(PR NewsWire) Butamax™ Advanced Biofuels, LLC, the biobutanol technology leader, today announced the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted Butamax Patent Number 8,129,162 which provides Butamax with optimal key capability for the production of isobutanol from renewable
EPA Says Not Now, Maybe Later to Camelina, Energy Cane, Napiergrass, and Giant Reed as Biofuels Feedstocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the EPA withdrew the direct final rule to allow camelina, energy cane, napiergrass, and giant reed to meet the RFS2. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said: “EPA published a direct final rule on January 5, 2012 (77
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Campaigners Claim Government Has ‘Not Done Its Homework’ Following Analysis of Biodiesel Prices
(Fleet News) Campaigners have accused the Treasury of ‘not doing its homework’ after analysis by the Save our Sustainable Biodiesel campaign identified a lack of demand for biodiesel certificates, calling into question the Treasury’s plans to switch incentives for used
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Is Seaweed the Future of Biofuel?
(American Friends Tel Aviv University) ...While biomasses grown on land have the potential to inflict damage on the environment, the researchers believe that producing biofuel from seaweed-based sources could even solve problems that already exist within the marine environment. Many
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Aqualia Eyes Large-Scale Algae Biofuel Production
by Nina Chestney (Reuters) Water management company Aqualia plans to launch a commercial-scale demonstration project using waste water to cultivate algae for biofuel production, which could fuel 400 vehicles, the firm said on Monday. Spain's Aqualia, owned by construction and services
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Gaia Association Requests Expressions of Interest for Procurement of Ethanol Microdistillery, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
(PR.com) Request for Expression of Interest Promotion of Ethanol Microdistillery for Cooking Fuel in Ethiopia Loan No. /Credit No./ Grant No.: TF096664 Activity Title: Demonstrating the Feasibility of Ethanol for Household Cooking The Gaia Association, an Ethiopian non-governmental and non-profit organization established in 2005
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Virdia Ups the Ante in the Race for the New Sugars
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In California, Virdia, formerly HCL CleanTech, a leading developer of cellulosic sugars, today announced major company milestones, including a new brand and CEO, its latest funding round, and a $75 million deal with the Mississippi
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Electric Cars and Liberals’ Refusal to Accept Science
by Charles Lane (The Washinton Post) OpEd: President Obama boasted at a United Auto Workers conference last week that General Motors was back in business, producing cutting-edge vehicles like the plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt. He even promised to buy one when his time
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Petroleum Group Discounts Ethanol's Role in Gas Prices
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In a Feb. 22 press call to discuss rising gas prices, the American Petroleum Institute’s chief economist, John Felmy, blamed crude oil prices for high prices at the pump, and said refinery closures and
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Biomass Harvesting Guidelines for Southeast U.S. Released
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Forest Guild has released its report, “Forest Biomass Retention and Harvesting Guidelines for the Southeast,” identifying how expanding markets for forest bioenergy can enhance forests, while meeting the social and economic needs of
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Connecting Classrooms to Cutting-Edge Science
(Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center) Students in Craig Kohn’s biotechnology classroom are on the hunt for biomass degraders. Scavenging for unique samples in piles of leaves or compost bins, they can use a simple filter paper test to determine if
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol, Farm Groups File Brief Supporting Court-Ordered Injunction on California LCFS
(Renewable Fuels Association) A coalition of national ethanol groups, along with California and Midwest farming groups, filed a brief urging the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a court-ordered injunction on the California Air Resource Board’s low-carbon fuel
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
US Ethanol Industry Re-tools As Biofuels Struggle To Scale Post-IPO
by Felicity Carus (Aol Energy) Now that almost all the gasoline in the United States is blended with up to 10% ethanol, producers are looking to export markets and refiners are looking at retooling strategies to tap into the burgeoning second
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
American Jianye Greentech Holdings in Marketing Partnership with Gulf Coast Energy Ltd. to Accelerate Retail Expansion in United States
(The Business Journals/American Jianye Greentech Holdings, Ltd.) American Jianye Greentech Holdings, Ltd., a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of alcohol-based automobile fuel and civil-use fuel in China, today announced that it has signed a marketing partnership agreement with US Gulf Coast
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
News Release: Inaugural Report Shows Impressive Uptake of RSPO Certified Sustainable Palm Oil in 2011
(Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) Multi stakeholder initiative, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) reported unprecedented growth for Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) in the year 2011 as accounted for in its inaugural qualitative review entitled “2011 RSPO CSPO
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
The U.S. Air Force Dares You to Laugh At Their Biofuel
by Tina Casey (Talking Points Memo) Republicans recently had themselves a good laugh over President Obama’s enthusiasm for biofuel made from algae, but they might want to stifle that chuckle when it comes to another modest-seeming but potentially important feedstock for biofuel,
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
New Patent Law Aids Algae Innovators
by Peter A. Jackman and Lori M. Brandes (Algae Industry Magazine) ...On September 16, 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) was signed into law by President Obama, bringing the most significant changes to U.S. patent law since 1952. These
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Sh12 Billion Biofuel Complex Set to Be Constructed in Bungoma
(Daily Nation) A Sh12 billion biofuel complex to produce fuel ethanol from tropical sugar beet will be started in Bungoma, with construction commencing immediately. The first trail run is expected early next year. The company, Webco, which is funded by investors
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Gov't To Test Jatropha Biodiesel Offered By Company From Malaysia
(Manila Bulletin) The government is subjecting to fuel standard testing the jatropha biodiesel of Malaysia-based Bionas which is offering to supply what it claims to possibly become the world’s first jatropha biodiesel. The Department of Energy (DoE) is expected to evaluate
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Dominican Republic Signs Cooperation Agreement on Bioenergy
(Caribbean Journal) The Dominican Republic’s National Energy Commission signed a technical cooperation agreement Friday with the Inter-American Development Bank on the development of bioenergy. The agreement will develop a series of studies on bioenergy, taking into account the country’s cooperation on
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Sales Nearly Double in North Dakota
(The Jamestown Sun) State Tax Department data shows that more than 1.3 million gallons of ethanol-blended fuel was sold in the state last year. That's up from about 663,000 barrels in 2010. Officials credit the rise in ethanol use to
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Black Carbon Belchers?
by Naomi Lubick (Chemical & Engineering News) Pollution Monitoring: Cars may produce more climate-warming particles than previously thought. Tiny particles known as black carbon can pack a heavy punch when it comes to climate change, by trapping heat in the atmosphere
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
[LL] Cool Planet Rocks the Bells
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What are Google, BP, Conoco, and GE investing? Is 3,000 gallons per acre of renewable gasoline possible? In the past few weeks, news has begun to circulate around the industry – and expanded by Twitter and
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Scientists Say Cassava Will Thrive in Climate Change, Best Bet for African Farmers
(The Washington Post/AP) Calling cassava “the Rambo of food crops,” scientists Monday said the long-neglected root becomes even more productive in hotter temperatures and could be the best bet for African farmers threatened by climate change. ...The root outperformed potatoes, maize,
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
EU Seeks Tighter CO2 Grip on Farms, Forests -Draft
by Francesco Guarascio and Barbara Lewis (Reuters) The EU forestry and farming sectors will have to monitor and report from 2013 any changes to land use that could affect greenhouse gas emissions as part of the bloc's measures to curb climate change,
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Fueling Education Loud and Clear: AIDB’s Biodiesel Program Provides Unparalleled Work Experience for Its Students
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Alabama native Helen Keller once said, “No one has the right to consume happiness without producing it.” The same could be said of biodiesel at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind in Talladega, Ala.
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
National Conference Pinpoints Latest Industry Issues
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Upholding RFS2, RIN integrity and expanding mandate lead discussions The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo took place Feb. 5-8 in Orlando, Fla., where the industry’s latest challenges were laid out: defending the renewable fuel standard (RFS2); restoring
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Piedmont Proves Out Liquid Enzyme Catalysis
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Small North Carolina producer continues to innovate The founder of Pittsboro, N.C.-based Piedmont Biofuels, Rachel Burton, gave details at the 2012 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Orlando on the company’s new commercially proven enzymatic transesterification
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
An Endeavor into Biofuel: University of Rhode Island Fuels Its Research Vessel with Biodiesel
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) In mid-January the University of Rhode Island topped off its research ship Endeavor’s fuel tank with 53,000 gallons of biodiesel-blended fuel. The move was the initial step in URI’s plan to transform the 185-foot ship
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Delta Development: New Plant under Development in Louisiana
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A former polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pelletization plant in Plaquemine, La., will soon be home to a new biodiesel plant. Construction on the facility, which is under development by Louisiana Biodiesel LLC, is expected to begin
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Innovation Heats Up: Unique Process Heat Solutions Offer Biodiesel Producers Options to Increase Efficiency and Cut Costs
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) ...Development on innovative heating solutions will continue, but several unique heating systems are already in operation at plants across the U.S. In North Carolina, Patriot BioDiesel LLC has installed a system featuring ceramic elements that
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
US Ethanol: Evolving Export Opportunities March 22, 2012 Webinar
US ethanol exports nearly tripled in 2011 and Brazil was seen as the largest consumer of US-produced biofuel. Wide open arbitrage opportunities and demanding US regulations have meant that Brazil still sees value in sending its anhydrous ethanol back to
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
EERC to Develop Biofuel for US Military
by Kari Williamson (Renewable Energy Focus) The Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) will develop alternative liquid fuels, including biofuel, for US military applications under a US$906,000 contract from the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology Inc (CCAT). The EERC will demonstrate gasification-based technologies
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Catalyzing Biodiesel Growth: An analysis of Conventional Acid and Base Catalysts Used inToday’s Biodiesel Industry
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Minimizing catalyst use, particularly homogenous catalysts, while simultaneously maximizing product quality and process yield is a pervasive challenge that every biodiesel producer encounters daily because, after all, single digit differences in yield can determine whether
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Scholastic Beginnings: Bob Cerio Blazed the Biodiesel-Blended Heating Oil Trail—This Is His Story
by Luke Geiver ( Biodiesel Magazine) Until 2001, the electrode tip or the fuel nozzle in an oilheat burner didn’t mean much to the biodiesel industry. But after an energy resource manager for the Warwick, R.I., public schools department decided
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Open Fuel Standard Act Attached to Senate Transportation Bill
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Supporters of the Open Fuel Standard Act are still working to get the bill passed into law, which would mandate increasing levels of new vehicles manufactured or sold in the U.S. be flex-fuel capable—able
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
E85 Switzer ‘Cornzilla’ GT-R Returns With 1,000 Horsepower
by Patrick Frawley (Jalopnik) It's been almost two years since we featured an E85-fueled Nissan GT-R from Switzer. Since then, the Ohio-based tuner has been steadily improving their cornfed-Godzilla conversion package to the tune of a nearly 25% power jump. To review: The 2010-model
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Team Aims to Make Sugarcane, Sorghum into Oil-Producing Crops
(University of Illinois) With the support of a $3.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, researchers will take the first steps toward engineering two new oil-rich crops. They aim to boost the natural, oil-producing capabilities of sugarcane and
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Bringing Oil Intensity to the Energy Debate
by Former Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) (Bipartisan Policy Center/The Hill) ...For example, both parties have helped raise fuel efficiency standards. First under President Bush in 2007, then under President Obama in 2010, America has vastly improved
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Minnesota Biofuel Projects Awarded Money from State
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) ...Grants totaling $2.4 million announced Wednesday by the Minnesota Agriculture Department will help nine ventures trying to burn or gasify biomass or to make liquid fuel or ammonia. Biomass includes wood, plant material and farm
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Sojitz, Hitachi Zosen to Create Bioethanol from Potato Starch Residue
by Saroj Shrestha (JCN Network) Sojitz Corp. and Hitachi Zosen Corp. have launched a model project for production of bioethanol from potato starch residue in the Keshan State Farm in Harbin City, in China's Heilongjiang Province. The project is being conducted
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Chain, Chain, Chain – Chain of Fuels: Mascoma, Sud-Chemie on Short Path to Parity with Gasoline
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can companies like Mascoma and Sud-Chemie, by transforming the economics of cellulosic ethanol, compete at parity with gasoline – no subsidies, no five-years-to-commercial-scale, no kidding? Part II – “Chain-Chain-Chain, Chain of Fuels In Part II,
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama Calls on Congress to Repeal Federal Subsidies for Oil Industry
by David Nakamura (The Washington Post) President Obama reiterated his call for Congress to repeal federal subsidies to the oil industry Thursday, escalating a political skirmish with Republicans over rising gasoline prices amid evidence that much of the public remains
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
DSM Chief Seeks Poet-Style Ethanol Tie-ups From Brazil to China
by Alex Morales (Bloomberg) Royal DSM NV, the Dutch enzyme maker which last month set up a cellulosic ethanol venture with Poet LLC, is seeking similar tie-ups in Brazil, China and Europe, Chief Executive Officer Feike Sijbesma said. DSM last month said it’s providing
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Gevo Rises as Production Plans Spur ‘Relief Rally,’ Analyst Says
by Andrew Herndon (Bloomberg) Gevo Inc. (GEVO), the U.S. biotechnology company backed by oil refiner Total SA (FP) and specialty chemicals maker Lanxess AG (LXS), rose the most in two weeks after saying it expects to begin shipments in July, on schedule, from a plant
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Carbon Capture Initiative Could Benefit Ethanol Producers
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Leaders of the National Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiative were joined by Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, on Capitol Hill Feb. 28 to unveil a set of recommendations aimed at encouraging greater use
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Va. Congressman Questions Navy's Ability to "Go Green" versus High Cost
by Mike Gooding (WVEC.com) ... Fourth district congressman Randy Forbes is challenging the Navy which is making a priority out of going green. House Armed Services Committee member Randy Forbes had harsh words for Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, saying he was focusing
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
African Wildlife Haven Threatened by Biofuels Land Grab
by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (FocusingOnWildlife.com) A Kenyan wildlife haven threatened by the rush to grow biofuels for European companies such as IKEA, has been saved. The Dakatcha Woodland in Kenya – home to several globally threatened
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Scotland Creates £3.4m Fund to Help Business Develop Green Technologies
(ClickGreen) Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney has today announced funding to increase the energy and low carbon support available to Scottish companies. The Scottish Government has awarded £3.4 million of European Regional Development Funding to six projects from leading Scottish universities and
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
China-Made Biofuel To Meet 1/3 Of Jet Fuel Needs By 2020 -Official: Sinopec
(Dow Jones Newswires/Fox Business) China's aviation regulator has begun deliberating China Petroleum & Chemical Corp.'s (SNP) application to produce aviation biofuel commercially, the refiner said Wednesday, while a senior aviation official said the country hopes that nearly a third of the fuel used by
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Meeting Biofuel Production Targets Could Change Agricultural Landscape
(American Chemical Society) Almost 80 percent of current farmland in the U.S. would have to be devoted to raising corn for ethanol production in order to meet current biofuel production targets with existing technology, a new study has found. An
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
I Want a New Bug: Sapphire Licenses Spirulina from Earthrise for Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Sapphire Energy announced it has entered into a licensing agreement with Earthrise Nutritionals, to integrate Earthrise Nutritionals’ spirulina strain into Sapphire’s growing inventory of cyanobacteria and algae strains for algae-to-energy production. The impact
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Shake It Up, Baby: Rock Stars of Biofuels Unveil Their Latest Hits
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Part I – I Want a New Bug In Part I, today, “I Want a New Bug,” we look at the formation of Lygos, and the magic bugs, coming primarily out of the Keasling Lab
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Facility's Expansion Puts AZ at Top of Algae Research
by Connor Radnovich (Cronkite News Service/Tucson Sentinel) State's sunshine aids in growth of biofuel source A five–fold expansion of the algae lab at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus will help move Arizona to the forefront of algae–based research and production, Gov. Jan
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Biofuels Center Launches Business and Innovation Support Accelerator
(The Biofuels Center of North Carolina) The Biofuels Center of North Carolina has opened the Biofuels Company Accelerator to support the development of biofuels and related technology projects, researchers, and companies. A first component of North Carolina’s Biofuels Campus, in
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
AMERIgreen Offering Biodiesel at New NY Blending Terminal
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) The distribution of biodiesel-blended fuels for both on- and off-road applications in the Northeast just got easier as Lancaster, Pa.-based fuel dealer AMERIgreen Energy Inc., in partnership with International Petroleum Traders LLC, recently opened a
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Lawrence Berkeley Lab’s JBEI Spins Out First Company: Lygos
Steven E.F. Brown (San Francisco Business Times) The Joint BioEnergy Institute of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has spun out its first business, a chemical manufacturing company named Lygos. Emeryville’s JBEI is led by Jay Keasling, who is one of the five men who started
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
RFS May Top Farm Bill in Importance to Corn Growers
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ...“If you took a poll of our members, and we may well do that at our Commodity Classic next week, I would say that they view the RFS as more important than the farm bill,” said National
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Global Leaders in Advanced Biofuels Industry Urge Congressional Leaders to Extend Critical Tax Provisions
(PR Newswire) Leaders of America's rapidly emerging advanced biofuels industry urged congressional leaders today to extend two tax provisions that are critical to the commercialization of new biofuel production technologies. In a letter addressed to the Chairs and Ranking Members
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Garners More Attention in the Middle East
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel seems to be gaining more traction in the United Arab Emirates. On Feb. 22 the Dubai Road and Transport Authority recognized McDonald’s UAE and biodiesel refiner Neutral Fuels for their commitment to sustainable transport. ...McDonald’s
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
US Coast Guard Conducts B100 Trial in 49-Foot BUSL Boat
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. Coast Guard is exploring the possibility fueling some of its vessels with biodiesel. According to Rich Hansen, branch chief of the USCG’s Research and Development Center surface branch, the USCG is evaluating the
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
At ARPA-E Summit, FedEx CEO Smith Sounds an Optimistic Note
by Yoni Cohen (GreenTechMedia) The United States absolutely, positively has to wean itself off foreign oil. “Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, activity for activity, it is hard to find a thing the United States has done that is more effective
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Fish Oil Biodiesel Research Supported by Govenment
(The Fish Site) The Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development will establish a demonstration bio-refinery that will convert fish oils into biodiesel with support from the Provincial Government. Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced support of this initiative with
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Iowa State, Ames Lab Chemists Aid Study of Mutated Plants that May Be Better for Biofuels
(EurekAlert/Iowa State University) Genetic mutations to cellulose in plants could improve the conversion of cellulosic biomass into biofuels, according to a research team that included two Iowa State University chemists. The team recently published its findings in the online early
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Biodiesel RIN Task Force Set, First Meeting Scheduled for Feb. 28
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Earlier this month, at the National Biodiesel Conference in Orlando, Fla., National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe said he and NBB chairman Gary Haer were establishing a task force, comprised of representatives from the U.S.
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Hemingway’s Cats and Tobacco Road
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) New ideas on growing hydrocarbons directly in the field tap ancient ideas of agriculture, and ancient capabilities trapped deep in the genome ...A good part of the work of modern genetics is to uncover the existing
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Nigerian Government Agency Launches Microdistillery and Stoves to Provide Sustainable Ethanol Fuel for Household Cooking, Lighting and Small-Scale Power Generation
(Project Gaia) Nigerian Government Agency Launches Microdistillery and Stoves to Provide Sustainable Ethanol Fuel for Household Cooking, Lighting and Small-Scale Power Generation The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), a parastatal under the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, has commissioned
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Outlook and Pocket Guide to Ethanol Now Available
(Renewable Fuel Association) RFA's most popular publications, the 2012 Ethanol Industry Outlook and Pocket Guide to Ethanol, are now available. The Outlook is an annual publication that catalogs the important statistics for America's domestic ethanol industry while providing the most
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Investors Eye Renewable Energy as Oil Prices Rise
by Steve Gelsi (Market Watch) Biofuel, electric cars and natural gas-powered vehicles drew attention against a backdrop of sharply higher petroleum prices from investors gathered at the Jefferies Global Clean Technology Conference. With crude oil topping $108 a barrel and average
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Removing Fiber from DDGS Results in Superior Product for Swine
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Removing fiber from dried distillers grains with solubles using the elusieve process results in an enhanced product with greater nutritional value for growing and finishing pigs, according to a study conducted by researchers at
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Offers Alternative to Rising Gas Prices
by Richard Essex (WTHR.com) For almost three weeks, the price of gas is going up. On the far west side of Indianapolis, regular unleaded gas is just a tick under $4 a gallon. Staci and Doug Stover of Avon
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Algal Summit in India Explores Diverse Applications
(Algae Industry Magazine) The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Indian Phycological Society held their International Algal Summit February 21-22 at the TERI University, in New Delhi. Billed as “Algae for Sustainable Development,” the event was attended by over 100
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Sino-Swedish Biomass Fuel Research Project Fruitful
(Shanghai Daily) A bilateral cooperative project on the study of biomass fuel sponsored by the Chinese and Swedish governments has made initial progress and is expected to enter the experimental phase, according to experts speaking at a workshop held in
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
ANSA McAL Trading to Develop Sugarcane Ethanol Project in Guyana
(Guardian Media) Guyana-based ANSA McAL Trading Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Guyana government for the establishment of an ethanol production project. ...In a statement, ANSA McAL said that both parties were currently conducting an in-depth feasibility
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Spanish Biofuel Producer to Invest 150 Million Euros in Congo
by Robert Mbakou (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) Spain’s Biocongo Global Trading will spend 150 million euros ($201 million) developing 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres) of palm oil plantations and two processing plants in Congo Republic over the next five years, according to a
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Fuel Retailers See Isolated Sales of High-Ethanol Blend for up to a Decade
(Platts) As fuel makers start registering their high-ethanol gasoline blends with US regulators, petroleum retailers say there are practical and legal barriers that could keep the fuel out of most markets for as long as a decade. The ethanol industry used
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Shell Busts a Move: Builds Drop-In Biofuels Pilot Plant in Texas
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) While confusion reigneth on Shell’s plans for cellulosic ethanol, the company quietly builds a drop-in biofuels pilot plant in Texas, based on Virent’s bioforming technology. ...After a stunning move to establish an $12 billion joint venture
February 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Alganomics Upgrades Power Sources with Solar and Wind
(Algae Industry Magazine) Alganomics, LLC, the Southport, North Carolina-based producer of algae for biomass, has installed a photovoltaic solar system to offset energy used during the process of culturing algae for biofuel. With the aim to add new alternative energy
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Are Consumers Getting Tired of Hearing about Green Energy?
by Leslie Guevarra (GreenBiz.com) American consumers say they continue to strongly favor solar power, wind turbines and greener cars as energy solutions, but their overall support for clean energy concepts is eroding, Pike Research finds. The slippage is among the more striking trends seen
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Cantwell Calls for Biofuels Center at WSU Tri-Cities
by Paula Horton (Tri-City Herald/The Bellingham Herald) The Tri-Cities is primed to be a leader in creating a new, cleaner alternative jet fuel, Sen. Maria Cantwell said Saturday at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus. Cantwell toured the Bioproducts, Sciences
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Business Beat: Louisiana Forestry Industry Looks to Waste Material to Fuel Growth
by Jeff Matthews (The Town Talk) ...The forum, held at LSU AgCenter facilities adjacent to the Louisiana State University at Alexandria campus, drew about 125 people, a few more than last year. “People are really interested in the fact that their
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Cost of Producing Biofuels Enzymes Higher than Assumed: Researchers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In an update to our story The Enzyme Wars, a group of researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and the Joint BioEnergy Institute write: “the results from a recently-published paper on enzyme costs may help contextualizing
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama Touts Algal Biofuels; $14M in New R&D Funding; $2.28 per Gallon Algal Biofuels in Sight?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Washington, the Obama Administration outlined a new $14 million round of R&D grants for algal biofuels, as the US President highlighted algal biofuels in a speech at the University of Miami which focused on energy policy. In
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Biofuel Said a Sustainable Fuel Source
(UPI) Growing crops for fuel as opposed to refining fossil fuels and substituting bioethanol for gasoline is a sustainable energy strategy, Japanese researchers say. In a study published in the International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, researchers analyzed the overall
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama’s Green-Car Plan Runs Into Alternative-Fuel Limits
by Angela Greiling Keane and Jeff Green (Bloomberg) President Barack Obama’s administration is buying fewer hybrid and electric cars and more vehicles that can consume both ethanol and gasoline to meet 2015 environmental goals, favoring older technology over new. Obama gave speeches
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Redfield Ethanol Plant to Convert to Butanol Plant
by Dirk Lammers (NewsOK) A South Dakota corn ethanol plant will soon begin producing a fuel additive with a wider variety of uses. Tom Hitchcock, chief executive of Redfield Energy, said the 50 million gallon-per-year plant is teaming with Englewood, Colo.-based Gevo to convert the facility in
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
High Octane Fuels To Power Cars to New Mileage
(Convenience Store Decisions) Auto-engineering firm Ricardo Inc. reports that three out of every four vehicles will require a gasoline-type, higher octane fuel to operate a growing list of engine technology options. Automakers will need higher octane fuels to meet the coming
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Jobs, Economic Opportunity, Energy Security Define Ethanol
by Renewable Fuels Association (Ethanol Producer Magazine) According to analysis commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association, the production of an estimated 13.9 billion gallons of ethanol directly employed 90,200 Americans. An additional 311,400 Americans found work in industries indirectly affiliated with
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Vilsack Thanks Industry, Outlines Challenge for Energy Title
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Maintaining the energy programs within the Farm Bill will also be a challenge, with the expectation that there will be deep budgets cuts from the baseline. Vilsack explained that with the energy programs being new
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
The Next Level: Marketing Firms Join to Form Next Generation of Ethanol Marketing
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Mansfield Oil Co. has joined forces with global agricultural and energy products supplier Noble Group to create Noble Mansfield Renewable Energy, a joint venture that the companies say will combine their existing marketing abilities
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Breaking Oil’s Hold Over America
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Our nation imagines itself the most free and secure in the world, but the volatility of the global oil market shows how vulnerable we are as a nation to saber rattling by
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Future Won’t Wait
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Before year’s end, Congress should pass a multi-year extension of the Producer Tax Credit for cellulosic ethanol production as well as the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biorefineries. These vital tax incentives
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Training for Trains: A 130-Ton Tank Car Is a Unique Beast that Demands Its Handlers Have Proper Safety Knowledge
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Groups like the Emergency Ethanol Response Coalition were formed years ago to educate first responders on best practices for ethanol-related incidents. Accidents are rare, but they do happen. For the 200 or so ethanol
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Timid Predictions and Bold Vision
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...On the other hand, the real “reality” is that ethanol is a clean-burning, all-American, high-octane motor fuel. Paul Dana knew that the sight of cars whizzing around a track, powered by
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Is Double Counting a Double Whammy?
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Between April 2010 and April 2011, the U.K. used 428 million liters of used cooking oil (UCO) for the production of biodiesel. It has become the primary source for biofuel used in U.K. transportation
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Thirsty for More: Ethanol’s High Octane Rating May Be the Ticket for Meeting Escalating Fuel Efficiency Standards in Engines
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards unveiled by the agencies, which reportedly had the support of major automakers and environmental groups, would steadily increase fuel efficiency requirements
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Target For Transformation: Can Biobutanol Provide Ethanol Producers New Paths towards Diversification?
Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Diversification has been a topic of interest for some time now, but this is the year producers need to move toward incorporating alternative revenue streams into their operations. High on the list of contenders is
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Taking Fermentation to a New Level
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Two companies develop new technologies aimed at revolutionizing fermentation Understood since man first made beer, fermentation is an age-old process that has been developed to the point where it’s nearly impossible to improve on the
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
The Fan Connection: NASCAR Looks Back on a Year of E15 as the 2012 Season Kicks off in February
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The basic message of 2011 was simple: If E15 is good enough for NASCAR racecars, it’s good enough for street cars too. Backing up that message is the fact that NASCAR made no changes to
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
OriginOil Study Concludes Algae Producers Can Make Gasoline and Diesel For as Little as $2.28/Gallon
(OriginOil) Analysis indicates potential $2.28/gallon cost for algae-blended feedstock using newest growth, harvesting and fuel conversion technologies OriginOil, Inc., developer of a breakthrough technology to convert algae into renewable crude oil, today announced a new company study indicating for the first
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Mascoma Gets Favorable FDA Review of Yeast Ethanol Product
by Lori Valigra (Mass High Tech) Renewable fuels company Mascoma Corp. of Lebanon, N.H., said Wednesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has completed its scientific review of the company’s MGT yeast product and supports its use to produce
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Smokestack vs. Tailpipe: How Clean Are Electric Vehicles? It Depends What You Mean by ‘Clean.’
by Katherine Tweed (GreenTechGrid) There is a short answer and a long answer. The short answer is that if you are just asking about CO2, the electric vehicle, even from the dirtiest of U.S. coal plants, is still cleaner than a
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
The Methanol Alternative to Gasoline
by Tom Ridge and Mary E. Peters (New York Times) Opinion: President Obama recently called the United States the “Saudi Arabia of natural gas” and asserted that it was time for our oil-dominated transportation fuel market to open the door
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
The 2008 Farm Bill Energy Title: Past, Present, and Future
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Why is there an energy title in the Farm Bill? Are the Farm Bill energy programs making a difference yet? Are there better ways to advance the same goals? What are the
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
American Coalition for Ethanol Says Ethanol Would Help Consumers Save More at the Pump Immediately
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), a national advocacy association for the U.S. ethanol industry, released this statement today following President Obama’s remarks on energy policy and gasoline prices. “We appreciate that the President talked about biofuels in his
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Illinois Researchers Identify Promising New Biofuel
(Environmental News Network) Biofuel production has ratcheted up to become a major part of America's energy and agricultural industries. Corn, or maize, is by far the most widely grown crop to be converted into ethanol. However, the dominance of maize
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Support for Advanced Biofuels
(Australia Department of Energy, Resources and Tourism) The Australian Government committed $20 million to a new Australian Biofuels Research Institute to undertake research into next generation advanced biofuels in Australia. On 10 May 2011, the Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Automakers Press for Some Changes to Fuel Rules
by David Shephardson (Detroit News) Automakers asked the Obama administration Monday to make modest changes to a proposed boost in fuel efficiency standards for the 2017-2025 model years and to allow the use of some credits to meet requirements as
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
The Enzyme Wars
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Novozymes releases a new, high-performance enzyme for advanced cellulosic biofuels: Cellic CTec3. Will Novozymes win the enzyme wars? Will enzymes defeat gasification? When will renewables defeat fossil fuels on cost? In Denmark, Novozymes announced their latest enzyme
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
President Announces Funding for Algae Biofuel Breakthroughs
(Algae Industry Magazine) President Obama has announced new funding to catalyze breakthrough technologies for biofuels—as part of his all-of-the-above energy strategy to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and provide American families new choices for vehicles that do not rely
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
ZeaChem Signs Contract to Develop "Drop-In" Advanced Biofuels
(MarketWatch) ZeaChem Commences USDA-Funded Initiative to Build a Bioenergy Industry in the Pacific Northwest ZeaChem Inc., a developer of biorefineries for the conversion of renewable biomass into sustainable fuels and chemicals, today announced that it has successfully completed contract negotiations to
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
BIA Uses Bio-Fuel for Ground Support
(Daily News and Analysis) The Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) has become the first airport in India to adopt bio-fuel in its operations. To improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint, BangaloreInternational Airport Limited (BIAL) on Tuesday announced its partnership with Karnataka StateBiofuel Development Board (KSBDB) for its
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy Requests Industry Comment on Future Funding Solicitations Totaling More than $100 Million
(Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati) The Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) recently released three Requests for Information (RFIs) related to more than $100 million in anticipated future funding opportunities. The RFIs encourage input from private industry regarding
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Plant toughness: Key to Cracking Biofuels?
(EurekAlert/Stanford University) Along with photosynthesis, the plant cell wall is one of the features that most set plants apart from animals. A structural molecule called cellulose is necessary for the manufacture of these walls. Cellulose is synthesized in a semi-crystalline
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Improving Logistics of Biofuel Raw Materials
(EurekAlert/Michigan State University) MSU research looks for ways to improve shipping of materials for biofuels If the increased use of biomass to produce alternative fuels is to become a reality, more attention needs to be paid to logistics – how, for
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Innovation, Vision Drive Current Ethanol Industry, Says RFA Chief
(Renewable Fuels Association) Speaking before 1,200 attendees at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando today, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen will drive home the message that America’s ethanol industry is on the vanguard of leading this
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Stop Keystone Pipeline before It's too Late
by Ted Turner (CNN) ...The purpose of Keystone XL is to bring tar sands crude oil through the United States to Gulf Coast refineries. The route through the United States is actually the oil industry's second choice: Transporting the oil
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama Tax Plan Takes Scalpel to Oil Tax Breaks, Boosts Renewables
by Andrew Restuccia (The Hill/E2Wire)The Obama administration outlined a plan Wednesday to eliminate a slew of oil-and-gas industry tax breaks, while extending a key tax credit for renewable energy. The energy provisions are included in a broad corporate tax reform framework unveiled by
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Pain at the Pump: E85 Prices Fall Victim to VEETC’s Demise
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...A coalition was formed by concerned retailers and industry supporters to request that Congress extend another portion of the tax code known as the Alternative Fuel Credit and then urge legislators to modify it
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Money Minute: Can We Drill Our Way to Lower Gas Prices?
by David Lazarus (Los Angeles Times) ...The United States consumes more than 20% of the world's oil every year and a similar percentage of natural gas. But we have only about 1.6% of proven oil reserves and only about 3.8%
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Retailers Want Liability Protection before Considering E15
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Liability issues surrounding the use of E15 remain a major concern for many retailers when considering offering the fuel to customers driving 2001 and newer vehicles. The U.S. EPA recently approved required health effects
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Up and Running: Retailers Respond Positively to SD Blender Pump Incentive
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The application window for South Dakota’s inaugural blender pump grant program may have just opened on Jan. 9, but it already appears that the incentive will be a success. More than half the fiscal
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
IN FOCUS: Pricing and Supply Key to Unlocking Large-Scale US Biofuel Use
by Lori Ranson (FlightGlobal) Successful commercial biofuel flights operated by US carriers in late 2011 were underpinned by an understanding that price and supply chain infrastructure remain the big hurdles to creating a viable full-scale alternative aviation fuels industry in
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Ceres Raises $65M in IPO: State of the Biofuels IPO Market
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Ceres raised $65 million yesterday in its initial public offering of 5,000,000 shares of common stock, which priced at $13.00 per share after a day-to-day roller coaster in recent weeks, with the IPO rescheduled twice
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Gargash Enterprises to Use Biodiesel for Internal Fleet of 11 Commercial Vehicles
(AME Info) Gargash Enterprises has pledged support to HH Shaikh Mohammed's 'UAE Strategy for Green Development' campaign with the introduction of the first new commercial vehicle in the UAE running on biodiesel to reduce carbon emissions. It will serve as a
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Arcis Resources Corporation Collaborates With Cetna Energy Partners, LLC to Market and Distribute Thermochemical Biofuels
(MarketWatch) Arcis Resources Corporation ("Arcis") , announced today that it has entered into marketing and distribution partnership discussions with Cetna Energy Partners, LLC ("Cetna") for the purposes of distributing Cetna's biofuel product that will be produced at its' thermochemical biofuels
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Ethanol May Play Role in Local Biofuel Production
by Kelly Madsen (Iowa State Daily) For the past decade, corn ethanol has predominated Midwest biofuel production. But with increased technology and interest, an additional ethanol — cellulosic ethanol — may also shape local farming. ...Essentially, cellulosic ethanol utilizes the corn
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
In Support of Cellulosic Ethanol
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Union of Concerned Scientists is applying some energy to supporting ethanol. Well, not corn ethanol, I doubt they’ve made an about face there. But they are coming out in support of cellulosic ethanol. ..."A
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Vital If Refineries Shut- Katter
(Big Pond News) Australia will need a vibrant bio-fuel industry more than ever if Caltex decides to close its refineries, independent MP Bob Katter says. Caltex Australia has flagged shutting its two domestic refineries in Sydney and Brisbane, putting 800 jobs
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Mandates could Be Costly Misstep
(Futurity.org) While many people are willing to pay a premium for ethanol, the number is not enough to justify a government mandate for the corn-based fuel, according to economist Soren Anderson. Anderson, assistant professor of economics at Michigan State University, studied the demand
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Why Algal Biofuels May Never Hold the Key to the Future
by Professor Chris Rhodes (OilPrice.com) The depletion of world rock phosphate reserves will restrict the amount of food that can be grown, a situation that can only be compounded by the production of biofuels, including the potential large-scale generation
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Uruguay 5% Blend of Biodiesel in Diesel
(UPI) The Biofuels Act states that from 2012 onwards ANCAP mix 5% biodiesel in diesel, appropriated a report from the portal of the President. Juan Gomez, a member of the board of the company, explained that this will possible if it
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
S.Africa Sees $258 mln Ethanol Plant by 2014
by Wendell Roelf (Reuters Africa) South Africa plans to invest 2 billion rand ($258.5 million) to build an ethanol plant and help a nascent biofuels sector that could reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel, an industry player said on
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Sugar Growers Look to Biofuels Production
(The Manila Times) Sugar industry stakeholders may have to take a hard look at the Biofuels Law as an option now that it is clear there is no way to stop or postpone trade liberalization come 2015. Luis Tongoy, Trustee of
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
American Soybean Association Calls for Biodiesel Fuel Education Program Reauthorization
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) ...One of the many energy-related components of the Farm Bill that is up for reauthorization is the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, which is a grant program that supports the education of government and private entities
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Education Program Develops 4-H, Elementary Curriculum
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The University of Idaho’s Biodiesel Education Program has released curriculum designed to help students between the ages of eight and 12 understand the concepts of energy and renewable energy. While the free seven-lesson program was
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
National University of Ireland Galway Partners in EnAlgae project
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) National University of Ireland Galway recently announced that researchers within its Ryan Institute are participating in a €14 million ($18.5 million) European algae initiative. The program, known as the Energetic Algae—or EnAlgae—project, was announced in
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Engineering Grad Student Debuts On-Campus Biodiesel Processor
by Bryan Sims (Biodiesel Magazine) Ever since she was little Michelle Rodio was fascinated with trying to make the world a better place. While growing up, partaking in recycling and other ecofriendly initiatives became a natural part of her life.
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Make It Here, Bank It Here: Biofuels’ Economic Impact Spurs Expansion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As President Obama orders a sweeping increase in the USDA’s BioPreferred Program, new research suggests a $80 billion US financial gain that results from domestic fuels and bio-based products over the next 10 years. In Washington,
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Shuttered Range Fuels Plant Prepares for New Life
by S. Heather Duncan (Macon Telegraph) Wearing green hard hats with the LanzaTech logo pasted over the words “Range Fuels,” officials of the company that now owns a Soperton ethanol plant visited the site this week and met with suppliers
February 21, 2012 Read Full Article
Grow it Here, Make it Here
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Michigan, US Senator Debbie Stabenow expanded her “Grow it Here, Make it Here” initiative into a $5 billion proposal designed to dramatically expand bio-based manufacturing and job creation, funded through what she described as reductions in
February 21, 2012 Read Full Article
Policies of Energy and Economic Growth for Rural America in a 2012 Farm Bill
by Josh Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) With a refreshing sense of focus, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, opened the hearing on Energy and Economic Growth for Rural America by stating the importance of
February 21, 2012 Read Full Article
Alliance between Natural Gas Industry, Environmental Groups Fractures
by Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) Just four years ago, shale gas king Aubrey K. McClendon told shareholders of Chesapeake Energy that “finally, we made some new friends this year.” The chief executive sketched a vision of working hand in
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
Soil Erosion Increasing Global Warming Threat: UNEP
by Nina Chestney (Reuters) Global warming will get worse as agricultural methods accelerate the rate of soil erosion, which depletes the amount of carbon the soil is able to store, a United Nations' Environment Programme report said on Monday. Soil contains
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
U.S. Will Lead New Effort to Cut Global Warming from Methane, Soot
by Brian Vastag (The Washington Post) With global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions stalled, the United States and five other countries are starting a new program to cut other pollutants — including methane, soot and hydrofluorocarbons — that contribute
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
Lake County Dodging a Legal Bullet on Trash Disposal?
by Marc Chase (Northwest Indiana Times) The Lake County Solid Waste Management District could avoid potential litigation — but invite other legal problems — if the trash-to-ethanol contract dies between now and April 2. A canceled county contract with Powers Energy
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
House Proposal Would Raise Gas Tax and Some Vehicle Fees
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Iowa’s gas tax would be eight cents per gallon higher by April, 2014 under a proposal that has cleared a five-member House panel. The bill also calls for new yearly fees for hybrid vehicles and for
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
U.S. ‘Losing Momentum’ in Biofuels Makes Novozymes Target Brazil
by Justin Doom (Bloomberg) Novozymes A/S (NZYMB), the world’s biggest maker of enzymes for biofuels, is focusing its expansion efforts in Europe, China and Brazil and isn’t pursuing new projects in the U.S. because of the lack of political support. “The policy signals sent to
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
Advanced Ethanol Council Pushes Back on Oil Industry RFS Retroactive Waiver Request
(Renewable Fuels Association/Advanced Ethanol Council) America’s advanced and cellulosic ethanol producers today reiterated their strong belief that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should not grant a retroactive waiver to the oil industry for the cellulosic requirements under the Renewable
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
'Mini-Cellulose' Molecule Unlocks Biofuel Chemistry
(Science Daily) A team of chemical engineers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has discovered a small molecule that behaves the same as cellulose when it is converted to biofuel. Studying this 'mini-cellulose' molecule reveals for the first time the
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
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