by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has denied a petition for reconsideration of its finding that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from aircraft cause or contribute to air pollution that may be reasonably anticipated to endanger public health and
environmental policy
Back TO HOMERepublicans Can Cancel Some Obama Environment Rules. But They’ll Have to Choose Carefully.
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) ... Two bills under consideration in Congress, each expected to go to a swift vote, could help expedite the process of undoing recent regulations — or even make it more difficult to pass them in the
January 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Electric Vehicles Threaten to Overtake Biofuels
by Jan Rocha (Climate News Network) A sharp increase in the predicted global number of EVs prompts Brazil to rev up its promotion of low-carbon biofuels. -- By 2040, the number of electric cars in the world could have reached
January 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Toray to Make Biofuel Feedstock from Sugar Cane in Thailand
(Nikkei Asian Review) Japanese company's tech can cut costs at planned processing plant -- Toray Industries looks to tap sugar cane waste in Thailand to produce raw materials for biofuel, a revenue source that fits with the company's expansion plans. The Japanese
January 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Set to Benefit from Germany’s ‘Climate Protection Rate’
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) The ‘climate protection rate’ in Germany is set to rise this year from 3.5 to 4% and biofuels is set to benefit from this, according to Germany’s biofuels trade association Verband der Deutschen Biofuelindustrie (VDB). According
January 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Change Is in the Air for Food Sustainability
by Robin Booker (The Western Producer) There are many innovative products and services available to Canadian crop producers that could help improve sustainability. However, the global food sector is struggling to find ways to reward growers who adapt sustainable technologies and
January 03, 2017 Read Full Article
New Laws That Take Effect January 2017: Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit
(New York State Senate) Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit: The 2016-17 budget extended the Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit from Jan. 1, 2017 until Jan. 1, 2020. It also requires that beginning in 2017, to qualify for the credit, each
January 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Decentralized Organics to Energy with Containerized Anaerobic Digestion
by John D. Forcier (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Most trash and recycled waste materials are being processed on a regional basis to maximize the economy of scale. There have been various attempts to gather and process organic waste materials
January 03, 2017 Read Full Article
Top 10 Bioeconomy Predictions for 2017
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A mere “The Year in Rewind” as we sail into 2017? Not the good ship Digest! Instead, we dust off our crystal ball and offer our predictions for the year ahead. As the sunset of 2016 gives way
January 03, 2017 Read Full Article
DOE BETO Releases New Strategic Plan; Biofuels to Constitute 25% of US Transportation Fuels by 2040
(Green Car Congress) The US Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) released its new strategic plan, titled Strategic Plan for a Thriving and Sustainable Bioeconomy. The strategic plan—with a vision for 2040—lays out BETO’s mission to accomplish its vision in
January 02, 2017 Read Full Article
Construction of Quebec Biomethane Project Underway
(Infrastructure Canada & Government of Quebec/Biomass Magazine) Officials of the governments of Canada and Quebec visited the city of Varennes on Dec. 19 to break ground for construction of the biomethanation facilities of the Société d'économie mixte de l'est de
December 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Birdlife and T&E to Release Anti-Biofuel Documentary in January
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, following on from the November release of their joint publication “The Black Book of Bioenergy”, Birdlife Europe and Central Asia has again teamed with Transport & Environment on a documentary set for release
December 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Lux Research: FOG-Based Biodiesel Remains Significant Opportunity
(Lux Research/Biodiesel Magazine) Biomass-based diesel and conventional electricity lead the race to meet new emissions reduction goals, and diversified energy companies are well-placed, according to Lux Research. Traditionally policies to promote greener transportation fuels have focused on mandating volumes of specific
December 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Fantastic 5: US States Getting It Done, Making Biobased Happen
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... the most innovative public-private policies are likely for some time to proceed out of regions, provinces and states. In some ways, in the United States the forces arrayed against the Renewable Fuel Standard will end up
December 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Regional Feedstock Partnership Report Highlights Work to Enable the Billion-Ton Vision
(U.S. Department of Energy) The Regional Feedstock Partnership (the Partnership)—a multi-institutional collaboration of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, representatives from land-grant universities, and industry—was first established to address issues associated with the development of
December 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Can America Really Be ‘Great Again’ With A Gutted EPA?
by Margo T. Oge (Huffington Post) ... Businessmen are always looking for a good return on investment. America’s environmental protections are a steal. The public health benefits of a cleaner environment and a healthier workforce are far greater than the
December 22, 2016 Read Full Article
The Coming Battle between the Trump Team and Economists over the True Cost of Climate Change
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) ... It seems increasingly likely that the Trump administration would either alter, or attempt to stop using entirely, an Obama-era metric known as the “social cost of carbon” in its federal rule-making processes. And that could have have
December 22, 2016 Read Full Article
US Biodiesel Producers Lose Court Challenge over Argentinian Imports
by Meghan Gordon (Platts) A US appeals court Tuesday dismissed a challenge by American biodiesel producers to the Environmental Protection Agency's decision allowing Argentinian biodiesel to qualify for US renewable fuel credits. The National Biodiesel Board trade group had argued that EPA
December 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Trump’s Nixonian Pivot
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) News of high-level appointments have been streaming out of Trump Tower all this week and last, and two trends are already clear: it’s a group mostly out of the business and military communities, and there’s
December 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Trump Taps Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke as Interior Secretary
by Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, who has represented Montana’s at-large congressional seat for one term, to serve as secretary of the Department of the Interior, according to an individual with firsthand
December 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Estonia Last EU State to Begin Transitioning to Biofuel
(Estonia Public Broadcasting) The Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure submitted a bill amending the Liquid Fuel Act which would require liquid fuel suppliers to add fuels produced from renewable sources, known as biofuels, to their gasoline and diesel fuel.
December 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Trump Taps Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to Head Energy Department He Once Vowed to Abolish
by Juliet Eilperin and Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) President-elect Donald Trump has picked Rick Perry to head the Energy Department, said two people familiar with the decision, seeking to put the former Texas governor in control of an agency whose
December 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Birth of Mideast Renewables?
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) Squeezed budgets from low oil prices since mid-2014, combined with rising energy demand, will boost demand for renewable energy and efficiency technologies across the Middle East, according to a white paper published Monday following
December 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Trump Tabs Another Climate Denier, This Time for Interior
by Bobby Magill (Climate Central) U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a sixth-term Republican from Washington State who is a climate change denier and an ardent opponent of regulations for greenhouse gas emissions, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for
December 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Norway to Boost Biofuels Blend Levels to 20 Percent
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Norway, the national government increased the biofuels content in fuets to 20% from 2020. Also, in their new budget, the government increased taxes on petrol to NOK 0,12 pr/l and NOK 0,35 pr/l. Tax
December 12, 2016 Read Full Article
What’s Next in Cellulosic Biofuels?: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Iogen and the Cellulosic Sector
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Iogen says it has has “one of the world’s largest and most experienced teams in developing, designing, de-bugging, scaling-up and deploying cellulosic biofuel technology. We’re using innovative thinking and disciplined engineering to transform cellulosic biofuels
December 12, 2016 Read Full Article
#Biofuels Could Benefit Under Trump
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) At the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS & Seed Expo this week, noted agricultural economist Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company once again provided his global outlook for agriculture, which includes the outlook for biofuels. Basse
December 08, 2016 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Exports Increase as More Countries Take Steps to Fight Air Pollution
(Iowa Corn) ... As the world strives to meet goals set by global climate initiatives, U.S. ethanol provides an affordable solution. Government mandates, which dictate a certain amount of ethanol to be blended with gasoline, make a big impact on
December 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Nigeria Needs 2.4m Litres of Biodiesel Daily
(Punch) Nigeria needs 2.4 million litres of biodiesel daily to successfully implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Jatropha Growers, Processors and Exporters Association of Nigeria has said. The National President of JaGPEAN, retired Maj. Gen. J. Omosebi, stated this
December 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel: From Deep Fryer to Engine
CRISPY, sweet and a little bit salty, the pisang goreng is enjoyed as favourite tea time snack. Roadside stall owner Johar Melan uses vegetable oil to fry the banana fritters. Now, the used vegetable oil that is collected each month from his
December 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels: Good Policy and Good Politics For Democrats
by Jon Soltz (VoteVets.org) ... (A)s a veteran who has worked to elect progressive leaders from across the country, let me offer one step that Democrats could take immediately to demonstrate their commitment to economic growth, national security, and climate
December 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Senate Committee Hearing Focuses on GAO’s RFS Reports
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On Dec. 1, the Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management held a hearing to discuss the U.S. EPA’s management of the renewable fuel standard (RFS) and two Government Accountability Office reports released on
December 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Commission’s Flip-Flop on Biofuels Puts at Risk Tens of Thousands of Jobs
by Patrick Kent (Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers’ Association/Euractiv) The key element of this renewable energy plan is that the ceiling for the crop biofuel component of EU transport fuels will be slashed from 7% to 3.8% by 2030. The
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Prospering In the New Trump Era
by Douglas L. Faulkner (“The Cleantech Conservative”/Biofuels Digest) ... Yes, the GOP is in control of the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate. But, who’s in control of the Republicans and will they – – can they – –
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-China Aims to Double Ethanol Output to 4 Mln Tonnes by 2020 - Agency
by Dominique Patton (Reuters) China is aiming to produce 4 million tonnes of ethanol by 2020, doubling output from the current level, even as it keeps tight control over the use of food grains to make the biofuel, a government plan
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
The Port of Amsterdam Pursues a Bio-based, Circular Economy
by John J. Berger (Renewable Energy World) ... According to its Vision 2030 statement, the port seeks to become “an innovative hub for [an] energy transition [and a] circular and bio-based economy” that will create jobs, new products, and economic progress. A bio-based economy
December 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Recent Renewables Required Reading: What Can You Skip, What d’ya Gotta Read?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, in Washington and Brussels, four news flashes on global renewable fuel volumes appeared on the radar. Can you safely ignore them and get on with other work, or is there something to get deeply
December 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Unlocking Willpower and Ambition to Meet the Goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement (Part One): Shifting Needs of Law, Policy, and Economics
(Center for Climate Strategies) Since 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) used the term ambition formally in agreements to implement activities and address the need for expanded environmental goals and aspirations. This can be likened
December 01, 2016 Read Full Article
EU Pits Conventional Biofuels against Advanced Biofuels in New 2030 Policy
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, Novozymes came out swinging against the European Commission’s 2030 biofuels proposals, saying it’s a move backwards rather than forward, while the Leaders of Sustainable Biofuels from Clariant to Dong Energy welcomed the policy,
December 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Commission’s Proposal to Phase out Conventional Biofuels Ignores Science and Jeopardises Biofuel Investments
(ePURE) The European renewable ethanol association (ePURE) regrets the European Commission’s intentions to phase out, or significantly reduce, the use of conventional biofuels in Europe, contained in the proposed Renewable Energy Directive for the period post-2020, published as part of
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
EC Releases RED II, Proposes First-Generation Biofuels Phase-out and New Sustainability Criterion for Forest Biomass
(Biofuels International) The European Commission has released its long-awaited revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and proposed the phase-out of food crop-based biofuels from 2021. The EC also wants to simultaneously introduce a sub-mandate for advanced biofuels. It also proposes to introduce a
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Yes, We Move. The Italian Bioeconomy Strategy Is On Line
(Il Bioeconomista) Yes, we move. Italy has its bioeconomy strategy (“Bioeconomy in Italy: A unique opportunity to reconnect economy, society and the environment). “This strategy aims to provide a shared vision of the economic, social and environmental opportunities and challenges
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Europe Doesn’t Have Enough Sustainable Wood and Cow Dung to Meet Its Unrealistic Bioenergy Projections – New Analysis
(Transport & Environment) Sustainable wood waste, agricultural residues, manure and other organic residues generated in Europe will only cover around 80% of the EU’s projected bioenergy use in 2030, a new analysis by green groups BirdLife Europe and Transport &
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
EU Considering Halving Crop-Based Biofuels by 2030: Draft
by Robert-Jan Bartunek, Sybille de La Hamaide and Alissa de Carbonnel (Reuters) The European Commission is considering halving the maximum amount of crop-based biofuels used in transport after 2020 over concerns they increase rather than reduce carbon emissions, according to
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Proposed Determination: Midterm Evaluation of Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Standards for Model Years 2022-2025 --- Comments due December 30, 2016
(Environmental Protection Agency) On November 30, 2016, the Administrator proposed to determine that the MY 2022-2025 standards remain appropriate and that a rulemaking to change them is not warranted. This proposed determination is based on the robust technical record including the draft
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
ICSA Slams Latest EU Commission Leaked Proposals on Biofuels
(Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association) ... According to Mr Kent (ICSA president Patrick Kent), this strategy flies in the face of logic. The Commission which was supportive of biofuels has now decided to reverse its position without any scientific basis
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Petition for rCCU Integration in the RED Presented to European Commission
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, a petition for Carbon capture and use support was presented to Marie Donnelly, Director Renewables, Research and Innovation, Energy Efficiency, European Commission DG Energy; 86 renowned companies and leading universities have already signed. The
November 28, 2016 Read Full Article
The Biobased Economy after Trump: The States May Lead the Way
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Innovation Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... Trump and Congressional Republicans are expected to focus on comprehensive tax reform, infrastructure development, and repealing Obamacare. Some of those initiatives may touch the biobased economy but only at the margins. Renewable chemical
November 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Canada to Adopt National Low Carbon Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Canada, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna announced that Canada will adopt a national clean fuels standard, as an important step for climate action and the growth of Canada’s cleantech economy and green
November 28, 2016 Read Full Article
A Bipartisan Opportunity to Move Forward on Biofuels Policy
by James H. Stock (The Hill) ... In establishing the 2017 obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the EPA finally passed a major RFS milestone that will allow moving beyond the fruitless and acrimonious debate between big corn and big
November 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Preliminary Approval to the Project to Reuse Cooking Oil for Biodiesel
(30 Dias de Noticias (Google translation)) It aims to boost production of biofuels and avoid contamination. -- The bill the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Antonio Bonfatti, which establishes the reuse of vegetable oils and fats used for frying
November 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Ocean Going Vessels Going Green
by Lorenz Bauer (Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) Currently over 866 million tons per year of CO2, or 2.4% of the world’s total, come from maritime sources. A report to the European Parliament predicts that maritime emission will account for up
November 23, 2016 Read Full Article
EU Politicians Say ICAO Carbon Offsetting Scheme Lacks Ambition and Will Push for Reforms to Aviation EU ETS
(GreenAir Online) The head of the European Parliament delegation to COP22 in Marrakech said action to address growing CO2 emissions by the international aviation and shipping sectors was insufficient and could jeopardise action elsewhere to meet global climate targets. Giovanni
November 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Q&A: Alcogroup Says Ethanol Is Key to GHG Targets
(Argus Media) Belgium-based ethanol producer Alcogroup's chief executive Charles-Albert Peers spoke to Argus about near-term prospects for the European ethanol market following the introduction of gasoline with a maximum blended volume of 10pc ethanol (E10) in Belgium in 2017, and
November 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Oil Demand Won't Peak before 2040, Despite Paris Deal: IEA
by Amanda Cooper (Reuters) The International Energy Agency expects global oil consumption to peak no sooner than 2040, leaving its long-term forecasts for supply and demand unchanged despite the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement entering into force. ... But while demand for oil
November 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Dems Shouldn’t Toss-Out Clean Energy Options. Especially Not Now
by Ryan Fitzpatrick (Real Clear Energy) ... The latest attempt to tie our own hands behind our back is H.R. 5180, a bill that would neuter America’s most effective mechanism for bringing low-carbon liquid fuels to market—the Renewable Fuel Standard.
November 18, 2016 Read Full Article
White House’s Mid-Century Climate Change Strategy Includes Biofuels
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the White House released a mid-century strategy (MCS) that envisions economy-wide net GHG emissions reductions of 80 percent or more below 2005 levels by 2050. ... Second-generation biofuels are mentioned in the MCS
November 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Canada Showcases New Algae Biorefinery to Reduce CO2 Emissions
(The National Research Council of Canada/Biodiesel Magazine)... Canada’s first algal biorefinery demonstration project, a collaborative research effort between the National Research Council of Canada’s Algal Carbon Conversion program, Pond Technologies and Votorantim Cimentos’ St Marys Cement, is revolutionizing how industrial carbon
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
East Hull Company Vivergo Fuels Calls for E10 Fuel to Support UK Farming
by Debbie Hall (Hull Daily Mail) Vivergo Fuels is calling on the Government to provide greater certainty to UK farmers by pushing forward with the introduction of E10 fuel, which will cultivate an alternative domestic market for their produce. On the
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
GRFA Calls for Strong Global Commitment to Biofuels at COP22
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Nov. 16, Bliss Baker, the president of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance, called on negotiators participating in high-level events now underway at COP22 to seize the opportunities presented by biofuels to support the
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Nigeria Releases Guidelines for N78b Green Bonds Projects
by Chinedum Uwaegbulam (The Guardian) ... Plans to fund projects that have environmental benefits have begun with the Federal Government’s release of guidelines for the Green Bonds that target N78 billion in climate finance. Under the guidelines, some sectors that provide national projects
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
White House Decarbonization Report Addresses Biofuels, Biomass
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The White House has published a mid-century strategy on decarbonization that addresses biofuels and bioenergy. On Nov. 16, the report was filed with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change under the Paris climate
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
From COP 22 in Marrakech: 20 Countries form BioFutures Platform
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) At COP22, in Marrakech, a coalition of 20 countries interested in the clean energy and the bioeconomy fields launched of the Biofuture Platform, a new collective effort to accelerate development and scale up deployment of
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Obama Administration Launches Sustainable Biofuels Innovation Challenge
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, as part of a wide ranging policy announcement from the Obama Administration, the Department of Energy launched a Sustainable Biofuels Innovation Challenge to develop ways to produce, at scale, widely affordable, advanced biofuels
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Model Predicts Elimination of GMO Crops Would Cause Hike in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Phys.Org/Purdue University) A global ban on genetically modified crops would raise food prices and add the equivalent of nearly a billion tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, a study by researchers from Purdue University shows. Using a model to assess
November 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Rs. 500 Crore Plant to Produce Ethanol from Crop Residue
(The Hindu) Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced a new plant to produce ethanol to be set up in Bathinda with an outlay of Rs 500 crore. ... Mr Pradhan, while addressing gathering in Ludhiana, said this plant will convert
November 16, 2016 Read Full Article
WBA Calls on COP22 Delegates to Push for Carbon Tax to Aid Paris Climate Agreement
(Bioenergy Insight) The World Bioenergy Association (WBA) has called on the delegates attending the 22ndConference of Parties (COP22) at Marrakech, Morocco to push for a carbon tax to help countries achieve the targets set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. The
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
UPM Biofuels Joins Global Companies in below50 Coalition to Scale up Sustainable Fuels for Low-Carbon World
(UPM Biofuels) UPM Biofuels has joined the below50 coalition to promote the most sustainable fuels that can achieve significant carbon reductions - and scale up their development and use. Any company which produces, uses or invests in fuels that are at
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Canadian Producers Poised for Carbon Reduction Era
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The state of the Canadian ethanol industry at year end. -- Optimism is growing among Canadian biofuel producers as the federal government is embracing carbon reduction strategies in its climate change action plan.
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Not Energy Independent, Yet
by Rick Uldricks and Hudson Councilman Casey Weinstein (Twinsburg Patch) In truth, when it comes to energy security, there is good news to be found, but not at the bottom of a well. -- Fossil fuel boosters love to say that energy
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Canada's "Chemical Valley" Lobbying to Lure New Biofuel Plant
(AgriMarketing/Reuters) Sarnia, Ontario, home to dozens of Canada's refineries and chemical plants, is lobbying hard to lure a biotech plant to the city as the local petrochemical-powered economy braces for the impact of a provincial carbon-pricing scheme. BioAmber Inc - which
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Norwegian Consumers Transitioning to Biodiesel Heating Oil
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Norway, consumers have begun transitioning to biodiesel for heating as fossil fuel-based heating oil will likely be banned by 2020. Some municipalities require the underground oil tanks to be removed while others just want
November 15, 2016 Read Full Article
New Survey: Vast Majority of Environmentalists Want RFS Corn Ethanol Mandates Reduced
(American Council for Capital Formation) With Incoming Trump Administration, Reforms to Ethanol Mandates Could Provide Early, Bipartisan Win -- As the Trump administration readies to take the reins, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) could serve as one of the first
November 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Bioenergy with CCS Is a Credible Decarbonisation Technology
by Geraldine Newton-Cross and Dennis Gammer (ETI) To tackle the causes of climate change, the UK has committed to an 80% reduction in its greenhouse gas (GHG ) emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Meeting these targets will require a massive transformation in the way
November 09, 2016 Read Full Article
US Elections: Who Wins, Who Loses - What Trump's Victory Means for the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digests) In Washington, Donald Trump captured the US Presidency in an upset victory that confounded pollsters and political pundits even as it delighted supporters of his maverick candidacy based on themes of immigration and trade reform
November 09, 2016 Read Full Article
What is Australia’s Biofuel Future?
(Ecogeneration) With growing interest in Australia in the production of liquid biofuels, bio-refining experts Geoff Bell, CEO of Australian company Microbiogen, and Ed de Jong, vice-president of development at Dutch renewable chemicals company Avantium, consider the drivers of biofuels production
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
If the U.S. Is Serious about the Paris Agreement, It Needs to Get Serious about Biofuels
(Renewable Fuels Association) ... Leading up to the Paris Agreement, countries submitted individual plans — called Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDCs) — on how they planned to meet the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. At least 37 countries included biofuels in
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Oxfam Report Exposes EU Lobby Firepower of Biofuel Industry behind Destructive Bioenergy Policy
(Oxfam) The European Union must overhaul its current bioenergy policy, which is based on getting fuel from plants, because the industry is linked to the eviction of thousands of people from their lands, out-competing food crops, and creating more not
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Pheasants Choose Farms over Grasslands, Surprising MN Researchers
by Dave Orrick (Twin Cities Pioneer Press) Female pheasants have surprised researchers by running into corn and soybean fields — but not just for the crops. Female pheasants, Minnesota researchers have found, often abandon natural grasslands — presumably prime habitat —
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Prime Spot in the E&C Chairman’s Race
by Mark Drajem & Ari Natter and James Rowley (Bloomberg) ... Similar to Hillary Clinton’s dilemma on pipelines, a Trump administration could be caught between competing interests on approval for renewable projects or transmission lines on public lands. Trump has called
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
New Project Aims to Create Equal Market Access for Bio-Based Products: Start of STAR4BBI - STAndards and Regulations FOR the Bio-Based Industry
(Bio-based News/nova-Institut GmbH) Project STAR4BBI has been created as a means to develop a practical, effective, sustainable and harmonized regulatory network in order to support Europe’s innovative transition to a bio-based economy by removing legislative barriers to create equal market
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Experts on Carbon Capture and Use Launch “Include CCU in RED” Petition in EU
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Germany, a group of experts are petitioning European decision makers involved in the revision of the Renewable Package to include six crucial mechanisms in the legislation. The authors argue that Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU)
November 06, 2016 Read Full Article
A Trump Presidency Could Mean 3.4 Billion Tons More U.S. Carbon Emissions than a Clinton One
(Lux Research) The U.S. energy landscape is poised for a transformation under either president, but Trump’s policies would leave emissions 16% higher after two terms than Clinton’s, Lux Research says – U.S. Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have very
November 06, 2016 Read Full Article
With Canada and Mexico on Board, Carbon Pricing Could Become a Reality Across North America with Expanded U.S. Action
(Center for American Progress) Carbon taxes and emissions trading systems, once considered political moonshots in the battle to combat carbon emissions, have found purchase in Canada, Mexico, and parts of the United States, raising the possibility that carbon pricing could
November 04, 2016 Read Full Article
ASB Biodiesel Eyes Opportunities in Pearl River Delta Region
by Jeff Pao (The Hindu) ASB Biodiesel, the largest used oil refiner in Hong Kong, converts used cooking oil or waste oil from vegetable and animal fat into biodiesel that can be blended with regular diesel and used in conventional
November 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Spotlight: UN Seeks to Mobilize Sustainable Transport Systems, Enterprises See Opportunities
(New China) ... A report submitted by a high-level advisory group to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sustainable Transport finds that the transformational change of sustainable transport needs annual investments of 2 trillion U.S. dollars, and related efforts will deliver savings
November 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Letter: Pink out with Ethanol
by Krista Willis Willmar (Hutchinson Leader) ... And some consumer choices do significantly impact our exposure to cancer-causing toxins. Vehicle fuel is an excellent example. That’s why several major chains of gas stations across six states — including Minnoco in
October 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Tapping Landfills to Generate Power Seemed Smart. So Why Is the Industry Threatened?
by Ralph Vartabedian (Los Angeles Times) ... The problem began after the AQMD issued a complex 39-page rule requiring that by no later than Jan. 1, landfill methane power plant emissions meet the same standard as other types of engines that use geologic natural gas. The
October 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Opinion: Why ICAO’s Emissions Deal Will Not Make A Difference
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) When the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced in early October that its general assembly had reached agreement on the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia), the international aviation community was full
October 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Maersk, Cargill and 49 Others from Industry Call on International Maritime Organization to Set Ambitious Emissions Objective
(Hellenic Shipping News/Danish Shipowners’ Association) The Danish Shipowners’ Association, Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association, Maersk, Scandlines, J. Lauritzen, Unifeeder, and 45 other businesses and organisations across the shipping and marine industry are calling for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to act
October 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Carbon Pricing in North America – Leading a New Era of Climate Policy
by Tamaki Stiles * (Advanced Biofuels USA) Reducing greenhouse emissions is a shared goal in North America. In fact, presidents of the United States and Mexico and the Prime Minister of Canada met in June this year to establish partnerships
October 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Airlines Race to Buy Renewable Fuels before Factories Are Even Built
by Ken Foxe (Lonely Planet) Airlines are so keen to cut their carbon footprint, that all the renewable fuel to be produced at three soon-to-be finished factories, has already been purchased before they’ve even opened. The aviation industry has committed to
October 19, 2016 Read Full Article
It Could Be the Nation’s First Carbon Tax. And Environmentalists Are Fighting over It
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) A new initiative slated for the ballot in Washington state next month would create the first-ever carbon tax to be implemented in the United States. But while the initiative promises to fight climate change by making it
October 19, 2016 Read Full Article
U.S. Signs On to Global Agreement Capping Aviation Emissions
(OurEnergyPolicy.org) The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) finalized an agreement to cap the aviation industry’s CO2 emissions at 2020 levels. Due to the cross-border nature of aviation, this sector, which is responsible for 2 percent of all GHG emissions globally,
October 18, 2016 Read Full Article
For the Welfare of His People
(Bangkok Post) Benefits to the nation bestowed by His Majesty's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy -- ... Throughout his 70 years on the throne, King Bhumibol Adulyadej initiated more than 4,500 royal development projects, all of which were derived from his determination to
October 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Clinton Camp Worried Carbon Tax Would Be ‘Lethal’
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager feared that endorsing a carbon tax would be “lethal” to her campaign. Hacked emails released Thursday by WikiLeaks belonging to John Podesta showed her top aides trying to to walk a
October 14, 2016 Read Full Article
European Farmers Stress Biodiesel Role in Agriculture and Transport Decarbonisation Post-2020
(Biofuels International) The European Oilseed Alliance (EOA), the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), and the Vegetable Oil and Protein Meal Industry stress the importance of sustainable energy sources in the low-carbon economy post-2020. The organisation held on Wednesday a dinner debate in
October 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Airlines to Test Alternative Fuel
by Anum Yoon (Triple Pundit) As the world turns its attention to addressing global warming, the airline industry, too, is researching ways to do its part and lower greenhouse gas emissions. One option is investing more into the development and integration of
October 14, 2016 Read Full Article
We’re Placing Far Too Much Hope in Pulling Carbon Dioxide out of the Air, Scientists Warn
by Chelsea Harvey (The Washington Post) ... This is largely a market problem, according to Howard Herzog, a senior research engineer and carbon capture expert at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “There’s no doubt you can do it,” he said. “We have coal
October 13, 2016 Read Full Article
Biogenic CO2 Coalition Launches Grassroots Outreach: Urges EPA to Remove its Regulatory Roadblock to Development of the Bioeconomy
(Biogenic CO2 Coalition) Today (October 6, 2016), a coalition of major agricultural groups launched a grassroots campaign to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to remove its regulatory roadblock to development of the emerging bioeconomy. The Biogenic CO2 Coalition is a working
October 12, 2016 Read Full Article
An EU Biofuels Proposal Worth Getting Behind
by James Cogan (Biofuels Digest) Europe’s bioethanol association ePure just released a renewables policy paper that’s something to get excited about. It’s a show of confidence and ambition on the part of Europe’s ethanol CEOs. Their product delivers climate and bioeconomy
October 07, 2016 Read Full Article
FACT SHEET: 191 Countries Reach a Global Climate Deal for International Aviation
(The White House) Today, in Montreal, Canada, 191 countries decided to adopt a global market-based measure to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation at the 39th Assembly meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Today’s action builds on last
October 07, 2016 Read Full Article
NEW PBS Documentary: The Ethanol Effect
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Detroit Public Television (DPTV) is debuting a new ethanol documentary this Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 9:00 pm ET called, “The Ethanol Effect“. The film, produced by DPTV, takes a look at the controversy surrounding the
October 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Historic Aviation Climate Agreement Reached at ICAO
( International Air Transport Association ) The worldwide aviation industry has applauded a crucial climate agreement reached by governments meeting at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) today. The negotiations, to put in place the world’s first carbon offsetting scheme
October 06, 2016 Read Full Article
The Road to High Octane Fuels
by Jeremy Martin (Union of Concerned Scientists) ... 9 things you need to know about high octane fuel, and my perspective on a path forward. High octane fuel enables more powerful or more efficient engines ... But in the context of engines, octane is a
October 06, 2016 Read Full Article
AOG Transfers Ownership of Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone
(AOG) AOG has transferred 75.1% ownership of Addax Bioenergy (SL) Limited (‘Addax Bioenergy’), its sugarcane bioethanol and renewable electricity operation in Makeni, Sierra Leone, to a group of investors led by Sunbird Bioenergy Africa Limited (‘Sunbird Bioenergy group’). AOG is
October 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Ecofiscal Commission's Biofuel Report Is Deeply Flawed, a Step Backward for Climate Action
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/Newswire) A controversial report was released today (October 4, 2016) by Canada's Ecofiscal commission that misses the mark on practical guidance for reducing climate change emissions in transportation. If the recommendations in Course Correction: Why it's time to
October 05, 2016 Read Full Article
What a Donald Trump EPA Will Look Like with Climate Change Skeptic Myron Ebell at the Helm
by Paul Raeburn (Newsweek) ... (Myron) Ebell, the director of the Center for Energy and Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and a prominent climate-change skeptic, was chosen at the end of September to head the Environmental Protection Agency’s transition team
October 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Christopher Ragan: Stop Subsidizing Biofuels
by Christoper Ragan (National Post) Carbon pricing is becoming a mainstream part of Canadian policy. Four provinces have or will soon have carbon prices, one more has made a commitment to do so, and the federal government is now promising
October 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Clinton's Plan to Reduce US Oil Consumption Likely Won't Work
by Tom DiChristopher (CNBC) ... Clinton says she would extend standards for vehicle fuel efficiency, methane emissions, building codes and appliance standards that President Barack Obama implemented or supported, according to a campaign spokesperson. Clinton supports Obama initiatives like the Clean
October 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Canada Supports Federal Carbon Pricing
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/Yahoo! Finance) The federal government announced today its intention to place a national price on carbon emissions of $10 per tonne in 2018, rising by $10 per tonne each year to $50 per tonne by 2022. The federal
October 03, 2016 Read Full Article
European Biodiesel Supply Chain Organizes Sustainability Debate at European Parliament
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Belgium, the European Biodiesel Board along with FEDIOL and the European Oilseed Alliance is organizing a dinner event in the European Parliament on October 12 discussing the future of sustainable biodiesel. Speakers include Prof.
September 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Can the Aviation Industry Finally Clean up Its Emissions?
by John Vidal (The Guardian) With biofuel potential limited and emissions rising, the need for industry to act is urgent. Hopes rest on a global UN carbon offset scheme to be negotiated at the ICAO summit this week - but
September 30, 2016 Read Full Article
World Needs Transport Biofuels
by Bliss Baker (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) ... The transport sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases (GHGs), estimated to be approximately 25 to 30 percent of global emissions, but has the lowest renewable energy share
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Pakistan-Based Trade Organisation Calls for Worldwide Ban on Biofuels Production
(Biofuels International) The Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders (ICST) has called for a worldwide ban on biofuels production, claiming that it contributes to world food shortages. Using crops to produce fuel in a bid to reduce dependence on fossil fuel is
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels International 2016: Industry Experts Outline 2030 EU Biofuels Vision
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Industry experts have outlined their 2030 biofuels vision at the 9th Biofuels International Conference. By 2020, the EU aims to have 10% of the transport fuel of every EU country come from renewable sources such as
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Strategic Intent: The Digest’s 2016 Multi-Slide Guide to Unilever, UPM
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconomy. In this slide deck, we looked at Unilever and UPM and their direct investments, partnerships
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Henrik Erämetsä from Neste to Co-Chair EU Initiative for Advanced Biofuels in Aviation
(Neste) Henrik Erämetsä, Head of Aviation Regulation at Neste has been appointed Co-Chair of the EU initiative 'the European Advanced Biofuels Flightpath' as a representative of the biofuels industry. Mr. Erämetsä will co-chair together with Ruben Alblas from KLM Royal
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Congress Should Not Be Allowed to Gut Fuel Efficiency Standards
by Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) ... Automakers have adapted innovations more quickly than anticipated. They implemented technology that wasn’t even anticipated just four years ago and exceeded regulatory targets. As of last year, vehicles sold under these new standards saved consumers $12.3
September 28, 2016 Read Full Article
The Car-Emissions Sleuth Who’s Costing Chrysler $5 Billion
by John Lippert and Jeff Plungis (Bloomberg) ... As head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s air-quality and transportation office, (Chris) Grundler holds as much sway as any single human over how global automakers allocate more than $100 billion in R&D money
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels International 2016: Industry Experts Outline 2030 EU Biofuels Vision
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) Industry experts have outlined their 2030 biofuels vision at the 9th Biofuels International Conference. By 2020, the EU aims to have 10% of the transport fuel of every EU country come from renewable sources such
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Aviation Industry Urges Governments to Show Climate Leadership
(Air Transport Action Group) Negotiations to complete the first global agreement on capping a single sector’s climate impact are due to resume in Montreal on Tuesday as the world’s governments meet for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 39th Assembly.
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
The Fight Must Go on to Protect the EU's Right to Continue with Its Own Aviation Emissions Scheme
by Jeff Gazzard (European GreenSkies Alliance/GreenAir Online) Over the next couple of weeks, the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be holding its 39th Assembly in Montreal. One of the key items up for discussion/agreement/stonewalling (take your pick!)
September 23, 2016 Read Full Article
KLM and Lufthansa Sign Long-Term Agreements with US Sustainable Biofuel Producers AltAir and Gevo
(GreenAir Online) European airlines KLM and Lufthansa have each signed agreements with US biofuel companies for supplies of locally-produced sustainable fuels. KLM has agreed to purchase through a three-year offtake agreement an undisclosed quantity of used cooking oil based fuel produced by
September 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Environmental NGOs Fear Voluntary Participation in Global Aviation Scheme Will Undermine Carbon Neutrality Goal
(GreenAir Online) Environmental NGOs have expressed strong reservations with elements of the proposed global market-based carbon scheme that will shortly be presented for approval by ICAO’s Member States at their upcoming Assembly that starts on September 27 in Montreal. They
September 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Paris High Ambition Countries Call for Urgent Action on Aviation Emissions and a Robust Global Carbon Scheme
(GreenAir Online) Members of the High Ambition Coalition, which played a pivotal role in the successful outcome of the global climate negotiations last December that resulted in the Paris Agreement, have joined forces to call for urgent action to curb
September 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Design Features of the EU’s Aviation ETS Should Be Strengthened to Deliver Real Emissions Reductions, Finds T&E Report
(GreenAir Online) Despite imperfections, the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has functioned well and enjoys a high degree of compliance, finds a new report by Transport and Environment (T&E) that analyses performance over the
September 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Trump Backs off Plan to Eliminate EPA
by Kyle Feldscher (The Washington Examiner) Donald Trump appeared to back off his proposal to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency as president, instead promising to "refocus" the agency on a less regulatory-heavy mission. ... He promised to open up more drilling off
September 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Answers to Your Questions about Renewables and the Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane and Ron Cascone (Biofuels Digest/NEXANT) Recently, we held a popular webinar on Renewables and the Advanced Bioeconomy with NEXANT principal Ron Cascone, for which you can see the slides here. During the webinar, we received a number of excellent questions,
September 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Report Helps Retain Access to EU Market
by Megan Cechner (Farm Weekly) A co-funded report by Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) members has mapped greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the entire canola lifecycle to ensure Australian canola growers retain access to the valuable
September 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Water-Energy Dependence around Pacific Rim Mapped in New Sandia Study
(Sandia National Laboratories) A wide-ranging analysis of water vulnerability across the Pacific — including the U.S., China, Russia and Japan — has identified hundreds of locations where energy production depends upon scarce water supplies. The Sandia National Laboratories study, “Mapping Water
September 20, 2016 Read Full Article
Sell Last Gasoline Car by 2035 to Meet Climate Goals, Study Says
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) The last gasoline-powered car will have to be sold by about 2035 to put the world on track to limit global warming to the most stringent goal set by world leaders last year, a study said on
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Alternative Jet Fuels Tackle Rising Aviation Emissions
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued an endangerment finding for aircraft, indicating that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are hazardous to public health. This finding requires the EPA to begin crafting
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
RSB EU RED Re-Recognized by the European Commission
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials is pleased to announce its re-recognition by the European Commission. The decision was published by the commission on Aug. 9 in the Official Journal of the European Union and
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Science Improves on Land-Use Change, Biodiesel
by Todd Neeley (DTN-The Progressive Farmer) Purdue University agriculture economics professor Wally Tyner isn’t exactly ready to discount the theory of indirect land use change, or ILUC, that has been the bane of biofuels’ existence since the creation of the
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Now Boarding: Commercial Planes Take Flight with Biobased Jet Fuel
by Melissae Fellet (C&EN) Aviation industry hopes to cut emissions with renewable fuels -- This year, renewable jet fuel took off, graduating from demonstration and test flights to some regular commercial use. In January, some flights left the airport in
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Ottawa to Impose a National Carbon Price on the Provinces
by Shawn McCarthy (Globe and Mail) The Liberal government will move this fall to impose a minimum, national carbon price on provinces that fail to adopt their own pricing system for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, a plan that is adamantly opposed by
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Survey Shows Suppliers Support for Existing 2025 Federal Light-duty Vehicle Fuel Economy Regulation
(CALSTART) First-ever fuel economy survey of auto suppliers: 70 percent don’t want policymakers to change standards -- Tier 1 suppliers want long-term goals, support 2025 targets Major automotive suppliers see national fuel economy standards as important for long-term planning and investment and
September 15, 2016 Read Full Article
How Low Can #Ethanol’s Carbon Intensity Go?
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) ... “Carbon Intensity: Field-to-Wheel How Low Can You Go?” was one of the break-out sessions during the 29th annual Ethanol Conference. During the discussion, panelists walked attendees through the nuts and bolts of low carbon fuel
September 14, 2016 Read Full Article
When It Comes to Science, Trump and Clinton Have Common Ground — But Not Much
by Brady Dennis (The Washington Post) Earlier this summer, the folks behind ScienceDebate.org sent the presidential candidates a list of 20 questions that likely won't garner much airtime in the televised debates this fall. They asked about climate change, mental health, space exploration, vaccinations, antibiotic-resistant
September 14, 2016 Read Full Article
Reconciling Food Security and Bioenergy: Priorities for Action
by Keith L. Kline, Siwa Msangi, Virginia H. Dale, Jeremy Woods, Glaucia M. Souza, Patricia Osseweijer, Joy S. Clancy, Jorge A. Hilbert, Francis X. Johnson, Patrick C. McDonnell, Harriet K. Mugera (Global Change Biology Bioenergy) Understanding the complex interactions among food security, bioenergy sustainability, and resource management requires a focus
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Don’t Fall For Ethanol Spin
by Bill Delahunt (Coastal Angler) ... There is a lot to like about ethanol. It displaces cancer-causing chemicals in gasoline like benzene. It replaced MTBE, which polluted drinking water throughout the 1990s. Just this year, ExxonMobil was required to pay millions for the
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Debating the Value of Ethanol as a Viable Fuel (3 Letters)
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Denver Post) Re: “EPA dodges responsibility on ethanol,” Sept. 3 editorial. The ethanol industry agrees with The Denver Post that the Environmental Protection Agency should conduct updated scientific assessments on the impacts of biofuels. In
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Obama Eyes Big Finish on Climate
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) President Obama is hoping to complete two more international agreements to fight global warming in the coming months, shoring up his climate change legacy. His landmark Paris agreement is certain to go down as one of
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
The High-Flown Fantasy of Aviation Biofuels
by Almuth Ernsting (Biofuelwatch/The Biomass Monitor) ... As far as Branson and his airline, Virgin Atlantic, were concerned, the flight was indeed no more than a stunt: The “biofuel test flight” burned 95% ordinary kerosene and just 5% biofuels, made from
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Seeking Low Costs, Painless Logistics: The Digest’s 2016 8-Slide Guide to Advances to Know in Biomass Feedstocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Amidst the discussion this week of the future of first-gen and advanced biofuels in the EU — we were intrigued by this slide deck on advances in biomass production for the bioeconomy. In the end, it’s
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
The EU Aims for Bioeconomy Perfect, by Tossing out the Good
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (T)he EU has put itself on a fast-track to limit, if not abandon, first-generation biofuels and focus almost exclusively for its carbon future on advanced biofuels. ... Europe has a lot of fog, and nowhere can
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
With More People Hitting the Road, It’s Time for a Carbon Tax
(The Washington Post) ... Even with current conditions factored in, government experts project that fuel-efficiency standards will put much more downward pressure on gasoline use in coming years, helping to bring consumption well below historical highs over the coming decades, even
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Review of John DeCicco et al. Article Titled “Carbon Balance Effects of U.S. Biofuel Production and Use”
by Steffen Mueller (University of Illinois at Chicago Energy Resources Center) ... The authors essentially challenge the accuracy of traditional life cycle analysis with their new model. ... The authors argue that “for a biofuel to provide a net reduction in CO2 emissions, the production
September 09, 2016 Read Full Article
CAFE Standards: What’s Biomass Got to Do with It?
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On July 18, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released their Draft Technical Assessment Report (TAR), providing a midterm evaluation