by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) : The Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy organization argued in a new report that funding research and development would provide an immediate economic and jobs stimulus while setting up a more sustainable long-term economy that reduces
economic policy
Back TO HOMETrump 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
Update 2-Indonesia to Revamp Palm Oil Levy to Support Biodiesel Programme
(Reuters) Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, plans to revise its palm oil export levy rules to allow higher collection when prices increase, a senior cabinet minister told Reuters, as part of moves to underpin an ambitious biodiesel programme. Since
September 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Gadkari Asks Automakers to Build Flex-Engines to Promote Alternative Fuel
(Business Standard) Alternative fuel like ethanol, methanol, bio diesel, electric and bio CNG besides LNG were the fuel for future and should be promoted, he said and added a roadmap was being readied for fuel policy -- Promising all support to
September 08, 2020 Read Full Article
In COVID-19 World, Biobased Industries Key to Rebuilding a Strong, Sustainable Economy
by Matt Lipscomb (DMC Bio/Biofuels Digest) ... One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the realization of the fragility of current global supply chains. As consumers and companies begin to value supply chain stability and robustness in addition
September 08, 2020 Read Full Article
United Kingdom: New Pilot Supports Biogas as Vehicle Fuel in Cornwall
(Cornwall Council/NGV Journal) Cornwall Council is combining ambitious plans to introduce renewable fuel sources for its vehicle fleet with a ground-breaking scheme to boost the future of farming and create more green jobs for residents. Together with Cormac, which looks after its fleet, the authority has joined forces with six of its Cornwall Council Farms estate-owned
September 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Expert View: The Future Is in Our Hands – Recognising the True Potential of Next Generation Carbon Capture Technology
by Gert-Jan Gruter (Avantium/BioMarket Insights) ... While CCS removes atmospheric CO2, it goes no further in creating a more sustainable way of life. To create a truly circular economy, we need to find a way to utilise these emissions as a
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
The Case for Climate Action: Building a Clean Economy for the American People
(Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis) ... In the near term, we must continue to significantly grow solar and wind energy, energy storage, and electric vehicles while conducting more research into new technologies, advanced biofuels, and smaller and
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Records Growing Demand in Rural Areas of DK
by Deepthi Sanjiv (Times of India) There is a growing demand for renewable automotive fuel in Puttur and Bantwal taluks of Dakshina Kannada district. Recently, Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari called for switching to bio-fuels, CNG,
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Iowa Biodiesel Board Welcomes Producer Relief, Grant Opportunities for Retail Biodiesel Sales
(Iowa Biodiesel Board) Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced today that the state will dedicate more than $15 million of funding for Iowa renewable fuels producers as part of the pandemic economic recovery effort. “Virtually every industry has felt the negative economic impact
August 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Digest Published Library of Recorded Presentations on Multitude of Bioeconomy Topics
(Biofuels Digest) Recorded presentations for your on-demand review and enjoyment. Just Pick and Click! On BioChannelTV RENEWABLE DIESEL & DME Saola Energy - Adam Belyamani Axens- David Schwalje Oberon - Rebecca Boudreaux Honeywell UOP-Dan Szeezil NextChem-Valerio Coppini Velocys - Jeff McDaniel ENGINE TECH What if everything with a
August 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Can Iowa Farmers Survive without Ethanol? Can Trump Survive without Iowa Farmers?
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register/Ames Tribune) ... "I've sat in front of the president, and he does look you in the eye, and he does listen to you," (Bill) Couser said, adding, "It just makes you wonder what happens after
August 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Iowa Farm Bureau Statement on CARES Act Funding for Agricultural Relief
(Iowa Farm Bureau) ... “The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) applauds Gov. Kim Reynolds’ assistance and focus on agriculture with the CARES Act funding,” said Craig Hill, a Warren County crop and livestock farmer and IFBF president. “This has been
August 26, 2020 Read Full Article
With Colombia and Argentina as a Base, Experts Highlight Potential of Biodiesel in Latin America and the Caribbean
(Clarin (Google translation)) Jens Mesa Dishington, executive president of Fedepalma and Luis María Zubizarreta, president of Acsoja and Carbio, called for the promotion of biodiesel production in the region. -- In a forum organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation
August 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Follow the Money: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Industrial Bioeconomy Revolution
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Will Canada transform? Or stand on the sidelines?That’s the question asked by Jeff Passmore, CEO of Passmore Group who shared this illuminating “Follow the Money” slide guide that asks how tenable is fossil fuel’s future?
August 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Ubrabio’s Biodiesel Week Discussed the Production, Regulation and Trade of Biodiesel and Biojet
by Helton Chaves* (Federal University of Goiás/Advanced Biofuels USA) The Brazilian Union of Biodiesel and Biojetfuel (Ubrabio) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation held between August 10th and 14th the first Biodiesel Week, an event promoting the International Biodiesel Day,
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Democrats Turn to Rural Issues: Rural, Midwest Democrats Promote Infrastructure and Divergent Strategy From Trump Years
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Democratic leaders put a heavy emphasis on rural broadband and health care while criticizing the Trump administration and President Trump directly on trade, biofuels, climate change and the pandemic response. A western Pennsylvania soybean and hay
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate GOP Mulls Skinny Aid Package without Ag Funding
by Philip Basher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Republicans are circulating a trimmed down coronavirus aid package that leaves out additional aid for farmers as well as the $1,200-per-person stimulus checks included in their earlier, $1 trillion HEALS Act. The new proposal includes business
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Mulls Palm Oil Levies Increase to Support Biodiesel Plans
(Today/Reuters) Indonesia may further increase palm oil export levies in future to support its ambitious biodiesel programme as the price of crude oil is expected to remain weak next year, a senior Finance Ministry official said on Wednesday. Indonesia collects levies from
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
UN Investors Group Looks for U.S. Action on Climate
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) INVESTORS LOOK FOR U.S. CLIMATE ACTION: Principles for Responsible Investment — a U.N.-backed coalition of investors managing nearly $100 trillion in assets — wants Congress and U.S. regulators to take more aggressive action to prevent climate
August 19, 2020 Read Full Article
US Fuel-Makers Could Face 'Irreparable' Damage from Demand Collapse and the Move to Green Policy
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) ... “Thankfully, I am not invested in refineries,” said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at IHS Markit and founder of Oil Price Information Service. “They are having a pretty miserable year. They don't
August 19, 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
U.S. Fossil Fuel Sector Has Come Out Far Ahead of Renewables in Pandemic Relief, Recent Policies
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) Energy Policy Tracker: Since March, U.S. has devoted more to its fossil fuel sector than any other G-20 country -- At least $71.6 billion in federal funds has been allocated directly or indirectly to
August 18, 2020 Read Full Article
DFL Leader Responds to President Trump’s Mankato Visit
by CJ Baumgartner (FOX 21 Local News) ... One DFL senator has criticism on the president’s policies toward farmers. Assistant Minnesota Senate Minority Leader and District 19 Senator Nick Frentz says he’s glad to have any president come to the area
August 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Centre Sets Target of 362 Crore Litres of Ethanol for Sugar Mills in 2020-21
by Nanda Kasabe (MSN/Financial Express) The ministry of consumer affairs, food & public distribution has directed all sugar-producing states to ensure that 85% of the installed ethanol production capacity is used by the mills, as there are still huge sugarcane price
August 18, 2020 Read Full Article
DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a National Network of Progressive State and Local Elected Officials, Unveiled Its Own Climate Policy Agenda
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) DEALing in: The NewDEAL, a national network of progressive state and local elected officials, unveiled its own climate policy agenda this morning. The report focuses on how state and local officials can reduce emissions and
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
Ethanol Production Profits during the COVID Pandemic
by Scott Irwin (FarmDocDaily) ... Some have estimated in the losses in the billions (Neely, 2020b), but this has been disputed by others (Glauber, 2020). The purpose of this article is to estimate the production profits of ethanol plants before
August 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Govt Looks at Mixing Biogas with Natural Gas
(PTI/Yahoo! Finance) The government is looking at blending biogas with natural gas to boost domestic availability of biofuels and cut reliance on imports, Oil Secretary Tarun Kapoor said on Monday. 'The gas distribution sector is expanding fast and some percentage has to
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuture Platform Launches Five Principles for Post-COVID Bioeconomy Recovery and Acceleration
(Biofuture Platform) Principles have been designed to help economies create jobs in a sector severely hit by the crisis -- The Biofuture Platform, a twenty-country, multi-stakeholder initiative, announced today the launch of a set of voluntary principles. These are intended to
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Biden Finding Support in Rural America
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) Handling of trade and biofuels could be important issues in run for White House. ... Farmers have overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump over the last four years, but it is voters in the Midwest swing states
August 08, 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
Peterson Working to Make Sure HEROES Act Ag Provisions Make It in Final Bill
by Mark Dorenkamp (Browfield Ag News) House Ag Committee chairman Collin Peterson says he and his colleagues are working to make sure ag provisions included in the HEROES Act are put in the next round of coronavirus relief. “Currently being negotiated
August 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Pertamina to Scale up Renewable Diesel Production in Indonesia
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Following a successful production trial of 100 percent renewable diesel (RD100), Indonesia’s state-owned oil company Pertamina is ready to scale up its investments in renewable diesel, biobased jet fuel and green gasoline. Pertamina concluded a production trial
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Climate Crisis Staff Report Aims to Build Back a Cleaner, More Resilient Aviation Sector
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 30, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its staff report, Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just
August 05, 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
Senate GOP Unveils Coronavirus Relief Package with $20B in Ag Aid
by Philip Basher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Republicans unveiled a coronavirus relief package Monday that would give the Agriculture Department broad authority to spend an additional $20 billion to compensate agricultural producers and processors for the impact of the pandemic. The money would augment
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Letter to the Advanced Bioeconomy: Advance off the Beach
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There was always going to be a point when the advanced bioeconomy reached the end of the “R&D years” and transitioned into “the years of deployment”, and if you read the Biden plan here or the latest pushback from
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Letter: 'It Should Have Never Happened'
by Orrie Swayze (Aberdeen News) ... A similar "it should never have happened" that unnecessarily kills or maims millions costing trillions of dollars today was the move from Ford's Model Ts ethanol fuel to the forbidden fruit or Rockefeller's "cheap
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Applications Being Accepted for Ethanol Blender Pumps
by Dave Strang (KNEB) The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is taking applications for a new grant program designed to encourage the installation of ethanol blender pumps across Nebraska. Expanding motorists’ access to higher blends of ethanol will increase usage
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Washington Week Ahead: Senate GOP Set to Unveil Pandemic Aid Plan
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) ... Republicans had hoped to release their plan last Thursday, but (Senate Majority Leader Mitch) McConnell (R-KY) announced instead that leaders of key committees would roll out portions of the plan, expected to cost about $1
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia to Test Palm Oil in 'Green' Jet Fuel by Year-End
by Bernadette Christian Munthe and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) ... The new jet fuel will be made in Pertamina’s existing facilities in Cilacap by “co-processing” crude oil with 3% refined, bleached and deodorised palm oil (RBDO), she said. Like Pertamina’s D100, Indonesia plans
July 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Factbox: How 'Green' Is the EU's Recovery Deal?
by Kate Abnett (Reuters/New York Times) European Union leaders clinched a deal on Tuesday for a huge stimulus package which the European Commission has said will make fighting climate change central to Europe's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Climate advocates said the
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Iowa Senators Hope to Include Biofuels Aid in Next Coronavirus Relief Package
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. lawmakers from Iowa are trying to add aid for the biofuels industry into a pending coronavirus relief package in the Senate, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley said on Friday. Grassley and his Iowa colleague, Senator Joni Ernst, hope
July 20, 2020 Read Full Article
New Nature Economy Report: The Future of Nature and Business
( World Economic Forum New Nature Economy Report) ... The World Economic Forum’s NNER series set out to highlight the materiality of nature loss for businesses, what transitions are needed to move towards a nature-positive economy and how businesses can
July 20, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Analysis: Ethanol Industry’s COVID-Related Economic Losses Already Top $3.4 Billion, Could Reach Nearly $9 Billion by 2021
(Renewable Fuels Association) The COVID-19 crisis has already led to more than $3.4 billion in lost revenues for the U.S. ethanol industry, according to an economic analysis released today by the Renewable Fuels Association. Based on the latest projections from the
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Produces Maiden Batch of Biodiesel Made of 100% Palm
by Wilda Asmarini and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) Indonesia’s state oil company PT Pertamina produced its first successful batch of biodiesel made up of 100% palm oil (D100) in its Dumai refinery last week and is set to produce 1,000 barrels per
July 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Letter From Europe: The 7 Priorities to De-Carbonize Now through Sustainable Biofuels, Rather than Waiting for Future Technologies
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The European bioenergy sector has issued a series of 7 recommendations relating to “setting the course for a future-proof biofuel sector”. Then timing relates to the German Federal Government’s six month presidency of the Council of
July 16, 2020 Read Full Article
G20 Nations Put $150B into Fossil Fuels
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) G20 nations — which account for 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions — have committed a total of at least $150 billion to support fossil fuels since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic,
July 15, 2020 Read Full Article
New Publication – Novel Regional and Landscape-Based Approaches to Govern Sustainability of Bioenergy and Biomaterials Supply Chains
(IEA Bioenergy) Novel regional and landscape governance approaches aim at addressing complex sustainability challenges by enhancing commitment and collaboration between multiple stakeholders and sectors to achieve common goals for a more sustainable production at larger geographical scales and across sectors, regardless
July 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump's Biofuel, Trade Policies Are the Worst
by David Kruse (The CommStock Report/Spencer Daily Reporter) President Donald Trump has had the worst biofuel and trade policies that I have ever seen and came with the most farm subsidies ever because of it. When elected I thought "well
July 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Wall Street Giants Plan More Active Role in Climate Fight
by Amy Harder (Axios) Four of America’s biggest banks are backing a new nonprofit initiative to leverage the financial sector toward achieving climate-change goals. Driving the news: The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is launching a center focused on climate that will be supported
July 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Elements of Bipartisan EICDA: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Energy Innovation & Carbon Dividend Act
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) You’ve heard of BioPreferred and Renewable Fuel Standard, but what about the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act? Find out all about EICDA in this slide guide from Business Climate Leaders that was shared at a
July 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Ad Urges Visiting Trump to ‘Tear down That (Blend)’ Wall’
by Mikkel Pates (Ag Week) Ethanol proponents try to make some political hay with President Donald Trump when he visits Rapid City. They ask that he “tear down that wall” of 10% ethanol blends, and allow ethanol to climb to
July 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Allocates US$195 Million Subsidy on Palm Biodiesel Producers over Smallholders
by Hans Nicholas Jong (Mongabay/EcoBusiness) Campaigners have blasted the move, noting that the fund is meant to empower small oil palm farmers and not subsidise the giant multinationals that produce biodiesel. -- ... The social and travel restrictions imposed in response
July 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Post-COVID Recovery: An Agenda for Resilience, Development and Equality
(The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)) Increased uptake of renewables, energy efficiency and related energy-transition measures represent far-sighted investment amid the crisis set off by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of short-term stimulus and recovery plans, the energy transition provides a
July 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Rebuilding Minnesota's Ethanol Industry
by Timothy J. Rudnicki (Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) ... That is why it is imperative for the Senate to include the financial aid package for the ethanol industry that was introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the next
July 01, 2020 Read Full Article
CSI’s 2040 Blueprint for Pacific Northwest: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Clean Materials from Waste
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This slide guide offers a vision and roadmap — a ‘blueprint’ — for the Pacific Northwest to transform its increasingly outdated solid waste management system by 2040, at a time when waste leaders are grappling with
June 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Our View: Politics: What Rural Areas Need from Legislators
(Mankato Free Press) ... Here’s what rural Minnesota does need: It needs clean water and subsidized wastewater systems. It needs good government that gets state and federal subsidies to provide a life that provides a solid base of services but few luxuries. It needs
June 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Goias State in Brazil Approves “When Filling Your Tank, Choose Ethanol” Policy
by André Luiz Cançado Motta* (Federal University of Goiás for Advanced Biofuels USA) The President of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Goiás, Deputy Lissauer Vieira (PSB, the Brazilian Socialist Party), approved, on June 18, at the Remote Ordinary Session, with 25
June 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Energy Transition in Times of Coronavirus: A Challenge and an Opportunity
by Pierroberto Folgiero (NextChem/Biofuels Digest) ... The challenge today is to plan an industrial recovery which must be rapid but durable at the same time and prepare the industry to reduce risks and economic losses deriving from pollution and climate changes, with their
June 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Greenfield: Wheeler Must Step Down Immediately
by Paul Deaton (Blog for Iowa) At a June 22 press conference U.S. Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield said since Joni Ernst hasn’t called for the resignation of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler over 52 new Renewable Fuel Standard
June 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Democrats Unveil $1.5 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) House Democrats unveiled a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan Thursday that calls for a huge increase in funding to repair roads and bridges while expanding broadband access in rural areas. Democrats described the bill as the biggest legislative
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
IEA Offers World Governments a Sustainable Recovery Plan to Boost Economic Growth, Create Millions of Jobs and Put Emissions into Structural Decline
(International Energy Agency) Based on analysis conducted in cooperation with the IMF, new IEA report outlines energy-focused policies and investments to move the world towards a cleaner and more resilient future -- The International Energy Agency is today presenting a
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Slip-up Reveals Chevron Ties to Architect of Climate Attack
by Corbin Hiar (E&E News) It was an audacious messaging campaign: White environmentalists are hurting black communities by pushing radical climate policies that would strip them of fossil fuel jobs. The email to journalists, sent by a public affairs firm at the
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
BBI JU Promotes Its Bio-Based Project Achievements via Launch of New Publication
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) ... BBI JU (Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking) has launched a new publication entitled ‘BBI JU: a high-impact initiative for green recovery of Europe’. The booklet highlights the environmental, socio-economic and technological impacts of the initiative supported
June 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel and Oil Seek Federal Help to Deal with Sharp Decline In Production and Prices
(RFD TV) ... Both the oil and ethanol sectors are asking the federal government to step in as each one sees a sharp decline in prices and production. Oil groups say that the pandemic pushed the industry over the edge,
June 18, 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
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
Thune Introduces Bill to Support Hand Sanitizer and Ethanol Production By Extending FDA Guidance
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation that would extend for two years The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency.” Extending
June 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Kebbi To Generate N388bn Revenues From Ethanol Production – Prof. Ka’oje
by Ibrahim Bello (The Herald) Prof. Muhammad Ka’oje, the Chairman, Kebbi State Standing Committee on Bio-Fuel, has said that the biofuel project will augment the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the tune of N338 billion annually. Ka’oje, a former Minister of
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Irish-Owned Ethanol Group Records 143% Rise in Profit in 2019
by Sylvester Phelan (AgriLand) Irish-owned ClonBio Group recorded a 143% increase in profit before tax in 2019, increasing from €39 million in 2018 to €95 million in 2019. Turnover in the period increased 26% to €361 million. The group’s primary asset is
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Continues to Seek COVID-19 Assistance
(Red River Farm Network) Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper says the U.S. ethanol industry is still a long way from normal operations. “We are beginning to climb out of the hole that COVID-19 put us in, but we’re still
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
44 Members of Congress Urge Trump to Deny RFS Waiver Requests
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of 44 members of Congress sent a letter to President Trump on June 8 urging him to deny requests filed with the U.S. EPA by several governors seeking a waiver of 2020 Renewable
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Ubrabio’s Webinar Launch of the Biocoalition in Brazil
by Ana Flávia Silva Paiva and Isabela Almeida Rodrigues* (Federal University of Goias/ Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology for Studies on the United States/ Advanced Biofuels USA) The Webinar, “Integration between biofuels: strategies to overcome the crisis,” held on
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
American Corn Growers Foundation Tells Farmers to Focus on Ethanol
by Robert Pore (Grand Island Independent) A Wilcox farmer and chairman of the American Corn Growers Foundation said farmers counting on corn exports “has always been a questionable strategy.” “Problematic U.S. trade policy, aimed at China, is attempting to protect
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
UP Govt to Amend Biofuel Policy to Augment State's Green Energy Resources
by Virendra Singh Rawat (Business Standard) The Uttar Pradesh government will promote the setting up of biofuel plants for augmenting the state's green energy resources. UP Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed officials to revisit the UP Biofuel Policy 2018 for effecting suitable amendments to boost the sector and
June 03, 2020 Read Full Article
What Does COVID-19 Economic Recovery Look Like? Can it be Green?
(Waste Advantage Magazine/Diesel Technology Forum) ... With Congressional passage of first and second economic rescue packages, attention now turns to national recovery and what measures can be taken that can restore jobs, jump start the economy and restore long term growth
June 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Implementation Agendas: 2018-2019 Update Compare and Contrast Transport Biofuels Policies
by Mahmood Ebadian, James D. McMillan, Jack (John) N. Saddler and Susan van Dyk (University of British Columbia, Canada/National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA/IEA Bioenergy) Global production and use of transport biofuels Global biofuels production has continued to increase over the last decade,
May 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Spain Approves Push for 100% Renewables, Bans All New Fossil Fuel Projects
(EnergyMarketPrice) The Spanish Government has approved an ambitious draft climate law which seeks, among other things, to reach net zero emissions “no later than 2050, in coherence with the scientific criteria and the demands of the citizens.” The draft climate law –
May 29, 2020 Read Full Article
European Commission Unveils €750bn Post-Covid Recovery Plan with Green Transition Initiatives
by Liz Gyekye (BioMarket Insights) “Investing in a more circular economy has the potential to create at least 700,000 new jobs by 2030 and help the EU to reduce its dependency on external suppliers and increase its resilience to global supply
May 28, 2020 Read Full Article
At Last, a Climate Policy Platform that Can Unite the Left: The Factions of the Democratic Coalition Have Come into Alignment on Climate Change.
by David Roberts (Vox) ... Robinson Meyer captured it well in a 2017 piece in the Atlantic: “Democrats Are Shockingly Unprepared to Fight Climate Change.” But something different has been happening lately, as groups across the left come together to hash
May 28, 2020 Read Full Article
BBI JU Launches 22 Projects to Support Green Recovery of Europe
(Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking) Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking: a €3.7 billion partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium -- The Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) has signed grant agreements with the projects selected for funding under the 2019 Call for
May 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Assam: NRL’s Bio Refinery Plant to Use 5 Lakh MT Bamboo as Raw Material Annually
(Northeast Now News) Sonowal lauds NRL authority for regularly making monthly payment to its workers to the tune of Rs. 1.20 cr during lockdown period -- The Bio Refinery Plant, which is being executed by the NRL, with a project cost of
May 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Government Launches New £40 Million Clean Growth Fund to sSupercharge Green Start-ups
(U.K. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP) Clean Growth Fund launched as a venture capital vehicle to accelerate early-stage green businesses. -- Government to contribute half of initial £40 million fund pot
May 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Oil Exec: It Would Be a Mistake for the US Government to Bail Us out
by Dan K. Eberhart (CNN Business Perspectives) ... President Trump indicated that some sort of financial bailout for the US oil industry -- and the millions of jobs it supports -- could be in the works. ... "We will never let the
May 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Oil Firms See Relief from Stimulus Tax Provision
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Oil and gas companies that have struggled for years under low crude prices are reaping hundreds of millions of dollars in tax refunds under a provision of the $2 trillion stimulus package passed by Congress
May 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Committee Passes Gardner Bills to Strengthen Cybersecurity and Bioeconomy
(Office of Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)) Today (May 20, 2020) the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed S. 3712 and S. 3734, two bipartisan bills cosponsored by U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and designed to strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity
May 22, 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
RFA Thanks Sens. Grassley, Klobuchar for Renewable Fuel Feedstock Reimbursement Act of 2020
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked Sens. Chuck Grassley and Amy Klobuchar for introducing bipartisan legislation to provide much needed emergency relief to ethanol producers hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new bill would reimburse renewable fuels producers for
May 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Australian Biofuels Industry Says COVID-19 Pandemic the Perfect Time to Review Energy Policy
by Goulburn Murray, Erin Somerville (ABC) The biofuels sector says the pandemic is an ideal time to review Australia's commitment to biofuels; Bioenergy Australia says a boost in domestic biofuel consumption could help create regional jobs; Australia's major biodiesel producer
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report 5-15-20
(Ag NewsWire) The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on the U.S. ethanol industry, slashing production by half and leading to the idling of scores of plants across rural America. But there are positive signs that demand is starting
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
'The Worst May Be behind Us': U.S. Ethanol Industry Says Inching Back from Collapse
Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. ethanol industry is showing some signs of recovery as government officials ease stay-at-home orders that depressed fuel demand, while a vote Friday in Congress could bring the industry one step closer to federal aid, industry
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Greenprint for Biomanufacturing and Sustainable Supply Chains: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Biostrategy 2020 in a Post-COVID World
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As biology ravages the global economy, we have a once-in-a-lifetime, trillion-dollar opportunity to help shape how biology will also rebuild it, reports Synbiobeta. We can redefine the economy, supply chains, and manufacturing at local, state, national,
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil Ethanol Lobby Pushes for Fuel Import Ban
(Argus Media) The ethanol lobby in Brazil's lower house of congress is proposing a bill to suspend imports of gasoline, diesel and ethanol for 90 days, after President Jair Bolsonaro rejected calls to raise the gasoline tax. The bill would effectively reduce gasoline
May 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Joni of Ernst Leads the Defense of the RFS
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Leading the defenses is Joan of Ernst, er, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa along with Tina Smith of Minnesota, Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. Two Republicans, two Democrats, now urging
May 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Evergreen Action Plan
by Sam Ricketts, Bracken Hendricks and Maggie Thomas (Medium) A National Mobilization to Defeat the Climate Crisis and Build a Just and Thriving Clean Energy Economy -- ... As we recover and rebuild from the economic collapse created by global pandemic,
May 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Weighing Subsidy Options to Support Biodiesel Programme
by Gayatri Suroyo, Tabita Diela, Bernadette Christina Munthe and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters) The Indonesian government is considering alternate plans to increase subsidies for the country’s ambitious biodiesel programme after crude oil prices tumbled, a finance ministry official said on Wednesday. A historic
May 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Help for Coronavirus-Stricken Biofuel Industry and Others is Needed Now!
(Solutions from the Land) ... Compared to the relief that is being considered for the oil industry, it is still a meager response. Changes made late last month by the Federal Reserve to a $600 billion loan program created to help small- and
May 13, 2020 Read Full Article
This Is Not the Green Stimulus You're Looking for
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) House Democrats unveiled a $3 trillion package on Tuesday to respond to the coronavirus crisis that they're planning to vote on at the end of the week. The 1,815-page measure is largely a messaging bill with
May 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Midwesterners Were Already Doubting Trump. Covid Could Seal His Political Fate
by Art Cullen (The Guardian/Storm Lake Times) ... “A lot of voters wanted to believe Trump – that out there in Washington it’s all BS, and that a savvy businessman could straighten it out,” (Drake) Custer said. It’s hard for many
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
European Bioeconomy Alliance Position on the EU Green Deal
(The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA)/Biofuels Digest) The ambitious European Commission strategy to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 has recently been set in motion as the European Green Deal. The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA),
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Hit by Oil Crash, Indonesia Set to Delay B40 Biodiesel, Stay with B30 for Now
by Bernadette Christina (Reuters) Indonesia is likely to delay plans to raise bio-content in palm oil-based biodiesel to 40%, and keep going with an already ambitious 30% content, a senior official said, amid speculation that low crude prices could force a government
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Electric Cooperatives Ask Congress to Provide Aid for Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Three dozen Midwestern electric cooperatives and rural electric associations send a letter to 20 federal lawmakers on May 7 asking Congress to provide much-needed economic relief for rural America, which continues to suffer from
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Don’t Lose Heart or Courage
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... I encourage us to consider something Winston Churchill said during World War II that has resonance now. “It would be foolish to disguise the gravity of the hour. It would be
May 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Using Damaged Grains to Make Ethanol: Oil Retailers Await Norms
by Richa Mishra, TV Jayan (The Hindu Business Line) Commitment to EBP scheme gives sugar industry confidence to set up distilleries -- To ensure that the country does not miss any opportunity to generate its own fuel and bring down import
May 07, 2020 Read Full Article
European Bioeconomy Alliance Position on the EU Green Deal
(The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA)/Biofuels Digest) The ambitious European Commission strategy to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 has recently been set in motion as the European Green Deal. The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA),
May 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Midwest Lawmakers: Biofuel Producers Need Relief Aid
(Nexstar Media Wire/Fox40) Midwest lawmakers say biofuel producers should be getting the same support and protection as oil companies. Coronavirus shutdowns have slashed the demand for gasoline, and while the White House is pledging to buy 75 million barrels of oil, ethanol
May 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Energy Transition to Be Shaped by World Response to COVID-19
by Allison Good, Taylor Kuykendall and Dan Testa (S&P Global) ... The coronavirus pandemic may accelerate a shift from fossil fuel spending to investments in renewable energy, but the pace of that transition depends heavily on how governments direct economic recovery
May 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Doubling Down on the Energy Transition Post Pandemic
by Tammy Klein (Future Fuels Strategies) ... According to a new IRENA study, accelerating investment in renewable energy would help tackle the climate crisis, provide a post COVID-19 stimulus and would in effect pay for itself. IRENA notes that investments
May 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil Agriculture Minister 'Frustrated' with Lack of Ethanol Supports
by Jake Spring and Nayara Figueiredo (Reuters) Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said on Thursday she was “frustrated” that measures to help the country’s ethanol and sugarcane sector have not been announced yet, after predicting supports would be unveiled last
May 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Poised to Offer Bridge Loans to Ailing Oil Companies
by Saleha Mohsin, Ari Natter and Jennifer A. Dlouhy (Bloomberg/RigZone) The Trump administration may announce as soon as Thursday a plan to offer loans to the ailing oil industry possibly in exchange for a financial stake, according to two people familiar
April 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Sector in Brazil Wants to Anticipate Mixing 13% Diesel to July 1st
(Explica) The biodiesel sector is pleading with the government to anticipate the mixture of 13% of biofuel to diesel by July 1, as a way to contribute to the development of the sector and stimulate the economy in the midst of
April 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Senators Call for Rural COVID-19 Task Force
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) U.S. Senators concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on rural America say what started out as a health crisis is quickly becoming a financial crisis as well. On a call with reporters Thursday, Senate Democratic Policy
April 24, 2020 Read Full Article
NACSAA Submits Livestock, Food Security Policy Recommendations to Global Negotiators
(North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance) The North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA), working in partnership with Solutions from the Land (SfL), filed today its latest Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture (KJWA) submissions to global climate negotiators. Farmer-led work groups formulated 35 recommendations
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Coronavirus Stimulus Money Will Be Wasted on Fossil Fuels
by David Roberts (Vox) Oil and gas companies were already facing structural problems before Covid-19 and are in long-term decline. -- ... I wrote about how shortsighted it is for Republicans (enabled by learned Democratic passivity) to reject aid for the
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
New RFA Analysis: Ethanol Industry Could See $10 Billion in Losses Due to COVID-19
(Renewable Fuels Association) As the COVID-19 pandemic and crude oil glut continue to ravage world fuel markets, U.S. ethanol sales in 2020 could fall by more than $10 billion and the industry’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) could drop by
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil Development Bank Says Money for Ethanol COVID-19 Support Depends on Consortium of Banks
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, EPBR reports that the Brazilian Development Bank, BNDES, does not have the resources to fulfill the financing line demanded by the ethanol sector to help with the Covid-19 impact of drastic price and demand drops
April 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Left Out of USDA Aid Plan
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) U.S. ethanol producers struggling with the largest downturn in the history of the industry were disappointed to hear that the new $19 billion USDA aid program will provide no direct help for them. “While we appreciate that USDA’s new program
April 20, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Weighs Lifting Ethanol Requirements for Oil Refiners
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is weighing whether to let oil refineries skip on adding ethanol to their fuels, a move being requested by governors in oil-rich states who say the industry can’t afford the expense of
April 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Researchers Model Spatial and Temporal Consequences of Increased Woody Biomass Use on the Global Forest Ecosystem
(University of Maine) Incentivizing both sequestration and avoidance of emissions— using a carbon rental or carbon tax and subsidy approach — versus only a carbon tax encourages protection of natural forests by valuing the standing stock, according to a new study
April 17, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Prepares Aid Package: Perdue Says Aid Coming 'Very Soon' as Groups Highlight Struggles for Industries Such as Ethanol
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... Regarding ethanol, (Agriculture Secretary Sonny) Perdue talked about helping the export market, but he did not talk about providing direct aid to ethanol. On a webinar Wednesday with a Democratic-leaning group, "Focus on Rural,"
April 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Coronavirus Spurs New Clash between Big Oil and Big Corn over U.S. Biofuels
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... The oil refining industry and its backers have asked the Trump administration to help the industry weather the pandemic by reducing a regulatory requirement that they blend billions of gallons of corn-based ethanol into their gasoline
April 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Malaysia to Delay Start of B20 Biodiesel Mandate Due to Virus Curbs
by Mei Mei Chu (Reuters) Malaysia’s Commodities Ministry has asked companies to delay the nationwide implementation of the B20 biodiesel mandate as the country grapples with the coronavirus outbreak, according to an official letter reviewed by Reuters on Thursday. The mandate for
April 16, 2020 Read Full Article
States Ask EPA for Nationwide Biofuel Waiver to Help Oil Refiners Weather Coronavirus
by Laura Sanicola (Reuters) The governors of five U.S. states have asked the Trump administration for a nationwide waiver exempting the oil-refining industry from the nation’s biofuel laws to help it survive a demand meltdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, according
April 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Neste Joins the European Alliance for a Green Recovery
(Neste) Neste has joined an alliance of cross-party political decision-makers, businesses, NGOs and other stakeholders in a call for a Green Recovery after the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis in Europe. The alliance places the fight against climate change at the core of
April 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Needs CCC Assistance
by P. Scott Schearer (Natinal Hog Farmer/Informa Business Media ) Legislative Watch: Biofuels feeling COVID-19 impact; CO2 shortage hits food industry; more loan flexibility needed; expanding beef pricing inquiry; USMCA moving forward. -- ... A bipartisan group of Senators is
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
The Coronavirus Clean Energy Crisis
by Matt Carr (New Energy America/The Hill) The novel coronavirus pandemic could not have come at a worse time for America’s clean energy industry. After overcoming years of attacks by the Trump administration, the resultant loss of demand is threatening to decimate
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Thanks House Biofuels Caucus for Leadership and Standing up for Renewable Fuels Industry
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association thanked the bipartisan House Biofuels Caucus today for urging Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to utilize funds made available to USDA as part of the recently passed CARES Act to assist ethanol producers who
April 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Great Plains Institute’s Latest Report: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to A Clean Fuels Policy for the Midwest
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The Midwestern Clean Fuels Initiative, facilitated by the Great Plains Institute, is a broad coalition of fuels producers and marketers, nonprofit and research organizations, scientists and engineers, and agriculture and industry stakeholders. The coalition
April 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Grassley Urging USDA to Aid Ethanol Industry through CCC
(The Hagstrom Report/The Fence Post) Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said today that he will send a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to use the Commodity Credit Corporation to help the ethanol industry. Grassley said he
April 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Dropping Biofuel Mandate Would Be a Toxic Blow for the Industry
by Theodor Goumas (ART Fuels Forum/EurActiv) Last week, a large group of EU-based biofuel producers and associations raised a red flag over reports that some member states are considering or are already dropping the mandates on renewable energy in transport in
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia's B40 Stalls Amid Coronavirus
by Lauren Moffitt (Argus Media) Indonesia is delaying implementation of its 40pc biodiesel blending (B40) programme indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic. Trials were due to begin in March with a roll-out planned for 2021. The government is eager to push higher blending mandates to
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Seeks Bailout to Weather 'Collapsing Demand'
(Reuters/NewsMax Finance) The U.S. biofuel industry has asked the Trump administration for funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation to help it survive a demand slump triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, according to a letter seen by
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Ahead of Stimulus Talks, Voters Back Relief for Renewables More Than for Oil and Gas
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) -- 38% of voters support a bailout for the oil and gas industry, compared to 54% backing for a renewables industry bailout. -- Republicans are nearly as supportive of a renewables bailout (49%) as
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Agriculture and Bioeconomy: EIB Approves €700 Million of Financing under the Investment Plan for Europe Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
(European Investment Bank) Financing is guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and will help make the sector more resilient in light of Covid-19; New financing targets investments by private cooperatives and companies in the agriculture and bioeconomy sector;
April 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Action Needed – 37 “Industry-Critical” Federal Programs Have Been Proposed for Severe Cuts or Elimination in the President’s Fiscal Year 2021 Federal Budget
by C.J. Evans (Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition/American Diversified Energy/Biofuels Digest) The Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition (AFCC) has been working on Capitol Hill for the past two months to advocate for FY2021 federal programs and funding that are of importance to the
March 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Administration to Finalize Weaker Mileage Standards, Dealing a Blow to Obama-Era Climate Policy
by Juliet Eilperin and Brady Dennis (Washington Post) The new rule will improve the U.S. car and light truck fleet’s efficiency by 1.5 percent a year, versus nearly 5 percent under current law. The new rule will improve the U.S. car
March 31, 2020 Read Full Article
From the 3 E's to the 3 C's
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Touting ethanol as a source of clean octane, it's ability to reduce carbon, and allowing consumer choice in the marketplace. -- For decades, ethanol advocates have used the “Three E’s” to describe
March 27, 2020 Read Full Article
FJ Live: Farmers, Ethanol Plants Should Look at Small Business Aid
by John Herath (Farm Journal/AgWeb) There could be an opening for relief for farmers and ethanol refiners under the small business provisions of the COVID-19 aid plan passed by the Senate late Wednesday according to Pro Farmer policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer. The
March 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Passes Emergency Package without Green Provisions
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) SENATE PASSES RELIEF PACKAGE: The Senate last night unanimously passed a mammoth $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package, POLITICO's Melanie Zanona, Sarah Ferris and Heather Caygle report. The measure, which is the biggest economic rescue package in
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Coronavirus Stimulus Would Provide Indirect Help for Biofuels
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The head of the Renewable Fuels Association says although there’s no direct assistance for biofuels, the economic stimulus package would help ethanol plants. Geoff Cooper tells Brownfield several measures benefit producers. “There’s some small business relief, loans
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-U.S. Ethanol Plants Cutting Output Due to Crashing Demand -Trade Group
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) U.S. ethanol producers are on track to shut about 2 billion gallons of annualized output by the end of this week because of a slump in demand for fuel, the head of the Renewable Fuels Association trade
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Looking beyond the Headlines during COVID-19 Pandemic
by Gerard J. Ostheimer and Douglas L. Faulkner (below50/Leatherstocking LLC/Biofuels Digest) ... The 1 – 2 punch of the COVID-19 economic hit and the Saudi – Russian fight over oil markets have combined to collapse the price of oil. Low
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Production: What Next for Zim?
by Nyasha Kavhiza (The Herald) A technical analysis of the current situation will point to the lack of feedstock as the main problem stalling biodiesel production in Zimbabwe. ... Instead of discarding the project all together, the Government and all stakeholders involved
March 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Deal in Congress Axes Funding to Fill SPR with US Crudes
by Meghan Gordon and Brian Scheid (S&P Global Platts) Trump administration sought $3 billion to buy US crudes; Analyst sees market hit from US failing to take 'no-brainer policy' -- The Trump administration's plan to fill the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve with