by Jeff St. John (GreenTech Media) The latest test at the Utah mega-project marks the third U.S. entry into electrolysis, storage and the use of carbon-free fuel. -- ... Take the Intermountain Power Project, the coal-fired power plant in Utah converting to
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Back TO HOMEEXCLUSIVE-U.S. Government to Expand Biofuels Forecasts as Renewable Diesel Sector Grows
by Karl Plume and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters / NASDAQ) The U.S. departments of agriculture and energy plan to change two closely watched monthly reports to account for the rapid growth of renewable diesel, a clean burning fuel made from soy and
March 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Senators Call on USDA for Biofuels Relief
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of 10 senators is pressing the Biden administration to use authority under the CARES Act to provide targeted relief to the biofuels industry, which is still reeling from the pandemic that collapsed fuel demand. In
March 09, 2021 Read Full Article
CFDC Calls Nebraska E30 Demonstration One More Step Towards Higher Blends
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) The Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) today applauded the work of the State of Nebraska following the release of a report that found higher ethanol blends are safe, efficient, and cost effective when used in conventional vehicles. The
March 08, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA Changes How It Classifies Ethanol When Reporting Trade Data
(USDA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) USDA and the Department of Commerce decided in December 2020 to change the way they define “agricultural products” when reporting international trade data. Beginning with the release of the January 2021 monthly trade data on March 5, USDA
March 05, 2021 Read Full Article
OPINION: Conference Panel Looks at Challenge of Retailer Future
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... ”Our main concern is the policymakers’ stance on electrification and putting all their eggs in that basket,” said Greg Jones, director of business development at Pearson Fuels. “E85 can be that bridge between now
March 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Boom Highlights Challenges in Clean-Energy Transition
by Rod Nickel, Stephanie Kelly and Karl Plume (Reuters) ... Refiners can produce renewable diesel from animal fats and plant oils, in addition to used cooking oil. Production capacity is expected to nearly quintuple to about 2.65 billion gallons (63 million barrels)
March 03, 2021 Read Full Article
No Project Left Behind: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA Funds & Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Today we look at paths to leverage your next project using USDA programs and funds, with former acting USDA Undersecretary Bill Hagy, No Project will be Left Behind! Check out this illuminating slide guide covering
March 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Can the Future of Electric Vehicles Destroy the Ethanol Industry?
by Nick Weig (CBS2Iowa) America is in the early stages of a shift from combustion engine cars and trucks to all-electric vehicles, or EV. Electric cars are quiet, sporty and cost a fraction to charge than it costs to gas
March 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Can Contribute Now to a Cleaner Energy Future
by Tom Daschle (Roll Call/The Daschle Group) Smart agriculture policy that has a role for ethanol can help advance Biden’s agenda on all fronts -- Growing up in South Dakota, agriculture has always been in my blood. For nearly three decades, I
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Researchers Challenge the CRP Status Quo to Mitigate Fossil Fuels
(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment/Phys.Org) ... (A)llocating CRP land for high-yielding energy biomass might eliminate the need for bioenergy crops and food crops to vie for space. A team led by CABBI Sustainability Theme Leader
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Ag Products Definition Updated in USDA Trade Data
by Julie Harker (Brownfield Ag News) Ethanol, distilled spirits and tobacco products will be included in the USDA’s ag products definition in its monthly trade reports. USDA says it’s adopting the World Trade Organization definition of ag products which will make its
February 25, 2021 Read Full Article
8 Key Federal Resources Supporting Anaerobic Digestion
by Bill Hagy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./ Biofuels Digest) ... One of President Biden’s Clean Energy initiatives includes partnering with farmers, ranchers and businesses engaged in livestock production to implement environmentally sound agriculture practices and deploy methane digesters that generate new sources of
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Tom Vilsack Confirmed for a Second Stint as Agriculture Secretary with Strong Republican Support
by Laura Reiley (Washington Post) The Senate voted 92 to 7 Tuesday to approve President Biden’s nomination of Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary. Vilsack had been expected to have a smooth path to confirmation after the Senate Agriculture Committee voted unanimously earlier this
February 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Agriculture Innovation: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Increase agricultural production while decreasing environmental footprint – that’s the goal in a nuthsell, but check out this slide guide on 5 key USDA themes, USDA’s latest innovation contributions like a new sustainable diesel fuel
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
POET Urges Biden Climate Team to Grasp E15 Philosophy
(Biofuels International) POET has urged the new Biden administration to embrace E15. The world’s largest biofuels producer, based in Sioux Falls in South Dakota, has also welcomed the new President’s leadership in making climate a top priority. ... Rob Walther, vice president of
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Innovations in Bioprocess Tech for Fuels: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to USDA
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) USDA’s Bruce Dien shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 focusing on the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Illinois and recent success of NCAUR research. From biorefineries, advanced ethanol and biobutanol,
February 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden's EPA Pick to Review Options for Biofuel Blending Law beyond 2022
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency said he will confer with legal and policy teams to understand the options available for setting mandates to blend biofuels into the nation’s fuel mix beyond
February 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Klobuchar, Ernst Introduce Legislation to Expand Renewable Fuel Market and Consumer Access
(Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to create a renewable fuel infrastructure grant program and streamline regulatory requirements to help fuel retailers sell higher blends of ethanol. The Renewable
February 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Brownley Introduces ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act’ to Reduce Carbon Emissions
(Office of Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA-25)) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and help the aviation sector reduce carbon emissions. “We are facing an existential threat to the future
February 09, 2021 Read Full Article
New Federal Funding for Algae in 2021 Will Advance Science and Technology Commercialization
(Algae Biomass Organization) Federal support for advanced algae R&D is on a solid foundation for 2021 with the recent passage of an omnibus appropriations bill that was included in last year’s COVID-19 relief legislation. These funds extend a long-standing tradition
February 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Aemetis Opens Bid Proposal Process for $2 billion Offtake Agreement for “Carbon Zero” Renewable Jet and Diesel Fuels
(Aemetis) Aircraft and Trucks to be Supplied with ‘Carbon Zero’ Drop-In Biofuels using Solar and Hydro Electricity-Powered Systems to Convert Renewable Hydrogen and Biomass into Biofuel -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that it has opened the bid proposal process for $2
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Two Biden Priorities, Climate and Inequality, Meet on Black-Owned Farms
by Hiroko Tabuchi and Nadja Popovich (New York Times) The administration has pledged to make agriculture a cornerstone of its plan to fight warming, but also to tackle a legacy of discrimination that has pushed Black farmers off the land. --
February 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Trump Left Biden a $30 Billion Fund Used for Trade Wars. Biden Has Other Plans for It.
by Liz Crampton (Politico) A Depression-era financial institution was used by the Trump administration to dole out billions to farmers. Now the Biden team has their own ideas about how the money should be spent. The Trump administration used it to
February 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Infrastructure Bill Can Bring Us Closer to E15 Standard
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) In the past few weeks, we have been working with state lawmakers to advance a bill that would provide partial funding for fuel retailers to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades to offer E15. This
January 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Can This Unlikely Duo Revive Rural America and Help the Planet? Joe Biden and Tom Vilsack Plan to Take Swift Action on Climate Change Proposals.
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times/New York Times) ... Few took carbon sequestration seriously during his previous tenure, a time when “resilient agriculture” had not yet entered the vernacular. But the fundamental conversation in the corridors of power and along
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s Climate Crisis Order Addresses Biobased Fuels, Products
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Biden on Jan. 27 issued an executive order that aims to tackle the climate crisis, create jobs and restore scientific integrity across the federal government. The order addresses the production and sourcing of biobased
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden's Carbon Farming Policy Must Heed Recent Lessons
by Jeffrey T. Manuel and Thomas D. Rogers (The Hill) President Biden has placed the Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the center of his administration’s focus on climate change. “We see farmers making American agriculture first in the world to achieve
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Applications Open for Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants DEADLINE: March 31, 2021
USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvements (REAP RES/EEI), with an application deadline of March 31, 2021. REAP projects strengthen American energy independence by providing funding
January 26, 2021 Read Full Article
India Takes Action to Increase Use, Production of Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) India is taking action to increase domestic production and use of ethanol. The government in December opened a comment period on draft automotive industry standards (AIS) related to the country’s plans to introduce E85 and
January 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Aemetis “Carbon Zero” Solar Energy and Energy Efficiency Upgrades Supported by $16.8 million of California CEC and Utility Grants
(Aemetis) Estimated $18 million per year of increased net income ($0.75 earnings per share) -- Aemetis, Inc.(NASDAQ: AMTX) announced that its “Carbon Zero” biofuels production process has received a total of $16.8 million of solar energy and other energy efficiency grants
January 25, 2021 Read Full Article
Planting Crops — and Carbon, Too
by Gabriel Popkin (Washington Post) President Biden says farmers can adopt agricultural methods that help fight climate change. Maryland farmer Trey Hill has been trying. ... As the winter cover crops grow, they will feed microbes and improve the soil’s health, which
January 22, 2021 Read Full Article
USDA’s Support for Rural Growth: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Rural Business-Cooperative Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Brodziski, Deputy Administrator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shared this illuminating slide guide at ABLC 2020 about how the USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to support rural business growth across markets in
January 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Top 10 Bioeconomy Must-Knows in the Biden Transition
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are the key bioeconomy players in the new Biden Administration? What recent moves by the outgoing Trump Administration and Congress will set their budget and regulatory framework for 2021. What will the new Administration
January 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Aemetis: Patent Award Enables Launch of ‘Carbon Zero’ Plants
(Aemetis/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Aemetis Inc. announced Jan. 15 that its exclusively licensed technology for the production of below zero carbon renewable fuel was awarded U.S. Patent No. 10907184 (to be published February 2, 2021), enabling the launch of Aemetis “Carbon Zero” production plants
January 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Iowa Has Room for All Renewables - Solar, Wind and Ethanol
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/The Gazette) ... Renewable liquid fuels and renewable electricity are highly complementary ways to reduce America’s carbon footprint. We can have clean renewable energy from solar and wind, as the authors want, and still take
January 19, 2021 Read Full Article
DOE Forms Fuels of the Future Advisory Board; Disbands Biomass Research and Development TAC
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the US federal government formed the Fuels of the Future Advisory Board, which will have three subcommittees on biofuels, hydrogen and methane hydrates. At the same time, the government terminated the Biomass Research
January 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Climate Plan Looks for Buy-in from Farmers Who Are Often Skeptical about Global Warming
by Georgina Gustin (Inside Climate News) The administration has options to cut emissions even if a Republican-led Senate opposes climate-focused agriculture policies. -- ... The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the administration said, “has not historically received the sustained political attention of
January 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Looking Back on 2020, Algae Thrived.
(Algae Biomass Organization) ... Our collective effort has resulted in record-breaking policy support, including: $70 million for algae industry research, development, and demonstration in 2020 Congressional appropriations for DOE’s Bioenergy Technology Office, Office of Fossil Energy, and Office of Science. $110 million
January 04, 2021 Read Full Article
REG: From 30,000 Gallons of Biodiesel Sold in 1996 to Half a Billion Gallons Today
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) As 2020 comes to a close, Renewable Energy Group Inc., North America’s largest biodiesel producer, is celebrating a quarter-century in soybean oil refinement and biodiesel production. Back in 1995, the company from which REG would
December 29, 2020 Read Full Article
The Big, Big Package: What’s under the Christmas Tree for the Bioeconomy, in the $1.4T New Spending Bill?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The $1.4 trillion spending package includes appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021, the COVID stimulus package, extensions of popular tax credits that otherwise expired on December 31st, and the Energy Act of 2020, a $35B version
December 23, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Offers More Biofuels Infrastructure Grants DEADLINE January 19, 2021
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The U.S Department of Agriculture has announced another round of funding for its successful Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP. Approximately $22 million is being made available for retailers to add higher ethanol blends like E15 and E85. The
December 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Opinion: The Secret to Clean Air Is No Secret. It’s Ethanol.
by John Linder (National Corn Growers Association/Farm Journal AgWeb) ... One song that stuck with me from that decade was “Everything Old Is New Again.” I find a lot of truth in the song’s message when I think about climate
December 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Future of Farming: Chase to Capture Carbon as Another Revenue Stream
by Tyne Morgan (Farm Journal AgWeb) As a possible policy shift may put sustainable farming practices in the spotlight, companies are already paying farmers to shift to more "climate smart farming" like utilizing no-till as a production method. -- ... “Tom
December 14, 2020 Read Full Article
New Legislation Sets Policy Menu for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) As the aviation industry recovers from the severe contraction caused by the pandemic, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) will be essential to help the sector achieve a path to net-zero carbon emissions by
December 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Vilsack Officially Tapped to Return to USDA
by John Herath (Farm Journal AgWeb) Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack has been officially tapped by the Joe Biden transition to return to USDA as Secretary. Vilsack was listed as the USDA nominee on the Biden transition Website Thursday morning. Vilsack, currently the CEO
December 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Report: E15 Poised to Fast-Track Climate Progress
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the nation’s largest association of biofuel producers and supporters, released a new report examining the potential climate benefits of a nationwide transition from the standard 10-percent ethanol blended fuel (E10) to a 15-percent ethanol blend (E15). The report was authored by Air Improvement
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Vilsack Could Be Back as Ag Secretary
by Jacqui Fatka (Farm Progress) Reports indicate Obama’s 8-year agricultural secretary Tom Vilsack could be interested in the job. -- As President-elect Joe Biden continues to make announcements regarding his cabinet, former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack looks to now
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Leaders Meet with Biden Team to Explain Priorities
by Ben Nuelle (AgriPulse) ... Carbon sequestration payments to farmers is something said to be on the table for the incoming Biden administration as a path to address emissions reduction. Duvall said any potential program should be a market-based system and
December 07, 2020 Read Full Article
OPINION: Changing the Retail Landscape for Higher Blends
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Fuel retailers are beginning to implement a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country. This comes as USDA’s new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program is being fully implemented, something farmers and the
December 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Applications Open for Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems Grants / LOI due January 7, 2021
Applications to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Request for Applications (RFA) must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the U.S. food and agriculture system. NIFA seeks creative and visionary applications that take
November 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Report: Japan’s Ethanol Blend Rate Expected at 1.9% in 2020
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan achieved an average ethanol blend rate of 1.6 percent in 2019. The blend rate is expected to increase to 1.9 percent this year due to an estimated 8 percent decrease in gasoline demand during
November 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Outlines 2021 Biofuel Policy Priorities
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today outlined the biofuels industry’s top federal priorities for 2021, highlighting key measures that elected leaders must take to protect the climate, revitalize rural communities, and offer more consumers clean, affordable options
November 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Farm Support Holds for Trump, but Biden May Find Inroads: End to Aid Payments in 2021 Could Cut Deeply into Incomes
by Ellyn Ferguson (Roll Call) ... Despite the mixed performance, Trump’s policies on trade, regulation and other areas maintained his popularity in rural and farm communities, winning their support in the Nov. 3 election. Joe Biden nevertheless has a chance to
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Transition Book: Priorities for Administrative Action on Carbon Removal in 2021+
(Carbon 180) We partner with policymakers, scientists, and businesses around the globe to develop policy, promote research, and advance solutions that transform carbon from a pollutant to a resource and foster a prosperous, carbon-conscious economy that removes more from the
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Under President Biden the U.S. Military Must Lead the Way on Climate Change
by Ray Mabus (Time Magazine) ... When I left office in January 2017, at sea about 40% of energy came from non-fossil fuel sources. Nuclear is 17% and the rest was from a variety of biofuels. In 2011, President Obama directed the
November 19, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Accepting Comments on Information Request Related to HBBIP DEADLINE: November 30, 2020
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA is accepting comments on a proposed information collection request related to the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. In a notice published in the Federal Register, the USDA said the information collection is needed for
November 18, 2020 Read Full Article
CountryMark, Ceres Solutions and USDA Bring E15 to Rensselaer
(95.3 MNC) Jasper County, Indiana will soon have its first E15 fueling station thanks to efforts from two farmer-owned cooperatives and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ... Ceres Solutions owns the CountryMark-branded station on North McKinley Avenue in Rensselaer, Indiana,
November 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Wyden Introduces Legislation to Improve Soil Health, Crop Resilience and Address the Climate Crisis
(Office of Senator Ron Wyden, D-OR) U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. introduced legislation to help address the climate crisis by encouraging farming practices that improve soil health and crop resilience and lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. “In 2020 alone,
November 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Ready to Meet USDA Ag Innovation Goals
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Biodiesel is ready now to meet the goals of the Agriculture Innovation Agenda. That was the message that the National Biodiesel Board gave to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in comments last week on “’ready to go’
November 13, 2020 Read Full Article
OPINION: Top Rated Gas Station Chains Also Top for Fuel Choice
by Robert White (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new list of the Top 10 gas station brands in the United States reflects something more that clean bathrooms and tasty pizza—it also reflects real fuel options for American drivers. Of USA Today’s Top
November 05, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S.-Vietnam Ethanol MOU Aims to Support Partnerships between Countries, Industries
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) signed an official memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week on expanding the use and availability of ethanol in Vietnam. The agreement promises to further a
November 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Hails New Grants for Retail Expansion of Biofuel Blends
(Biofuels International) Growth Energy welcomed the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Programme (HBIIP). Growth Energy's network of both large and small retail partners secured nearly $30 million (€25 million) in grants
October 29, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA, Others Seek Certainty and Consistency in EPA Treatment of Flex Fuel Vehicles
(Renewable Fuels Association) In comments submitted today to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding emissions standard compliance calculations for Flex Fuel vehicles (FFVs), the Renewable Fuels Association supported the EPA’s new approach to maintaining some level of certainty for automakers in the absence
October 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Overview of 2020 Cannabis Ballot Measures: Potential to Add 21 Million as Legal Consumers in the U.S.
by Martin Wahl (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) This is the first in a series of articles being prepared by Lee Enterprises Consulting experts addressing opportunities and concerns for the growing hemp and cannabis industries. Topics will include cultivation, feedstock management, project
October 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Submission by Solutions from the Land on Behalf of the North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance In Response to the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture
(Solutions from the Land) NACSAA 'Capstone Submission' Stresses CSA Is 'Foundational' to Global Agreement -- North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance has handed over its capstone submission into the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, the global platform for ag policy
October 23, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Forest Service Now Accepting Applications for Grant Programs Supporting Innovation in Wood Products and Wood Energy DEADLINES: January 20 and February 3, 2021
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) The USDA Forest Service announced it is now accepting applications for approximately $10 million in funding through the 2021 Wood Innovations Grant and the 2021 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Grant. These grants
October 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Trade, Biofuels and the Environment: Key Agriculture Issues in U.S. Election
by P.J. Huffstutter, Karl Plume and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump enjoys broad support among farmers, but some are unhappy about the impact of his trade and biofuel policies on crop prices and international demand for U.S. agricultural products.
October 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Invests Up to $100 Million to Increase American Biofuel Sales
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales. These funds
October 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Winners of the 2020 Algae Industry Awards & 2020 Young Algae Researcher Awards
(Algae Biomass Organization) ...ABO also announced at the Summit the 2020 Algae Industry Awards, presented to companies and individuals that have made extraordinary contributions to the science and business of algae. Additionally, six student scientists were presented with this year’s Young
October 08, 2020 Read Full Article
The Great Success of the Virtual 2020 Algae Biomass Summit
(Algae Biomass Organization) The virtual Algae Biomass Summit concluded last week, and the most significant takeaway was that the new online format provided a more dynamic collaboration than ever before, and with larger group of participants spread across the globe. Speakers, poster presenters,
October 08, 2020 Read Full Article
'Iowa's Good:' Ernst, Naig Talk Biofuel Advancements
y Lisa Grouette (Globe Gazette) At a press conference in Mason City on Wednesday, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig expressed enthusiasm over recently launched plans to advance biofuel infrastructure projects within the state. Ernst and
October 08, 2020 Read Full Article
ISU: USDA Grant to Fund Anaerobic Digestion Research
(Illinois State University/Biomass Magazine) David Kopsell, professor of horticulture at Illinois State University, and LC (Liangcheng) Yang, assistant professor of environmental health at ISU, have received a two-year, nearly $150,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The purpose of
October 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Sonny Perdue Fuels Ethics Scrutiny as Trump’s Rural Envoy
by Ryan McCrimmon (Politico) The agriculture secretary has kept farmers in Trump’s corner, but Democrats claim he crosses the line between public duties and political promotion. -- Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue offered a spirited pitch for voters to reelect President Donald
October 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Signs Government Funding Bill Including CCC Replenishment
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) ... President Trump signed a continuing resolution funding the government after returning from campaign stops in Minnesota, about an hour after Washington officially ran out of money. Farm Bureau economist John Newton tells Brownfield the continuing
October 02, 2020 Read Full Article
CBP Issues Detention Order on Palm Oil Produced with Forced Labor in Malaysia
(U.S. Customs and Border Protection) Effective September 30 at all U.S. ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will detain palm oil and palm oil products made by FGV Holdings Berhad and its subsidiaries and joint ventures. CBP’s Office
October 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Report: Australia’s Biofuel Consumption to Remain Minimal in 2020
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The production and consumption of liquid biofuels in Australia is expected to remain minimal in 2020, according to a report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network. The report predicts ethanol
September 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Secretary Perdue Says Congress Must Approve Ethanol Aid
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Despite estimates that ethanol producers could lose up to $8 billion this year, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says he has no authority to make payments to plants through the Commodity Credit Corporation under the latest round
September 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Interview: China to Keep Ethanol Program Steady, National Blend Rate Seen at 4%: US Grains Council
by Rohan Somwanshi, Shikha Singh and Mugunthan Kesavan (S&P Global Platts) US corn sales to China shows insufficient domestic supply; US ethanol output blip will not impact DDGS exports to Southeast Asia; Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand to stay top buyers of US DDGS China is
September 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Powerful Pennycress: Dr. Sedbrook’s Research Team Is Transforming a Weed into a Crop
(Illinois State University) Though farmers consider pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) nothing more than a weed, Illinois State Professor of Genetics Dr. John Sedbrook is working to change their perspective—and the plant itself. Sedbrook and his student researchers in the School of
September 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Biomass Pretreatment Innovations: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Forest Concepts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At ABLC Digital in July, Jim Dooley, Chief Technology Officer at Forest Concepts shared this illuminating presentation on the latest innovations in biomass pretreatments, how they maximize flowability, their crumbler solutions that can handle any
September 29, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Solicits Applications for Loan Guarantee Program DEADLINE April 1, 2021
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA is soliciting applications for two different cycles of the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. The first cycle closes Oct. 1, while the second is open through April 1, 2021. The
September 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Switching to Switchgrass – Will DOE and USDA Funding Turn Switchgrass into a Rockstar Biofuel Feedstock?
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) ... So as we look for better biofuel feedstocks, we look at switchgrass because of new U.S. Department of Energy AND U.S. Department of Agriculture funding to study it for biofuels. Could it be
September 28, 2020 Read Full Article
New Biochar Learning Center (BLC)
by Kelpie Wilson (US Biochar Initiative Newsletter) Biochar stories and research are found online everywhere now. That’s great, but how can you determine which information is most current and credible? Providing you with reliable answers is the goal of USBI’s new Biochar
September 23, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Applications to Expand the Production of Advanced Biofuel in Rural America
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, to expand the production of advanced biofuel by
September 23, 2020 Read Full Article
ACE Helps Retailers Determine E15 Compatibility by Launching "Flex Check" Tool
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol’s fuel-marketer focused Flex Fuel Forward website releases tool for fuel retailers to see how E15-compatible their station is right now. -- The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) today launched a tool on
September 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Administration Eyes at Least $300 Million Aid to Refiners Denied Biofuel Waivers: Sources
by Stephanie Kelly, Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration is considering at least $300 million in cash aid to U.S. oil refiners that are denied exemptions to U.S. biofuel blending laws for the 2019 compliance year, two sources familiar with
September 17, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Input on ‘Ready-to-Go’ Tech and Practices for Agriculture Innovation Agenda DEADLINE: November 9, 2020
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) United States Department of Agriculture is on a quest for public- and private-sector input on the most innovative technologies and practices that can be readily deployed across U.S. agriculture, making this a very broad opportunity
September 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Considers Cash Aid for Refineries Denied Biofuel Waivers
by Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Trump administration officials are developing a plan to offset the potential economic damage of denying dozens of refineries waivers from biofuel-usage mandates: giving them financial aid. The approach is actively being discussed by top Environmental Protection Agency officials
September 12, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Nominations for the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue yesterday announced the invitation for nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for a two-year term on USDA’s Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality Research. The Task Force advises
September 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Annual Report: Brazil
(U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service) Brazil's commitment to ethanol and biodiesel despite this year's market uncertainties is one focus of the "Brazil: Biofuels Annual" report released earlier this month by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The report also
September 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Expanding Access to Higher Blends through Pump Infrastructure
(National Corn Growers Association) Building out the infrastructure needed for future mid-level blends of ethanol continues to be a priority of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Over the past three-years, NCGA and state partners have worked with Wayne Fueling Systems to produce
September 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Council Discusses How to Boost Demand for U.S. Ethanol in Asia
(U.S. Grains Council) A boom in demand for hand sanitizer in South Korea since the outbreak of COVID-19 is no shocker, but the related jump in U.S. ethanol imports to the country to meet that need may be more surprising. Even
September 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Report Addresses Impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s Biofuel Industry
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted ethanol and biodiesel producers in Canada. According to the report, a biodiesel plant
September 04, 2020 Read Full Article
SUNY ESF Receives USDA Grant: Biomass Products Will Reinvigorate Abandoned Land
(SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry) SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), as a member of a mid-Atlantic consortium, has received $630,000 over five years from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop biomass systems and
September 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Grassley Urges More USDA Involvement in Biofuels Industry
(KMA Land) A key U.S. Senator says Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue should act to help the pandemic-damaged biofuels industry, despite Perdue’s disputed claim he lacks authority without Congress to do so. Senate Finance Chair Chuck Grassley says he’s personally urged Secretary Perdue
September 04, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Implements OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Produce Magazine) The USDA on Aug. 31 announced the implementation of the agency’s OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative and released new information on rates and terms that will help lenders apply for loan guarantees to support rural businesses,
September 01, 2020 Read Full Article
EC Launches Public Consultation on Potential Revision of REDII DEADLINE: September 21, 2020
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The European Commission in August launched a public consultation on the potential revision of the 2018 Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) to better align the policy with the European Union’s new Green Deal and its goal of
September 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Moves to Open up Drilling in National Forests
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) ... Under draft rules to be published Tuesday, the U.S. Forest Service would be limited in its ability to conduct environmental reviews of drilling projects while oil and gas companies would not be required to
September 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Study Predicts Climate Benefits Stemming from the Use of Advanced Biofuels
(AZO CleanTech/Colorado State University) Biofuel and bioenergy systems are integral to scenarios for displacing fossil fuel use and producing negative emissions through carbon capture and storage. But the net greenhouse gas mitigation benefit of these systems has been controversial, due to
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Show Real Promise for Replacing Some Fossil Fuels
(Colorado State University/Science Daily) A new study predicted significant climate benefits stemming from the use of advanced biofuel technologies. -- Biofuel and bioenergy systems are integral to scenarios for displacing fossil fuel use and producing negative emissions through carbon capture and
August 26, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Hosts Stakeholder Forum for Discussion and Feedback on AIA
(Bergeson & Campbell) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held a forum on its Agriculture Innovation Agenda (AIA) on August 16, 2020. The forum focused on science-informed policies and programs from government agencies with the shared aim of supporting environmentalism
August 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Captain Canola – Yield10 Biosciences One Step Closer to Canola Feedstock Superhero
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) News just in from Yield10 Bioscience, Inc., a Massachusetts-based agricultural bioscience company, that they have obtained a positive response from USDA-APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) for its CRISPR genome-edited trait C3007 in canola plant lines
August 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel's Uphill Battle for More Coronavirus Relief
(RFD TV) ... The head of the Renewable Fuels Association, Geoff Cooper, says that ... USDA Secretary Perdue has made his position clear on using unspent CCC money for pandemic-crippled biorefineries. "Secretary Perdue has said pretty bluntly, 'look unless Congress
August 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Biogenic Emissions: Credit Where It’s Due
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The push to alter biogenic emissions regulations could boost corn farming and ethanol production while cementing the role of biobased solutions in the fight against climate change. Political inertia, however, remains the primary barrier
August 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Mustard Family Member Seen as Biofuel Source
(Canton Daily Ledger/US Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service) Lesquerella (a.k.a. Fendler’s bladderpod and Yellow Top) is a member of the mustard family that’s native to the U.S. Southwest. But Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are now eyeing it as a
August 14, 2020 Read Full Article
China’s Ethanol Demand Evaporates on COVID-19
(Agri-Pulse Daybreak) China is one of the biggest potential markets for U.S. ethanol, but the country has – at least for now – given up on the idea of increasing its usage of the fuel to reduce air pollution. Chinese ethanol consumption
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Axne: Fossil Fuel Companies Shouldn’t Receive Covid Relief Funds
(KMA Land/Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network) ... During a virtual forum with the Iowa Farmers Union on Wednesday, Third District Congresswoman Cindy Axne was asked whether fossil fuel companies should be eligible for pandemic relief funds. “Listen, my personal belief is no,” Axne
August 08, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Provides USDA a Roadmap to Renewable Fuel Growth
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association this week responded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s request for comment on its Agriculture Innovation Agenda (AIA). Regarding renewable fuels, the agenda calls for Increased biofuel feedstock production and biofuel production efficiency and competitiveness to
August 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Farmers, Researchers Agree: COVID-19, Climate Change Revealed Holes in Agriculture System
by Sarah Spicer (Wichita Eagle) To preserve the environment, mitigate climate change and stabilize the U.S. food system, Midwest farmers should diversify their crops and move away from raising corn and soybeans, researchers say. The current crop system, which was founded after
July 29, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Biofuel Industry May Depend on Agriculture Secretary Perdue for Aid, Senator Says
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. biofuel industry may have to depend on Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for aid, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Tuesday, after Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package without specific appropriations for the
July 29, 2020 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Emily Skor
“Incorporating biofuels into our nation’s fuel supply has been one of our most successful energy policies to date, benefitting both the environment and the consumer,” wrote Emily Skor in Growth Energy's comments submitted to US Department of Agriculture. “With many
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Champions Biofuels in Comments to USDA
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On July 24, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted comments to the USDA in response to a request for input on the agency’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda, a new initiative to promote conservation and boost productivity in American agriculture. In her comments, Skor
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Funds Available to Fuel Retailers to Offer Higher Blends of Ethanol
by Eric Pfeiffer (Hoosier Ag Today) ... Indiana Corn Marketing Council is trying to help with ethanol demand by talking to fuel retailers about adding Unleaded 88 or E85 to their offerings. Helena Jette, director of biofuels for ICMC, says they offer
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Feedback to Launch Program to Create High-Wage Jobs in Rural Communities and Strengthen Regional Economies
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking feedback to launch a new program to help create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies. Under the
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Harnessing Biomass, Manure to Fuel Farms through Multi-institutional Project
(Penn State News) Transdisciplinary research team aims to create new value chains on U.S. farms, with emphasis on the generation of renewable natural gas, improved rural economic outcomes and protection of the environment. -- A new federal grant will allow a
July 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Senators Press USDA for Biofuel Infrastructure Grant Flexibility
(Kansas Ag Connection/US AgNet) U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to allow businesses that have received grants under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to use
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Algae’s State of Play: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to ABO’s Algae Industry Updates
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What companies are investing and working in algae today? What about algae’s biomass production? The big players and partner industries? Initiatives for growing the algae industry? How does the 2018 farm bill dramatically expand support for
July 16, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Issues Rule to Streamline 4 Loan Guarantee Programs Comments DEADLINE: September 14, 2020
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The USDA on July 13 issued a final rule that aims to increase private investment in rural communities by making it easier for lenders to access four guaranteed loan programs, including the Rural Energy for
July 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Bustos Secures Agriculture Wins for Rural America in $152 Billion Appropriations Bill
(Office of Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL)) Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) helped pass a comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development funding bill out of the powerful House Appropriations Committee that would deliver more than $152 billion in agriculture and rural support. “Democrats are building up
July 13, 2020 Read Full Article
ACE Launches Video Series on USDA HBIIP
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has launched a series of short fuel marketer-focused videos, along with a broader digital advertising campaign, to help fuel retailers understand and navigate the application process for USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The
July 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Potential Feedstocks, Biofuel Markets, Corn and Cellulosic Ethanol: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Increasing Feedstock Production for Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)The Biomass Research and Development Board published a report that looks at how to address the constraints surrounding availability of biomass feedstocks for biofuels. Four questions guide the analysis: What feedstocks and at what price? What
July 03, 2020 Read Full Article
OPINION: HBIIP: Past the Halfway Point, What Have We Learned?
by Cassie Mullen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Believe it or not, we’re already at the halfway point in the 90-day application window for the USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or “HBIIP.” Fittingly, this seemed like a good time to
July 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Missouri Soybean Farmers Offer Matching Funds for Biodiesel Infrastructure Development
(Missouri Soybean Association) Applicants may receive up to 25 percent of the required cash match for federal funding. -- Missouri soybean farmers are investing in the future for soy in Missouri through biodiesel with a new infrastructure grant program. A
July 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Proposal Aims to Add Flexibility to Japan’s Ethanol Target
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Japanese government has opened a public comment period on a proposal that will affect Japan’s policy on transportation biofuels by increasing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission value for gasoline and expanding the list of
June 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Caucus Town Hall Talks Ethanol Issues
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Members of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus held a virtual town hall Wednesday to discuss the challenges currently facing the ethanol industry and what can be done to help. Participating in the meeting were caucus members including Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN),
June 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Solutions from the Land's Letter to Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis
(Solutions from the Land) In response to a call for input from the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis for input on tools, programs, and support useful to address the impacts of severe weather and climate change on
June 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Weed Wizard: Professor Alters Plant Genes to Create Wonder Crop
by Rachel Hatch (Illinois State University News) ... An ISU professor of genetics, (John) Sedbrook is devoted to integrated plant biology and bioenergy, meaning his research focuses on bringing out positive genetic traits in plants. “We’re making mutations that are
June 15, 2020 Read Full Article
The Standoff for E30
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy may be just a block or two apart on Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C., but they are miles apart on their long-term outlook for ethanol. Seemingly
June 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Identifies Omissions in EPA Report
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy today said the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new “anti-backsliding” report on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) side-steps the wide body of evidence supporting a clear scientific consensus around the clean air benefits of homegrown ethanol. The study, required
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Gasoline, Ethanol Prices Equal Again, Signaling Return To Work Is Imminent
by Sal Gilbertie (Forbes) The relationship between gasoline and ethanol returns towards normal as huge unemployment decline foretells of a back to work, commuter driven increase in gasoline demand Gasoline prices are sending a clear signal that workers will return
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Vietnam Reduces Ethanol Tariff Rate
(Feed & Grain/U.S. Grains Council) 5% point reduction on import tariffs is expected to create opportunities for increased ethanol trade -- A five-percent point reduction on import tariffs for ethanol is expected to create opportunities for increased ethanol trade with Vietnam.
June 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Missouri Biofuel Entities Now Eligible for $200,000 Grant
(Missouri Department of Agriculture) Today (June 4, 2020), the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) announced the creation of the Biofuel Infrastructure Program (BIP) to increase the availability of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel in the Show-Me State. MASBDA
June 05, 2020 Read Full Article
In Rare Bipartisan Bill, U.S. Senators Tackle Climate Change via Agriculture
by Valerie Volcovici (Reuters/Yahoo!) U.S. senators on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill that would direct the Agriculture Department to help farmers, ranchers and landowners use carbon dioxide-absorbing practices to generate carbon credits, a rare collaboration on climate change. The proposed Growing Climate
June 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Month Spotlights Benefits of Homegrown Fuel Options
(KRVN/Nebraska Rural Radio Association) May is typically the kick-off to the summer driving season and has historically been a time Nebraska’s renewable fuels industries have come together to highlight the importance of clean-burning biofuel options. However, due to COVID-19 concerns, Renewable
June 03, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Launches B&I CARES Act Loan Guarantee Program
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA announced on May 22 it is making available up to $1 billion in loan guarantees to help rural businesses meet working capital needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biofuel producers who meet eligibility requirements
June 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Ethanol Industry Groups Disappointed in EPA Emissions Study
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA's release of a so-called "anti-backsliding" study on Friday that calls for no further action to mitigate potential adverse air quality effects from renewable fuels, was met with disappointment by two ethanol industry interest groups. The
June 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Removes Ethanol Ban, Recognizes Octane Benefits Of Ethanol
(U.S. Grains Council) U.S. ethanol can now enter the Indonesian market by way of pre-blended fuel, following the recent removal of a ban on pre-blended product entering the country. This change creates a potential market of more than 200 million gallons
June 01, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Releases Update AgSTAR’s AD Project Development Handbook
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced the release of the third edition of AgSTAR’s Anaerobic Digester Project Development Handbook, which includes a compilation of the latest knowledge in the industry on best practices for anaerobic digestion and
May 28, 2020 Read Full Article
3 Things that Need to Happen for Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Take Off
by Lloyd Ritter (Green Capitol LLC/Biofuels Digest) A timely new report came out recently on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), “Ready for Takeoff: Aviation Biofuels Past, Present, and Future,” written by the Atlantic Council (herein AC). The key takeaways are three-fold. First, aviation
May 26, 2020 Read Full Article
BD Zones and BDO Zones: Weaponizing Biomass to Support a Bio-Fueled Economic Recovery
by Jordan Solomon (Ecostrat Inc./Biofuels Digest) The US has over a billion tons of biomass which can be used as a key lever to drive economic recovery. USDA estimates that 3.4 million jobs and nearly $660 billion of economic benefits
May 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Backers' Zoom Fly-In
by Ryan McCrimmon (Politico's Morning Agriculture) Growth Energy, which represents ethanol producers and supporters, is hosting its first “virtual fly-in” this week to press Midwestern lawmakers on their coronavirus relief efforts, along with trade barriers and other biofuel issues, starting
May 20, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINARS: Spotlight Retailer Infrastructure Grants -- Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP --- May 22 and 28, 2020
![](https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/uploads/old/National-Ethanol-Conference-RFA-Logo-cropped.png)
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Renewable Fuels Association will host two webinars this month to help fuel retailers and others understand the new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP. “U.S. ethanol producers today are facing the
May 19, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Issues Rule to Help Expand Production of Renewable Chemicals and Biobased Products
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has published a final rule to expand the production of renewable chemicals and biobased manufactured products. The rule, for the first
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINARS: DigestConnect --- various dates
(Biofuels Digest) DigestConnect is a weekly online get-together for the bioeconomy, featuring trendsetters and online commentary by real leaders on the real issues. DigestConnect #9 is here. Today we are joined by Joanne Ivancic with Advanced Biofuels USA, Graham Noyes of
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Leading with Soil: Scaling Soil Carbon Storage in Agriculture
(Carbon 180) Soil carbon storage offers significant economic and environmental opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Agricultural practices that store carbon in the soil can help fight climate change at a low cost. Those same practices can also improve overall soil
May 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Groups Ask Congress to Address GHG Emissions from Annual Crops
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biogenic CO2 Coalition sent a letter to Capitol Hill on May 11 asking lawmakers to direct the U.S. EPA to promptly publish a rule that states neither agricultural biomass nor woody biomass contribute to
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Groups Ask Congress to Provide COVID-19 Relief for Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 11 ag and biofuel groups sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on May 11 asking congress to provide COVID-19 relief for ethanol and biodiesel
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Ernst, Grassley, Bipartisan Senators Reject Legality of Waiving the RFS, Call on Administration to Protect Biofuels
(Office of Senator Joni Ernst) Ernst and her colleagues write, “We urge you to direct the EPA to reject all calls to waive the RFS. The RFS is more important now than ever as farmers, the biofuel sector, and rural
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Resources for R&D, Pre-Commercial/Demo, Commercial Phases: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Federal Programs Supporting the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the DigestConnect webinar last week, check out the slide guides from Bill Hagy’s presentation on what federal programs and resources are available for biofuels, biopower, biochemicals and biobased products throughout all stage