(National Corn Growers Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Corn Growers Association took another big step toward providing the driving public with lower gas prices and more fuel choice including better access to higher blends of home-grown American Ethanol. NCGA announced the
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Back TO HOMERed Rock Reaches Agreement with FedEx Express to Provide Biofuels for Renewable, Low-Carbon Jet Fuel
(Red Rock Biofuels LLC) Red Rock Biofuels LLC, a pioneer in renewable biofuels, announced today that it will produce approximately three million gallons of low-carbon, renewable jet fuel per year for FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX). The
July 21, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Overhauls Its Section 9003 Biorefinery Loan Guarantee Program: What’s In It for You?
by Mark J. Riedy and Ben Snowden (Kilpatrick Townsend/Biofuels Digest) The USDA has completely overhauled what used to be known as Biorefinery Assistance Program and now is called the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. The Program provides loan
July 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Why Is EPA Proposing to Continue Delaying the Arrival of Advanced Biofuels?
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Industry Organization) ... Stakeholders are all well aware of the RFS (Renewable Fuel Standard) waiver provision that allows EPA to rewrite the statutory volumes after 2016, if it is required to waive volumes by more than
July 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotechnology: White House Directs EPA, FDA, and USDA to Update the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology
(Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.) With little fanfare or advanced notice to the general public, on July 2, 2015, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the U.S. Trade Representative, and
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Washington Should Help Capitalize Green Banks
by Mark Muro and Reed Hundt (The Brookings Institution) ... While the federal government has not been able to lead on the design of modern clean energy and infrastructure finance entities, it now has the opportunity, with its billions of underutilized
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Poplars’ Potential: Rathdrum Prairie Grove Part of Study on Cellulose-Based Biofuel
by Becky Kramer (The Spokesman-Review) ... A $40 million research project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is studying poplars’ potential to produce cellulose-based biofuels. The grove north of Hayden is one of four test plots in the five-year project, which
July 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Nearly Half of Senate Writes Urging for Streamlined Support for Forest Bioenergy
by Megan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, nearly half of the US Senate has written to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Energy and the EPA administrator strongly urging the agencies to streamline support of biomass for energy across all
July 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Danforth Plant Science Center Receives $8M for Big Data Research Program to Advance Development of Key Bioenergy Crop
(Danforth Plant Science Center) Understanding key phenotype-to-genotype associations will enhance efforts to bring products to market -- The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center announced today it was awarded an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA–E TERRA program.
June 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Researchers Examine Alternative Switchgrass Breeding Methods to Increase Biofuel Production
(AZO CleanTech) Using switchgrass to produce biofuel is one way to decrease the United States’ dependence on oil, but growing it and making it profitable can be complicated. Switchgrass is an excellent candidate for biofuel production. It is an adaptable plant
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with…Valerie Reed, Senior Advisor for Bioenergy and Natural Resources, USDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... As Deputy Director I am focused on integration of the various aspects of the supply chain and advancing technologies within each of these areas to result in cost competitive biofuels between now and 2022. ... I would
June 22, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Loans and Grants to Create Jobs and Support Rural Economic Development
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for loans and grants to support business expansion, create jobs and increase economic opportunities in rural communities. "Small businesses are the engine that drives job creation and
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Final Rules on Biobased Products
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 15, the USDA’s Office of Procurement and Property Management published two final rules in the Federal Register related to biobased products. One rule amends regulations concerning the voluntary labeling program for biobased products,
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
The US Bioeconomy: $369B and 4 Million Jobs Strong, says USDA; Changes to the BioPreferred program
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of a new report that shows the U.S. biobased industry in 2013 contributed four million jobs and $369 billion to the US economy. He also announced changes under
June 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Comment Period Open on Proposed Discretionary Changes to BCAP
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has announced its intent to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) to assess the potential environmental consequences associated with proposed discretionary changes to the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. A public comment
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
New Report Shows U.S. Biobased Products Industry Contributes $369 Billion, 4 Million Jobs to American Economy
(US Department of Agriculture) 2014 Farm Bill provisions will expand opportunities in the biobased sector by promoting advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased product manufacturing efforts Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the release of a new report that shows the
June 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Blog: E15 Momentum Increases, One State, One Station at a Time
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... The end goal is to double the amount of fuel pumps offering blends like E15 and E85. At the end of last week, June 12, the USDA announced that the grant period will soon
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Will Steiner, General Manager, Hawaii Oil Seed Producers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) HOSPRO is dedicated to battle the 95+% import of petroleum for energy and electricity generation by promoting the development of tree based oil seed crops. We are focusing on oil palm a proven producer in
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Top 10 “Things to Do” While Waiting on the USDA 9003 Solicitation
by Cynthia Thyfault (Westar Trade Resources/Biofuels Digest) The biobased products and fuels industry has been anxiously waiting for the new USDA Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. Authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill and with the addition of new
June 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Sustainable, Available, Reliable Affordable Bioeconomy Feedstocks: The Hottest Slides from ABFC 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the advanced bioeconomy, the question for some time has been “how do you fund it?” or “how do you make it?”. But now, feedstock is becoming the key variable, it’s a case of “where
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Final VAPG Rule, Opens Comment Period
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In May, USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service published a final rule for the Value-Added Producer Grant program and opened a 60-day comment period that closes on July 7. ... According to USDA Rural Development, the
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
More Pumps Needed to Deliver Biofuels
by Jan Koninckx (Des Moines Register/DuPont) ... With the vast majority of gas pumps only delivering gasoline that is a 10 percent ethanol blend (E10), consumers have been locked out of buying higher blends of renewable fuels. For blends like E15 and
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Alaska Airlines, WSU Partner to Advance Use of Aviation Biofuels
(Alaska Airlines/PR Newswire) Washington state's hometown airline is teaming up with the Washington State University-led Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA) to advance the production and use of alternative jet fuel made from forest residuals, the tree limbs and branches that
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Drive Your Car, Help Fight Climate Change? The New Biofuel that Claims to Be Carbon Negative
by Sarah Shemkus (The Guardian) Colorado-based startup Cool Planet says it has created a fuel that mixes seamlessly with gasoline and actually removes carbon from the atmosphere The entrepreneurs and innovators at Colorado-based Cool Planet are betting that a word you’ve probably
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Restart of Biomass Crop Assistance Program for Renewable Energy
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that incentives will resume this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA to Invest Up to $100 Million to Boost Infrastructure for Renewable Fuel Use, Seeking to Double Number of Higher Blend Renewable Fuel Pumps
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest up to $100 million in a Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership to support the infrastructure needed to make more renewable fuel options available
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Plans to Inject $100 Million on Ethanol Infrastructure: Sources
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to inject $100 million in funding to get more ethanol at the gas pump, according to two industry sources, the latest push to get beyond a "blend wall" that
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Sen. Ron Wyden Introduces Grant Program to Improve Biomass Innovation
by Jaclyn Brandt (Fierce Energy) Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has been working to increase the use of biomass in his state and the country, and has introduced another bill with the goal of improving technologies for woody biomass. The bill, the
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Finally, Finally…USDA Loan Guarantees Open to Renewable Chemicals
by Corrine Young and Michele Jalbert (Renewable Chemicals and Advanced Materials Alliance (re:chem)/Biofuels Digest) ... Program changes garnered in the most recent Farm Bill reauthorization have, for the first time, broadened the loan guarantee program to include renewable chemicals and biobased products
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Low Carbon Transport on the Move: What’s up in Australia?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Electrics, fuel cell vehicles, smart cars, biofuels for road and sky, and greening the grid come under the microscope Down Under. In Sydney this week, a number of US and Australian leaders gathered at the
May 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania State University (PSU): An Example to Follow
by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) I had heard about Pennsylvania State University's bioenergy and biofuels educational initiatives from Advanced Biofuels USA's Joanne Ivancic, just after starting to work on a project to identify college level biofuels education
May 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Fulcrum BioEnergy Awards Engineering, Procurement And Construction Contract To Abengoa
(Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc.) Fixed-Price Contract Guarantees Cost, Schedule and Plant Performance -- Launches Commercialization of Fulcrum BioEnergy's Process for Converting Household Garbage into Low-Cost Renewable Jet Fuel and Diesel Fulcrum BioEnergy, Inc., announced today that it has awarded a $200 million
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
The DOE’s 12 Top Biobased Molecules – What Became of Them?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... If they handed out Platinum and Gold certification to scientific papers as we do with recorded music, “Top Value Added Chemicals from Biomass” would be a multi-platinum chart-busting monster. This 2004 survey, completed by staff
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Private Funds to Make Investments in Rural America
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of two new private funds, known as Rural Business Investment Companies (RBICs), which make equity investments in rural businesses, helping them grow and create jobs. This announcement is
April 29, 2015 Read Full Article
University of Wisconsin Study Based on Shaky Foundation of Faulty Data and Conclusions
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters by authors at the University of Wisconsin uses error-prone satellite data to suggest that growth in U.S. corn and soybean production from 2008 to 2012 drove
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Confronting and Solving “Chicken or Egg” Conundrums in Renewable Project Development
by Tim Sklar (Biofuels Digest) Looking to turn vicious project financing cycles into virtuous cycles? This case study in developing a small-scale Bio-LNG plant offers cautionary tales and a way forward. In July 2014, Biofuels Digest had published an article titled
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
4 minutes with… Edward Huxel, Co-Owner, Osage Orange BioProducts Company
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Our company theme is to create a profitable company that raises Osage Orange (Maclura promifera)trees on the southern plains of Oklahoma and Texas, and process the tree fruit for nonfood biomass products for renewable energy,
March 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Appropriations Request Targets Corn Ethanol
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A group of Congressional representatives wrote to the House Appropriations leadership this week specifically asking that any funding to help install blender pumps or promote corn ethanol exports be eliminated from the USDA budget. In response to
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Investment from Flagship Ventures Brings Red Rock Biofuels Closer to Construction of its First Commercial Biofuel Refinery
(Red Rock Biofuels) Red Rock Biofuels LLC, a pioneer in renewable biofuels, today unveiled a strategic partnership with Flagship Ventures that sets the stage for the construction of its first commercial scale refinery in Lakeview, OR. As part of this partnership,
March 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Timely Implementation of Farm Bill Programs Is Vital for the Advanced Biofuels and Renewable Chemicals Industry
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced funding for the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) as well as published the final rule for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). BIO and the industrial
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Final BCAP Rule
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) The USDA has released the final rule for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, and though the general scope of BCAP is not changing with the recently published rule, there are some key changes being made
March 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Department of Agriculture and Energy Department Announce Up to $8.7 Million through the Interagency Biomass Research and Development Initiative
(US Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Energy Department announced that up to $8.7 million in funding will be made available through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) to reduce the nation’s dependence
March 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Report Provides Overview of European Biobased Economy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recent report published by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Information Network provides an overview of the EU biobased economy and estimated biomass requirements for the production of biofuels, bioplastics, biochemicals and biopharmaceuticals. According
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Vilsack Calls for Ethanol Industry Support of Trade Negotiations
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asked for the ethanol industry's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership in his keynote address at the 2015 Growth Energy Executive Leadership Conference held in Phoenix Feb. 26-27. The opponents
March 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Increases Ethanol Support
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) Speaking to the ethanol lobbying group, Growth Energy, Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Thursday announced more USDA support for bioenergy research and farmer production of biomass but also praised efforts by the biofuel industry itself
March 01, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA, DOE Farm and Fuels Funding Updates
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) USDA and DOE announced a raft of grant and loan opportunities and funded projects, many of them funded through the 2014 Farm Bill. On February 20, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO),
February 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Uncertainty in RFS Sends the US Ethanol Industry to Overseas Markets: A Report from the National Ethanol Conference, "Going Global"
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
February 26, 2015 Read Full Article
2015 Sun Grant Conference: Academia Jumps One Step Forward and Shows What Will Be the Future of Lignocellulosic Biomass Production and Utilization in the Southeastern USA
Author, Dan Quadros, in Auburn, Alabama.by Danilo Gusmão de Quadros* (Advanced Biofuels USA) After two days (February 2-3, 2015) in “Sweet Home Alabama” at Auburn University, we got overwhelmed with the most recent discoveries of cutting-edge research that were presented
February 25, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels Digest’s Advanced Bioeconomy Awards for 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Project of the Year, Deal of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Chemical of the Year, and Cap Raise of the Year — who are the big winners? Each year, the Digest recognizes projects, feedstocks, processing
February 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Scientists Develop Higher Yielding Sorghum Plants
by Dennis O'brien And Sharon Durham (Phys.Org) ... It is drought tolerant, can thrive in poor soils, requires little or no fertilizer, and will grow in a wide range of temperatures and altitudes. Sorghum grain is used in breakfast cereals, in
February 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Report Based on False Assumption of Either-Or Land Use Approach
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In the World Resources Institute (WRI) working paper, “Avoiding Bioenergy Competition for Food Crops and Land,” the authors work off the assumption that land-use decisions are used making an “either-or” approach, i.e., land can either
February 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Unearthed: A Rallying Cry for a Crop Program that Could Change Everything
by Tamar Haspel (The Washington Post) ...It’s crop-neutral insurance. But, dull as it sounds, it might be the key to getting our agriculture policy more in line with public health priorities. That goal is getting some attention. There’s broad-based discontent with the
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Report Highlights China’s Growth in Biodiesel, Ethanol Production
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Information Network shows that China’s biodiesel production grew last year, reaching an estimated 1.13 billion liters (298.5 million gallons), up 5 percent from 2013.
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Opening Channels For Export
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is teaming up with Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service on a new four-way partnership in ethanol export market development. There’s a big difference
January 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Ag Secretary Stresses Biofuels Support at AFBF
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Real farmers from around the country had a chance to ask Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack questions during an informal town hall-style meeting at the American Farm Bureau convention this week in San Diego. The last question he
January 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Colorado's Red Rock Biofuels Investing $200M in Jet-Fuel Project
by Wendy Culverwell (Portland Business Journal/Denver Business Journal) Red Rock Biofuels LLC, based in Fort Collins, is investing $200 million in a biofuel refinery in the rural southern Oregon community of Lakeview. ... The Red Rock project will convert up to 140,000
January 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Biotech Energy Crop May Be Regulated as Weed
by Mateusz Perkowski (Capital Press) Ceres Inc. has developed a biotech variety of sorghum for ethanol production but USDA is thinking of regulating it as a noxious weed. Genetically modified sorghum used for ethanol production doesn’t fall under USDA’s biotechnology regulations, but
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Observes Kick Off of the International Year of Soils
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today begins its celebration of the International Year of Soils to highlight the importance of healthy soils for food security, ecosystem functions and resilient farms and ranches. "Healthy soil is the foundation
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
NASA Should be the Key to the Crucial Development of Large Scale Bio-Jetfuel and Rocket Fuel End-to-End Production
by Robert E. Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In looking at ways to jump-start this country’s bogged down production of biomass based jetfuel (Jet-A, JP-5, JP-8) and rocket fuel (RP-1/2), the early history of the US space program should serve as a
January 02, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Says Corn Acres to Decline, Yields Increase in Decade Ahead
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA long-term projections call for slightly lower corn acres to be planted over the next decade while corn yields steadily climb. The USDA will release the complete long-term supply, use and prices projections
December 30, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Fellowships for Future Agricultural Scientists
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of more than $15 million for fellowships to train and develop the next generation of scientists who will lead
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
USGC Ethanol Assessment Team Finds Potential in the Philippines
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council recently led a delegation of industry leaders representing the USDA, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy to the Philippines to assess factors contributing to the large exports of U.S. ethanol to
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Feedstock Survey – Producer Participation Wanted
(Biomass Blog) The Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural Economics is reaching out to agricultural producers in the Southeast region and asking them to participate in an on-line survey. The survey is part of a study titled “Policies to Develop
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Clean Energy Programs Survive “Cromnibus”
(FarmEnergy.org) The big news from our nation’s capital this past week has been the passage of the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2015, which began on October 1st. The federal government had been operating on funding extensions and was facing
December 18, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S, China Making Progress on Biotech Crop talks: USDA's Vilsack
by Tom Polansek (Reuters) The United States and China are making progress in talks over Beijing's acceptance of new biotechnology for crops, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Wednesday. The countries are "moving toward an understanding of how we might
December 18, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Provides Greater Protection for Specialty Crop Growers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created
December 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Time for Teddy Talk
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are times for TED Talks about wondrous advances in technology and the future that awaits us. Then, there are times for Teddy Talks: of practical progress, problem solving, and turning wondrous advances into
December 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Bioenergy Solutions Deserve a Major Role in U.S. Emission-Reduction Strategy
(25 x '25) A broad survey of farmers has documented a yield boost from the use of cover crops in corn and soybeans. The increased yields reflect an upward trend in all of the benefits that come from planting cover
December 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Model Evaluates Where Bioenergy Crops Grow Best
(University of Illinois/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Farmers interested in bioenergy crops now have a resource to help them determine which kind of bioenergy crop would grow best in their regions and what kind of harvest to expect. Researchers at the University of
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Report Highlights Impact of CTPA on Exports to Columbia
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network highlights the impact of the Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement on U.S. ethanol exports. The agreement went into force in May
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Support for Producers of Advanced Biofuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making $5.6 million in grants to 220 producers across the nation to support the production of advanced biofuels, and is awarding more than $4 million in additional
December 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels Initiative Shifts Gears
by Don Jenkins (Capital Press) Advanced Hardwood Biofuels Northwest is three years into a five-year, $40 million project to produce a green alternative to petroleum fuel. ... Three years into a five-year, $40 million program, a University of Washington-led project to
November 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Closing In on Butanol for Biofuel
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Butanol is the go-to industrial solvent for products such as lacquers and enamels, but it might also play a substantial role in the production of renewable fuels. Gallon for gallon,
November 20, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Looks to Get Ethanol from Kudzu
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) It might be the scourge of the south, but kudzu could become the next feedstock for biofuels. “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,” says Lewis Ziska with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural
November 19, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA: New Switchgrass Variety Promises More Biofuel at Lower Cost
(USDA Agricultural Research Service/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The release of a new type of switchgrass specifically designed for bioenergy generation has been announced by USDA researchers and their partners. Agricultural Research Service scientists have spent decades working on different projects that contributed to
November 06, 2014 Read Full Article
Studies Steadily Advance Cellulosic Ethanol Prospects
by Ann Perry (Phys.Org) At the Agricultural Research Service's Bioenergy Research Unit in Peoria, Illinois, field work and bench investigations keep ARS scientists on the scientific front lines of converting biomass into cellulosic ethanol. For instance, one recent research focus has
October 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Ethanol Prospects Boosted by Research
(The Crop Site) US - The potential for producing cost-effective cellulosic ethanol that uses plentiful and sustainable cellulosic plant biomass continues to grow, thanks to research at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the
October 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Researchers Win Funding for Miscanthus, Sorghum Research
(University of Illinois/Biomass Magazine) Two University of Illinois crop sciences researchers interested in improving plant feedstocks for bioenergy production were selected to receive funding by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a larger Obama administration
October 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Creating a Strong Economy through Biobased Products
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/The Hill) In a recently released report entitled “Why Biobased?” the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) answers the question of why America should invest in a biobased economy. The report explores the economic impacts of
October 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Robust Economic Opportunities in the U.S. Biobased Economy
by Brent Erickson (Biofuels Digest/Biotechnology Industry Organization) A report released a couple of weeks ago by the USDA’s BioPreferred Program, “Why Biobased?,” provides a very positive overview of economic opportunities in the emerging biobased economy. Those opportunities include a revival
October 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Cool Planet Takes Big Steps toward Scale for Waste-to-Gasoline, Soil Amendment
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA issues $91M loan guarantee conditional commit to Cool Planet. Obama Administration back building of the company’s first commercial plant in Louisiana, as it opens its first commercial-scale Cool Terra operation in California. In California, Cool
October 15, 2014 Read Full Article
New Report Sheds Light on the Old "Food Vs. Fuel" Bioenergy Debate
by Jennifer Runyon (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) There was never any conflict between using corn for food or for ethanol since corn growers send most of their product to animal feedlots. That product isn’t even meant for human consumption anyway. It was an abundant year
October 14, 2014 Read Full Article
BIO Welcomes Release of USDA Report on the Economic Benefits of the Bioeconomy
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) USDA’s new report “Why Biobased?” is the first comprehensive federal quantification of the job opportunities and other economic benefits of the growing biobased products and renewable chemical industry. The Biotechnology Industry Organization today thanked Agriculture Secretary Tom
October 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Earth to Cellulosic Ethanol: Glad You’re Here, Buddy, What Took so Long? Parts 1 and 2
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Cellulosic ethanol arrives at scale — “The five years away forever” put to rest — but are there troubling waters still ahead? For whom, and why? Part I of II There’s a gigantic disconnect between two sections
October 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Boosting Biomass for Bioenergy
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many dedicated energy crops hold promise as feedstocks for next-generation ethanol. Extensive R&D is still needed, however, to overcome the challenges in making these plants viable for commercial applications. ... This year, $12.6 million was awarded to
October 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Is Switchgrass the Biofuel Source of the Future?
by Sergei Blair (Town and Country) Although it may look like an ordinary tall grass, scientists from Penn State's Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County, said switchgrass—commonly found across much of the eastern and southern Unites States—can be the next best source
September 30, 2014 Read Full Article
US Navy, DOE, USDA Award $210M for 3 Biorefineries and Mil-Spec Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Washington, the Department of Defense has awarded $210 million under the Defense Production Act to Emerald Biofuels, Fulcrum BioEnergy and Red Rock Bio towards the construction of biorefineries that produce cost-competitive, drop-in military biofuels. Under the grants, the
September 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Marion Trash-Sorting Facility Delayed
by Rick Smith (The Gazette) Fiberight opening pushed later into 2015 Maryland-based Fiberight LLC had expected to begin construction in June on a $15 million facility to grab organic material in garbage to convert into ethanol at a corn-ethanol plant it
September 16, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Develops Switchgrass with Bigger Yield, More Biofuel
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Researchers working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a variety of switchgrass that produces bigger yields and more biofuel. Rob Mitchell with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Nebraska gives credit to retired
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
What Progress is the USDA Making on Turning Farm Bill Funding into Program Action?
By Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Well, plenty. We reported on progress with Section 9003 loan guarantees earlier this week - today, we have a recap of the major other activities, including the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program, BioPreferred, Business and Industry
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Provides $328 Million to Conserve Wetlands and Farmland, Boost Economy
(US Department of Agriculture) Farm Bill program will benefit wildlife and outdoor recreation activity in California Bay Delta Region, Mississippi, Red River Basins and others Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that $328 million in conservation funding is being invested to
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Loan Guarantee to Help Innovative Company Turn Waste Into Renewable Jet Fuel
(US Department of Agriculture) $105 Million loan guarantee provided through the Biorefinery Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has closed on a loan guarantee to Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels, LLC to build a biorefinery to produce jet fuel from municipal
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
$15 Million Available for Advanced Biofuels Payment Program
by Anna Austin (Biomass Magazine) The USDA recently issued a notice of contract proposals for its Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, which provides payments to producers to support and expand production of advanced biofuels. According to the NOCP, $15 million is available for
August 28, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA REAP Sinks $3.4 Billion into Rural Economies
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Though the USDA Rural Energy for America Program has been hugely successful since it was first implemented in the 2002 Farm Bill, numerous changes have been implemented over the years in order to maximize program value. To
August 28, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S. Navy Eyes Biofuels to Fuel Fleet of the Future
by Matt DiLallo (Motley Fool) ... America's military actually consumes as much energy as the entire population of Nigeria, and there are 140 million people living in Nigeria. Suffice it to say, the military uses a lot of oil, which is
August 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Answers for Your Questions about the Bioeconomy, Biofuels, Renewable Chemicals and Bioproducts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... With great sessions at conferences, delegates are usually keen to get a hold of the powerpoint decks. But how do you get a hold of the great Q&A that follows the presentations — or the
August 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Despite Setbacks, Biofuels Industry Hopeful at 2014 DOE Biomass Conference
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) At the Department of Energy’s two-day conference Biomass 2014: Growing the Future Bioeconomy, technologies, feedstocks, and innovation in the bioenergy sector were on display. Attendees celebrated three U.S. advanced cellulosic biofuel refineries that are close
August 13, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Increase Economic Opportunity and Improve the Quality of Life in Rural Areas
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants that will be awarded to organizations to provide critical financial and technical assistance to recipients to develop and strengthen their capacity to carry
August 13, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Funds Bio-Energy Research in Central CT
(Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. ) Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), a non-profit economic development organization based in East Hartford, Conn., was awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to work on Phase II of a project
August 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Greenhouse Gas Report to Assist Producers Facing Climate Challenges
(US Department of Agriculture) For the First Time, USDA Climate Hubs Get New Tools to Gauge Progress in Building Drought-Resistant Healthy Soil The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (July 31, 2014) released a report that, for the first time, provides
August 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Building a Long Term, Sustainable Supply Chain for Cellulosic Biofuels Industry
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuel USA) On Tuesday, July 15 2014, Biofuels Digest hosted a webinar discussing creating sustainable supply chains for cellulosic biofuels – a germane issue that will ultimately determine the commercial viability of cellulosic biofuels. One of the
August 11, 2014 Read Full Article
11,000 Biogas Project Opportunities in the US? USDA, DOE, EPA Publish Biogas Opportunities Roadmap
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, USDA, EPA and the US DOE published the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap, and concluded that: · Developing a viable biogas industry in the U.S. can boost the economy and provide a reliable, distributed source of renewable energy
August 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Vilsack Says Voluntary Conservation Programs Are Working
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) There’s been considerable debate as to whether farming conservation practices should remain voluntary or be made mandatory. But Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack believes voluntary programs are working and that farmers are embracing new conservation
August 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels Making Progress on Two Continents
(RenewableEnergyWorld.com) New Hampshire, USA -- ... In a move that could restore biofuel market uncertainty in Europe, this week (June 11, 2014) energy ministers are expected to reach political agreement on measures to incorporate indirect land use change (ILUC) into
August 06, 2014 Read Full Article
Obama’s Delay on Renewable Fuel Puts Producers in Bind
By Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) In the arid Imperial Valley of California, Tim Brummels is trying to turn an agricultural cousin of sugarcane into low-carbon ethanol. It’s the kind of climate-friendly project supporters have pined for since Congress in 2005 ordered
August 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Greenhouse Gas Report to Assist Producers Facing Climate Challenges
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a report that,for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities.
August 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Grains Council Working on Ethanol Exports
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is working on promoting exports of U.S. ethanol through a partnership between USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). “We’ve been working since late March, early April
July 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Montanans Turn Barley into High-Value Feed, Ethanol
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Researchers in Montana are looking at an enzymatic treatment for barley that produces a high-value protein concentrate, describing ethanol as the process coproduct. Feed barley has been an important crop in Montana that has
July 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Sugar Rush at Ethanol Plant Fuels fight with Nebraska Corn Farmers
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) An ethanol plant in Nebraska corn country is pumping out fuel made from sugar beets, and corn farmers are suing to stop it - a small-town dispute that offers an unusual take on the debate over
July 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Research Projects to Improve Plant Feedstocks for Bioenergy Production: Departments of Agriculture and Energy Announce Projects in 10 States
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (July 17, 2014) announced the selection of 10 projects that are being awarded funding aimed at accelerating genetic breeding programs to improve
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
South Carolina Nets Grants for Transportation Biofuels
by Chuck Crumbo (GSA Business) The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded two grants totaling $150,000 to the S.C. Clean Energy Business Alliance aimed at developing transportation biofuel investments for commercial and military use. The alliance, which announced the grants at Wednesday’s
July 11, 2014 Read Full Article
New Crops Get Green Thumbs Up
(GreenvilleOnline) Officials at Clemson have released 21 new crop varieties that will help meet the needs of farmers growing food, fiber and fuels needed by South Carolina’s economy. These varieties include four Roundup Ready varieties of soybeans approved by the S.C. Crop
July 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Corn Forum: Stover Market Emergence Tipping Forward
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) The agricultural industry has reached the point to begin the production of cellulosic ethanol from corn stover. The tipping point has not only been reached in utilizing crop residues, but also in optimizing corn in
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Funding for 2 Farm Bill Bioenergy Programs
(US Department of Agriculture/Biomass Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced up to $14.5 million in funding for two USDA bioenergy programs made available through the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA's Rural Development announced it is accepting applications from companies seeking
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Sweet Briar Plants Native Grasses for Biofuels
(TimesDispatch.com) LYNCHBURG — Conservation researchers set about killing the grass on about 500 acres of land at Sweet Briar College this spring in preparation for a multiyear study that could have implications for landowners and environmentalists nationwide. ... The Conservation Innovation Grant is from
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Pyrolysis of Biomass for Fuels and Chemicals: NEWBio Webinar Report
by Olatomiwa Bifarin* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The June edition of the Northeast bioenergy webinar series by Northeast Woody/Warm-season Biomass Consortium (NEWBio) featured Kwesi Boateng - Lead Scientist at the United States Department of Energy, Agricultural Research Service, (USDA-ARS) Eastern Regional
June 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Department of Navy Seeks 37.5M Gallons of Biofuels
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The U.S. Department of Navy is seeking at least 37 million gallons of drop-in biofuels to power its F-76 marine diesel and JP-5 shipboard jet fuel supply in the upcoming Inland/East/Gulf Coast bulk fuels solicitation released by the
June 12, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Funding Availability for Turning Biomass Material into Energy
(US Department of Agriculture) Now Apply for Renewed Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today (June 9, 2014) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications June 16 from energy facilities interested in receiving
June 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Storm over China's Corn, DDG Imports 'Temporary' - USDA Boss
(Agrimoney.com) China's apparent curbs on imports of US distillers' grains and corn represent only a "temporary" hiccup, Joseph Glauber, one of the most important people in agriculture, although the head of a major Chinese grains group took a more cautious
June 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Expanding American Ethanol to China
by Kelly Davis (Renewable Fuels Associations) I (Kelly Davis, Director of Regulatory Affairs) had the unique opportunity to participate in a 10-day U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission to China that began on May 5. I joined USDA Under Secretary
June 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Trade Focus: China
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA joined Growth Energy and others on a USDA trip to China, where signs of rapid growth were everywhere, writes Bob Dinneen. The goal was to develop additional markets for DDGS. ... (T)he
June 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Alternative Jet Fuels: Federal Activities Support Development and Usage, but Long-term Commercial Viability Hinges on Market Factors
(Government Accountability Office) The federal government supports the development and use of alternative jet fuels through both broad and targeted initiatives. Broad national strategies promote the development of a variety of alternative fuels—including alternative jet fuel—to help achieve national goals, such as securing
May 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Draft Appropriations Bill Aims to Cut Funding for BCAP, REAP
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The House Appropriations Committee has released its fiscal year 2015 agricultural appropriations bill, which aims to reduce funding levels for several Farm Bill Energy Title programs. A markup session on the legislation was held May
May 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Grants Further Environmental Policy Research
by Stacy Shackford (Cornell Chronicle) ... A $499,998 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture – one of two awarded to Cornell as part of a $12 million program – will allow researchers to delve
May 15, 2014 Read Full Article
City Trash-To-Biofuel Project Takes Step Ahead for Blairstown, Marion
by Rick Smith (The Gazette)"First-in-the-nation" plant to convert municipal solid waste and other trash into cellulosic biofuel No Martians are landing, but loads of steel began arriving on Monday for the takeoff of project to expand and revitalize the shuttered ethanol
May 13, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Trade Mission to China Will Include Focus on Ethanol
by Janet Adkison (RFD TV) China is a growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Recognizing the country’s potential, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host an agriculture trade mission set to begin next week. The travel roster includes officials from
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Opportunities and Synergies of the 2014 Bioproducts World Showcase and Conference (BWSC)
by Milsa Vijayadharan* (Advanced Biofuels USA) OBIC hosted a webinar on Bioproducts World Showcase & Conference on April 25th 2014. OBIC at Ohio State University integrates academia and industry and creates bioproduct clusters. OBIC’s mission is to accelerate commercialization of
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Ag Census Demonstrates Real Growth in Renewables from Farms and Ranches
(25 x '25) The mission of the 25x’25 Alliance has been consistent since its inception 10 years ago: promote to policy makers and regulators the role of farms, ranches and forestlands in developing clean, sustainable sources of energy to help
May 09, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Funding for Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced the availability of almost $1 million in grant funding to programs that educate consumers about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use.
May 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Ag Secretary Blames Oil Industry for RFS Attacks
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... “The oil industry has made a concerted, organized, well-financed attack on the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said (Agriculture Secretary Tom ) Vilsack when asked about the EPA’s proposal to lower volume requirements for the RFS. “A lot of
May 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Navy Plans Action This Year on Two Large Pathways to Alternative Fuel
by Jared Serbu (Federal News Radio) The Navy says it will create two new acquisition vehicles this year to ensure it has a stable supply of advanced biofuels. The service says the high-tech liquid fuels won't cost it any more than the
April 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference Rumblings of Discontent
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In the meetings, hallways and conference sessions at Biofuels Digest’s Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference near Washington, DC, the following issues, rumblings, lessons and congratulations abounded. Criticism of the Obama administration and its lack of enthusiastic
April 21, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Researchers Simplify Pyrolysis Processes for Bio-Oil Production
by Ann Perry (US Department of Agriculture) Innovations at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are bringing researchers one step closer to developing "green" biofuel production systems farmers can use to meet on-farm energy needs, or to produce renewable fuels for commercial
April 18, 2014 Read Full Article
RIN Stocks Part I - Valuation
by Rob Johansson and Seth Meyer (USDA/FarmDocDaily) ... It is clear that the bankable (and borrowable) nature of RINs allow obligated parties to optimize their compliance costs over time. In the past, pre-blendwall, it was relatively inexpensive to generate and save surplus RINs allowed
April 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Vilsack Talks about USDA Efforts to Further Advanced Biofuels
by Holly Jessen (Biomass Magazine) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack testified about the farm bill and the rural economy, during a U.S. House of Representatives Committee hearing. As part of that, he talked about the USDA’s work to create markets
April 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Create Jobs, Lower Prices at the Pump, Says Senate Ag Chair
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate Agriculture Committee yesterday held a hearing on the economic benefits of advanced biofuels in creating jobs and lowering gasoline prices. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture,
April 09, 2014 Read Full Article
Vilsack: Fuel Trend Should Guide EPA Ethanol Ruling
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday a recent uptick in gasoline consumption should be considered by the Environmental Protection Agency when it determines how much renewable fuel should be blended into the motor fuel
April 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Vilsack Outlines 3-Pronged RFS, U.S. Ethanol Strategy
by Jeannine Otto (AgriNews) Defend, expand, export. ... “We need to make sure that people understand this entire standard is under attack. Folks in Congress, some folks in Congress, would like to do away totally with the entire Renewable Fuels Standard and
April 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Research Summary: Sequestration of Carbon by Shrub Willow Offsets Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Extension.org) Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows. Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Enhances Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the expansion of the Farm Storage and Facility Loan program, which provides low-interest financing to producers. The enhanced program includes 23 new categories of eligible equipment for fruit
March 21, 2014 Read Full Article
California Soil Toxins Worsened by Drought
by Dennis Pollock (Western Farm Press) Salinity and scarcity of water were very much in the spotlight at the 2014 California Plant and Soil Conference in Fresno. Multiple speakers showed pictures of what they labeled “California snow,” salt that had precipitated out
March 18, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Wants Ethanol Available Nationwide
by Jerry Hagstrom (AgWeek) Higher grade levels of ethanol need to be available outside the Midwest and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help make that possible, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. Higher grade levels of ethanol need to be available outside
March 18, 2014 Read Full Article
USDA Makes Payments to Support Production of Advanced Biofuel
(US Department of Agriculture) Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Doug O’Brien today announced that USDA is making nearly $60 million in payments to 195 producers to support the production of advanced biofuel. “These payments represent the Obama Administration’s commitment to support an
March 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Hastings, Lexington Facilities Receive Federal Funds for Advanced Biofuel Production
by Jordan Onwiler (Nebraska.tv) Three Nebraska companies, including one located in Hastings and another in Lexington, have received federal funds to support production of advanced biofuels. Chief Ethanol Fuel, Inc received total payments of more than $4,000. The company operates an ethanol
March 07, 2014 Read Full Article
It’s Not a Sprint: Achieving Biofuel Goals Requires the Effort of a Marathon
(25 x '25) EPA’s release this week of the latest rule governing vehicle emissions and fuel standards is a reminder that while regulations can raise the profile of biofuels, there are no “silver” policy bullets that absolutely assure the growth of biofuels
March 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Benjamins for Biofuels in the 2015 Obama Budget: The Digest’s 7-Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Vitally interested in President Obama’s proposed 2015 budget and the 411 on grants, incentives, tax credits, loan guarantees and R&D support — but haven’t got the time to read all 1653 glorious pages? Try the
March 06, 2014 Read Full Article
White House Proposes Cuts to 2015 USDA Budget
by Christopher Doering (Des Moines Register) The White House proposed Tuesday nearly $24 billion in discretionary spending for the U.S. Agriculture Department in its fiscal year 2015 budget proposal, a decline of close to $2.5 billion from the prior year. ... The
March 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Obama Signs Farm Bill, Announces Made in Rural America Initiative
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... Regarding the new Made in Rural American initiative, Obama said the program will help more rural business expand, and hire, and sell more products that are made in the U.S.A. to the rest of the
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Carbon Sequestration Not So Simple in Biomass Crop Production
by Ann Perry (USDA/Biomass Magazine) Findings at the USDA are providing information about the soil carbon dynamics that play a crucial role in lifecycle assessments of bioenergy production. These studies at the Agricultural Research Service, USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency, support
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
2014 Farm Bill Provides New and Expanded Funding for Section 9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program
by Chris Groobey and Taite McDonald (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati) ... Since the changes surrounding the Section 9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program of Title IX (9003 Biorefinery Assistance Program or the program) are the most substantive and have been the most difficult for industry