(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today submitted comments urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement the use of a “book-and-claim” accounting framework for tracking and transferring the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices through the biofuels supply chain. The comments
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Back TO HOMELetter: Ethanol Has Positive Climate and Human Health Benefits
by Brian Werner (Minnesota Biofuels Association/Republican Eagle) An opinion piece published in the Republican Eagle on July 12 by the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance presented a one-sided view of the environmental benefits of ethanol and mislead readers into believing that ethanol
July 25, 2024 Read Full Article
A Record Year for Ethanol Exports: U.S. Grains Council Touts Success around the World
by James Henry (AgriNews) Along with solid sales of U.S. corn and distillers grains, ethanol exports are on pace to break an all-time record. Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council, shared the exciting news at the Corn Congress
July 23, 2024 Read Full Article
Ethanol, Agriculture and the Courts
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/South Dakota Farmer's Union) SCOTUS. Not just another Washington, D.C., acronym where everything is given an alphabetized name – USDA, DOE, EPA, DOJ, FBI, DOC – there is no end to the acronyms of our
July 21, 2024 Read Full Article
What Is Climate Smart Agriculture?
by Olivia Messerges and Trent Ford (farmdoc daily) As the United States agricultural system faces the challenges of feeding a growing population, adapting to climate change, and reducing environmental consequences, the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) was established as a comprehensive
July 12, 2024 Read Full Article
U.S. Renewable Diesel Production Growth Drastically Impacts Global Feedstock Trade
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) During the past few years, the landscape for U.S. renewable diesel production has drastically changed, akin to the growth of ethanol and biodiesel during the past two decades. Driven by federal and state policies aimed at reducing
July 11, 2024 Read Full Article
Report: Japan Works to Develop SAF Standards
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Japan is working to develop standards for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) according to a report filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Global Agricultural Information Network on July 5. The government is expecting to begin drafting
July 10, 2024 Read Full Article
'Climate Smart' Label Spells Trouble for Farm Bill
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Lawmakers are at odds over how to define climate-friendly farming. -- Lawmakers looking to use the 2024 farm bill to fight climate change are running into another complication: Not everyone agrees on what makes agriculture "climate smart." Shifting
July 09, 2024 Read Full Article
OMB Regulatory Agenda Outlines Upcoming RFS, HBIIP And CO2 Pipeline Rulemakings
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The White House Office of Management and Budget on July 5 published its 2024 Unified Agenda and Regulatory Plan, which outlines rulemakings and other actions under development by various federal agencies related to the Renewable
July 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Procedures for Quantification, Reporting, and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with the Production of Domestic Agricultural Commodities Used as Biofuel Feedstocks DEADLINE July 25, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public input on procedures for the quantification, reporting, and verification of the effect of climate-smart farming practices on the greenhouse gas (GHG) net emissions estimates associated with the production of
July 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Fire, Aim, Ready -- There Is Skepticism whether the U.S. Will Be Ready or if Consumers even Want EVs
by Allen Schaeffer (Engine Technology Forum/Biobased Diesel Daily) New “technology-neutral” federal regulations are designed to drive automakers toward electric vehicles, but there is skepticism whether the U.S. will be ready or if consumers even want this. Image: Rich Kassel, AJW Inc. Fire, aim,
July 08, 2024 Read Full Article
Leading Scientists Urge Court to Reject Faulty Land Use Change Arguments
(Renewable Fuels Association) The nation’s leading experts in agricultural economics and biofuels lifecycle analysis urged the D.C. Circuit Court last week to reject erroneous claims made by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) in its lawsuit challenging EPA’s 2023-2025 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. In its
July 08, 2024 Read Full Article
US Rapeseed/Canola-Oil Imports Surge after EPA Approved Its Use for Hydrotreated Biofuel under RFS Program in December 2022
(UFOP/Biobased Diesel Daily) The December 2022 approval the U.S. EPA granted for rapeseed oil for use as hydrotreated biofuel feedstock has led to a sharp rise in import volumes in the ensuing year and a half. In December 2022, EPA finalized approval of
July 05, 2024 Read Full Article
Cassava Prices Soaring in Nigeria Due to Increased Demand from Ethanol Producers
by Vivek Waghmode (ChiniMandi) The price of cassava is experiencing a rise due to increased competition from industries like ethanol production. This surge in industrial demand is creating a ripple effect, pushing up prices for everyday food items derived from cassava. A staple
July 03, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to the SAF Grand Challenge
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) 26 Workstreams, 140 Activities and with 2030 & 2030-2050 impact timeframes — The SAF Grand Challenge is ambitious and detailed, with many US Federal agencies and one aggressive goal. In this deck, the deed for policy
July 03, 2024 Read Full Article
A Crop Insurance Provider's Advice for Adding Sustainable Practices
by Cheyenne Kramer (AgWeb) With the adoption of sustainable farming practices on the rise, more producers may be looking at how double or relay cropping fits into their operations. Sheila Backer, assistant vice president of underwriting at Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance,
July 02, 2024 Read Full Article
APHIS Releases Preview of Request for Information on Options for Reducing Regulations for Modified Microbes DEADLINE September 3, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) he U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will soon invite public comment for 60 days on a Request for Information (RFI) once published in the Federal Register. The RFI will explore options
July 01, 2024 Read Full Article
SAF Roundtable in Vancouver
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Representatives of the U.S. biofuels industry, including Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Government Affairs Ed Hubbard, joined a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policy roundtable in Vancouver, Canada recently on the sidelines of a USDA agribusiness trade mission. The U.S.
July 01, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Announces Improvements to Camelina Pilot Insurance Program
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced improvements to the camelina pilot crop insurance program for the 2025 and succeeding crop years. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding coverage options by allowing enterprise units and increasing
June 28, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Awards REAP Grants To 2 Ethanol Producers
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on June 26 awarded nearly $100 million in loans and grants to 473 projects under the Renewable Energy for America Program. Commonwealth Agri-Energy LLC and Redfield Energy LLC were among those selected for
June 27, 2024 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels Welcomes USDA Request for Information on Climate Smart Ag DEADLINE July 25, 2024
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Today, Clean Fuels welcomed the Hon. Tom Vilsack, U.S. Agriculture Secretary, as he announced a Request for Information regarding climate smart ag practices for biofuel feedstocks. These practices can further lower the lifecycle carbon scores of advanced biofuels like
June 26, 2024 Read Full Article
University of Nevada, Reno Research Focuses on Use of Cactus Pear in Biofuel Production
by John Seelmeyer (Nevada Today) University of Nevada, Reno research focuses on use of cactus pear in biofuel production; Spurred by climate change demands, three-year field trial identifies high-production varieties; Cactus pear, known scientifically as Opuntia cochenillifera, appears to have significant potential
June 25, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA: Growth In US Renewable Diesel Production Impacts Global Feedstock Trade
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service on June 11 published a report discussing how the recent boom in U.S. renewable diesel production has caused market-altering shifts to both foreign and domestic feedstock trade. U.S. renewable diesel consumption has
June 24, 2024 Read Full Article
Biofuels at the Forefront of Growth Across the U.S. Industrial Bioeconomy
(Growth Energy) Biofuels are leading a new wave of growth across the American industrial bioeconomy, and a new report proves it. New research commissioned by Growth Energy and other industry leaders – including ADM, POET, and Marquis Energy – shows that U.S. industrial bioeconomy
June 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Federal Funding for Your Commercial Scale Bioeconomy Project
by y Bill Hagy (LEC Partners/Biofuels Digest) There are numerous federal funding resources available to support commercial-scale bioeconomy projects. The following items should be considered when identifying federal funding resource(s) available for potential project funding: Some programs are restricted to small businesses. Some
June 17, 2024 Read Full Article
New Alliance Champions Intermediate Oilseed Crops for U.S. Biofuel Boom
by Treena Hein (Seed World) The Intermediate Oilseed Crop Alliance (IOCA), advocates for sustainable crops such as pennycress and camelina to meet rising biofuel demands and support environmental goals. In response to the growing global and U.S. demand for significantly higher biofuel
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Maximizing the Climate Benefits of Agriculture: RCPP Expansion to 10-state Region, Multi-Grainshed RCPP Expansion
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) recently approved a $25 million investment in the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)-led Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) expansion that builds on the successful South
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
SAF Still an Open Issue for Agriculture
(NAFB News Service/Matt Kaye/Berns Bureau/American Ag Network) Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax treatment remains in limbo despite months of regulatory efforts and, most recently, a push to include the treatment of SAF crops in the House farm bill. Biofuel producers and feedstock
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Boozman Unveils Senate Ag Republicans Framework Answering Call to Put More Farm in the Farm Bill
(U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry) U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after unveiling the Senate Republican-drafted framework answering the call for a farmer-focused
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Groups Urge ‘Flexible’ Tax Credit on Low-Emission Fuels
by Marc Heller (Politico Pro Greenwire) Biofuel groups say they expect the USDA to seek guidance on how climate-smart farming should play into the clean fuel production tax credit in 2025. -- Stung by criticism that a tax credit for sustainable aviation
June 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Tens of Millions of Acres of Cropland Lie Abandoned, Study Shows
by Erin Blakemore (Washington Post) The biggest changes took place around the Ogallala Aquifer, whose groundwater irrigates parts of numerous states, including Colorado, Texas and Wyoming. -- About 30 million acres of U.S. cropland have been abandoned since the 1980s, a new
June 11, 2024 Read Full Article
The Farm Bill Is an Opportunity for Bold Action on Advanced Biofuels
by Mike McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Real Clear Energy) More and more, agriculture and renewable energy production have become inexorably linked. Solar, wind, and biofuels have created new economic potential and horizons of opportunity for American farmers in the last two decades.
June 05, 2024 Read Full Article
U.S. Department of Energy Releases RFI Findings - Building Supply Chains to Meet Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge Goals
(U.S. Department of Energy) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) released a Summary Report from a September 2023 Request for Information (RFI) on building supply chains to meet Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge goals. The SAF Grand Challenge was launched in 2021 by
May 31, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Publishes Request for Information to Support Next Steps in Implementing the Growing Climate Solutions Act
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking information from the public on protocols that may be considered for inclusion in a new Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program, the main program of the
May 31, 2024 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Production Surpasses Biodiesel
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, a program that originated in the mid-2000s, mandates that a specific volume of certain biofuels be used each year in transportation fuel. One category of biofuels included in this mandate is biomass-based
May 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Little to No Ethanol Will Qualify for US Aviation Fuel Credit
by Leah Douglas and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Little to no ethanol will qualify for U.S. sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) subsidies under a new pilot program by President Joe Biden's administration, which toughened climate requirements at the last minute, according to a Reuters review
May 30, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Recent Bioeconomy Actions at USDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Here, Greg Jaffe, senior adviser to the Secretary of Agriculture, highlights recent actions at the USDA on behalf of the bioeconomy. Specifically, highlighting the new USDA report on building a resilient bioeconomy supply chain. What’s in
May 23, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Federal Programs in Support of the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Inflation Reduction Act provides nearly $40 billion for USDA over the next 10 years to improve life and livelihoods in rural communities. Specific investments include: $19.3 billion for climate-smart agriculture on farms, ranches, and forests;
May 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Conecuh County, Alabama Issued BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass
(Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative) ‘A’ Rating to accelerate growth of untapped woody biomass markets -- The Conecuh County Commission and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass. The Conecuh County BDO Zone is the
May 16, 2024 Read Full Article
US Forest Service Funds Bioenergy, Pellet And Biochar Projects
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA’s Forest Service on May 14 awarded nearly $74 million to 171 projects through two grant programs that aim to create new markets for wood products and renewable energy from wood, and increase the capacity
May 15, 2024 Read Full Article
Groups Urge Treasury to Promptly Complete §45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit Guidance
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) Today (May 15, 2024), 25 trade associations representing producers, feedstock providers, blenders, consumers, and retailers of low-carbon, renewable fuels sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury to finalize and publish guidance for the §45Z Clean
May 15, 2024 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Responds to New York Times Citing Lark in Climate Forward Newsletter
(Growth Energy) The letter below was submitted to the editor of the New York Times after a recent subscriber-only newsletter included debunked claims about the environmental impact of bioethanol in a piece about sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A May 2 newsletter on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
May 15, 2024 Read Full Article
Farmers and 45Z Tax Credit: 45Z Tax Credit Offers a Market for Ag and Carbon Scores, Demands Data and Trust
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Farmers are still planting their 2024 spring crops, but their local biofuel plants are going to be increasingly focused on the carbon intensity score of those crops as well. The initial Treasury Department guidance for the
May 14, 2024 Read Full Article
Japanese Media Team Visits U.S. Ethanol Production Chain In Illinois
(U.S. Grains Council) Last week, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) led a group of Japanese journalists interested in biofuel production on a tour of several U.S. ethanol plants and organized meetings with supply chain leaders and policymakers to help the Japanese
May 10, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA, UNL Celebrate ‘New Frontier’ of Nebraska’s Ag Research and Innovation Partnership
by Zach Wendling (Nebraska Examiner) University of Nebraska officials Monday welcomed the groundbreaking of a new U.S. Department of Agriculture facility that they say will “expand the frontiers of agriculture.” Joined by Nebraska’s federal and state leaders, NU leaders at Nebraska Innovation
May 09, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA, FDA, and USDA Issue Joint Regulatory Plan for Biotechnology
(U.S. Food and Drug Administration) In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and
May 08, 2024 Read Full Article
Suspicions of Fake China Cooking Oil Alarm US Biofuel Industry
by Kim Chipman, Tarso Veloso, and Michael Hirtzer (Bloomberg) ... One of the biggest concerns is that China shippers are adding UCO to fresh palm oil. Palm, the world’s most widely used vegetable oil, is a bane to environmentalists and many countries
May 08, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has been catalyzing a surge in reports and plans relating to accelerating the transition to biotechnology — including the Bold Goals launched at ABLC 2024, the PCAST
May 06, 2024 Read Full Article
Stabenow, Thompson Release Outlines For 2024 Farm Bill
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., on May 1 released outlines for competing versions of the 2024 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is
May 02, 2024 Read Full Article
Groups Call for Farm to Fly in Energy Title
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) A National Corn Growers Association board member says including the Farm to Fly Act in the farm bill would help USDA recognize the science-based emissions reduction efforts of the sustainable aviation fuel supply chain. Ohio farmer John
May 01, 2024 Read Full Article
RFA Welcomes 40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel Guidance, But Says Additional Work Needed
(Renewable Fuels Association) The 40B tax credit guidance and modified GREET model released today by U.S. Treasury begin to unlock the door for U.S. ethanol producers and farmers to participate in the emerging market for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). However, more work
April 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden Administration to Release Low-Carbon Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Model on Tuesday - Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Biden administration is expected to release a climate model for its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) subsidy program on Tuesday, two sources familiar with the matter said. The rule will dictate how ethanol producers can
April 26, 2024 Read Full Article
Industry Leaders Share Sustainable Aviation Prioroties for Farm Bill
(Fuels America) Amid the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Farm Bill, industry stakeholders representing nearly the entire supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – including seven major airlines – called on Agriculture Committee leaders in the House and Senate to boost the role
April 25, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Invests in Clean Energy and Domestic Biofuels to Strengthen American Farms and Small Businesses as Part of Investing in America Agenda
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Projects Funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Will Lower Energy Costs and Expand Access to Cleaner Fueling Options -- Today, in honor of Earth Day 2024, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department
April 23, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver for E-15 Sales
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA takes action to provide consumers relief at the pump by helping ensure an adequate fuel supply ahead of the upcoming season -- Today, April 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to
April 19, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Makes $1.5 Billion Available to Help Farmers Advance Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda DEADLINE July 2, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will help farmers save money, create new revenue streams, enhance natural resources, and tackle the climate crisis -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of an historic $1.5 billion in
April 18, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden, Kishida Pledge to Cooperate on SAF
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A joint statement issued by President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minster KISHIDA Fumio on April 10 outlines the intentions of the two countries to cooperate on expanding the availability sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), including
April 17, 2024 Read Full Article
RFA to NASS: County-Level Data Critical to Climate-Smart Ag, Biofuel Programs
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today (April 15, 2024) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service to reconsider its plan to stop reporting farm acreage, yield and production estimates at the county level. “With the rapid emergence of state and federal
April 16, 2024 Read Full Article
U.S. Grains Council Supports Biofuel-Based Decarbonization Initiatives Worldwide
by Mackenzie Boubin (U.S. Grains Council) As part of its efforts to promote decarbonization, the U.S. Grains Council is increasing its focus on market opportunities outside the transportation sector. This includes household cooking alternatives that use clean-burning ethanol as opposed to polluting
April 11, 2024 Read Full Article
Lower Carbon Emissions in Your Community Today by Choosing to Fuel with 88-Regular
by D. Jed Black* (Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. (SESI)/Advanced Biofuels USA) As the world progresses towards zero-emission and electric vehicles, it is crucial to remember that there is a low-carbon, high octane, less polluting solution available for today’s gasoline-powered and hybrid
April 11, 2024 Read Full Article
Farmers Edge and Gevo Enter Collaboration on Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Project
(Farmers Edge/Business Wire) The companies will work with growers spanning three states to track and quantify the carbon intensity impact of climate-smart practices helping to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and low-CI ethanol Farmers Edge Inc. a pure-play digital
April 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Five Major Issues for EPA and Farmers EPA Administrator Highlights $4 Billion in 'Green Fund' for Rural Communities
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA Administrator Michael Regan on Friday spotlighted rural investments in new green funds while saying the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies (GREET) model update is coming in the "very near future"
April 08, 2024 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Biden Administration's Initial SAF Subsidy Model to Raise Climate Hurdle for Ethanol
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Biden administration will release a preliminary climate model for its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) subsidy program in the coming weeks that is more restrictive than what the corn-based ethanol industry had expected, two sources familiar with
April 06, 2024 Read Full Article
BINGO! Words to Live By from ABLC 2024
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Key players in the renewable fuels community gather twice/year at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conferences—ABLC 2024 took place in Washington, DC last week; and the ABLC Next gathering will be in San Francisco in
April 05, 2024 Read Full Article
The White House Advances Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Leadership with the Launch of the National Bioeconomy Board
by Sarah Glaven (White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) Biotechnology harnesses the power of biology to create new services and products, which provide opportunities to grow the U.S. economy and workforce and improve the quality of our lives and the
April 04, 2024 Read Full Article
2023 Billion-Ton Report
(U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy KDF) The U.S. Department of Energy Bioenergy Technology Office's (BETO's) 2023 Billion-Ton Report (BT23) is an assessment of renewable carbon resources potentially available in the United States. BT23 explores these resources in terms of quantity, price,
April 04, 2024 Read Full Article
RFA Urges SAF Interagency Working Group to Use a 30-Year Time Period for LUC Calculations
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels association is urging federal officials to use a 30-year time frame to account for land use change (LUC) emissions as they work to complete the upcoming 40BSAF-GREET model, which will be used
April 03, 2024 Read Full Article
Terragia Secures $6M to Develop Cost-Competitive, Low-Carbon Biofuel Technology
(Trucking News/Terragia/Business Wire) The startup expanded its leadership team with climate tech veteran Kristin Brief joining as CEO, Lee Lynd transitions to CTO. -- Terragia Biofuel, a technology startup aiming to drive the next generation of biofuels, today announced it has raised
March 29, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Releases Latest Economic Impact Report on Bioeconomy
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Latest Economic Impact Report Shows a Thriving and Resilient Bioeconomy Despite Impacts of the Global Pandemic -- USDA Rural Development (RD) released “An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry: 2023 Update," which demonstrates how the biobased products
March 28, 2024 Read Full Article
Aemetis Approved by USCIS for $200 million of EB-5 Investment in Biogas, SAF and Carbon Sequestration Projects
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on low and negative carbon intensity products, today (March 21, 2024) announced approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of $200 million of EB-5 program investment for
March 22, 2024 Read Full Article
Pressing for GREET Model Update Details for SAF Tax Credits Delayed, But Will 'Send Right Signal,' Ag Secretary Says
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) While groups are clamoring for certainty on how the Department of Treasury calculates tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the adjustments to the greenhouse gas model, or "GREET" model, won't
March 22, 2024 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Lawmakers Press Biden Administration to Fight Brazil Ethanol Tariff, Open Ag, Biofuels Trade
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With Brazil set to reconsider an ongoing tariff on U.S. ethanol imports a group of Republican lawmakers asked the Biden administration to be active in an upcoming public-comment period on the 16% tariff that is
March 20, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Releases New Bioeconomy Report and Implementation Plan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a plan that will boost biomass supply chain resiliency for domestic biobased product manufacturing, while also advancing environmental sustainability and market opportunities for small and mid-sized producers. The report — Building
March 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Vilsack Accepts Holmberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, accepted the William C. Holmberg Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Bioeconomy and in his Holmberg Address said that “There’s a competition going on here. There
March 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Avoiding SAF Flight Cancellation: Airline Industry, Others Stress Need for Sustainable Aviation Fuels to Take Off
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Airlines and businesses tied to the bioeconomy are stressing how critical the right policies will be to help fully develop a market for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) that can help create a new market for
March 19, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Releases Plan to Strengthen the Bioeconomy through a More Resilient Biomass Supply Chain
by Lynn Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released on March 14, 2024, a report entitled Building a Resilient Biomass Supply: A Plan to Enable the Bioeconomy in America, “a plan that will boost biomass supply chain
March 18, 2024 Read Full Article
Vilsack: Actions Needed to Assure Biomass Supply
by Jerry Hagstrom (The Hagstrom Report) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today said today the government needs to take a number of actions to assure an adequate supply of biomass for the biofuels industry in the future. Vilsack released several reports on the
March 18, 2024 Read Full Article
New Energy Blue Forms New Energy Chemicals to Sustainably Produce Bio-Sourced Ethylene for Carbon-Zero Jet Fuel and Dow's Renewable Plastics
(New Energy Blue/PR Newswire) New Energy Blue, the clean-energy developer of lowest-carbon biofuel and biochemicals from crop residues, today advances its Decarbonizing America agenda by forming New Energy Chemicals. In phase one, the new biochemical subsidiary will produce American-sourced and American-made bio-based
March 18, 2024 Read Full Article
Bold Goals Action Group Releases 40 Bold Actions to Accelerate the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Bold Goals Action Group released the final text of the 40 Bold Actions to Accelerate at ABLC 2024. The release capped a year-long, multi-national effort by bioeconomy stakeholders to define specific actions that
March 16, 2024 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Prices and Profits…Again
by Scott Irwin (farmdoc daily) In a previous farmdoc daily article (November 13, 2023), we showed that the behavior of FAME biodiesel prices reported by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA changed dramatically starting in August 2021. Before this date, the
March 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden’s 2025 Budget Request Includes Funds in Support of SAF
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Joe Biden on March 11 released his $7.3 trillion budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2025. The proposed budgets for the U.S. Department of Energy, USDA and U.S. Department of Transportation all include provisions
March 12, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Celebrates Second National Biobased Products Day
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) New Report Shows Biobased Products Contribute $489 Billion to the U.S. Economy, Supporting Jobs in Every State -- Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is honoring the second annual National Biobased Products Day, a celebration to raise
March 08, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Commercial Scale Federal Funding Options
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Federal funds are available to support commercial-scale projects. However, Different Federal Departments/Agencies can have different priority areas. Some are Restricted to small businesses, some to rural areas. All programs have limits on funding amount, and some
March 07, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to the State of Advanced Biorefineries
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, we explored the challenges faced by advanced biorefinery developers in shifting energy towards low carbon alternatives — new processes, structuring multiple feedstocks and products within one vision, new feedstocks, the role of low
March 05, 2024 Read Full Article
US Grains Council and Cooperators Announce Partnership to Support Ethanol-based Cooking, Transport in Mozambique
(U.S. Grains Council/Club of Mozambique) On February 29, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) convened high-level U.S. and Mozambican government officials, industry professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the benefits and challenges of using ethanol biofuel to meet the country’s clean energy
March 01, 2024 Read Full Article
Vilsack Says He’s Confident in E15 Emergency Waiver, Discusses USDA’s SAF Advocacy
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed confidence that the U.S. EPA will issue an emergency waiver to allow E15 to remain available this summer and discussed the USDA’s ongoing efforts with regard to sustainable aviation fuel
March 01, 2024 Read Full Article
White House Is Seen Missing Deadline Tied to Jet Fuel Tax Credit
by Kim Chipman and Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg News) Administration had set March 1 deadline for carbon model; Ethanol industry hopes to benefit from green jet fuel credits -- The Biden administration is missing a self-imposed deadline for updating a government tool used to
March 01, 2024 Read Full Article
OPINION: Why Farmers Should Take Advantage of Climate-Smart Ag Programs
by Chandler Mazour (Verity Carbon Solutions/Houston Daily) ... From a changing climate to high input costs to fluctuating commodity prices, farmers must take steps to adapt to an evolving landscape. The good news is farmers don’t have to tackle these challenges alone.
February 28, 2024 Read Full Article
You Can Help Expand Access to Development Capital & Federal Funding to Advance Game-Changing Bioeconomy Projects, … and Mitigate the Climate Crisis
by CJ Evans (Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/Project Financing Assistance/Biofuels Digest) You can make a difference. You can raise your voice and make your voice heard … you can help create a grant program within the federal government to provide development capital
February 27, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Investing $25 Million in ACE-led Project to Incentivize, Model, and Monetize Climate-Smart Ag Practices in a 10-State Region
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) recently approved a $25 million investment in the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)-led Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) expansion that builds on the successful South
February 27, 2024 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report 2-26-24 -- Wrap up of the 29th National Ethanol Conference
(Energy.AgWired.com) The 29th National Ethanol Conference held in San Diego California last week may go down as one of the best and most timely industry meetings ever, setting the stage for major decisions that hang in the balance this year, including
February 26, 2024 Read Full Article
Unsolicited Proposals, Needed: More Access, More Flexibility, More Funding to Advance Game-Changing Projects
by CJ Evans (Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/Project Financing Assistance/Biofuels Digest) Time is of the Essence in Addressing the Climate Crisis… every technology and innovation that can help needs to be deployed as rapidly as possible. Unfortunately, five obstacles stand in
February 26, 2024 Read Full Article
U.S. Crop Sector Insulates Itself from World Market with Biofuels, Says Analyst
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) Exports have been the lodestar of U.S. agriculture since the big Soviet grain deals of the Carter and Reagan years. One-fifth of U.S. farm production is exported. -- After decades of pursuing sales to foreign buyers, the
February 23, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Forum Puts Focus on Biotech for Sustainable Farming
(Bio.News) Encouraging farmers to use biotech and other climate tech to make agriculture more sustainable requires ensuring that their impact on climate is measured accurately and remunerated appropriately, said participants on the Feb. 15 opening day of the U.S. Department of
February 22, 2024 Read Full Article
Deploying Purpose-Grown Energy Crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Workshop: Summary Report
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Deploying Purpose-Grown Energy Crops for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) workshop, hosted by the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), brought together stakeholders from industry, governmental organizations, DOE national laboratories, academia, among others, to address a potential future research strategy related to the
February 21, 2024 Read Full Article
American Coalition for Ethanol Submits Comments to California on Crop-Based Biofuels
by Rusty Halvorson (American Coalition for Ethanol/KFGO) The American Coalition for Ethanol submitted comments to the California Air Resources Board regarding its 2024 proposed amendments to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. The comments submitted by ACE CEO Brian Jennings focused on
February 21, 2024 Read Full Article
RFA Presents 2024 Industry Award to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack
(Renewable Fuels Association) At the National Ethanol Conference today (February 20, 2024) in San Diego, the Renewable Fuels Association presented its 2024 Industry Award to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in recognition of his many years championing renewable fuels both in
February 21, 2024 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Biden Administration to Approve E15 Gasoline Expansion Starting in 2025, Sources Say
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The White House will approve a request from a group of Midwest governors to allow year-round sales of gasoline with higher blends of ethanol, but will push the start date into next year, two
February 21, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Proposes Streamlined Regulation for Biobased Markets (BioPreferred) Program Public Comments DEADLINE March 25, 2024
by Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton (Bergeson and Campbell) The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), an agency of the Rural Development mission area within U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), issued a proposed rule on January 24, 2024, that would adopt changes
February 19, 2024 Read Full Article
ACE Announces Project to Unlock Ethanol’s Access to New Markets and Tax Credits
(American Coalition for Ethanol) USDA Investing $25 Million in ACE-led Project to Incentivize, Model, and Monetize Climate-Smart Ag Practices in a 10-State Region -- The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) recently approved a $25 million investment
February 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Ag Census Confirms Cropland Decline, Adoption of Environmental Practices
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) The first tranche of data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture was released by USDA on Tuesday, and it showed that the amount of cropland in the U.S. fell by 14 million acres (4%) since 2017, continuing a
February 17, 2024 Read Full Article
As Part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps, USDA Launches New Working Lands Climate Corps to Train Future Conservation and Climate Leaders on Climate-Smart Agriculture DEADLINE March 8, 2024
(USDA) USDA program will place at least 100 young people in jobs across the country -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a new effort to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. As part of President Biden’s
February 17, 2024 Read Full Article
How Much Carbon Can Farmers Store in Their Soil? Nobody’s Sure.
by Max Graham (Grist) Advocates say the long-awaited farm bill could help fix that. -- ... If America’s growers and herders made sure the carbon on their land stayed underneath their crops and their cows’ hooves, then some scientists say the planet
February 13, 2024 Read Full Article
NARA: No Path to Reducing Food Loss, Waste 50% by 2030 per Draft US Strategy without Rendering
(North American Renderers Association/Biobased Diesel Daily) The North American Renderers Association is disappointed that rendering was omitted in the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste. The North American Renderers Association has submitted comments to U.S. EPA on the Draft
February 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Share Your Thoughts: USDA Asks for Public Comments on 8 Changes to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices DEADLINE March 4, 2024
by Charlsie McKay (RFD TV) Stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments by March 4, 2024, either online or by mail. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is inviting public feedback on proposed revisions to eight national conservation practice
February 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Trends in the Operational Efficiency of the U.S. Ethanol Industry: 2023 Update
by Scott Irwin (farmdoc Daily) The operational efficiency of any industry is key to long-term profitability, no less so for the U.S. ethanol industry. Fortunately, the USDA began publishing the Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production report in October 2014 and this important data
February 12, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to the State of Feedstocks and Advanced Agriculture
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, we explored the challenges faced by global feedstock producers in shifting towards low carbon fuels, chemicals and materials — new technologies for yield, better soil and carbon practices, new crops and intermediates, and
February 12, 2024 Read Full Article
Yield10 Bioscience Provides an Update on its Omega-3 Camelina Program
(Yield10 Bioscience) -Prioritizes Activities to Advance Omega-3 Camelina Program in 2024; -Reports Completion of Contra Season Production of Omega-3 Camelina Seed in Chile; - Company also Provides Update on Nasdaq Status Yield10 Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq:YTEN) (“Yield10” or the “Company”), an agricultural bioscience company, today provided
February 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Byproduct of Biofuel Production Shows Potential for Insect Pest Management
by Rob Morrison (PCT) Researchers from the USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Michigan State University set out to determine whether byproducts from cellulosic biofuel production could be used to manage an array of
February 07, 2024 Read Full Article
On the Right Tractor: Agricultural Bills Roundup
(The Carbon Copy) Though everyone's favorite farm-themed omnibus stalled in Congress, policymakers are forging ahead with relevant legislation that supports the agricultural sector and could be included in the eventual Farm Bill. Since late 2023, three C180-endorsed bills have debuted: ???? Partnerships for Agricultural Climate Action Act
February 06, 2024 Read Full Article
Biofuels and Climate Markets Could Stem Loss of Farms, Says Vilsack
by Chuck Abbott (Successful Farming) “We can’t afford to continue to lose farms and farmland. We have to figure out a better way, a different way.” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake
January 25, 2024 Read Full Article
Aemetis Biogas Expands Revenues with First Sale of Low Carbon Fuel Standard Credits
(Aemetis) Sale completed for LCFS credits issued at -150 Carbon Intensity (CI) Temporary Pathway; Testing and verification has been completed and applications submitted for lower CI Provisional Pathways that are expected to increase LCFS revenues by more than 80% compared to
January 24, 2024 Read Full Article
LanzaJet Celebrates Grand Opening of Freedom Pines Fuels Plant, the World's First Ethanol to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Facility Government, Corporate, and Community
(LanzaJet/PR Newswire) Leaders Mark Historic Milestone as LanzaJet Launches Ground-breaking Next-Gen SAF Technology -- LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and sustainable fuels producer, today joined government officials, industry leaders, partners, and supporters to open LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels, the world's
January 24, 2024 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Outlines 2024 Federal Policy Priorities
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, published its 2024 federal policy priorities today. Organized into three categories, the agenda offers a roadmap toward a more vibrant, sustainable future characterized by lower fuel costs, lower greenhouse gas (GHG)
January 24, 2024 Read Full Article
USDA Funds Improvement Projects At 2 Ethanol Plants
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA on Jan. 22 awarded $1 million each to Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy LLC and Granite Falls Energy LLC. The grant awards were made under the agency’s Rural Energy for America Program and will
January 23, 2024 Read Full Article
Multi-million Grant Aims to Create Infrastructure, Expand Biofuel Sales in Michigan
by Katie Sergent (WWMT) A multi-million grant provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, could help boost biofuel sales in Michigan. Thursday, USDA Rural Development Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins announced the state would be receiving a $5 million grant. Funding,
January 19, 2024 Read Full Article
Did Trump or Biden Deliver More for Farmers? The Answer May Surprise You.
by Garrett Downs (Politico) The former president is using his ag record to appeal to Iowa voters. Farm income, however, rose under Biden. -- ... In fact, over the first three years of their presidencies, Biden and Trump’s payments to farmers are
January 16, 2024 Read Full Article
As 40B GREET Deadline Looms, RFA Offers Recommendations for SAF Emissions Modeling
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter submitted to the Biden administration today, the Renewable Fuels Association laid out recommendations for ensuring that the best available science and data are used in determining eligibility for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit established in
January 16, 2024 Read Full Article
Running On Refuse: NIFA Grant To Fund MSU Study Of Biomass-Derived Transportation Fuel
(Mississippi State University/Biomass Magazine) The future of fuel is practical, sustainable and green, and Mississippi State’s Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is committed to discovering solutions that will power tomorrow’s fuels. El Barbary Hassan, department professor and scientist in the university’s Forest and
January 11, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Rural Development and the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The USDA mission serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative, science-based public policy leadership in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and related issues with a commitment to deliverable equitable and
January 11, 2024 Read Full Article
Truterra Announces 2024 Programs Including Expanded Eligibility for Qualified Long-Term Adopters
(Truterra/PR Newswire) Expanded eligibility is long-awaited for the ag industry and a strategic business step toward meeting the needs of food and ag companies seeking to reduce scope 3 emissions -- Truterra, LLC, a leading agricultural sustainability business that offers consultation, tools
January 10, 2024 Read Full Article
Ethanol, Liquid Fuels Survive Climate Politics
by Jesse Allen (American Ag Network) ... “Demand for liquid fuels in light duty transportation, we do expect to be flat or declining over the long-term,” Cooper says. “We don’t expect to see significant demand loss in the short term, or
January 05, 2024 Read Full Article
The Midwest Could Produce More Biofuels and Bio-based Products. A Federal Bill Aims to Help
by Jim Meadows (Harvest Public Media/NPR) Legislation in Congress would expand a federal grant and loan program that helps producers of biofuels and other biomanufactured products build and expand their facilities. A Congressional bill proposed by Midwestern representatives from both parties is
January 04, 2024 Read Full Article
Crazy for Carbon
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/South Dakota Farmers Union) As is often said when it comes to football, it starts with the basics – blocking and tackling. Trick plays, end arounds and flea flickers are nice but without the basics
January 03, 2024 Read Full Article
COP28 Participation Elevates Bioethanol, Sustainability On Global Stage
(U.S. Grains Council) (A) U.S. Grains Council (USGC) ethanol delegation traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to participate in the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Held annually, the COP meetings
January 02, 2024 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2024 Multi-Slide Guide to Aemetis
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In this presentation, Aemetis CEO Eric McAfee took the ABLC 2023 stage in Washington DC to outline the company’s milestones ahead, progress to date, technology, financial estimates, policy asks, its portfolio of Carbon Zero One projects,
January 02, 2024 Read Full Article
Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) On December 2, 2023 the USDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the Draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics (PDF, 1.7 MB). This draft National Strategy is a step
December 22, 2023 Read Full Article
West Biofuels Secures $4 Million to Develop Bioenergy Facilities
(West Biofuels/EIN Presswire) CAL FIRE Grants will Increase Forest Sustainability, Promote Innovation, and Bolster Rural Economies -- Today (December 20, 2023), West Biofuels, LLC (“West Biofuels”) announced $4 million from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Business and Workforce
December 21, 2023 Read Full Article
Global Bioenergy Partnership Annual Wrap-Up
(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) ... 2023 was an important year for GBEP, as it was the first time that Partners and Observers met in person for the governance meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a chance
December 19, 2023 Read Full Article
DSU Receives $300,000 Grant for Microalgae Research
(Delaware State University) The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently awarded two DSU researchers a three-year just under $300,000 grant for a project that could leverage the properties of microalgae toward energy and cancer treatment purposes. The research is being led by Dr. Ali
December 19, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Energy & Climate Action
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Inflation Reduction Act provides nearly $40 billion for USDA over the next 10 years to improve life and livelihoods in rural communities. Specific investments include: $19.3 billion for climate-smart agriculture on farms, ranches, and forests;
December 19, 2023 Read Full Article
The International Race for Biofuel Dominance Is Heating Up
by Felicity Bradstock (OilPrice.com) ... Biofuel is growing in popularity worldwide as governments and private companies look for alternative fuels to power their transport, shipping, and aviation sectors. Several new developments have been announced that will grow the production capacity of
December 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Gevo to Pay Farmers Incentives under Farm-to-Flight Program
by Jonathan Welsh (Flying Magazine) Three-tiered incentive system aims to cut carbon intensity. -- Gevo Inc. said it plans to offer incentives to farmers under its Farm-to-Flight Program in an effort to boost production of sustainable fuels, including ethanol and sustainable aviation
December 15, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Welcomes Recognition of GREET Model in SAF Tax Credit Guidance
(Renewable Fuels Association) The U.S. Treasury Department today released guidance regarding the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit. The guidance clarifies that a soon-to-be-updated version of the Department of Energy’s GREET model will be among the methodologies used
December 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Boundless: Exporting to More Places
by Katie Schroeder (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ed Hubbard, general counsel and vice president of government affairs at the Renewable Fuels Association, says a growing number of countries around the world are not only committed to using more ethanol but
December 14, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to Gevo
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Gevo addresses the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives, and is commercializing the next generation of advanced, bio-based renewable fuels with sustainable aviation fuel, renewable premium gasoline, and renewable natural gas that
December 13, 2023 Read Full Article
USDA Signals Intent to Issue Rulemaking on HBIIP
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service in mid-2024 is expected propose a rule to codify the policies and procedures for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, according to information released by the White House Office of
December 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Study Evaluates New High-Yield Varieties of Switchgrass that Are Less Vulnerable to Disease
by Tom Venesky (Lancaster Farming) A study underway in Luzerne County will gauge the disease resistance and biomass yield of several new varieties of warm season grasses. -- A three-year study could lead warm-season grass producers to high-yield varieties that are less
December 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Fire! Open Letter to US Treasury, Energy Secretaries on Addressing the Threat of Forest Fire via the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Which brings us to the forest, because once we have stopped by the commodity exchanges where oilseeds, grains, and waste fats and oils are priced and traded, we discover right away that commodity prices are
December 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Budzinski Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Biofuels & Biomanufacturing Innovation
(Office of U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13)) U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase biofuel production and drive down energy costs for working families. The Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act would increase funding for grants to support innovation
December 08, 2023 Read Full Article
Carbon Removal Funding Tracker
(Carbon180) With the dollars and power to establish and expand key federal programs for carbon removal, the government plays a critical role in deploying solutions at scale. With Carbon180’s Funding Tracker, stay up-to-date on the appropriations, authorizations, and funding opportunity announcements
December 05, 2023 Read Full Article
Leading the Charge: Ethanol and EVs Stand at the Head of the Pack of Alternative-Fuel Retail Strategies
(CSP News) For retailers in Illinois, not offering ethanol-based fuel means proceeding at your own risk. “If you retail in this state, you don’t have a choice: Offer ethanol and biofuels or you may as well point a sign telling
December 04, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Draft of the National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste PUBLIC COMMENTS DEADLINE January 3, 2024
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) USDA, EPA and FDA release draft strategy to prevent the loss and waste of food and increase recycling of organics to support a circular economy for all, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save households and businesses money, and
December 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Summit County, Utah BDO Zone Issued ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass
(Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone) Investment Grade Rating Expected to Drive Biomass Utilization -- Summit County and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of the Summit County BDO Zone. The BDO Zone stretches across a 40-mile drive radius from Wanship, Utah and stands as the inaugural
December 01, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to the Role of Biomass in Forest Management
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Tule River Indian Reservation is 56,000 acres serving about 2,000 members drawn from Yokuts, Pauite, Mono, Tubatulabal tribes. Found on the foothills and western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, land uses include forestry, cattle ranching, and
December 01, 2023 Read Full Article
Ag a Major Focus of COP28 Climate Talks: USDA, Ag Groups Focus on Production, Incentives, and the Long Game at COP28
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... COP28 will put more focus on agriculture and food than any of the previous COP events. ... Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told USDA staff and a group of industry stakeholders Wednesday that USDA and the Biden
November 30, 2023 Read Full Article
Canada Confirms US Feedstocks Comply with CFR’s Land Use, Biodiversity Criteria
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Environment and Climate Change Canada has acknowledged that U.S. feedstocks are in compliances with the land use and biodiversity (LUB) criteria included under the country’s Clean Fuel Regulation, according to a report filed with the
November 29, 2023 Read Full Article
‘Balance’ and ‘Harmony’ and ‘SAF’: Key Words at the 2023 AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Conferences serve to present the current thoughts, activities and plans for the community involved in the focus of the event. At the 2023 Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Global Biobased Economy Conference and Exhibit
November 26, 2023 Read Full Article
Biofuel Is Good, But Could It Be Great?
by Treena Hein (Seed World) As demand rises for biofuels, plant breeders are working hard to increase biofuel feedstocks’ productivity and biofuel’s sustainability. -- ... (I)nfrastructure development and plant breeders’ efforts during the past decade have put biofuels on the map in
November 22, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Programs Supporting the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service manages a wide array of programs designed to support and accelerate deployment of the bioeconomy at scale. Among them, the Biobased Markets Program (BioPreferred®) – Sec. 9002, Bioenergy