by Gino Grandoni (Washington Post) ... Nominally, the hearing was convened to consider the nomination of former coal lobbyist and ex-Senate aide Andrew Wheeler to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. ... In the past six months alone the EPA under Wheeler has
environmental policy
Back TO HOMEPalm Oil No Longer Considered ‘Biofuel’ in France
by Cécile Barbière (EURACTIV.fr |translated by Rob Kirby) In a rare revolt against the government, the French National Assembly has passed a bill explicitly saying palm oil “is not a biofuel” and won’t be eligible for tax breaks as of 1
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
India Needs to Focus on Alternative Fuels Like Ethanol and Electric, Says Nitin Gadkari
(PTI/Financial Express) Gadkari was speaking at a symposium on 'empowering mobility - the safe and intelligence way', organised by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). -- Union minister for transport Nitin Gadkari Thursday stressed the importance of moving towards alternative fuels
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Asks EPA to Separate Year-Round E15 Provisions from RIN Reform Measures in Upcoming Proposal
(Renewable Fuels Association) With the government shutdown threatening to further delay approval of year-round sales of E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to focus strictly on year-round E15 provisions in its forthcoming
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
USGC Expands Its Ethanol Offerings At Grains.org
(U.S. Grains Council) New information about global market development efforts for U.S. ethanol and the benefits of the biofuel to global customers is now available online at www.grains.org. The United States is the world’s low-cost ethanol producer and captured more than
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Cost Reduction: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to IEA Bioenergy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy is looking at how advanced biofuels could be more affordable and what sort of policy support might be needed? Adam Brown from IEA Bioenergy gave this illuminating overview of the potential for cost reduction for advanced
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
A Sensible Approach to Climate Change Policy
(Solutions from the Land) ... That opening now allows for the presentation and consideration of a more centered and pragmatic approach like that promoted by Solutions from the Land (SfL) and the other members of the North America Climate Smart Agriculture
January 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Etihad Airways Flies the World’s First Flight Using Fuel Made in The UAE From Plants Grown in Saltwater by Khalifa University
(Etihad Airways/Aviation Pros) The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC), a non-profit entity established by Masdar Institute that is part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, announced the world’s first commercial flight using locally produced sustainable fuel on an Etihad Airways
January 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Sustainable Plastics – If We Want a Sustainable Future, It Will Be Driven by Companies
by Tomi Nyman (Pöyry/Biofuels Digest) It seems like there is a never-ending deluge of negativity about plastics in the media. Yet for all the valid and important points being made about the environmental impacts of plastics, the most important question is all
January 17, 2019 Read Full Article
We Can’t Tackle Climate Change if We Ignore the Main Polluter — Transportation
by Steven Higashide (TransitCenter/The Hill) ... Missing from these efforts, however, is a whole-hearted stab at cleaning up transportation, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. To do that requires efforts to reduce driving, which would mean reversing the current course of federal
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Automakers Push for Deal on Fuel Efficiency Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) Executives at the major U.S. automakers are pressing the Trump administration and California to agree on standards for fuel efficiency and carbon emissions through 2025, as risks increase that a deadline for setting national standards will pass without
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Some of the Biggest Green Groups Have Cold Feet over the “Green New Deal”
by Emily Atkin (The New Republic) More than 600 organizations signed a letter supporting the ambitious proposal, but eight of the largest ones did not. -- ... Sent by 626 environmental groups on Thursday, the letter calls on lawmakers to support the idea, popularized by freshman
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
New Congress, New House Push for Environmental Civil Rights
by David Schultz (Bloomberg) Newly Democratic House may pursue environmental justice legislation; Many freshman lawmakers cite the issue as top priority -- The new 116th Congress may spend more time examining the intersection of race and the environment, and specifically look at how poor
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Carper Meets Automakers
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) (Senator Tom) Carper (D-DE) told reporters he met Monday with automotive executives and encouraged them to aggressively push for unified fuel efficiency standards and tax incentives. "If the auto industry is serious about a
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Royal Netherlands Air Force Operates Her F-16 Fighting Falcons per January on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Supplied by SkyNRG, Shell Aviation and World Energy
(SkyNRG) Starting per January 14th, the Royal Netherlands Air Force operates her flights from Leeuwarden Airbase on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The SAF is supplied by SkyNRG and Shell Aviation and produced in the US by World Energy, at this moment
January 16, 2019 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK--Chris Clayton
Chris Clayton, DTN Ag Policy Editor reported that Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting that his committee will schedule hearings on trade and climate change in the near future and quoted
January 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog Senate Ag Committee to Hold Hearing on Climate Change
by Chris Clayton (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., told reporters Sunday at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting that his committee will schedule hearings on trade and climate change in the near future. On climate,
January 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Total Says French Palm Oil Curb Threatens Biofuel Facility
(The Star) French energy group Total said a move by lawmakers to exclude palm oil from raw materials approved for use in biofuel would put at risk its La Mede facility in southern France. French lawmakers last month voted to remove palm
January 15, 2019 Read Full Article
We’ll Begin Production of Ethanol, Glucose Syrup from Sweet Sorghum Soon
by Vincent A. Yusuf (Daily Trust) Nigeria will in the first quarter of 2019 begin the production of ethanol and glucose syrup from sweet sorghum for industrial use. In this interview, the Director General of Raw Materials Research Council (RMRDC), Dr.
January 15, 2019 Read Full Article
2019: We Need an All-In Climate Strategy
by Seth Ginther (U.S. Industrial Pellets Association (USIPA)/Biofuels Digest) ... There is no one panacea for climate change; rather, we need an all-of-the-above renewable energy strategy that includes wood biomass combined with other renewables like wind and solar. ... In the United Kingdom, where
January 15, 2019 Read Full Article
The World Has Loads of Sustainable Palm Oil... But No One Wants It
by Anuradha Raghu (Bloomberg) Certified variety costs more and buyers won’t pay premium; Only half of the sustainable output is actually being sold -- The world’s biggest growers of palm oil say they’re stepping up efforts to produce the contentious commodity more sustainably,
January 14, 2019 Read Full Article
BIO D Is Using Used Cooking Oil to Check Pollution
by Navanwita Bora Sachdev (The Tech Panda) ... BIO D, in its essence, is a waste management company, which offers a one-stop solution to India for its waste management, reducing the dependency of imported crude oil and fight against pollution. India generates over
January 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Final Version Published of Renewable Energy Directive - RED II: DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/2001
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The final version of the Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (RED IIi) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member States must transpose the Directive into national law by End
January 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Why Investors Ditched Sh2tr Biofuels Projects
by Ludger Kasumuni (The Citizen) Several investors have abandoned their $1 billion (Sh2.3 trillion) biofuels projects in Tanzania, according to a survey by BusinessWeek. Mtamba Biofuel Farm in Kisarawe, Coast Region. It has been estimated that between 2007 and 2008, the Southern
January 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Project to Convert Used Cooking Oil to Biodiesel in Indore
(Times of India) After Ahmedabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in association with RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) is coming up with a new project of collecting used cooking oil from restaurants and and
January 11, 2019 Read Full Article
What's in a Green New Deal?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Environmental activists and progressives rallying around the "Green New Deal" are hoping to develop details for the plan that will help turn it into a policy platform for Democrats ahead of the 2020 election,
January 11, 2019 Read Full Article
California Awards $90m Grant Funding to Dairy Tech CalBio in Mission to Reduce State’s Livestock Emissions
by Lauren Manning (Ag Funder News) CalBio, a company developing dairy digesters that generate renewable electricity and vehicle fuel in California, has been awarded $90 million in funding for three Dairy Pilot Projects from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Air
January 11, 2019 Read Full Article
France Increases Biofuel Mandates
(Biofuels International) French deputies’ vote for the country’s 2019 finance bill has led to France increasing its biofuel mandates. This means that the minimum amount of biofuels that is incorporated into motor vehicle fuel is to be increased. The minimum amount of
January 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Study Argues Sustainable Palm Oil Should Be Easily Accessible
(Biofuels International) A new research study from the University of Cambridge is arguing that sustainable choices on palm oil should be made easier to understand and more accessible to consumers. The study is to be published in Environmental Research Letters. The study outlines
January 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Overseas Freight Adopts Clean Energy’s RNG for $1/Gallon
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has announced it will supply Redeem renewable natural gas (RNG) to intermodal trucking company Overseas Freight as part of an emissions-reduction initiative in the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. In preparation
January 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Forecast for U.S. Federal and International Chemical Regulatory Policy 2019
(Bergeson & Campbell) Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) and its consulting affiliate The Acta Group (Acta®) are pleased to offer you our Forecast 2019. In this richly detailed document, the legal, scientific, and regulatory professionals of B&C and Acta distill key
January 09, 2019 Read Full Article
A Rightful Role in the RFS: The Electric Vehicle Market Is Predicted to Soar, and, Pending Overdue Action by the U.S. EPA, Biomass Power Producers Are Positioned to Help Meet Goals Set Forth in the Renewable Fuel Standard.
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) ... The vast complexities of the RFS extend far beyond these components, but a much lesser-known provision is beginning to attract attention—the role of renewable electricity in the program, and it’s abilities to fuel electric
January 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Pelosi Says House to Revisit Climate Plan Based on 2009 Bill
by Ari Natter and Anna Edgerton (Bloomberg) Bill with cap-and-trade plan passed House but died in Senate; Comments come as Democrats return climate change to agenda -- The U.S. House will take up climate legislation, including a measure based on a bill the body
January 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Global Bioenergies Welcomes France's Decision to Increase Biofuel Mandates
(Global Bioenergies/Globe Newswire) Global Bioenergies (Euronext Growth: ALGBE) welcomes the French deputies' vote for the country's 2019 finance bill, which stipulates an increase in the minimum amount of biofuels to be incorporated into motor vehicle fuel. This minimum will rise from
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
USGC Finds Potential for Growing Ethanol Markets in Nigeria and Ghana
(U.S. Grains Council) The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently conducted a market assessment mission to Nigeria and Ghana gauging the potential for U.S. ethanol exports to these countries. “The mission identified a need for higher ethanol volumes and engaged government and industry
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Republicans Push ‘Innovation’ as Climate Change Solution
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) GOP lawmakers are increasingly turning to a new refrain for their position on climate change, calling for “innovation” as the policy solution. Many Republicans have seemingly settled on innovation as their primary position to counter progressive Democrats who
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
California Hydrogen Fuel Cell Summit
by Cory Shumaker (California Hydrogen Business Council/ACT News) The California Hydrogen Business Council (CHBC) hosted its 6thannual California Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Summit in Sacramento December 11-12. The Summit brought members of the industry together with government agencies to discuss the progress made
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
California Needs to Cut Emissions Now While Planning for the Future
by Thomas Lawson (California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition) A new report from the California Air Resources Board confirms earlier data showing that greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles are moving in the wrong direction: up. It’s clearer than ever that California policy makers must put more
January 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel’s Past, Present and Future
by Marc Kellens (Biodiesel Magazine) Marc Kellens, the global technical director for Desmet Ballestra, takes us through the history and future of biodiesel production, identifying key milestones and cultural shifts, including the introduction and proliferation of renewable diesel. -- ... The food-vs.-fuel
January 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel’s Cutting Edge
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine profiles nine companies whose process technologies, products and services are on the frontline of change in this industry. Third Coast Commodities Biodiesel feedstock trading is evolving, and Third Coast Commodities is one of the firms ushering
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
The Perpetually Expanding Veteran Startup: Armed with a Scrappy, Do-It-Yourself Attitude, New Leaf Biofuel’s Success Is a Testament to Its—and the Biodiesel Industry’s—Perseverance.
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... One major difference, however, is that this vertically integrated biodiesel company has Jennifer Case at the helm. Case, co-founder, co-owner and CEO of the 5 MMgy New Leaf Biofuel, is a Pepperdine University School of
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
2019: The Year Ethanol Misinformation Died
(Renewable Fuels Association) ... Ethanol is providing a cleaner, domestically produced, higher-octane fuel, while offering greater consumer choice at the pump. Let’s break it down. Ethanol is providing greater consumer choice. There are more than 24 million vehicles on U.S. roads
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Wood Pellets: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to IEA Bioenergy Task 40
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy Task 40’s aim is to focus on international bioenergy technology potential, barriers, and trade as well as its wider implications. Christiane Hennig from IEA Bioenergy Task 40 gave this illuminating overview of key regions, developments, and governance
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
State of the Bioeconomy
by Wayne Lee and Mark J Riedy (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc. and Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP/Biofuels Digest) At present, the bioeconomy continues to attract debt and equity interest. VCs, Private Equity Groups and Strategic Partners are providing equity at the
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
A 2019 Wish List by DTF Exec. Dir. Allen Schaeffer
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) Happy New Year! It’s 2019 officially. We embrace this time in January with hope and aspiration for the new year, so in that form, here’s my wish list for 2019... ...3. Wish that important heavy-duty truck
January 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Bringing the Concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture to Life : Insights from CSA Country Profiles Across Africa, Asia, and Latin America (English)
(The World Bank) Bringing the Concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture to Life: Insights from CSA Country Profiles across Africa, Asia, and Latin America The Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Country Profile Series assesses climate change challenges and solutions in the agricultural sectors of more than
January 03, 2019 Read Full Article
UN Food and Agriculture Organization Highlights Climate Smart Agriculture
(UN Food and Agriculture Organization) Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an approach that helps to guide actions needed to transform and reorient agricultural systems to effectively support development and ensure food security in a changing climate. CSA aims to tackle three main
January 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Sanchez Plans to Impose on Airlines a Pioneer Green Fee of 2% on the Use of Biofuels
by Victor Martinez (El Mundo Google Translation)) The Spanish Government plans to introduce a goal of biofuel consumption to the airline sector within its environmental policies against climate change. The Ministry of Ecological Transition completes a draft Climate Change Law in which
January 03, 2019 Read Full Article
India Makes Breakthrough in Biofuel Development
by Haley Zaremba (OilPrice.com) ... The latest headline to come from efforts of scientists around the globe is a new discovery by a team of scientists based in the west Indian city of Pune at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), which offers
January 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Viewpoint: Washington State to Shift Focus to LCFS
(Argus Media) Washington state lawmakers plan to turn their attention to passing a clean fuel standard to address climate change, after failing to win public support for an economy-wide price on carbon. Governor Jay Inslee (D) and key Democratic state lawmakers have
January 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Issues Executive Order on Forest Management
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) An executive order on forest management issued by President Trump in late December addresses how rural economies can benefit through the utilization of byproducts created by forest restoration efforts. Trump issued the executive order on Dec. 21.
January 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Europe’s Next Biofuels Move: Promoting European Ethanol Key to Europe's Long-Term Environmental Goals.
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE, the European Renewable Ethanol Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... First, it opens the door to a more effective approach to decarbonizing EU transport, as long as member states find ways to turn that ambition into action. And second, it
January 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Mandates around the World 2019
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida, the Digest today (January 1, 2019) releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world, looking at the state of biofuels mandates in 65 countries. The bulk of mandates continue to come
January 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Creating Trust in Bioenergy: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to IEA Bioenergy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy conducted research on various approaches to creating trust in sustainability of bioenergy through effective governance. Inge Stupak and Tat Smith, IEA Bioenergy researchers gave this illuminating overview of ways to increase legitimacy and gain trust in
December 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Pelosi Names Castor Chair of Select Committee on Climate Crisis
by Chris Mills Rodrigo (The Hill) House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) officially named Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) as chairwoman of the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis on Friday. ... Progressives have pushed back on House leadership's plans for the panel. The panel will not be tasked specifically with formulating
December 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Meeting Paris Agreement Targets Would Create 24 Million Jobs Globally
by Marlene Cimons (Nexus Media) ... By working to achieve the stated goal of the Paris Agreement, to limit warming to 2 degrees C, most countries will see a net gain in employment. “Our findings show that if we take action to
December 31, 2018 Read Full Article
A Carbon Price Can Benefit the Poor While Reducing Emissions
by Helen Mountford and Molly McGregor (World Resources Institute) ... Recent research from the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate finds that bold climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in economic benefits through 2030. ... On the other side of the
December 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Waste to Energy Major Priority of Govt: Vijay Raghavan
(SME Times) Principal Scientific Advisor K Vijay Raghavan recently said that waste to energy and scaling up of commercially available technologies are top priorities of Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). ... He cited several successful examples of adoption of
December 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Diesel: New Data Proves that Modern Diesel Cars Emit Low Pollutant Emissions on the Road
(European Automobile Manufacturers Association) New data released today (November 5, 2018) by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) provides evidence that latest-generation diesel cars emit low pollutant emissions on the road. This data was measured in real-driving conditions by the
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
UFOP Publishes Special Report "Biodiesel 2017/2018"
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) With the special report "Biodiesel 2017/2018", the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) annually summarizes the most important chapters from its annual report on biodiesel. The chapter "Biodiesel & Co" explains the most important biofuel
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Waste Accumulation Problems and Opportunities
by Zoltan Kish (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) ... In 2016, the Ontario government released its Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario [2], diverting our wasteful ways towards an entirely circular economy, but it doesn’t seem to be widely discussed. This strategy requires appropriate tools
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Malaysia, Indonesia, Colombia to Meet over French Anti-Palm Oil Vote
(Free Malaysia Today/Bernama) Malaysia is scheduled to hold a meeting with Indonesia and Colombia in Jakarta next February to discuss the French National Assembly’s decision to exclude the use of palm oil as a biodiesel feedstock. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Assessing Bioenergy Sustainability: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to IEA Bioenergy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) IEA Bioenergy conducted work on sustainability assessments of bioenergy systems and the carbon balance of forest-based bioenergy. Annette Cowie and Göran Berndes from Chalmers University of Technology and IEA Bioenergy gave this illuminating overview of the methods
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Congressionally-Proposed Octane Standard Would Decrease Biofuels Use, Increase Greenhouse Gases
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act, sponsored by outgoing House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee Chair Shimkus (R-IL), would phase out portions of the Renewable Fuel Standard, replacing it with an octane standard by
December 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Opinion: Abundant Food and Energy Choices Are More than a Luxury
by A.G. Kawamura (Solutions from the Land/Agri-Pulse) Since my return last week from the global climate talks in Katowice, Poland, I continue to mentally struggle with the events, actions and lack of actions I witnessed there that will have a significant impact
December 21, 2018 Read Full Article
ABC: Canada’s Clean Fuel Standard Takes Step Forward
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In a significant development for the clean fuels sector, Environment and Climate Change Canada released today (December 20, 2018) the Regulatory Design Paper reflecting a year of intensive consultation on the national Clean Fuel Standard (CFS).
December 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Climate Change Committee in Congress to Be Led by Tampa Rep. Kathy Castor?
by Steve Contorno (Tampa Bay Times) If Democrats bring back the committee, Castor is in line to lead the House panel devoted to addressing one of the greatest environmental threats to Florida. ... U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor is likely to chair the climate change committee
December 21, 2018 Read Full Article
PKN ORLEN Invests in Biofuels of the Future
(Petrol Plaza) PKN ORLEN is launching an operational programme for biofuels to be based on three pillars – building biofuel production facilities, research and development work and operational adaptation of the logistics function. With its biofuels programme, the Company is preparing for
December 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Environmental Benefits of Energy Crops: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to University of Illinois Research
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign has been researching the economic incentives and policy implications of energy crops such as miscanthus and switchgrass. Madhu Khanna, from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, gave this illuminating overview of the environmental benefits of energy crops
December 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Road Fuel Mix to Increase Biofuel Levels from January
by Breifne O'Brien (AgriLand) It has been announced that the level of biofuel used in road transport fuels is set to be increased. The announcement was made today (Friday, December 13) by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton. An
December 20, 2018 Read Full Article
COP24, 2018 Farm Bill Give Agriculture a Voice, Climate Smart Tools
(Solutions from the Land) As 2018 closes out, advocates for the role agriculture can play in facing a changing climate can feel encouraged by developments on the international and domestic stages. Global climate negotiators in Katowice, Poland, came to a final agreement
December 20, 2018 Read Full Article
Newsletter IEA Bioenergy Task 37: 12/2018
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) The latest IEA Bioenergy Task 37 Newsletter has been released. Highlights from the newsletter are: 11% more Swiss biogas injected in 2017 - In 2017, 11 percent more Swiss biogas was fed into the grid compared to the previous year
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Coming Changes in Marine Fuel Sulfur Limits Will Affect Global Oil Markets
(U.S. Energy Information Administration) International regulations limiting sulfur in fuels for ocean-going vessels, set to take effect in January 2020, have implications for vessel operators, refiners, and global oil markets. Stakeholders will respond to these regulations in different ways, increasing uncertainty
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
On Eleventh Anniversary, RFS2 ‘Has Unquestionably Lived Up to Its Promise’
(Renewable Fuels Association) Eleven years ago today, President George W. Bush signed into law what has become the single most successful clean fuels policy in the United States–the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). The RFS2, included in the Energy Independence and
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Bioenergy in California: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to California Energy Commission R&D
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) California Energy Commission Research & Development aims to improve bioenergy’s value proposition and role in supporting California’s clean energy and carbon neutrality goals. Rizaldo Aldas from the California Energy Commission Research & Development gave this illuminating overview of how
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Production and Consumption in the European Union (EU): Status, Advances and Challenges
by Laura Lonza and Adrian O'Connell (EAI Bioenergy Task 39) 1. Status of the biofuels industry in the EU The EU is the third largest producer of biofuels in the world. In 2017, North America, South & Central America and Europe had world shares
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Commercializing Conventional and Advanced Liquid Biofuels from Biomass: Task 39 Update
(IEA Bioenergy Task 39) ... Task work that has recently been completed and will soon be posted on the “publically available” sections of the Task 39 website (http://task39.ieabioenergy.com/) includes the final report entitled, “Survey of Advanced Fuels for Advanced Engines” which Task 39 carried
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Senate Bill Seeks To Transition U.S. To 100 Percent Zero-Emission Vehicles:
(Bergeson & Campbell's Clients and Friends Memorandum) On November 28, 2018, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), both senior members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, introduced legislation that would put the U.S. on the path
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Oil Giant ConocoPhillips Backs Carbon Tax Push
by Amy Harder (Axios) In the latest sign of a global oil industry shifting on climate change, ConocoPhillips is now helping fund a multi-million dollar political advocacy campaign that's lobbying Congress for a tax on carbon emissions. Why it matters: The move
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Opinions: Why the Time Has Come for a Green New Deal
by Katrina vanden Heuvel (Washington Post) Almost 20 years ago, writer Mark Hertsgaard suggested a bold idea to upend the climate debate. Arguing that ambitious climate action was politically impossible without simultaneously meeting people’s economic needs, he proposed a massive public works program to “retrofit everything
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Researchers Argue Bioenergy Crops Could Damage Biodiversity
(Bioenergy Insight) Research from Durham University has suggested that the increasing use of bioenergy could be just as damaging to global biodiversity as climate change. Durham University researchers have suggested that familiar UK species including red squirrels, hedgehogs and red grouse could
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Reflections on 2018 by Diesel Technology Forum Executive Director
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum) It’s the time of year that inspires purposeful reflection. This is harder than ever with the hourly twists and turns in our political and media environments, but here goes: Is the sky falling? No question that global
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Nine States and D.C. to Design Regional Approach to Cap Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Transportation
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown University Climate Center) A coalition of nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia today announced their intent to design a new regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Agrees to Cut Emissions from Cars by 37.5 pct by 2030
by Philip Blenkinsop (Reuters) The European Union agreed on Monday a compromise over how sharply to curb carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans, finally settling differences between car-producing countries and more environmentally conscious lawmakers. “We reached a compromise to cut emissions
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
New Research Finds EPA Not Enforcing The Clean Air Act
(Urban Air Initiative) Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was directed to reduce mobile source air pollution to the greatest degree possible. But a new research project conducted by the Urban Air Initiative found that not only
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
5,000 Compressed Bio Gas Plants Will Be Set up by 2023
(India Brand Equity Foundation) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Sunday said around 5,000 Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants will be set across the country by 2023. He said these plants meant for extracting biogas from agricultural residue, cattle dung and
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s New Way Forward: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Byogy Renewables
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Byogy Renewables is producing full replacement renewable fuels for all modes of transport, including heavy transport sectors. Kevin R. Weiss, President/Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Byogy gave this illuminating presentation on the upgrading of ethanol to
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
The Blues of the Green: How Can Biofuel Be Used
by Shailaja Tripathi (The Hindu) Close on the heels of the experiment done by a SpiceJet flight using biofuel, we take a look at the scope and potential of this green fuel-- ... While CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) is using jatropha
December 17, 2018 Read Full Article
The Malaysian Biodiesel Mandate - Outlook to 2020: Growth Opportunities & Companies to Action
(GlobeNewswire/ResearchAndMarkets.com) The "Malaysian Biodiesel Mandate"report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This study offers a detailed overview of the biodiesel mandate in Malaysia and the steps taken by the Malaysian government to protect the Malaysian palm oil industry. Palm oil is a key ingredient in the
December 17, 2018 Read Full Article
California Supports Pilot Projects to Demonstrate Biogas-to-Grid Potential
(California Public Utilities Commission/NGV Journal) ... Forty-five dairies will participate in the pilot projects, which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from animal manure by putting dairy methane waste to beneficial use as a renewable transportation fuel. The six projects will
December 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel to Be Part of Lawmaker Energy Discussions
by Trey Mewes (Mankato Free Press) Renewable fuels will likely play a role in environmental legislation DFL lawmakers bring to the Capitol when the 2019 legislative session begins next month. Lobbyists and advocates alike expect Democrats to expand upon renewable energy legislation
December 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Carbon Markets, NGOs and IATA Urge Countries at COP24 Climate Talks to Adopt Robust Rules on Double Counting
(GreenAir Online) Carbon market representatives, IATA and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have urged countries currently meeting at the UNFCCC’s COP24 in Poland to adopt strong rules to avoid double counting on emissions reductions under the Paris Agreement and ICAO’s CORSIA carbon
December 15, 2018 Read Full Article
British Airways Launches Sustainable Aviation Fuels University Challenge DEADLINE 1: January 18, 2019
(GreenAir Online) British Airways is challenging UK academics to create a new generation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) based on carbon reduction potential, innovation, value to the UK economy and feasibility to implement. In a collaboration with Cranfield University, a competition
December 15, 2018 Read Full Article
The FORBIO Project: A Sustainable Alternative for Contaminated and Underutilized Lands
(Global Bioenergy Partnership) The FORBIO (Fostering Sustainable Feedstock Production for Advanced Biofuels on underutilized land in Europe) Project gave stakeholders in Italy, Germany and Ukraine a strategy for the market uptake of sustainable advanced bioenergy value chains. Through a thorough assessment
December 15, 2018 Read Full Article
US Ethanol Producers: We Are Oil’s Biggest Competitor, Cleaner Too
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EURACTIV) Increasing ethanol use will help countries around the world meet their Paris Agreement climate goals in a cheaper way, US producers told EURACTIV.com, staking their claim to a higher role for the fuel, alongside electricity, in decarbonising transport. Speaking
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
São Paulo Invests in Pioneering Biogas Plant
(Investe São Paulo/NGV Journal) The companies Raízen and Geo Energética have merged in a joint venture to create the first plant in Brazil to generate electricity on a commercial scale from by-products of sugarcane. With an investment of R$ 153 million
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Study: 'No Scientific Basis' For Challenges To EPA Endangerment Finding
by Barbara Moran (WBUR News) There’s more proof that greenhouse gases are dangerous to human health. That’s the conclusion of a study published Thursday in the journal Science, for which researchers reviewed hundreds of scientific papers on climate change published since 2009. The study supports the U.S. Environmental Protection
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Algae Agriculture Triumphs in Farm Bill Compromise
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a historic day for the algae industry, the U.S. Senate Tuesday approved a Farm Bill compromise that dramatically expands federal support for algae agriculture. The bill sets U.S. farm policy through 2023. It is expected to pass the House
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Democrats Shift toward Impact on Jobs as Climate Change Moves to Front of 2020 Agenda
by Michael Sherer (Washington Post) ... Democrats preparing to run for president have been rushing to shift their plans for combating climate change, highlighting an issue once considered a political liability, especially in Midwestern swing states won by President Trump. Aides to a
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
The Climate Battle: Fuels vs Emissions
by Amy Harder (Axios) Getting off fossil fuels or reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a central sticking point emerging here at a conference to hash out details of the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat climate change. Why it matters: Nations rich with
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Benefuel Looking to British Columbia for New Biodiesel Facility
(Benefuel Inc./Biodiesel Magazine) Benefuel Inc. responded to British Columbia’s recently publicized climate change plan that included an expanded Low Carbon Fuel Standard by announcing Dec. 11 that it has begun a site search and discussions with interested parties on a few specific
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Farm Bill Energy Title Contains Climate Tweaks, Slimmer Funding
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... While the bill is largely viewed as a status-quo farm bill, the bill importantly reauthorizes the Energy Title (IX) and contains some new programs and tweaks aimed at helping producers become more
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Batteries Could Worsen CO2 Emissions — Study
by Christa Marshall (E&E News) Home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall could spike greenhouse gas emissions significantly unless current policies governing the electrical grid change around the country, according to a new study. The findings in the journal Environmental Science & Technology run counter
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Shipping Leaders Look to Develop a Roadmap for Biofuels with Commitment to Real Sustainability at Heart
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) grouping of leading maritime organisations, and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) – the world’s most robust and trusted sustainability leader in the bioeconomy – came together in Berlin last week to exchange expertise in
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Congress Urged to Investigate Why DOE Is Sitting on $600 Million in Clean Energy Funding
(Natural Resources Defense Council) The Natural Resources Defense Council today urged Congress to investigate why the Department of Energy (DOE) still has not distributed as much as $600 million in congressionally approved clean energy research and development funding more than two
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
SfL's Kawamura Tells COP24 Participants Ag Needs Help - And Must Help Itself - in Taking on Climate Change
(Solutions from the Land) A.G. Kawamura, co-chair of Solutions from the Land (SfL) and a member of the North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA), addressed delegates and observers in critical side events at global climate talks in Katowice, Poland, this week. With the 24th Conference
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Year of the Tree, CORSIA Fuels, Mabus’ Remarks, a Breakthrough on Woody Biomass?: Heard on the Floor at the CAAFI General Meeting
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When the world’s leaders for sustainable aviation fuels have a general meeting the week before the COP24 global climate sessions (this year in Poland), you can bet that the focus will be breaking the “You Can
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Lead Efforts to Protect the Climate
by Craig Willis (EurActiv/Growth Energy) With every passing year, the pathway to a stable climate gets narrower and more difficult to navigate. Meanwhile, the reports from our planet’s top scientists paint an increasingly grim picture of what to expect if the
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels and Environmental Groups Commend New Pilot Environmental Quality and Incentive Program in 2018 Farm Bill Report
(Grain Net) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Environmental Entrepreneurs(E2), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) thank the Farm Bill conferees for including a new pilot Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report to promote and
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
UNILORIN to Commence Installation of Mini-Refinery for Biodiesel
(News Diary Online) The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem, says the university will soon install a mini-refinery equipment for processing of Jatropha a flowering plant. Abdulkareem said this on Thursday inhis welcome address at the 8th International Jatropha
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
I'm Just a Bill: Incoming House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio Signaled He Was on Board with Nancy Pelosi's Plan to Establish a Select Committee
(Politico's Morning Energy) Incoming House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio signaled he was on board with Nancy Pelosi's plan to establish a select committee tasked with working on solutions to combat climate change, Pro's Anthony Adragna reports . "I
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Agriculture Sector Must Take Active Role in Creating Climate Policy
(Solutions from the Land) Events at the last round of global climate talks in Katowice, Poland over the past two weeks have drawn a spotlight on the need for agriculture, conservation and agribusiness interests to play a central role in the
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
NFU Urges House Subcommittee to Expand Use of High-Octane, American Grown Biofuels
(The Fence Post/National Farmers Union) As Congress looks to revamp and coordinate federal-level policies that govern the transportation fuels and vehicles sectors, National Farmers Union is urging legislators to expand use of high-octane, mid-level blends of ethanol in the transportation fuel
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Pre-Flight Checklist for Biofuture Takeoff: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Biofuture Platform
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biofuture platformwas launched at COP22 by 20 countries and top representatives of FAO, IEA, IRENA, UNIDO, SE4ALL, WBCSD, UNICA, and other leading organizations, whose aim is to kickstart a global, advanced bioeconomy and impact the future
December 13, 2018 Read Full Article
G20 Countries Must Act Quickly to Decarbonise The Transport Sector
(Agora Verkehrswende) According to a new report, CO2 emissions from transport are still rising. If immediate action is not taken, more radical measures will be unavoidable in the future. -- To keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius, the world’s
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Rising Energy Consumption Slows EU Progress on Renewables and Energy Efficiency Targets
(European Enviroment Agency) Progress on increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency is slowing across the European Union, putting at risk the EU’s ability to achieve its energy and emissions reduction targets. Rising energy consumption, particularly in the
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
How Poverty Is Causing Deforestation Across Africa
by Obed Owusu-Adda (Chatham House) Gitika Bhardwaj speaks to campaigner Obed Owusu-Addai about why solving the problem of deforestation across Africa requires tackling one of its biggest causes – poverty. -- Deforestation is directly being caused by activities such as illegal logging,
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Commission Begins Anti-Subsidy Process against Indonesia
(Union zur Förderung von Öl- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants - UFOP)) UFOP demands the expedited introduction of preliminary counter measures – customs duties on biodiesel imports should not be circumvented via palm oil
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Here’s How to Win on Climate-Change Policy
by Ted Halstead (Washington Post/Climate Leadership Council) ... The real lesson to learn from these setbacks is that the political prospects of carbon taxation depend on how the revenue is used. As long as the public perceives a carbon tax
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Congress Should End Electric Car Subsidies, Not Expand Them
by Liam Sigaud (American Consumer Institute) ... These subsidies overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy. Tesla buyers, for example, had an average household income of $293,200 in 2013. A study in 2015 found that electric Ford Focus buyers had an average household income of $199,000. By
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Mahathir Throws out B20 Biodiesel Challenge
by Amar Shah Mohsen (Sun Daily) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has challenged Malaysia to emulate Indonesia’s move to introduce a higher biodiesel mandate — the B20 biodiesel fuel — by 2020 and become the world’s top biodiesel-producing country. The Prime Minister noted that
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Clean Electricity, Clean Buildings and Clean Transportation: Inslee Plan Would Launch Comprehensive Clean Energy Transition and Significantly Drive Down Emissions
(Office of Washington State Governor Jay Inslee) Gov. Jay Inslee was joined today by Democratic legislators and climate action supporters to unveil a plan that would launch a dramatic reduction of Washington state’s greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15 years. The
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
CleanBC Climate Plan Boosts British Columbia’s Signal for Renewable Fuel Use and Production
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EIN Presswire) Advanced Biofuels Canada lauds the Government of British Columbia for its new climate plan, with critical role for low-carbon renewable fuels -- The Government of British Columbia released on December 5th its CleanBC climate plan, which charts a path
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
BioLNG EuroNet Will Drive forward Decarbonisation of Road Transport across Europe with LNG
(BioLNG EuroNet) BioLNG EuroNet today (December 6, 2018) announced a commitment to the further expansion of LNG (liquefied natural gas) as a road transport fuel across Europe with new infrastructure that should ensure the long-term success and mass scale adoption
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Cars and Coal Help Drive 'Strong' CO2 Rise in 2018
by Matt McGrath (BBC) A booming global market for cars has helped drive CO2 emissions to an all-time high in 2018, say researchers. The main factor in the near 3% rise has been coal use in China, driven by government efforts to
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
The Hypocrisy Award II, EU Edition:
(American Energy Society) 2nd place: More than nine countries and a dozen cities in Europe have announced they are going to ban internal combustion engines or diesel powered vehicles (including Paris, Madrid, Athens, Norway, France the United Kingdom); however, none have passed a
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"We’ve been intervening at every point to say (a) the UN’s Special Report says bioenergy is as important as electromobility for the next four decades and (b) no policy discussion can be meaningful unless it looks at the cost of
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
What’s the Buzz? Heard on the Floor at the COP24, on Renewable Fuels and More (Biofuture Platform)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... “Pretty intense I’d say. Good.” notes Climate Ethanol Alliances’s James Cogan. “We’ve been in a dozen transport energy events so far.” The Message Most discussions here about climate progress in transport get to the hand-wringing stage of
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Q&A: RED II Offers Flexibility to EU Member States
(Argus Media) Angel Alvarez Alberdi is secretary general of the European Waste-to-Advanced Biofuels Association (EWABA). He spoke to Argus about the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED) beyond 2020, the role of waste-based biofuels in Europe's future renewable energy mix and legislation on indirect
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Paris Riots over Fuel Taxes Dim Hopes for Climate Fight
by Seth Borenstein and Angela Charlton (Associated Press) The “yellow vests” in France are worrying greens around the world. The worst riots in Paris in decades were sparked by higher fuel taxes, and French President Emmanuel Macron responded by scrapping them Wednesday.
December 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Norway to Heavily Restrict Palm Oils Linked to Deforestation
by Josh Gabbatiss (Independent) 'The Norwegian parliament’s decision sets an important example to other countries and demonstrates the need for a serious reform of the world’s palm oil industry,' activist says -- Norway is to become the first country to stop its biofuel
December 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Better Policy for Better Fuels: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to SEforAll and below50
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sustainable Energy For All and below50aim to promote bioenergy, especially in developing countries, and grow the demand for sustainable alternative fuels, so that bioenergy can reach its full potential. Gerard J. Ostheimer,Global Lead for Bioenergy at SEforAll
December 10, 2018 Read Full Article
COP24 Brings New Bioeconomy Strategy from UK, $200B from World Bank and More
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Amid rumors of President Trump’s coal and fossil-fuel side event at COP24 (the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Poland this week and a Swedish 15 year old climate
December 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Why North Carolina’s Poultry Industry Isn’t Creating Biogas Like Hog Farms Are
by Elizabeth Ouzts (Energy News) Poultry growers are under less pressure and have fewer incentives than hog farms to convert animal waste to energy. As pork producer Smithfield Foods commits to major investments in waste-to-energy projects in North Carolina, don’t expect a similar pledge from
December 08, 2018 Read Full Article
What's Happening with Biomass?
by Hilary Crisan-Heavilin (Waste Today) When a construction and demolition (C&D) recycling facility separates wood from other processed debris, it can be used as mulch, compost, alternative daily cover (ADC) for landfills and biomass fuel. Biomass fuel is processed wood that can
December 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Meet the Scholar Crafting the 'Green New Deal'
by Hannah Northey (E&E News) Think of it as the policy muscle behind the promised "Green New Deal." A policy group is being formed to support an energized progressive movement that's taken Capitol Hill by storm under the leadership of Rep.-elect Alexandria
December 07, 2018 Read Full Article
New Report Finds EPA Could Be Doing Much More to Unlock Growth of Low-Carbon Biofuels
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The industry has been unable to produce the volumes called for under the advanced and cellulosic categories due to a variety of reasons – including the pace of technology, falling petroleum
December 07, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to ARPA-E’s Agro-Energy Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. ARPA-E awardees are unique because they are developing entirely new ways to generate, store, and use energy. ARPA-E
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
‘A Kind of Dark Realism’: Why the Climate Change Problem Is Starting to Look too Big to Solve
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) ... William Nordhaus, the Yale University professor who just won the Nobel Prize for his work on the economics of climate change, recently described his outlook like this: “I never use the word ‘pessimism’; I always use
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan COMMENTS DUE: January 28, 2019
(Government of Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks) The proposed Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan reflects our government’s commitment to address the pressing challenges we face to protect our air, land and water, reduce litter and waste, and support Ontarians to continue to do
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Increasing the Role of Advanced Biofuels in the US
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...But EPA could still strengthen the RFS in ways that would encourage advanced biofuels to play a greater role greening the U.S. transportation sector. Here are our top two suggestions. • Expect more from advanced biofuels We
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Closed Doors, Open Windows: Tariffs in China and Brazil ...
by Lisa Gibons (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Tariffs in China and Brazil have deeply affected U.S. ethanol exports, but other markets remain, new ones are opening and opportunities still abound for the world’s lowest-cost octane. Despite a 20 percent tariff rate quota implemented
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
British Columbia Details Plan to Shift Homes, Cars to Clean Energy
by Julie Gordon (Reuters) The Western Canadian province of British Columbia on Wednesday outlined the first measures it will take to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, including shifting homes and vehicles to clean or renewable energy. ... Some 75 percent
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
What Will it Take?: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide ABLC Guide to Policies for the Biofuture Take-off
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Promote short term deployment of mature options, stimulate the development and deployment of new technologies, deliver the necessary feedstock sustainably, backed by a supportive sustainability governance system, and develop capacity and catalyse investment via a coordinated international collaboration
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
BP Sees Brazil's New Biofuels Policy Boosting Investment
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Brazil’s latest policy to boost biofuels use has improved the outlook for ethanol production and should attract new investment in plants, BP Plc’s chief executive for biofuels, Mario Lindenhayn, said on Wednesday. Brazil is advancing with additional regulation for
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
UPM and LSB Speak out over Finalised REDll Policy
(Biofuels International) The revised Renewable Energy Directive (REDll) policy, first outlined by The European Commission at the end of 2016, has now been officially adopted by the Council of the European Union. Among other things, it has finalised and set a minimum blending
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
DA to Lobby for Increase of Biofuel Content in Diesel for Gov’t Use
by Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio (Business World) Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said he will lobby for the increase of coconut oil content in fuel to 5% from 2% for fuel used by the government, bringing the biofuel standard to B5 from
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Comment: Why BECCS Will Be Critical to Deliver an Affordable Energy System Transition in the UK
by Geraint Evans (Energy Technologies Institute (ETI)/Bioenergy Insight) ... ‘Focus on locking away CO2’ says the CCC about the future of biomass in its report published earlier this month. Bioenergy’s value is unique and greatest when combined with CCS to deliver negative
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Biodiesel By-Product Helps Fuel Come Clean
(King Abdullah University of Science and Technology/Phys.org) ... This work on glycerol carbonate also supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Kingdom's economy from its current reliance on the oil industry. (Binod) Giri explains that this research
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
To Fulfill Biofuels’ Promise, Scientists Boost Plant Oils with Gene Editing
by Cici Zhang (Chemical and Engineering News) Increasing the fatty acids in crops’ seeds, leaves, and stems could make biofuels more economically viable -- ... Plant scientist Heike Sederoff of North Carolina State University, however, is very familiar with the oils