increasing awareness and interest of traditionally underrepresented groups in the bioeconomy, NCSU has established a professional development and certificate program called the Sustainable Bioprogram and Bioenergy Program. The program is funding with a USDA NIFA grant similar to
February 18, 2019
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(Eni) The deal also includes information and environmental education campaigns to get across the benefits of reusing oil to produce fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels. — Eni and RenOils, the Italian national vegetable and animal oils and fats Consortium established in 2016 to ensure the correct management of the collection,
February 18, 2019
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“The amount of money, time and effort they (fossil fuel industry) invested in obfuscation and denial turns out to be staggering. And successful. … So, at this point, success is not stopping global warming. … Success is stopping global warming short of the point where we can’t have civilizations like
February 17, 2019
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Mike Ackerman, the owner of Ackerman Oil, which runs 10 gas stations in Indiana, says two of the stations sell E15, and plans are underway to add more. “I don’t think the world as a whole can discount the need for biofuels as part of the total energy mix to
February 12, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, Covestro and the United Nations are calling for nominations for Young Champions of the Earth, a prize for environmental entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30 with a big idea for the world’s future. Each of seven winners in the 2019 program, the third year of the
February 11, 2019
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by Manjula Nair (Times of India) … For (Priyadarshan) Sahasrabuddhe, an engineer by training from IIT-Bombay, has been turning wet waste into biofuel – all in a bid to be free from LPG. He has already made his parents “LPG-free” by setting up biofuel plants at their bungalow. Now, he wants to replicate the same
February 8, 2019
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by Mike Allen and Alexi McCammond (Axios) Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) have unveiled their Green New Deal resolution — a call to arms on climate and jobs that’s long on ambition, but lacking in details and a political path to becoming policy. Why it matters: It opens
February 7, 2019
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by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) … NGBS (Next Generation of Biodiesel Scientists) co-chair Jennifer Greenstein, North Carolina State University, moderated a panel of four young scientists from around the world during the recent National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego. Haixin Peng, Auburn University is from China; Shyam Paudel, Missouri University of Science
February 6, 2019
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by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking applicants for its 2019 Executive Energy Leadership Program—otherwise known as Energy Execs. Energy Execs provides non-technical business, governmental, and community leaders throughout the country an opportunity to learn about advanced energy, energy-efficiency technologies, analytical tools,
February 5, 2019
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by Emily Holden and David Smith (The Guardian) Several hopefuls are embracing the effort for a Green New Deal – but success will require overcoming legislative hurdles — … It (Kentuckians for the Commonwealth) is also looking to create jobs to replace those that left with the mining companies as coal use declined.
February 4, 2019
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(Algae Biomass Organization) Students – Are you interested in doing more for your industry while completing your degree? Help define the algae sector of today and shape the industry of tomorrow as an Algae Biomass Organization volunteer virtual intern. Internships of 8-12 weeks are available and are completely online. Interns serve
January 31, 2019
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by Gus Trompiz (Reuters) Public anger in France over increasing fuel prices, which gave rise to the anti-government “yellow vest” movement, has further boosted demand for crop-based ethanol fuel from motorists seeking cheaper deals, industry representatives said on Tuesday. Ethanol, which is blended with gasoline as part of renewable energy policy
January 31, 2019
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(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)) On the occasion of the new edition of the brochure “Good Reasons for Biofuels”, the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) determines that the importance of biofuels as a tool for decarbonising the transport sector is
January 29, 2019
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Rob Jackson (Global Carbon Project/Stanford University/The Hill) … The global economy is creating half a million new jobs yearly in renewable energy and employs more than ten million people. In the U.S. we’ve created a hundred thousand new solar and wind jobs annually, 12 times faster than in the rest of the economy. Green energy
January 27, 2019
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“(L)eaders of large progressive corporations who see the triple bottom line value of energy alternatives must push themselves to look beyond simply buying carbon offsets. They must harness their purchasing power and influence and actively seek sustainable fuels. There is no better place to start than their executive business jet travel.” Ray Mabus, 75th Secretary
January 26, 2019
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(Finnair) Finnair today (January 15, 2019) introduced a service, where its customers can offset the CO2 emissions of their flights by supporting a CO2 emission reduction project or reduce emissions by buying biofuel. Push for change service is available on Finnair web pages at www.finnair.com/pushforchange and customers can also use Finnair Plus frequent flyer points to pay
January 21, 2019
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(Renewable Fuels Association) E15. Clean. Affordable. Domestic. Fuel. There’s been a lot of talk recently about “E15,” a biofuel blend of gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol, a product that comes from crops grown by American farmers. E15 burns cleaner and cooler than gasoline, lowers gas prices, and reduces oil imports. Unfortunately,
January 19, 2019
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(Solutions from the Land) … That opening now allows for the presentation and consideration of a more centered and pragmatic approach like that promoted by Solutions from the Land (SfL) and the other members of the North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA). NACSAA is a producer-led alliance focused on utilizing climate-smart
January 17, 2019
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Chris Clayton, DTN Ag Policy Editor reported that Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting that his committee will schedule hearings on trade and climate change in the near future and quoted Senator Roberts acknowledging increased yields and the role of agriculture: “It’s
January 15, 2019
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by Vivianne Wandera (Standard Media/Standard Digital) … The technical term for this process is transesterification. … Biodiesel is said to degrade as fast as sugar and is less toxic than table salt. It can be used by itself or blended with petroleum for a more environmentally friendly fuel alternative.You can use biodiesel
January 10, 2019
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Rebecca (Becky) Ong majored in chemical engineering and tacked on a degree in plant biology. “I had no plan to integrate them at all,” she says, “I was just interested in plants.” All of that changed, however, when Ong attended a lecture by Michigan State University professor Bruce Dale on
December 27, 2018
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(National Science Foundation) The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.
December 27, 2018
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by Max Witynski (Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center hosted 10 REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) students in summer 2018. Seven students participated in bioenergy-related research at Michigan State, and three at UW–Madison. We asked them to tell us a little about their interests, motivations, and/or goals related to
December 27, 2018
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by Katrina vanden Heuvel (Washington Post) Almost 20 years ago, writer Mark Hertsgaard suggested a bold idea to upend the climate debate. Arguing that ambitious climate action was politically impossible without simultaneously meeting people’s economic needs, he proposed a massive public works program to “retrofit everything from our farms to our factories” that would be “a
December 18, 2018
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by Aditi Gyanesh (Times of India) What do you do with vegetable oil after use? Flush it down the drain? You could convert it into biodiesel, as PES University students have been doing for the past three years. SH Kavitha, PhD student, department of biotechnology, has been converting used vegetable oil from different sources
December 17, 2018
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by Michael Sherer (Washington Post) … Democrats preparing to run for president have been rushing to shift their plans for combating climate change, highlighting an issue once considered a political liability, especially in Midwestern swing states won by President Trump. Aides to a half-dozen senators considering a 2020 campaign met with supporters
December 14, 2018
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by Nolan Hicks (New York Post) Eyeing a possible presidential run, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg reversed his previous harsh criticism of ethanol and blasted away at President Trump, saying that someone should “take away” the president’s keyboard. Bloomberg made the comments after spending the day in agriculture-dependent Iowa, a crucial early battleground for
December 5, 2018
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by Mark K. Matthews (E&E News) If they stay true to their campaign rhetoric, the class of freshman House Republicans won’t be leading any revolutions next year on the issue of climate change. … In a few cases, there are reasons for climate activists to be cautiously optimistic. Wisconsin voters picked Republican
December 5, 2018
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(Renewable Fuels Association) More than 24 million vehicles on U.S. roads today are flex fuel vehicles (FFV), capable of running on fuel blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Can your vehicle use a cleaner, higher octane flex fuel? The Renewable Fuels Association has updated its annual FFV brochure to help consumers
December 4, 2018
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by Jeff Smith (Hot Rod Network) By now, everybody knows about ethanol and E85. If you don’t, it’s time you caught up with the rest of the world. … Today, the U.S. Department of Energy defines E85 as actually any blend of 51 to 83 percent ethanol with gasoline. This is required
December 3, 2018
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by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lifted its annual blending mandate for advanced biofuels by 15 percent for 2019, while keeping steady the requirement for conventional biofuels like corn-based ethanol, according to an agency document seen by Reuters on Thursday. The mandate includes 4.92 billion gallons for advanced biofuels
November 30, 2018
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“Here’s the thing. Taxing carbon is exactly how you get faster innovation. That’s kinda the point,” observed Catherine Rampell in a recent Washington Post op-ed. She continued, ” A carbon tax prices in, upfront, the hidden costs of burning fossil fuels, including pollution and the warming of the planet. … But over the longer-term,
November 27, 2018
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Do you want to help advocate for understanding, development and use of advanced biofuels? If yes, when you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/80-0161655, AmazonSmile donates to Advanced Biofuels USA Inc. Or donate by clicking here. Special thanks from us during this Holiday Season! And best wishes for a new year full of
November 21, 2018
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“Emails between the EPA and the oil industry show that EPA asked oil industry employees what test fuels they would “prefer to see tested” and then revised the test fuels in response to their input. The EPA also threw out three test fuels after preliminary results showed that ethanol lowered
November 13, 2018
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The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is seeking stakeholder feedback to inform the research, extension and education priorities of NIFA. In short, NIFA is the extramural funding agency within USDA. NIFA are attempting to ensure that they reach a broad spectrum of organizations involved in food and agricultural
November 7, 2018
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by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Voters in Washington state on Tuesday rejected a proposed carbon tax that would have been the first such levy in the nation. The policy would have been an effort to fight climate change by mandating that companies using or selling fossil fuels pay taxes equal to $15 per metric ton
November 7, 2018
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by Hassan Lali (BBC) A Kenyan teacher Richard Awra uses water hyacinths in a new biofuel to combat both problems of energy poverty and plant over-growth. The Kenya Marine institute estimates has covered about 10,360 hectares of Lake Victoria. Richard hopes to continue to supply this cheap alternative so families can
November 5, 2018
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German-Language STEM Workshops at University of Rhode Island for High School Students–CO2 Experiment
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) For scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians, Germany offers a broad range of opportunities when it comes to higher education and professional development. The University of Rhode Island’s (URI) German International Engineering Program (GIEP), together with the Goethe-Institut Boston and the American Association of Teachers
November 5, 2018
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(National Biodiesel Board) … Ballparks throughout the country are recycling used cooking oil into clean burning biodiesel. This advanced biofuel reduces carbon emissions by 80 percent, helping the crowds breathe easier. “When I order food at a ballpark I can see all the grease in the concession stand,” said National Biodiesel
November 2, 2018
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by Humeyra Pamuk and P.J. Huffstutter (Reuters) … Some of the nation’s 3.2 million farmers and ranchers, traditionally staunch Republicans, are wavering in this election because of the trade dispute with China, the main buyer of U.S. soybeans and pork, interviews with nearly two dozen farmers showed. Those interviews and a survey
November 2, 2018
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by Nithin Coca (Sustainable Brands) Next month’s election could potentially be historic for Washington State, where voters will have the choice of enacting the first-in-the-nation carbon fee — a concrete measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Measure 1631 has the support of several prominent Washington-based businesses including REI,
October 29, 2018
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by Jeremy Fugleberg (Sioux Falls Argus Leader) Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will visit South Dakota on Thursday morning. An initial schedule from the Department of Agriculture indicates Perdue will visit several locations in the Sioux Falls area. He will: Tour the Poet ethanol plant in Chancellor and hold a roundtable
October 24, 2018
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(WNAX) This week, the Environmental Protection Agency published its rule making agenda for 2019 and in it said they’’ll start the rulemaking process for year-round use of E15 in February of next year. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says they wanted to see the rulemaking start sooner than
October 22, 2018
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by Doug Durante and Doug Sombke (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) … However, we may have a unique and perhaps unprecedented opportunity for a do-over with the proposed fuel economy rule. While we take no position on exactly what the mileage standards should be, whatever they are we can
October 11, 2018
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by Chris Clayton and Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Leading into President Donald Trump’s trip to Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Tuesday, a senior White House official said Tuesday that the president has directed the Environmental Protection Agency to create a new rule allowing year-round sales of 15% ethanol blends. Monte
October 9, 2018
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In analyzing the future of fueling air transportation in the wake of the Lanza Tech-fueled Virgin Air Florida-to-Gatwick flight, Biofuels Digest‘s Jim Lane suggested that we “bring consumer pressure to bear by distinguishing between sustainable flights and non-sustainable flights, the same way we distinguish between organic and non-organic foods, fair trade
October 5, 2018
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by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) President Donald Trump on Monday hinted at a possible upcoming trip to Iowa to announce “something very important” while touting a new U.S. trade deal with Canada and Mexico. The comments came as Trump thanked Sen. Joni Ernst during a Rose Garden news conference announcing the $1.2 trillion
October 3, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) … What this country — and every country — needs is a bigger vision so that the friends of energy security are not divided by their differences on technology or feedstock but are united toward a common purpose that provides opportunity — and sustainable energy —
October 2, 2018
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by Steve Scauzillo (San Gabriel Valley Tribune/The Sun) … But in about 190 stations in California, there exists an alternative: One lone, usually green-colored nozzle delivering E-85, an alcohol blend accepted in 1.3 million “flexible-fuel” vehicles on California roads today. At 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, E85 fuel packs
October 1, 2018
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As Cassidy Walter of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association points out in a recent Gazette op-ed, “In fact, not only has Big Oil enjoyed federal tax subsidies for the past 100 years, the federal government actually mandates all vehicle fuel be petroleum-based except for what is allowed by the RFS.
October 1, 2018
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by Mike Lewis (Pearson Fuels/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Sept. 21, California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed AB 558, a California bill authored by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva that was designed to better leverage California’s fleet of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). The measure would have required the California Air Resources Board to recommend non-fiscal policies to
September 29, 2018
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by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The White House is considering imposing restrictions on trading of biofuel credits, hoping to discourage speculation and reduce costs for oil refiners to comply with U.S. biofuels policy, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. … The move would be part of a widely anticipated deal to
September 29, 2018
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by Marianne Lavelle and Dan Gearino (Inside Climate News) Governors have the power to set the agenda on renewable energy or throw up roadblocks to its progress. It’s become an issue in several races this year. — Some of the most consequential elections for climate policy this fall could be the 36 governor’s
September 28, 2018
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In recent Renewable Fuels Association testimony, Kelly Davis noted, “It was apparent that the previous administration disregarded comments from RFA and many other stakeholders—including the automakers—that encouraged EPA to evaluate engines and fuels as integrated systems when assessing the efficacy of model year 2022-2025 fuel economy and GHG standards. Indeed,
September 26, 2018
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(University of Rhode Island Extension) In response to a growing need for student experiential learning opportunities in energy, URI Cooperative Extension created the Energy Fellows Program in 2008 to enhance the undergraduate and graduate student learning experience. To date, the program has seen over 100 students complete program requirements, with over
September 25, 2018
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by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) … The Tennessee Green Fleets Certification Program, developed by Middle-West and East Tennessee Clean Fuels, uses performance-based metrics to analyze fleets’ vehicle and fuel-use data and compare new actions they have taken to what their footprint would have looked like without those actions. The program encompasses
September 25, 2018
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by Chad Moyer (KTIC Radio) Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) has been recognized as a 2018 High Octane Champion by Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the trade association for Nebraska’s ethanol industry. The award was developed by the RFN membership as a way to recognize public policy leaders that strongly support Nebraska’s $5 billion
September 24, 2018
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by Bob Bowman (Clinton Herald) The ethanol industry is critical to the Midwest, supporting thousands of jobs and adding billions of dollars to our economy. It also drives corn demand at a time when Iowa farm family income is at the lowest level in over a decade. However, the sale of
September 20, 2018
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(Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy) Preview a clip from Green Careers for a Changing Climate, a new documentary from Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy that introduces students to Green STEM Careers as a solution to climate change. Funding for this project was provided by: General Mills, Target, Xcel Energy Foundation,
September 20, 2018
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(National Biodiesel Board) Rowan University and Missouri University of Science and Technology students chosen as co-chairs — Shyam Paudel’s interest in energy comes from deep in his childhood, growing up in the mountains of Western Nepal. Children commonly studied by the light of kerosene lamps. “One summer, my father bought two solar
September 20, 2018
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In a Time Magazine article, Justin Worland reminds us that “For many farmers, Trump appears to have sided with the oil industry, which they believe exerts undue influence on ethanol policy. It’s an argument that Trump himself once used when campaigning against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the GOP primary.
September 17, 2018
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by Scott Henry (Des Moines Register) … A study from Environmental Defense Fund and managerial accounting firm K·Coe Isom AgKnowledge finds that conservation can boost farm profitability. The analysis includes detailed financial case studies of three Midwestern corn, soy and wheat farmers — including my fourth-generation farm — as well as a
September 14, 2018
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by Francine McKenna (Market Watch) The Climate Risk Disclosure Act directs the SEC to issue rules that require every public company to disclose more on climate change exposure — Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is spearheading an effort by Democratic senators to bring a bill that would require public companies to disclose more
September 14, 2018
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by V. Ragananthini (Sun Daily) Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said the ministry will assist FGV Holdings Bhd in attracting investors to develop the downstream palm oil segment and in turn look to it for help with getting small palm oil growers obtain Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification. Kok said at
September 5, 2018
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by Nick Sobczyk (E&E News) Democrats have long billed themselves as the party of climate science, and if they take back the House in November, they want to put global warming back on the congressional calendar. “It’s the 800-pound gorilla,” said Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), co-chairman of the Safe Climate Caucus.
September 3, 2018
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by Jeff Rice (Journal-Advocate) … Motorists shop almost exclusively according to price, except when the price goes down, and labor under a plethora of misconceptions about additives, octane and ethanol. That can lead to some unwise decisions at the pump. Numerous studies that show most Americans shop according to price, especially
August 31, 2018
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(Sierra Club Maryland Chapter) Leading environmental, scientific, community, business and labor organizations working to advance clean transportation in Mid-Atlantic and Northeast States assembled today in Largo, Maryland for a meeting organized by Maryland Departments Of Environment, Transportation And Energy (MDE), University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, and Georgetown Climate Center.
August 28, 2018
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by Helena Bottemiller Evich, Catherine Boudreau and Liz Crampton (Politico) The Trump administration on Monday detailed how it will dole out $6.3 billion in aid to assist farmers stung by retaliatory tariffs — and it’s already sparking backlash from some sectors where industry leaders say growers won’t get their fair share.
August 28, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Switzerland comes word of a technology for methanol synthesis plants which capture CO2 from the environment to create renewable methanol fuel. If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s appropriately named Silent-Power. The company produces both industrial and modular plants and is working to bring
August 28, 2018
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by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico’s Morning Energy)EPA will no longer hold public hearings in Washington, D.C., Detroit and Los Angeles on the administration’s proposed freeze of Obama-era fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, Bloomberg Environment reports. Instead the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will hold two public
August 23, 2018
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(GreenAir Online) Swedish airport operator Swedaviahas claimed its operations at Visby Airport have become entirely fossil-free. Swedavia is aiming to have all 10 of its airports fossil-free by 2020 at the latest, with Visby achieving the objective two years ahead of the deadline. Carbon emissions have decreased from around 300 tonnes to
August 17, 2018
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“The good news is there is an opportunity in 2018 and 2020 for progressives to reconnect with rural voters in a meaningful way. It starts with more listening and far less political rhetoric. It will require an embrace of change rather than support for the status quo, which includes meaningful
August 16, 2018
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by Patty Judge (Des Moines Register/Focus on Rural America) … Many of the political elites on the coasts have argued that progressives should simply write off the rural Midwest because it is too white, too old and too conservative to ever support a progressive national candidate. In 2017 Focus on Rural
August 16, 2018
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(City of Vancouver) Emissions reduction target will be reached early thanks to contract with Suncor — “This shift in fuel, in conjunction with the ways we are optimizing and electrifying our fleet, proves that we are walking the talk and finding innovative ways to respond to climate change and its devastating impacts.”
August 15, 2018
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(U.S. Department of Energy) Purpose of Meeting: To develop advice and guidance that promotes research and development leading to the production of biobased fuels and biobased products. Tentative Agenda: Agenda will include the following: Update on USDA Biomass R&D Activities Update on DOE Biomass R&D Activities Presentations from national laboratories and federal agencies
August 14, 2018
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by Rod Boshart (Sioux City Journal) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Fred Hubbell called out Gov. Kim Reynolds Saturday for not taking a more-aggressive public stance on behalf of Iowa farmers and rural interests being hurt by President Trump’s trade war with China rather than “towing the party line” in the trade dispute.
August 13, 2018
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by Andy Banker (KPLR11) Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill spent the primary election day visiting biofuel plants in Missouri. “Happy Primary Day,” McCaskill said while getting off her campaign bus to tour MidAmerica Biofuels in Mexico, Missouri. It was her last stop before heading to Columbia to thank supporters for their help
August 8, 2018
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(Crossroads Today/Hawaiian Diving Adventures) Hawaiian Diving Adventures is Proud to Offer the Only “Green” Diving Experience in Oahu — The founders of Hawaiian Diving Adventures, a company that offers scuba diving on Oahu, are pleased to announce the debut of their custom built dive boat the runs on locally sourced, 100 percent
August 8, 2018
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A crude oil refinery in North Dakota is working on repurposing to make renewable diesel instead of petroleum fuel. Destin Singleton, an Andeavor spokeswoman explained that the proposal builds on a pilot project at the refinery that processes vegetable oil and Bakken crude to create a 5 percent renewable diesel blend.
August 7, 2018
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(WCAX) Both houses of Congress have passed their respective versions of the Farm Bill, a massive piece of legislation that affects farmers around the country. Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, will try to come together to pass one version of the bill. Farm bill negotiations
August 7, 2018
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by Chuck Abbott (Fern’s Ag Insider) One-in-seven farmers who voted for President Trump in 2016 would not vote for him today, according to a poll released on Monday. The escalating trade war was the leading cause of erosion for Trump among a staunchly Republican group. But a majority still back him:
(Virginia Regulatory Town Hall/ Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy) … The Plan is intended to provide a strategic vision for the energy policy of the Commonwealth over the next 10 years. It is being developed in accordance with Chapter 2 of Title 67 of the Code of Virginia. Per the
August 2, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This is the first of a two-part series in which we look at strategic shifts in global commodity prices and policies that could dramatically impact the outlook for biofuels, In this part, we look at grain markets and the emerging US-China trade war. As most know
by Bethany Jensen (Ignite Utah State University) With the increase of global climate change effects, many local bodies of fresh water are experiencing dangerous toxic algae blooms. These are detrimental to water recreation, to agriculture, and to the natural ecosystem. They are potentially harmful to humans. Bethany has chosen a project
July 23, 2018
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by Theodore Koumelis (Travel Daily News) 76% of the respondents were ready to pay more for a flight ticket, or alternatively, pay an additional charge, if the money is used for reducing environmental impacts. — According to a study, almost all Finns (94 %) want to reduce the emissions of air travel, and
July 22, 2018
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University of Illinois professor Stephen Long, explaining the need for home-grown biofuels said, “(P)eople of my age have seen these past (oil) disruptions. You know we’ve probably three major ones since the ’70s really in our oil supplies. You know they are vulnerable, that and we know that they won’t last
July 22, 2018
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by Hal Bernton (Seattle Times) Proponents of a Washington carbon-fee initiative showed up at the Secretary of State’s office in Olympia with more than 370,000 signatures to put their measure on the November ballot. The signatures tally for Initiative 1631 — backed by a broad coalition that includes environmental, labor, tribal
July 11, 2018
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(Growth Energy) Growth Energy announced today that American drivers have logged 5 billion miles on E15. The latest milestone was reached in the midst of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) restrictions on the sale E15 fuel across most of the country. During summer months consumers only have access to E15 in Reformulated
July 11, 2018
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(International Trade Administration/Federal Register) Pursuant to provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Department of Commerce announces the renewal of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (the Committee). The Committee shall advise the Secretary of Commerce regarding the development and administration of programs and policies to expand the
(The Vista Press) Imagine an alternative diesel fuel that reduces carbon emission levels, improves air quality, and performs as well as and costs less than current fuel. If you’re thinking this sounds too good to be true, you’d be wrong. Renewable diesel not only exists, but it can now be found in Vista
July 10, 2018
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by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Bottom line, if you’re in the business of financing a renewable fuels project with a loan guarantee in the mix, you’re probably talking with some combination of New Energy Risk, Stern Brothers, Faegre Baker Daniels partner John Kirkwood or Kilpatrick Townsend partner Mark Riedy. They’ve been part
July 9, 2018
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by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee has appointed several new volunteers from industry, academia, nonprofits, and local government to the TAC which advises the federal government about its bioenergy R&D programs. These are the first appointments to the TAC by the current
July 2, 2018
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by Mark Hand (ThinkProgress) Democratic nominee Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has one of the most ambitious climate plans. — An impressive list of anti-fossil fuel and pro-climate action candidates won party primaries on Tuesday night, indicating that environmental issues could receive greater attention in this fall’s general elections, especially as lawmakers devise plans to
June 29, 2018
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by Robinson Meyer (The Atlantic) A new justice will likely weaken the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. — … With Kennedy gone, a more conservative Supreme Court could overhaul key aspects of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act, legal scholars
June 29, 2018
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South Dakota Farmers Union: Say No to E15 Rule; Farmer Leader Says We Can Do Better
(South Dakota Farmers Union) On the eve of a public hearing to receive comments on the long awaited ruling to allow year round rvp relief for E15, the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) called the rule a backdoor effort to limit ethanol blends. In a call with supporters today, SDFU President