(BioFuture Platform) According to projections of international energy agencies, the use of bioenergy as a share of the world’s energy usage needs to more than double by 2030 if the world is to avoid temperature rises above 2º C. “We simply
environmental policy
Back TO HOMEUN Shipping Climate Talks ‘Captured’ by Industry Lobbyists
by Megan Darby (Climate Change News) Business interests dominate at the International Maritime Organization, analysis shows, steering it towards weak greenhouse gas emissions rules -- The shipping industry has “captured” UN talks on a climate target for the sector, using its clout
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Rising Seas Are Flooding Virginia’s Naval Base, and There’s No Plan to Fix It
by Nicholas Kusnetz (InsideClimate News) The giant naval base at Norfolk is under threat by rising seas and sinking land, but little is being done to hold back the tides. -- ... Naval Station Norfolk, home to the Atlantic Fleet, floods not just
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
EP Committee on Environment Denies Prospects for Domestic Biofuels
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) expresses its disappointment in the result of the vote in the European Parliament's Committee on Environment on Monday this week concerning
October 29, 2017 Read Full Article
The Brazilian Conference on Science and Technology BioEnergy and the Progress in the BioEconomy in Brazil
by Laís F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Held in Campos do Jordão on 16-19 October 2017, the Third Edition of the Brazilian BioEnergy Science and Technology Conference (BBEST) highlighted the theme "Designing a Sustainable Bioeconomy". [caption id="attachment_89735" align="alignleft" width="300"] BBEST--Brazilian BioEnergy
October 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Lake Erie's Toxic Algae: Does Ethanol Mandate Make it Worse?
by Mary Kuhlman (Public News Service) The huge algal bloom in Lake Erie is receding, but clean water advocates say the annual problem won't go away without changes in federal policies. One measure raising concerns is the ethanol mandate, which requires a
October 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Good Day for Bioenergy, Bad Day for Crop-Based Biofuels, as European Parliament’s Environment Committee Votes on RED II Proposals
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Policymakers in the European Parliament’s environment committee (ENVI) have voted in support of a proposal for a total phase out of crop-based biofuels by 2030 and have backed the use of biomass for electricity production. The ENVI
October 26, 2017 Read Full Article
MEPs Propose Upgraded, Nationally Binding Targets for Renewables
(New Europe Online) EU should aim for 35% renewables in its energy consumption in 2030 -- The Environment Committee voted on its opinion on the revision of the Renewable Energy Directive for the period 2021 – 2030. ... “I am delighted that the Parliament
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
California Cars Are Running on Restaurant Grease
by Robert Tuttle (Bloomberg Technology) Renewable diesel use surges amid low-carbon fuel program; Second-biggest source of low-carbon fuel credits after ethanol -- California’s battle against climate change is being fought more fiercely in fast food restaurants than in Tesla Inc.’s car factory in Fremont. Seven
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Opinion: Biofuels Sustainable, Essential To Aviation’s Future
by Adam Klauber, Isaac Toussie, Steve Csonka and Barbara Bramble (Aviation Week & Space Technology) To some, biofuels conjure negative images of industrial-scale agriculture with cornstalks as far as the eye can see, or worse, displaced orangutans squatting dejectedly beside burning
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil's Biofuel Push Is Threatened by Too Much Cheap Oil
by Vanessa Dezem and Fabiana Batista (Bloomberg Technology) Brazil leading international effort to expand industry; Biofuel investments worldwide are down 25% this year ... Brazil is positioning itself as a global biofuels ambassador, fighting climate change by spurring demand for ethanol. It will be
October 24, 2017 Read Full Article
A Dozen Global Cities Commit to Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets
(Next-Gen Transportation News) The mayors of London, Paris, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Quito, Vancouver, Mexico City, Milan, Seattle, Auckland and Cape Town have signed the C40 Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets Declaration. Under the declaration, the city leaders have pledged to procure only zero-emission buses from 2025
October 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Ottawa Looking into Low-Carbon Fuels as It Develops New Clean Fuel Standard
by Maura Forrest (National Post) A major question the government appears to be grappling with is where a new supply of low-carbon fuels will come from -- The federal government is looking into the potential for low-carbon fuels in Canada as it
October 23, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Gerard Ostheimer and Doug Faulkner co-authored a Biofuels Digest article with some ideas that show the benefits bioenergy could bring to Africa: "Africans should strive for sustainable fuels from native feedstocks in a modern infrastructure and thriving economy ... Renewable diesel
October 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Growing the African Biofuel Sector: What’s Not to Like?
by Gerard Ostheimer and Doug Faulkner (Biofuels Digest) ... (I)n Sub-Saharan Africa a thriving indigenous bioenergy industry can play a positive and productive role in modernizing economies and improving the quality of human life. One challenge for African bioenergy development though
October 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Four Swedish NGOs Write MEPs Demanding a Shift in Biofuels Policy
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Sweden, a group of four NGOs have written an open letter to members of European Parliament urging them to rethink the proposals for the second version of the Renewable Energy Directive, claiming that Swedish
October 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Marketing Sustainability: How Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) Are Planning to Take Flight
By Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Flying in Formation: Since the first test flight almost 10 years ago, there have been over 40,000 commercial flights supported by four international airports supplying SAFs. Michael Gill, Executive Director of the cross-industry Air
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
ExCo79 Workshop Publication ‘The Role of Industrial Biorefineries in a Low-Carbon Economy- Summary and Conclusions’
(International Energy Agency) Biorefineries are generally expected to play an important role in decarbonising the energy and transport sectors with bioenergy and biofuel products. In addition, national and regional economies would benefit the most from a production portfolio that favours high-added
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Shift to Sustainable Food System in Europe Is Possible, but Faces Challenges
(European Environment Agency) Making Europe’s production, consumption and trade in food environmentally sustainable is possible, but it will require a major shift in public attitudes, policies and knowledge and seizing current opportunities for change, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA)
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Aemetis Signs Long Term Lease for Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Site in California
(Aemetis) 55 year Lease Agreement at Former Army Munitions Facility -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that its Aemetis Advanced Products Keyes subsidiary signed a 55 year lease at a former US Army munitions facility located in Riverbank, California which is near
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers Work with UN to Accelerate Shift to Low Carbon
(Ethanol Europe Renewables, Ltd./EurActiv) EERL partners with UN Climate Change for COP 23 -- Ahead of the UN Climate Conference in Bonn (COP 23, 6-17 November), Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd (EERL) and UN Climate Change have partnered to boost the deployment of
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor at ABLC Next 2017: Fulcrum Prices Bonds, GOP Governors’ Pro-Biofuels March on DC
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... In the biggest news sweeping the floor at ABLC Next 2017 and perhaps the biggest industrial biotechnology update of 2017, the long-awaited financing is approaching completion for Fulcrum Bioenergy’s highly-anticipated waste-to-fuels project in Nevada, that
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Countries Reject Plans for the Expansion of Aviation Biofuels
(Transport & Environment) Today, 25 countries convened by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) rightly rejected the 2050 Vision on Sustainable Aviation Fuels that included volume-based targets as originally proposed by the ICAO Secretariat. Brad Schallert, Deputy Director at World Wildlife Fund and a
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Low Carbon Demand Regears Biodiesel Inputs
by Niamh Boyle (Prima Markets/Biodiesel Magazine) Prima Markets provides a comprehensive summary of the growing international demand for low carbon fuels, including U.S. policy drivers and waste feedstock consumption, along with a detailed overview of the international trade of low carbon
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Pruitt's Charm Offensive Has Few Actual Promises
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Seven corn-state Republican senators emerged smiling from what they deemed a "good" meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on Tuesday but they got no concrete policy promises on the Renewable Fuel Standard from him, Pro's
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
A Perspective on the Value of Cooking with Off-Grid Power
by Mahesh Bhave (Renewable Energy World) Why should rural electrification efforts worldwide — in Africa, India, Central and South America — isolate cooking from other core applications such as lighting, fans, phone charging, and TV? Why can’t electricity for cooking be
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Plans for Dorcrecht Inland Seaport to Host Bunker Station for LNG and Other Cleaner Fuels
(PitPoint Clean Fuels) The Port of Rotterdam wants to realise a new multifuel bunker station for the refuelling of LNG and other cleaner fuels. Krabbegors/Duivelseiland at Dordrecht Inland Seaport has been designated as the location for this bunker station. Port of
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Palm Oil Ban ‘Has Little Impact on Reducing Deforestation’
(Biofuels International) A general ban on palm oil in biofuels in Europe punishes the wrong producers while having little impact on reducing deforestation, according to Jaboury Ghazoul, a professor of ecosystem management at ETH Zurich. He claims in an article published
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Think Transportation GHG Emissions Targets Can Be Reached without Biofuels Mandates? Think Again.
by Gordon Quaiattini (Biofuels Digest) Governments serious about climate change should be wary about eliminating the mandate for renewable fuels, and those promising a low carbon fuel market without it. Earlier this month Canada’s Environment Commissioner urged MPs to push the government from
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Airbus Exec.: EU ‘Bonus’ for Aviation Biofuels May Be Too Little
by Frédéric Simon (EurActiv) The European Commission’s proposal to incentivise the production of biofuels for aircraft with a 20% “multiplier” goes in the right direction, says Thierry Nowaczyk from Airbus. The question is whether this is enough to fill the price
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
China Needs Tougher Clean Fuel Targets to Meet Paris Climate Pact -Report
by Muyu Xu and Josephine Mason (Reuters) China will have to launch more ambitious renewable energy and non-fossil fuel targets and ramp up efforts to enforce them to avoid missing global climate accord requirements, two government think tanks said on Monday. China’s
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
City Buses to Soon Run on Methane
(The Hindu) Mumbai: The State government will rely on Swedish biogas technology to make urban transport in Mumbai compliant with emission standards. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met officials in Sweden on Thursday and announced that sewage treatment plants (STP) in Mumbai
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Hirono Secures Federal Funding for Clean Energy Research and Development in Hawaii
(Office of Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)) Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced that two Hawaii businesses will receive $1.5 million in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding to develop offshore seaweed as a potential clean energy source. The funding was awarded
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels International 2017 Conference in Edinburgh - A Peek into EU’s Biofuel Industry and Policy Outlook
by Aino Siirala* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 10th Biofuels International Conference and Expo took place in Edinburgh this year. The conference was co-located with Bioenergy Insight 2017 conference which gave the participants an opportunity to attend both events at the
October 16, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Found a Carbon Rule It Can Like
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Sure EPA is proposing to roll back the Clean Power Plan, but that doesn't mean all carbon rules are off the table: The agency is even now working on a rule to regulate carbon from
October 16, 2017 Read Full Article
Coordinated Introduction of E10 Petrol Can Help Meet Transport Carbon Targets and Support the UK Economy
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) In support of the UK government’s decision to increase the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, the LowCVP today published its report ‘Successfully Deploying E10 Petrol’. The expert group convened under the auspices of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership concluded
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
These Countries Want to Ban Gas and Diesel Cars
by Alanna Petroff (CNN) China, the world's largest car market, is working on a plan to ban the production and sale of vehicles powered only by fossil fuels. It has plenty of company: India, France, Britain and Norway want to ditch gas and diesel cars in favor
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
MEPs Vote to Ban the Use of Palm Oil in Biofuels
by Arthur Neslen (The Guardian) MEPs have voted overwhelmingly to ban biofuels made from vegetable oils including palm oil by 2020, to prevent the EU’s renewable transport targets from inadvertently contributing to deforestation. A new palm oil regulation, minimum sustainability criteria, customs
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Ministers Agree National Climate Goals ahead of U.N. Talks
(Reuters) EU environment ministers agreed national emissions-reduction targets on Friday in a push to show how the bloc is delivering on its climate goals ahead of United Nations talks next months to fight global warming. ... Hours of talks over reforms to the
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Dem Introduces Bill to Boost Clean Vehicle Technology
by Melanie Zanona (The Hill) ... Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), who has also been leading a House push to pave the way for autonomous vehicles, reintroduced a bill that would promote investments in the research and development of cutting-edge technologies that
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Houston Companies Join High-Octane Battle over Fuel in Mexico
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) At a Rice University forum last year, Mexican Energy Secretary Pedro Joaquin Coldwell was asked whether his government would allow refiners to increase the concentrations of ethanol in gasoline beyond the 5.8 percent that it had
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
Bioenergy and Biofuels Highlighted in UK’s Clean Growth Strategy
(Biofuels International) A plan for cutting carbon emissions while growing the economy has been released by the UK government. ‘The Clean Growth Strategy: Leading the way to a low carbon future’ has been published by Greg Clark, the UK’s Business and Energy
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Paris Plans to Banish All but Electric Cars by 2030
by Brian Love (Reuters) Target is 10 years ahead of national deadline; Goal is to fight smog in host city of 2024 Olympics (Updates) -- Paris authorities plan to banish all petrol- and diesel-fuelled cars from the world’s most visited city by 2030,
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Randy Krehbiel: Did Scott Pruitt Just Declare War on Renewables?
by Randy Krehbiel (Tulsa World) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt may have declared an end to the "war on coal" earlier this week, but what some consider Pruitt's own war on alternative energy seems to be just getting started. Largely unnoticed
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Effect of Subsidies to Fossil Fuel Companies on United States Crude Oil Production
by Peter Erickson, Adrian Down, Michael Lazarus & Doug Koplow (Nature Energy) Countries in the G20 have committed to phase out ‘inefficient’ fossil fuel subsidies. However, there remains a limited understanding of how subsidy removal would affect fossil fuel investment returns and production,
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
St1 Progresses with Renewable Diesel Production Plans at Its Refinery in Gothenburg
(St1) Energy company St1 continues its series of investments targeting to begin the production of renewable diesel in 2020 at its refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company has now signed an Engineering design package and license agreement with Haldor Topsoe for
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Member States, Commission Have No Position in European Parliament's Resolution
by Sangeetha Amarthalingam & Wong Ee Lin (The Edge Markets) The European Union (EU) member states and Commission have no position in the European parliament's resolution to discontinue the usage of vegetable oils in biodiesel by 2020, according to Ambassador of The
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Second ICAO Conference on Alternative Aviation Fuels Held in Mexico
(International Civil Aviation Organization) At the 39th Session of the ICAO Assembly, Resolutions A39-2 (Consolidated statement of continuing ICAO policies and practices related to environmental protection – Climate change) reaffirmed the need for alternative fuels to be developed and deployed in
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Airports Can Help Make Air Transportation More Sustainable
(Port of Seattle/Seattle Times) Sustainable aviation biofuels could help airlines transition away from fossil fuels and alleviate some impacts of climate change. -- ... Our generation’s greatest gift could be to make air travel environmentally friendly by transitioning away from legacy
October 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Federal Government Seeking Partner to Look at Way to Create Domestic Jet Biofuel Industry
by Maura Forrest (National Post) The federal government is looking at the potential of producing jet biofuels, in light of an international agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry. Natural Resources Canada is looking for a company to design
October 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Glacial Pace of Advancements in Biofuel Threatens Emissions Targets
by Kerry Reals (Aviation Week & Space Technology) With efficiency gains from airframe and engine technology improvements considered insufficient to meet the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA's) 2050 emissions-reduction target, the only conceivable way to do so is through the widespread use
October 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Italy's Oil Giant Taps Mediterranean Diet to Turn Fats into Fuel
(The Edge Markets/Bloomberg) ... The government, driven by European Union renewable-fuel targets and a national diet rich in olive oil, is luring producers with financial incentives. As a result, Ai Due Otri is just one of about 100,000 restaurants nationwide recycling
October 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Energy Conference Focuses on Profitable Energy Independence
(Huggins Consulting Group LLC/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Competitive landscape, innovative technologies and emerging energy policy were hot topics as a diverse group of nearly 150 thought leaders, industry representatives, researchers and suppliers convened in the heart of renewable energy production for the
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
USGC Sets Sights on Kenya for Potential Ethanol Market
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is working to develop ethanol markets in east Africa, which are accessible through the Persian Gulf. Brian Healy, USGC’s vice president of ethanol market development, traveled to Kenya recently to speak
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Scania Will Provide Clean Buses to 20 Major Cities
(Scania) Scania today joins the Global Industry Partnership on Soot-Free Clean Bus Fleets with a commitment to, by 2018, provide modern soot-free buses to 20 major cities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Australia. “To tackle the challenge of poor air quality
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Argus Media Interviews about UPM Biofuels, NixAl Commodities and Abengoa Bioenergy
(Argus Media) ... Argus interviews speakers Sari Mannonen, Vice-President, UPM Biofuels and Alberto Carmona Bosch, Chief Executive Officer, NixAl Commodities and former Exec. VP for Trading at Abengoa Bioenergy. In these Q&As, Sari discusses UPM Biofuels’ post-2020 strategy, Finland’s role in
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Neste's Taking Action on Climate Change Examines Changes in Energy and Transport Markets
(Neste Corporation) Neste has published a business environment outlook called Taking Action on Climate Change. It discusses key changes taking place in the energy, transport and chemicals markets. As global commitment to tackle climate change requires major efforts to reduce emissions, the use of
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels International Conference and Bioenergy Insight Conference Cover Range of Issues
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) The future of bioethanol, advanced biofuel developments and an uncertain policy landscape were some of the hot topics discussed at this year’s Biofuels International and Bioenergy Insight conference. The conference took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 4-5th October. Rob Wakely, head of low carbon
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
NGOs Slam UN Aviation Agency Plan for Biofuels
(Phys.Org) Nearly 100 environmental and poverty fighting groups jointly released a letter Tuesday slamming a UN proposal that backs large-scale use of biofuels in commercial planes. Extensive burning of biofuels would vastly expand the production of palm oil, which critics say drives
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Global Maritime Forum, Carbon War Room Push for Decarbonization Urgency with Industry Task Force Launch
Global Maritime Forum, Carbon War Room, the World Bank’s Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition, and University College London (UCL) today announced the launch of a Task Force on Decarbonizing Shipping. This industry-led initiative will develop tangible pathways for shipping’s decarbonization through
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Phase-Out Will Raise Demand for Feed Imports, Industry Warns
by Samuel White (EurActiv) This article is part of our special report Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?. -- Biofuels in the EU are deeply intertwined with global food and feed markets. As the EU discusses its future biofuels policy, their
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
IEA’s Latest Renewable Energy Outlook Highlights Continuing Demand Growth for Conventional Biofuels
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) Today (October 5, 2017), Bliss Baker, the President of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA), reacted to the latest IEA’s medium-term outlook on renewable energy by noting that once again projections are anticipating continued increased growth in demand
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
EESI Comments on Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On October 5, EESI submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their midterm evaluation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light-duty vehicles. ... In its comments, EESI
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels USA Files Comments on CAFE Midterm Evaluation
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Regarding the Midterm Evaluation Draft Technical Assessment Report for Model Year 2022–2025 Light Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions and CAFE Standards, Advanced Biofuels USA offered the following comments and recommendations. Current EPA CAFE Fuel Mileage Regulations Are Not an Expedited
October 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Household Oil from Concepción Will Be Transformed into Biodiesel
(City of Concepción) Enthusiastic leaders of different neighborhood councils in Concepción received containers to recycle their disused home oil, which will be transformed into clean fuel: Biodiesel. The initiative is part of the actions developed by the Environment Department of the municipality to
October 05, 2017 Read Full Article
MEP: ‘Sustainable’ Biofuels and E-Mobility Both Needed in Post-2020 EU Transport
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) This article is part of our special report Phasing-out biofuels: What’s really at stake?. If the EU intends to meet its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, then it should favour both “sustainable” biofuels and electric cars
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Environmental and Energy Study Institute Publishes Fact Sheet: Biogas—Converting Waste to Energy
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The United States produces more than 70 million tons of organic waste each year. While source reduction and feeding the hungry are necessary priorities for reducing needless food waste, organic wastes are numerous and extend to
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
A Sticky Matter: Sugar Molasses Dent EU’s Ambitions on Advanced Biofuels
by Paola Tamma (EurActiv) Sugar molasses, which the European Commission sees as “advanced” biofuel, present many of the same problems as conventional biofuels – including a potential increase in food prices and land competition for food production. But their definition as biofuels
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Biofuels Digest's Jim Lane analyzes the cost and emissions profile for electric vehicles compared to "gasoline-powered" ones. The findings? On price, the lowest-cost option is a Cruze running on E85 conventional ethanol — which also reduces emissions compared to a
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Data Surprise: Biofuels Still Beating Electrics on Cost, Emissions
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Electrics are improving on emissions and cost, but not enough to make driving an electric car the smart choice for consumers looking to save time and reduce environmental impacts. According to a new analysis, biofuels still
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
California Mulling Ban on Combustion-Engine Vehicles
by Devin Henry (The Hill) California regulators are exploring ways to eventually ban the sale of vehicles powered by internal-combustion engines, a top official told Bloomberg News. California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols said the state, led by Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, is
October 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Carbon Offsetting Can Play an Important Role in Achieving Airlines' Climate Goals, Says Study, but Finds Low Level of Understanding
(GreenAir Online) ... “The key message of our paper is really to understand that carbon offsets play an important role in addressing climate change, but not in the sense that they make emissions ‘go away’ in some miraculous manner, but that
October 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Clash Looms between EU Institutions on How Long to Stop the Clock on Scope of the Aviation EU ETS
(GreenAir Online) The European Parliament voted by a clear majority today to back proposals from the European Commission to extend the derogation that restricts the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to covering flights within the European Economic
October 02, 2017 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-French President Macron Says Europe Needs Significantly Higher Carbon Price
by Bate Felix (Reuters) French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Europe needed a significant minimum carbon price to boost investment in its energy transition, and a European carbon tax at the bloc’s borders to guarantee fair competition for its
September 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Can The Corn Ethanol Lobby Win In Mexico, Too?
by David Blackmon (Forbes) ... The elimination in the U.S. of the use of MTBE as a gasoline oxygenation agent by the EPA was a big factor in the initial turn to ethanol .... ... Taking advantage of major changes to the country’s energy
September 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Visegrad and Balkans Hit out at Commission over Biofuels Phase-Out Proposal
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (Euractiv) The Visegrad group and two Balkan countries signed a joint declaration urging the European Commission to reconsider its proposal to gradually phase out first generation biofuels after 2020 and think about the consequences. ... On the other hand, the
September 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Any Renewable Energy Solution Requires Extracting the Full Value of Biomass
by A.J. (Sandy) Marshall (Bioindustrial Innovation Canada/Canada Biomass) ... Today, climate change concerns are demanding an ever-increasing management of greenhouse gases. As a result, society is establishing a pricing on carbon through cap and trade and carbon taxation mechanisms. This shift
September 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Republican Senator Endorses 'Price on Carbon' to Fight Climate Change
by Justin Worland (Time Magazine) Sen. Lindsey Graham endorsed a "price on carbon" to fight climate change, breaking with much of the Republican Establishment. Speaking at a climate change conference held by former Secretary of State John Kerry at Yale University, the South Carolina
September 25, 2017 Read Full Article
New York Governor Signs Bill Requiring Biodiesel in Heating Oil
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) New Yorkers in downstate counties will soon benefit from cleaner air due to the increased use of Bioheat fuel in heating oil. Legislation signed Sept. 13 by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo requires Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties
September 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Anti-Biofuel Ideologues Support the Oil Status Quo
by Eric Sievers (Ethanol Europe/Euractiv) Anti-biofuel ideologues claim to be pro-climate and pro-development. But their positions, in fact, support the oil status quo, the concentration of power in the energy sector in the hands of large multinationals and the decline
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Have Central Role in Low-Carbon Economy
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Alliance /Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... For years, the private sector and experts from nongovernmental organizations had been signaling the shift in the global economy away from historically favorable investments in fossil fuels to growing opportunities
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
UK Department for Transport Announces Biofuel Reforms
(NNFCC Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Following years of policy uncertainty and market stagnation, the U.K.’s Department for Transport has announced its intention to raise the target under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, paving the way for future growth of the U.K. biofuels
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Stops Work on Airline Emissions Standards
(Summit County Citizens Voice) Agency’s move could violate federal environmental laws -- A little more than a year after determining that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are a threat to public health, the EPA has stopped working on developing new
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Energy Beet Feasibility Study Finds Navy Best Potential Near-Term Customer for Alcohol-to-Jetfuel Product
(Advanced Biofuels USA) USDA-funded feasibility study based on 2016 energy beet project at University of Maryland Eastern Shore finds Navy solicitation is best market for economic viability of project followed by advanced ethanol for Mid-Atlantic ground transportation markets. With Norfolk and
September 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Groups Testify at EPA Hearing on CAFE-GHG Standards
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol and the Renewable Fuels Association are among the groups that testified at the U.S. EPA’s public hearing for the reconsideration of the Final Determination of the Mid-Term
September 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Second Generation Transport Biofuels Can Play a Significant Role in Meeting UK Carbon Reduction Targets, Says Report
(Green Air Online) A viable second generation liquid biofuel industry and market has a significant role in helping to meet UK long-term carbon reduction goals, particularly in sectors like aviation where alternative low-carbon options are not available. So concludes a
September 11, 2017 Read Full Article
UK Government Recommits to Funding Support for Development of Advanced Aviation Biofuels
(Green Air Online) The UK government has recommitted to providing up to £22 million ($28m) towards funding for projects to develop advanced low carbon, waste-based advanced fuels for planes and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The fund, which must be matched
September 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Sustainable First and Second Generation Bioethanol for Europe
(nova-Institute) nova-Institute has published a finalised short version of its study into the sustainability of bioethanol from different feedstocks. To read the report, "A sustainability assessment of first and second generation bioethanol in the context of the European Commission’s REDII proposal," and get
September 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Södra Commences Biofuel Production
(Södra) Södra will invest more than SEK 100 million in the production of biomethanol, a sustainable fuel from forest raw material. The project will commence in autumn 2017 and is scheduled to be ready for operation by spring 2019. The aim
September 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Plastic Stretches Towards the New: Top 10 Trendlines in Bioplastics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Plant Bottle has generated so much goodwill and publicity for its 30% renewable, sustainable content (and that biobased MEG) that it’s easy to forget that there are several paths being chased to 100% renewable
September 07, 2017 Read Full Article
The People’s Fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biodiesel is the people’s advanced biofuel, but it is not always the Establishment’s darling. Whether it is cleaner air, more lubricity, more advanced domestic manufacturing and jobs, higher property values driving higher revenues for states
September 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Interview — Growing Food or Fuel on Our Land?
(European Environment Agency) Only a decade ago, biofuel production from plants was hailed as an ecological alternative to fossil fuels. Recently, it has come to be seen as competing with food production and not always an effective solution in reducing
August 31, 2017 Read Full Article
European Commission Study Highlights Benefits of Higher Ethanol Fuel Blends
(ePURE) Newly released report finds that increasing ethanol in petrol helps improve air quality and reduces oil dependency -- A new report published by the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reducing emissions of
August 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Planes Fuelled by Waste Could Take off from British Airports
(UK Department of Transport) Planes could take off from British airports using fuels made from rubbish that gets sent to landfill, under a new government scheme. -- As part of plans to promote clean alternative fuels, the government is offering
August 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Aemetis Completes Enzymatic Biodiesel Production Unit at India Plant to Supply US and Europe
(Aemetis) Company well positioned to fill expected supply gap caused by anti-dumping ruling against Argentina and Indonesian biodiesel in the U.S. market -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that its Universal Biofuels subsidiary in India has completed the construction
August 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Hot Spots: The Top 10 Bioeconomy Places to Watch in Canada
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... 1. Ottawa, Ontario The biggest Canadian story of the year stems from the November 2016 announce by Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna announced that Canada will adopt a national clean fuels standard,
August 29, 2017 Read Full Article
New Wastewater Treatment System Runs on Algae
by Julia Mericle (The Hawk Eye) If Columbus Junction City Council approves the project, they could be first to install new technology in Iowa. -- Columbus Junction could count itself among pioneering cities in the struggle to treat wastewater if
August 29, 2017 Read Full Article
All Eyes on Energy
by Keith Loria (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The 2014 Farm Bill—otherwise known as the Agricultural Act of 2014—places a larger emphasis on energy than past farm bills have. It includes the most recent version of the Energy Title, which was first
August 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Failure to Set Cost of Carbon Hampers Trump’s Effort to Expand Use of Fossil Fuels
by Andrew Revkin (ProPublica) The Trump administration plans to sharply reduce the government’s estimate of how much each ton of carbon emissions harms the planet. It hasn’t done so yet, and that delay is slowing Trump’s effort to expand coal mining
August 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Scottish Growers Could Cash in on Green Biofuel Crisis
by Brian Henderson (Scotsman) It became clear yesterday that Scottish wheat growers could have a major opportunity to supply grain to biofuel plants south of the Border – as the farm assurance scheme SQC moved to reassure producers that their
August 25, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Posts Materials for SAB Review of Biogenic CO2 Framework
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted new materials related to a quality review scheduled to be conducted by the Scientific Advisory Board on the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary
August 25, 2017 Read Full Article
IRENA Technology Brief: Biogas for Road Vehicles
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe/IEA Bioenergy Task 37 Newsletter) This brief highlights the technologies available – both established and newly emerging – for biomethane production and biogas-driven vehicle fleets. It evaluates costs, performance and sustainability and outlines the best practices from around the
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In decrying the proposed budget cuts to US Department of Transportation biofuels research in a Pacific Standard article, Mike White explains, "This would slow, but not stop our transition to wind and solar power—because their cost is at last low
August 23, 2017 Read Full Article
How Trump's Cuts to Biofuels Research Would Hurt the Planet and Our Economy
by Michael White (Pacific Standard) Biofuels can reduce emissions, benefit American corporations, and create jobs. But slashing the budget of the Bioenergy Technologies Office effectively eliminates those possibilities. -- ... However, as Congress and the Trump administration take deliberate steps
August 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Peer-Reviewed Study Finds Exxon Misled on Climate
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Harvard researchers are out this morning with a peer-reviewed analysis concluding Exxon Mobil misled the public over the course of 40 years of climate change communications. After poring over its scientific research, internal company
August 23, 2017 Read Full Article
Clean Energy: An Unprecedented Opportunity for Republicans
by Ashlee Rich Stephenson (Morning Consult/WPA Intelligence/Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions Forum) ... Recent studies, sponsored by Yale and George Mason University and the Pew Research Center, illustrated that large cross sections of the American public link climate change and carbon emissions to imminent
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Ninth Annual Green Innovation Index Finds California Clean Economy Thriving but Emissions-Reduction Challenges Loom
(Business Wire/Next 10) As California’s economy continues to grow, the state’s carbon footprint continues to shrink, albeit at a slower pace than in earlier years due in part to a spike in transportation emissions. The ninth annual California Green Innovation Index — released by
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
A Major Moment for Ethanol in Europe
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The next few months are sure to be a crucial period for the European ethanol industry, as European Union policymakers grapple with new legislation that could phase out crop-based biofuels after 2020. The moment is especially
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Contribution to a Record-Breaking Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico
by Vrinda Manglik (Sierra Club/Huffington Post) ... Contributors leading to these inhospitable conditions include excessive nutrient pollution, which often comes from nitrogen-based fertilizer runoff used in agricultural production. In particular, corn production is notorious for its significant contribution to the dead zone.
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Public Hearing on the Reconsideration of the Midterm Evaluation Final Determination September 6, 2017 in Washington DC; Comment period DEADLINE: October 5, 2017
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) EPA will hold a public hearing on September 6, 2017 in Washington DC to hear public testimony on the Reconsideration of the Midterm Evaluation Final Determination. EPA signed a Federal Register notice announcing the hearing on
August 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Massachusetts Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Massachusetts regulators released details of a new plan Friday to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in the state, in accordance with a state law and court order. The rules rely on a clean energy standard, carbon dioxide
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In a 25 x '25 blog post, Reg Modlin, former director of regulatory affairs at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and senior advisor to the Ag-Auto-Ethanol Work Group, noted, "Until then (2050), and for decades after, liquid fuel will be used
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Combustion Engines Are Not Going Anywhere for Quite a While
by Reg Modlin (25 x '25 Resource) ... Flags have gone up in recent days as a result of articles proclaiming the coming of the electric car and the resulting disruption in the automobile industry. Relax. There is nothing new
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Mexico Looks to Curb Carbon with a New Cap-and-Trade System
by Lucas Laursen (Scientific American) ... Mexico kicked off 2017 with a 20 percent spike in gasoline prices, driven in part by the phasing out of subsidies. Some consumers set fires at gas stations—a response that highlights the backlash countries can
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
UK Releases 2016 Ethanol Data, REA Calls for Enforcement of E10
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...The U.K. Renewable Energy Association has spoken out in response to the data, noting it shows the use of biofuels has been stagnant in the U.K. since 2013. According to the REA, the U.K. government
August 16, 2017 Read Full Article
The Valley of Fog: As Sundrop Moves on from Louisiana, What’s up and What’s Wrong with Loan Guarantee Programs?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Louisiana, reports surfaced in Alexandria’s TownTalk online paper that Sundrop Fuels has struck an agreement to sell the 1200-acre site where it once planned to build its $450 million, 50 million gallon capacity first commercial plant
August 16, 2017 Read Full Article
Environmental and Economic Goals Not in Conflict, New Study Claims
(Bioenergy Insight) New research claims that air pollution policy reduces the extent to which population growth in urban areas results in increased pollution emissions, without disrupting the economic growth resulting from this urbanisation. More than half of the world’s population currently lives
August 15, 2017 Read Full Article
Project Aims to Turn Roads into Energy Source
(Advantage News) The Illinois Department of Transportation has approved implementation of a renewable energy demonstration project using grasses collected from mowing highway rights-of-way. The work will implement the findings of a three-year study by a multidisciplinary team, including the Illinois Sustainable
August 14, 2017 Read Full Article
New York's Energy Leaders Lay out an Early Blueprint for Carbon Pricing
by Marie J. French (Politico) The state's top energy policy makers moved closer to creating a price for carbon in New York in a much-anticipated report released Friday. Carbon pricing is seen by many in industry and environmental advocacy as a
August 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Special Report: How Engineers Are Preparing for Sea-Level Rise
by Pam Radtke Russell (Engineering News Record) From Seattle to Cape Cod, see what's being done at 18 different locations -- ... In this special report, Engineering News-Record’s team of editors and reporters look at how Tangier and other coastal
August 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Interview: Finnish Love with Biofuels May Lead to Wrong Choices in Transport: Expert
(XinhuaNet) Finnish love with biofuels as a key approach to reduce emissions has made the Nordic country one of the least active Western European countries to prepare for the arrival of electric car era, an expert said on Wednesday. Pekka Leviakangas,
August 11, 2017 Read Full Article
New Knowledge Centre Will Provide Scientific Evidence on Bioeconomy
(European Commission Science Hub) A new Bioeconomy Knowledge Centre has been created by the JRC and DG RTD to better support policy makers with science-based evidence in this field. Launched by the European Commission on 20 July, this online platform will
August 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Environmentalists Are Urging the USDA to Reject This Genetically Engineered Eucalyptus Tree
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) A genetically engineered, freeze-tolerant eucalyptus tree is moving closer to receiving approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, amid concerns about the tree’s possible negative effects on the environment. The USDA has proposed lifting restrictions
August 10, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Administrator Signs Federal Register Notice Opening Comment Period for Mid-term Evaluation Reconsideration
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today EPA Administrator Pruitt has signed a Federal Register notice announcing that EPA is reconsidering whether the light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas standards previously established for model years 2022-2025 are appropriate under section 202(a) of the Clean Air
August 10, 2017 Read Full Article
How Fossil Fuel Money Made Climate Change Denial the Word of God
by Brendan O'Connor (Splinter News/Special Projects Desk of Gizmodo Media Group) In 2005, at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Evangelicals was on the verge of doing something novel: affirming science. Specifically, the 30-million-member group, which
August 09, 2017 Read Full Article
Why Will Dominant Alternative Transportation Fuels Be Liquid Fuels, not Electricity or Hydrogen?
by Bin Zhao (Energy Policy) Existing transportation infrastructure favors liquid fuels. The human nature of satisfying their needs with least effort favors liquid fuels. Continuing supply of oil will reinforce existing transportation infrastructure. Understanding alternative fuel market helps avoid making unrealistic policies. The nature
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Pan-African Food and Non-Food Biomass Expert Network Unveiled
by Liz Gyekye (Bioenergy Insight) The “first” pan-African expert network on food and non-food biomass has been launched by African and German researchers. BiomassNet aims to ensure that food security and environmental sustainability are not compromised in the development of new
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
USDA Office Told to Use ‘Weather Extremes’ instead of 'Climate Change'
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Officials at a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office told staffers to avoid the term “climate change” in their communications and use language like “weather extremes” instead, The Guardian reported Monday. According to emails obtained by The Guardian, officials told
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Copenhagen’s Four-Fold Path to Carbon Neutrality
by John J. Berger (Renewable Energy World) An ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions and create a sustainable future. -- ... Service improvements, such as dedicated bus lanes, are planned to increase public transit ridership 20 percent by 2025, while making public
August 08, 2017 Read Full Article
German Minister: Too Soon to Bury the Combustion Engine
(Associated Press/The Washington Post) Germany’s transport minister said Thursday (July 27, 2017) that it’s too soon to talk about burying the combustion engine, underlining his government’s reluctance to follow Britain and others in banning the sale of new cars and
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Court Tells EPA to Enforce Obama Methane Pollution Rule
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) A federal court told the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Monday that it has to enforce an Obama administration methane pollution rule. The order from Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit came after the judges
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Study Finds that Markets Are Key to Retaining Southern Forests
by Carlton N. Owen (Forest Business Network) ... “Forest2Market’s new study proves what many of us in the forest sector have said for years — robust markets are the key to keeping forests as forests, “says Carlton Owen, President and CEO
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
EU’s Biofuels U-Turn Is Final Nail in Coffin of Irish Sugar
by Dick Roche (Irish Examiner) When it was enacted in 2009, the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive was seen as a progressive step towards meeting Europe’s climate change targets .... -- The directive — which provided that by 2020 at least
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
The Hidden Environmental Costs of Dog and Cat Food
by Karin Brulliard (The Washington Post) ... But if you do, he would like you to consider what their meat-heavy kibble and canned food are doing to the planet. (Gregory) Okin, a geographer at UCLA, recently did that, and the numbers he crunched
August 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Decarbonizing Transportation to Meet Climate Goals
by Leticia Phillips (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) As nations around the world begin implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement, decarbonizing transportation becomes increasingly important in limiting global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius. ... The scale
August 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away?
by Ron Lamberty (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) “Fossil fuels have lost. The rest of the world just doesn’t know it yet.” Some of you may have seen that quote earlier this summer, after it first appeared in an
August 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Processing Pathways
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Interest in cellulosic ethanol from corn fiber is piqued, as technology providers improve on their processes, increasing revenue stream possibilities for producers. -- Some producers and technology developers in the ethanol industry say cellulosic ethanol
August 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Pacific Ethanol to Add Cellulosic Ethanol Production at Idaho Plant
by Catherine Wood and Josh Pedrick (Platts) Pacific Ethanol plans to add cellulosic ethanol production at its Magic Valley, Idaho, plant and expects US Environmental Protection Agency approval by the end of 2017, the company's CEO said Thursday. The move comes on
August 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Why We Need to Clean Up Mining if We Want a Renewable Energy Economy
by James Wilt (Renewable Energy World) A massive open-pit copper mine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about solar power. But the construction of photovoltaic panels actually requires a wide range of metals and minerals to
August 04, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Comment on Nominations to “Augmented” Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals
(Bergeson and Campbell, PC) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Federal Register noticeon August 3, 2017, providing the names and affiliations of additional candidates currently under consideration for appointment to the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The notice states
August 03, 2017 Read Full Article
EPA SAB to Review Biogenic Carbon Framework at August Meeting
(Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has announced the Scientific Advisory Board will conduct a quality review of the agency’s draft framework for assessing biogenic carbon dioxide emissions from stationary sources at a meeting in August. According to a notice published in
August 02, 2017 Read Full Article
NBB Has Strong Showing at RFS Public Hearing, Calls for Higher Biodiesel Volumes
(National Biodiesel Board) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public hearing on the proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) had several witnesses testify before the EPA staff and advocate for higher
August 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Could Clean Energy Spark A Mineral Boom?
(Energy Today/Oilprice.com) A new World Bank report released today (July 18, 2017) highlights the potential impacts that the expected continuing boom in low-carbon energy technologies will have on demand for many minerals and metals. Using wind, solar, and energy storage batteries as
July 31, 2017 Read Full Article
New Additive Hands Biodiesel the Win as Cleanest Liquid Fuel in the U.S.
(National Biodiesel Board/PR Newswire) CARB approval makes America's Advanced Biofuel key to meet carbon reduction goals -- The California Air Resource Board announced on July 20, 2017 that it has certified a biodiesel additive that will make B20 blends in California the cleanest proven
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Motorists Give Green Light to E10 Fuel
(Biofuels International) ... A survey of over 25,000 motorists by Fair Fuel UK, the ‘independent voice of UK drivers’, revealed that over 82% of motorists supported the Government promoting E10 – a more environmentally friendly fuel consisting of 10% ethanol
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuel Potential in Southeast Asia: Raising Food Yields, Reducing Food Waste and Utilising Residues
(International Renewable Energy Agency) Southeast Asia has considerable resources to produce liquid biofuels sustainably, using biomass feedstocks that would not cause carbon-dioxide emissions or interfere with food supply. Fulfilling the region’s biofuel potential would depend on increased residue collection from food
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
National Study Puts Timeline on Impact of Sea-Level Rise in Maryland and Virginia
by Joe Heim (The Washington Post) On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, rising seawater levels and chronic flooding threaten to disrupt daily life, damage homes and businesses, and swallow land in the relatively near future, according to a new study. For
July 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Malaysia and Indonesia Ready to Fight EU at WTO over Palm Oil Ban
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Malaysia, during a meeting between the trade ministers for Malaysia and Indonesia, the countries expressed deep disappointment in the allegedly unfair treatment by the EU on palm oil in favor of other vegetable oils and commodities
July 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Divestment Is Shifting the Geopolitics of Fossil Fuels
by Penney Kome (rabble.ca) ... Almost everyone is targeting fossil fuel consumption and, by extension, Big Oil. Most of us see the oil business as gas stations, or as mammoth corporations, or as roughnecks wrestling with oil rig hoses. Actually, says
July 24, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Ramanan Krishnamoorti (University of Houston/Houston Chronicle), commenting on what is needed for a transition to electric vehicles: "Without big jumps in energy efficiency and conservation, an all electric fleet will require doubling existing base load electricity generation in the United