by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the advanced bioeconomy, the question for some time has been “how do you fund it?” or “how do you make it?”. But now, feedstock is becoming the key variable, it’s a case of “where
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Back TO HOMEU.S. EPA Moves toward Regulating Aircraft Emissions
by Valerie Volcovici (Planet Ark) Agency announces an Aug. 11 hearing, a 60-day window for the public to weigh in -- The Obama administration on Wednesday released a scientific finding that greenhouse gases from aircraft pose a risk to human health,
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol and Butanol: Symbiotic Partners for a Modern Fuel
by Bill Brandon and Richard Ezike (Biofuels Digest) The debate touting butanol over ethanol as a ‘better’ fuel component has gone on for quite some time in biofuel circles. Those who support butanol point to three key factors: • Butanol has
June 11, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Input on RIN Quality Assurance Plan ICR
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA recently published a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comments on a proposed information collection request (ICR) related to the voluntary renewable identification number (RIN) quality assurance program under the
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Corn Growers Concerned with Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes
(WNAX) National Corn Grower Association members are concerned with the recent volume proposal put out by the Environmental Protection Agency for the Renewable Fuel Standard. NCGA leaders say with their proposal, the EPA has cut 3.75 billion gallons of corn
June 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Determination of the R Factor for Fuel Economy Calculations Using Ethanol-Blended Fuels over Two Test Cycles
by C. Scott Sluder, C., Brian West, Aron Butler, Arvon L. Mitcham, et al. (SAE) During the 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) incorporated the R factor into fuel economy calculations in order to address concerns about the impacts of
June 04, 2015 Read Full Article
High Octane Ethanol Blends for Improved Vehicle Efficiency
by Brian West (Oak Ridge National Laboratory/AmazonAWS.com) Presentation for Hudson Institute Conference, "Fueling American Growth" May 7, 2015 READ MORE and MORE (SAE)
June 04, 2015 Read Full Article
EWG Makes Untrue Claims about Ethanol
by Geoff Cooper (Des Moines Register) Letter to Editor: The Environmental Working Group’s claim that ethanol is worse for the climate than the Keystone pipeline is like saying apple juice is worse for the human body than arsenic. The Department of Energy’s
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels under Attack: Same Old Story
by Chuck Grassley (The Iowa Republican) ... Consumers like biofuels. The idea of a homegrown product that reduces emissions harmful to the environment and brings the United States freedom from volatile oil-producing countries is appealing. The EPA should know this. Instead, the
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. May Take First Step to Curb Airline Emissions This Week: Sources
by Valerie Volcovici (Planet Ark/Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans as soon as Friday to determine whether carbon dioxide from aircraft endangers public health, a first step to regulating emissions from the aviation sector, sources familiar with the rulemaking
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Why Is Obama Allowing Big Oil To Kill Biofuels?
by Ronnie Shows (The Daily Caller) As the first legislator to introduce a biofuels bill in the Mississippi State House, I am deeply concerned that the Obama administration is making a huge mistake when it comes to determining the United
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Expansion in U.S. Ethanol on Hold after Blending Targets Slashed
by Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) Expansion in the U.S. ethanol industry, stuck in neutral for more than a year as the government debated biofuel blending requirements, is now likely to come to a screeching halt. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel RIN Prices React Wildly to US EPA's RFS Proposals
(Platts) ... In immediate reaction, market participants viewed the proposed obligations as bearish for corn-based ethanol (D6) RINs and bullish for biomass-based diesel (D4) RINs. Advanced biofuel (D5) RINs were expected to also track biomass-based diesel RINs higher, sources said. Moments
June 02, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Slashes Biofuels Targets for 2014, 2015, 2016 under Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “EPA continues to assert authority under the general waiver provision to reduce biofuel volumes based on available infrastructure,” says BIO. “This is a point that will have to be litigated. It goes against Congressional intent.” In
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Adherence to “Blend Wall” Damages Advanced Fuels
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) regrets that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in releasing renewable fuel volumes for 2014, 2015 and 2016, artificially caps renewable fuels at under 10 percent of the U.S.
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Makers Say EPA Waivers Siphon Away Their Buyers
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg Business) Companies that make fuel from corn stalks or landfill gas say a federal program designed to help them has a loophole that is discouraging buyers. ... In addition, producers have been pushing the Environmental Protection Agency to close
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Peterson: RFS Announcement a Setback for Rural America; Grassley: EPA, Administration Fail Consumers on Biofuels
(Office of Congressman Collin Peterson) House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson today said the Renewable Fuels Standards (RFS) released today by the EPA will set back production of domestic renewable fuels and hurts the rural economy. Peterson’s statement is
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes Increases in Renewable Fuel Levels
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today the EPA announced proposed volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, and also proposed volume requirements for biomass-based diesel for 2017. The proposal would boost renewable fuel
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
25x'25 Expresses Disappointment with RFS Blending Proposals; Calls on the President to Ensure Standard Maintained to 'Letter of the Law'
(25 x '25) EPA's proposed biofuel blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, which were issued today, are, for the most, part a major disappointment and could, if not revised, make the
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Relents on Ethanol Mandate With Overdue Renewables Quota
by Mark Drajem and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed cutting quotas for the use of renewable fuels, lowering the mandate for corn ethanol this year and next from the 15 billion gallons set by
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
From Small Cars to Pickup Trucks, Automakers Aren’t Just Meeting Efficiency Standards, They’re Exceeding Them
(Union of Concerned Scientists) The emissions and efficiency standards for vehicles have been a big success, according to a new analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Ten percent of new passenger cars and trucks sold today already meet
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
Methes to Devote Part of Biodiesel Capacity to Other Bioproducts
(Menthes Energies/Biodiesel Magazine) Methes Energies International Ltd. announced May 19 that it will start offering epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and natural polyol from its Sombra, Ontario, biodiesel facility. Both of these biobased products help address growing global demand for the
May 29, 2015 Read Full Article
New Statistical Analysis: Retail Gas Prices Unaffected by Renewable Fuel Standard RIN Credits
(Renewable Fuels Association) Retail gasoline prices from 2013 through the first quarter of 2015 were unaffected by prices for “RIN credits” (Renewable Identification Numbers) that are used to demonstrate compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), according to a new
May 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Association Urges EPA to Get ”Back on Track” with Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments today to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing support for a proposed legal agreement that sets specific deadlines for establishing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume
May 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Follow the Money
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) After a period of incredible profitability, leaders in the ethanol industry are better positioned for thinner margins. In an industry ruled by volatility, it’s important for producers to position themselves to take advantage of favorable
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
King Bill Establishes Biomass Emissions as Carbon Neutral
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, has introduced legislation that aims to ensure emissions generated from sustainably harvested biomass would be considered carbon neutral under the U.S. EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan. The bill, known as “The
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels Decision May Signal Big Oil’s Influence in White House | Commentary
by Anne Weismann (Roll Call/ Campaign for Accountability) On June 1, the Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to release its new plan for implementing the Renewable Fuel Standard. ... When the number finally comes out, the American people might find out
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Op-ed: Tell EPA to Support Biofuels
by B. Gunner Greene (Lafayette Journal & Courier) ... You might call biofuels in Indiana a growing industry. Of course, as many farmers and business owners already know, the EPA has a tendency to insert itself into successful enterprises. At best
May 19, 2015 Read Full Article
ACORE Brings Together Biofuel Industry to Publish Comments Addressing RFS Rules which Impede Advanced Biofuels Development
(American Council on Renewable Energy) ACORE Brings Together Biofuel Industry to Publish Comments Addressing RFS Rules -- Industry leaders and ACORE members take up issues with co-location requirements under the RFS which impede advanced biofuels development. Today, the American Council On Renewable
May 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Odd Couple Asks EPA for Carbon Tax
by Zack Coleman (Washington Examiner) A riddle: A left-wing environmental organization and a free-market policy group enter the Environmental Protection Agency. What do they want? A national carbon tax. That's what environmental group Friends of the Earth and the free-market R Street
May 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Massachusetts Senators Ask Administration to Put Moratorium on Bioenergy Until 2020
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) In a May 8 letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Senators Markey and Warren, both Democrats from Massachusetts, question the value of bioenergy, energy sourced from cellulosic and woody material, primarily wood waste from the
May 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Senators Show Support for Biodiesel Industry
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ... Joining Sen. Heitkamp were Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Al Franken (D-MN), as well as biodiesel producers, who also stressed how the uncertainty caused by EPA’s misguided
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuel Trade Groups Discuss RFS Rulemaking, Announce Ad Campaign
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine/Ethanol Producer Magazine) On May 12, representatives of two biofuel trade organizations discussed the choice the White House and U.S. EPA face in proposing upcoming renewable volume requirements (RVOs) under the renewable fuel standard. Bob Dinneen, president
May 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Refiners Hamstrung by Chaos in RFS-Credit Market
Amanda Peterka (E&E Publishing) ... Refiners aren't buying cellulosic fuel credits through the renewable fuel standard program for what the company produces. And so Quad County has received as much as $600,000 less than expected for its wares -- a shortfall
May 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Is EPA's Biofuel Policy Eroding the Industry?
by John Siciliano (The Examiner) The Environmental Protection Agency's attempts to get its flagship renewable fuel program back on track is coming at a price for the biofuel industry it has sought to support. In the nearly two years that the EPA
May 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Board's Steckel Says Industry Poised to Handle Increased RFS Volume Requirements
(E&ETV/OnPoint) ... Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board, discusses the challenges facing the industry as it awaits EPA's decision and talks about why she believes the industry can meet increased volume requirements. ... Senator Heidi Heitkamp wrote
May 08, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Sends Ethanol Proposals for Final Review
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Obama administration is conducting the last step in its review of proposed annual ethanol blending mandates for three separate years. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent the proposal, which has not been revealed publicly,
May 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Help #getbiodieselbackontrack
(National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel fans, we need your help. Producers of America's first advanced biofuel to reach full commercial distribution have been left in limbo since rumors surfaced in 2013 that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was planning to scale
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Estimating Chilled Investment for Advanced Biofuels Due to RFS Uncertainty: $13.7 Billion Shortfall in Investment During Delays in Rulemaking
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) The advanced biofuel industry has invested billions of dollars since 2009 to build first-of-a-kind demonstration and commercial-scale biorefineries around the world, even during a global economic recession. Cellulosic biofuels have reached commercial status, though not at the
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Ellis: Why Did It Take so Long for Obama to Visit?
by Jonathan Ellis (Argus Leader) ... In 2008, Obama was the pro-ethanol candidate, while Republican John McCain was the candidate calling for an end to subsidies and mandates enjoyed by the industry. During his presidency, as much as 5 millions
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
It’s Time for EPA to Get the RFS Back on Track
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) ... A new white paper by Harvard economist James Stock – a former member of the Obama administration’s Council of Economic Advisors – acknowledges as much. Unfortunately, the paper’s faulty analysis of the RFS
May 04, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Opens Comment Period on Carinata Oil GHG Analysis
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting comments on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributed to the production and transport of Brassica carinata oil feedstock for the use in making biofuels, such as biodiesel,
April 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Urban Air Initiative: New EPA Studies Regarding Ethanol Flawed
(Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA published two studies recently; defending its stance that ethanol increases toxic emissions. However, if you follow the same flawed formula, you get the same flawed results, warned representatives of the Urban Air
April 28, 2015 Read Full Article
Thought Leadership: The Toxic Substances Control Act and the Bioeconomy: Part 1, The Impact of Nomenclature on the Commercialization of Biobased Chemicals; Part 2, Reportable Substances across the Manufacturing Process; Part 3, Call to Action
by Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. (Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and The Acta Group) When I meet people from bioeconomy companies, I ask them about their products’ status under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The most common answers I receive are:
April 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Algae Sees Profit Where EPA and Industry See Cost
(Algae Biomass Organization) The U.S. Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments related to its review of three consolidated cases regarding the EPA’s regulation of toxic emissions from power plants: Michigan v. Environmental Protection Agency, No. 14-46; Utility Air Regulatory Group v. Environmental
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Ups Biofuels Presence at Policy Forum
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Over the past year, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) increased its work with the biofuels sector of renewable energy, upped its presence and activity at biofuels-related conferences and events, and got into
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
As EPA Finalizes Rule, Klobuchar, Grassley, Durbin, Thune, Franken, and Kirk Lead Bipartisan Group of 37 Senators in Calling for a Strong Renewable Fuel Standard
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) The Environmental Protection Agency is working to finalize the proposed rule on biofuels volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard; the latest proposal would create uncertainty for biodiesel producers and undermine job creation. In a
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
Smith Introduces Legislation to Increase Fuel Options for Consumers
(Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)) Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced legislation today to broaden consumer fuel choice by expanding the existing waiver of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations related to the Reid vapor pressure of motor vehicle fuel to include E15
April 21, 2015 Read Full Article
2015 Ethanol RINs Prices Rise to Three-Month High after EPA Announcement
by Jordan Godwin and Wes Swift (Platts) Corn-based (D6) ethanol RINs for 2015 firmed up to their highest level in more than three months Tuesday as the market continued to show a revival of aggressive bid interest, sources said. ... Market participants
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
The Renewable Fuel Standard: A Path Forward
by James H. Stock* (Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy) America’s renewable fuels policy is at a crossroads. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is derided by some as an inefficient program that is driving up costs for fuel suppliers and
April 17, 2015 Read Full Article
TSCA Nomenclature May Be Barrier for Advanced Biofuels
(The Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group/The Oil Price Information Network) (The Oil Price Information Network (OPIS) spoke with BRAG's Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Senior Policy Advisor with B&C, regarding the application of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to
April 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Setting The Table For The Big Score
by David VanderGriend (Ethanol Producer Magazine/ ICM Inc./Urban Air Initiative) The RFS is important and worthy of support, writes David VanderGriend. However, it should not be viewed as what defines the value of biofuels, a value which can only be
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA to Finalize 2014, 2015 and 2016 RFS Rules by November
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has posted a notice to its website announcing that the volume requirements for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 renewable fuel standard (RFS), along with the 2017 volume requirement for biomass-based diesel, will
April 10, 2015 Read Full Article
54.5-mpg Rules Expected to Stick
by David Shepardson (Detroit News) A growing number of foreign automakers believes U.S. regulators won’t soften the planned 54.5-mpg fleet-wide average by 2025, and that could make it tougher for truck-heavy U.S. automakers to challenge the requirements. U.S. fuel efficiency standards will
April 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Continues to Evolve as Usage Levels off
by Loretta Sorensen (Midwest Producer) ... Kansas Corn CEO Greg Krissek said there is some slowing of ethanol production on the eastern and western edges of the cornbelt. But ethanol industry leaders are responding to market conditions by implementing new technology
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Opens Comment Period on Cellulosic Waiver Credit Rules
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On April 3, the U.S. EPA published its direct final rule and parallel proposed rule on cellulosic waiver credits (CWCs) in the Federal Register, officially opening a 30-day comment period. The agency released prepublication
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Industry Seeks to Reverse Argentina Import Decision
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is calling for the EPA to stay its recent decision to streamline Argentinian biodiesel imports to the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) pending public review and comment. In a petition filed
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Industry Provides Input to SAB Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In late March, the U.S. EPA’s Science Advisory Board Biogenic Carbon Emissions Panel held a public face-to-face meeting to review the agency’s Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2 Emissions from Stationary Sources. A public teleconference
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Approves Efficient Producer Pathways for 5 Ethanol Plants
(Ethanol Producer Magazine) In March, the U.S. EPA approved five new corn ethanol pathways under the agency’s Efficient Producer petition process (EP3), including Heron Lake BioEnergy LLC, Heron Lake, Minnesota; United Wisconsin Grain Producers LLC, Friesland, Wisconsin; Guardian Lima LLC,
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Study Shows: Big Oil Is Chicken Little over Ethanol
by Ryan Koopmans (Des Moines Register) ... For the last decade, Big Oil has been running nervously through the halls of the U.S. Capitol and the EPA, screaming — to anyone who will listen — that the Renewable Fuel Standard is
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Rand Paul Finds Way to Champion Iowa Ethanol
by Jennifer Jacobs (Des Moines Register) It looks like presidential hopeful Rand Paul has found a clever way to champion ethanol, with an issue that's in harmony with his keep-government-out-of-the-marketplace mentality. Paul, a Republican U.S. senator from Kentucky, has teamed
April 06, 2015 Read Full Article
The Urban Air Initiative's Comments On EPA’s Proposal to Update the Air Quality Standards for Ground-Level Ozone Docket ID#: EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0699
(The Urban Air Initiative) UAI appreciates this opportunity to comment on EPA’s proposal to strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground level ozone, as set forth on November 25, 2014. As summarized here and developed more fully
April 02, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Awards Student Fellowships in 25 States and Puerto Rico to Support the Next Generation of Environmental Scientists
(US Environmental Protection Agency) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 34 fellowships for undergraduate students in 25 states and Puerto Rico to pursue environmental science and related fields of study at universities and colleges across the nation, helping
March 31, 2015 Read Full Article
API, AFPM Sue EPA over RFS Delays
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On March 18, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and American Petroleum Institute filed a new lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia against the U.S. EPA regarding delays in finalizing
March 30, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Call for Comments Raises Questions over Biofuel Standards Delay
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request on Tuesday for comments from cellulosic biofuels makers raised speculation among industry analysts of further delays in the release of government-mandated renewable fuels volumes. The agency, which oversees the Renewable
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Carmakers Beat U.S. Gas Mileage Target for Second Year
by Jeff Plungis and Mark Drajem (Bloomberg) Automakers exceeded U.S. government targets for improving gas mileage by “a wide margin” for the second year in a row, the Environmental Protection Agency said. Vehicles sold in the U.S. are on average the
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Do Biofuel Policies Seek to Cut Emissions by Cutting Food?
by Timothy Searchinger, R. Edwards, D. Mulligan, R. Heimlich, R. Plevin (Science Magazine) Ethanol emits fossil carbon and trace gases through production (A) and biogenic carbon from the crops during fermentation (B) and ethanol combustion (C). Additional crop production can offset
March 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Notice of Opportunity To Comment on an Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Attributable to Production and Transport of Pennycress (Thlaspi Arvense) Oil for Use in Biofuel Production
(Environmental Protection Agency) In this Notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributable to the production and transport of Thlaspi arvense (“pennycress”) oil feedstock for use in making biofuels
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Recordkeeping and Reporting Related to E15 (Renewal)
(Environmental Protection Agency) SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Recordkeeping and Reporting Related to E15 (Renewal)’’ (EPA ICR No. 2408.03, OMB Control No. 2060–0675) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Cellulosic Production Volume Projections and Efficient Producer Reporting
(Environmental Protection Agency) : The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ‘‘Cellulosic Production Volume Projections and Efficient Producer Reporting’’ (EPA ICR No. 2517.01, OMB Control No. 2060–NEW) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Innovation Unleashed: Sportscar Racing Takes Next Step toward Driving Technology and Renewable Fuel Development
by Natalie Committee (U.S. Department of Energy) As motorsports enthusiasts know, racing innovation once meant turbine-powered Indy cars and six-wheeled formula cars, but those days are mostly over. Today, Green Racing encourages the use of innovative technologies that foster energy efficiency
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Issues 2014 and 2015 Cellulosic Waiver Credit prices
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the EPA announced 2014 and 2015 Cellulosic Waiver Credit prices, and “a Clarification of the Data Sources Used in the Cellulosic Waiver Credit Price Calculation”. ... The good news here? The waiver credits have been
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Report: Automakers Surpassing Light-Duty Greenhouse Gas Standards
(US Environmental Protection Agency) For the second consecutive model year, the automotive industry outperformed the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards by a wide margin. Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was 12 grams/mile – or 1.4 miles per
March 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Diversifying Products Creates New Opportunities
by Stefaniya Becking* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The “Waste to Biogas and Clean Fuels Finance and Investment” summit provided a myriad of opportunities to get the latest intelligence on biogas and the clean fuel industry as well as on the financing
March 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Community Leaders Meet: Persistent and Dogged in the Throes of a Tough Slog
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Every year, the annual Washington, DC gathering of leaders in the advanced biofuels world at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference sports a different "vibe." In the early days of the late 2000's, the atmosphere
March 16, 2015 Read Full Article
How Obama's EPA Is Making Life Difficult for Clinton
by Jerry Hagstrom (National Journal) The biggest takeaways from the GOP-dominated Iowa Ag Summit here this weekend may be the opportunity that the Renewable Fuel Standard offers Hillary Clinton to address income inequality and the danger that the Obama administration's dithering
March 13, 2015 Read Full Article
RFS Roundup: Advanced Cellulosic Industry Group Breaks with Industry on RFS
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On March 11, at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference in Washington D.C., Advanced Biofuels Association President Michael McAdams broke with the “Don’t Mess with the RFS” mantra that has been the collective industry response to
March 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Good Policy Should Float All Bio-Boats
by Amanda Bilek (Biomass Magazine/Great Plains Institute) Exciting biobased industry developments are occurring across the U.S. Although there are challenges, there are also opportunities at the state and local level. Minnesota is one state with many of the essential ingredients
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Say It Ain’t So, Joe
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) ... As an industry, we simply cannot afford for the administration to stall for another year to announce the RVO for 2014, 2015 and 2016. However, as I look at the White House
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
GOP Presidential Hopefuls Split over Federal Biofuels Mandate
by Seth McLaughlin (The Washington Times) Free market conservatism collided with farm-state jockeying this weekend in Iowa, where several GOP presidential hopefuls said they support the federal fuel mandate that has boosted Iowa’s all-important corn market — arguably at the expense
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Agriculture Summit Splits GOP 2016 Field on Subsidies, Immigration
by Philip Rucker and Dan Balz (The Washington Post) A day-long forum on agriculture here, where likely Republican presidential candidates courted Iowa’s farming industry, revealed sharp policy differences among the contenders, from immigration to energy subsidies. The nine White House aspirants
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
The Unsung, Reviled Hero Of Modern High-Performance Cars Is The EPA
by Jason Torchinsky (Jalopnik) ... The more I think about it, though, the more I realize just how backwards we have it. Cars today are by far more powerful, more efficient, and better performing in nearly every possible metric — and a
March 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Critical to Energy Security | Commentary
by Hank Naughton (Roll Call) ... However, the one downside of cheap fuel at the pump is that it lulls people into forgetting our over-reliance on oil creates a serious national security concern for America and our allies. In the United States, we
March 05, 2015 Read Full Article
White House Reviews EPA Airplane Emissions Plan
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The White House is reviewing the first step the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to take toward regulating greenhouse gas emissions from airplanes. ... The White House’s review is the final step before the EPA can unveil
March 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Some Ethanol Supporters Push for E30
by Mikkel Pates (Agweek) While the mainstream ethanol advocates are pushing toward E15, some want much more. Orrie Swayze, a Wilmot, S.D., semi-farmer and former South Dakota Corn Growers Association president, says the Environmental Protection Agency shift toward E15 would be
March 03, 2015 Read Full Article
USDA Increases Ethanol Support
by Daniel Looker (Agriculture.com) Speaking to the ethanol lobbying group, Growth Energy, Agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Thursday announced more USDA support for bioenergy research and farmer production of biomass but also praised efforts by the biofuel industry itself
March 01, 2015 Read Full Article
ADM Cuts Biodiesel Output as Industry Hit by Weak Margins
by Rod Nickel and Chris Prentice (Reuters) Archer Daniels Midland , one of the world's top biofuels producers, has slowed North American biodiesel output, the latest sign the industry is battling uncertainty over U.S. renewable fuel policy while the oil
February 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Uncertainty in RFS Sends the US Ethanol Industry to Overseas Markets: A Report from the National Ethanol Conference, "Going Global"
[caption id="attachment_59831" align="alignleft" width="300"] Renewable Fuels Association President, Bob Dinneen introduces NEC scholarship winner, Lais Thomaz at the National Ethanol Conference.[/caption] by Lais F. Thomaz* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Last week, from February 17 to 21, the 20th National Ethanol Conference "Going
February 26, 2015 Read Full Article
A CORN-acopia of Energy Options Coming
by Jason Spiess (Fargo Business Examiner) Recently I sat down with Tom Lilja, executive director, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, to chew the fat on a variety of corn-themed energy and agriculture topics. ... "I think a lot of people just
February 25, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. EPA to Propose Biofuels Standards This Spring -official
by Chris Prentice (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to offer a proposal for Renewable Fuels Standards for 2014, 2015, and 2016 this spring, and will use actual production levels to determine last year's mandated volumes, an official said on
February 23, 2015 Read Full Article
'Unrealistic' Goals for Cellulosic Fuels Render US RFS Road Map 'Obsolete'
by Tim Worledge (Platts) "Unrealistic" expectations around the contribution of cellulosic biofuels to the energy mix are rendering the existing US Renewable Fuel Standard road map "obsolete," Jeremy Martin of the Union of Concerned Scientists told delegates at the National Ethanol
February 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Association Chief Lays out Plans for Ethanol's Future
(Farm Futures) RFA President Bob Dinneen lists supporting better rail service and creating a level playing field for cellulosic biofuels in 10-point agenda to expand renewables industry Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen discussed a 10-point plan for the
February 20, 2015 Read Full Article
US EPA to Base 2014 RFS on Actual Output; Blend Wall to Factor in 2015/2016 Rule
by Herman Wang (Platts) The US Environmental Protection Agency plans to base its 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard on actual biofuels production, an agency official said Thursday at an ethanol conference, reiterating its pledge to issue the 2014, 2015 and 2016 mandates
February 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Dear EPA, Please Fix Biofuels in 2015
by Maxx Chatsko (Motley Fool) Say what you want about renewable fuels, but the policies jointly enacted by Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2005 and 2008 were wildly successful in creating globally competitive ethanol and biodiesel industries. Since
February 17, 2015 Read Full Article
E15’s Big Dance
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The future is bright as hundreds of E15 stations are in the works with many expected to open, writes Bob Dinneen of RFA. It’s still early in the game for E15 and
February 17, 2015 Read Full Article
E15 Would Reduce 358,000 Tons of CO2 Emissions Annually in Minnesota
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Making E15 (gasoline with 15 percent ethanol) the new regular unleaded fuel in Minnesota would eliminate 358,000 tons of CO2 annually, according to a technical analysis by the University of Illinois at Chicago. In response to a query
February 16, 2015 Read Full Article
The Outlook for Renewable Fuels: The Top 10 issues for 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here’s our most recent update, focusing on 10 key issues (though not ranked in order of importance): 1. Oil price volatility — will it stabilize? 2. RIN price volatility — will the rollercoaster end? 3. Ethanol blend wall
February 13, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Names 10 More Efficient Corn Ethanol Producers
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ten more corn ethanol plants were approved through the U.S. EPA’s efficient producer petition process (EP3) at the end of January, bringing the total to 19. The first round of nine approvals were announced in
February 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Algenol Racks up $65M in New Algae-to-Fuels Investment, from Mexico’s BioFields
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mexico’s BioFields pours in $65 million to commercialize next-gen algae-to-fuels venture -- In Florida, Algenol, a pioneer in turning CO2 emissions into fuels, announced that it has closed on a new $25 million investment from BioFields, a
February 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Group of Senators Call for Strong Biodiesel RFS
(National Biodiesel Board) A bipartisan group of 32 U.S. senators wrote to the EPA Monday calling for the agency to quickly approve strong biodiesel volumes under the RFS for 2014, 2015 and 2016. Highlighting biodiesel’s track record as the only EPA-designated
February 10, 2015 Read Full Article
CARB Issues First-Of-Its-Kind LCFS Pathway for Sustainable Oils' Patented Camelina
(Globe Newswire/Sustainable Oils, Inc.) Sustainable Oils Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Clean Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:GCEH), has been issued a first-of-its-kind feedstock-only pathway by the California Air Resources Board for the production of Camelina-based fuels under the Low
February 09, 2015 Read Full Article
The Big Move: The Leap from First-Gen to Next-Gen Biofuels Companies, How Does It Happen?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) How does the biofuels industry move from its roots in first-gen corn starch or cane sugar fermentation towards diversified products, more capacity and distribution, and new inputs like cellulosics? How are the economics now — and
February 09, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Ruling Regarding Biodiesel Imports Batters Oil Values
by Mark Conlon (Farm & Ranch Guide) The Environmental Protection Agency’s recent ruling to allow U.S. imports of Argentine biodiesel under the Renewable Fuel Standards had a bearish effect on oil values. “Oil values took a beating after the ruling by
February 08, 2015 Read Full Article
“Wrong-Way Obama” Scores One for the Oilcos with Renewable Fuels Policy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Eight years after then-Senator Obama co-sponsored a bill in Congress calling for a 60 billion gallon biofuels target, President Obama’s EPA slashes the Renewable Fuel Standard targets to wimpy levels, despite ample production capacity, bumper
February 06, 2015 Read Full Article
U.S. Industry Blasts EPA Decision on Biodiesel Imports
(National Biodiesel Board) EPA to Fast-Track Argentinian Biodiesel by Easing Sustainability Requirements The National Biodiesel Board on Tuesday sharply criticized a decision by the EPA to allow streamlined Argentinian biodiesel imports to the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “This decision
January 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Time For a Reality Check On Computer Models
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Predictive computer models have their place, writes Bob Dinneen of the RFA, but where concrete real-world data and observations exist, they should take precedence. Sound policymaking and regulation must be grounded in
January 20, 2015 Read Full Article
Declaring “The Truth Matters”, Biodiesel Leaders Say Policy Makers Need to Consider the Facts to Get the Renewable Fuels Standard Back on Track
(National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Conference and Expo opens with a fiery speech by the industry’s chief spokesperson. Arguing that federal policy makers must see through the false attacks by renewable fuels opponents and provide certainty for their advanced biofuel
January 20, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA: 2014 Cellulosic RIN Generation Tops 33 Million
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released renewable identification number (RIN) generation data for December, reporting that more than 8.53 million cellulosic RINs were generated during the month. EIA data currently shows more than 33.01 million
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Industry Says RFS Uncertainty a Reason for Lower 2014 Production
by Janell Thomas (Farm Futures) 2014 biodiesel production drops from record levels noted in 2013; National Biodiesel Board says Renewable Fuel Standard has impact Sluggish Renewable Fuel Volume announcements from Washington, D.C. are to blame in part for the lower biodiesel
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
RFA: Ethanol Producers Meet Statutory 2014 RFS without Final Rule
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Renewable identification number (RIN) generation data released by the U.S. EPA shows that the statutory 2014 renewable fuel standard (RFS) requirements established by Congress in 2007 could have easily been met, and that the RFS
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Minutes with… Kathleen M. Roberts, Executive Director, Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) BRAG tackles regulatory hindrances related to commercialization of biobased products and works to improve public awareness of the benefits of these products. ... ... BRAG will engage with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding our petitions
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
5 Things to Know about Obama’s Next Climate Move: Methane
(Associated Press/The Washington Post) The Obama administration on Wednesday announced its latest move to combat global warming, this time trying to rein in heat-trapping methane gas that escapes from oil and gas fields. The plan relies on voluntary steps and new
January 16, 2015 Read Full Article
Algae Biomass Organization Applauds Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for Supporting Carbon Utilization Technology
(Algae Biomass Organization) Senators urge Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to support carbon utilization throughout their programs. The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the algae industry, applauded U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV)
January 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Senator Vows to Bring the 'Iowa Way' to D.C.
by Amanda Peterka (E&E Daily) Joni Ernst's new office is about 1,100 miles from her hometown in rural southwest Iowa, but she's determined to keep her "Iowa way" in the halls of Congress. ... When it comes to legislation, her Iowa
January 14, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Approves Algenol Fuels for Renewable Fuel Standard
(Algenol) Algenol announced today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved fuels made from Algenol’s process as an advanced biofuel, meeting the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction requirements under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Fuels produced from Algenol are now eligible for a
January 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Rep. Jared Huffman Introduces New Bill to Replace Gas Tax, Ensure Solvency of Highway Trust Fund, Fight Climate Change
(Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA 2nd)) New bill would ensure solvency of Highway Trust Fund, fully-fund public transportation -- Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today introduced the Gas Tax Replacement Act of 2015, new legislation to stabilize the Highway Trust Fund— which
January 14, 2015 Read Full Article
The 5 Most Maddening Myths about Corn and Ethanol
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Food vs Fuel, emissions, cost competitiveness, and RINsanity. Some of the most unfair bricks hurled at corn starch-based ethanol — and here’s why. ... In the field of renewable fuels, there’s no technology that’s done more
January 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Will New Congress Take on Ethanol?
by Rob Nikolewski (Watchdog.org) It’s possibly the most controversial mandate on the books — a requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard that billions of gallons of ethanol be mixed into the gasoline American consumers put into their tanks. But there’s a new Congress
January 09, 2015 Read Full Article
The 4 Smarter Things Congress Could Be Doing than Voting on Keystone Again
by Chris Mooney (The Washington Post) ... For environmentalists, it symbolizes the increasingly urgent need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. For Republicans, it symbolizes everything they hate about how environmentalists seek to block industrial projects. But when Congress focuses
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Nominations for Technical Subcommittee
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is requesting nominations for its Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee, which provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, council and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Sensenbrenner Introduces Legislation Requesting Redundant E15 Study
by Gary Truit (Hoosier Ag Today) On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) once again introduced legislation – H.R. 21 – that would hinder the growth and expansion of E15. The legislation would revoke current approval of E15 and require additional
January 08, 2015 Read Full Article
The Year That Wasn’t
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Ethanol production and blending broke records. Exports picked up. E15 and E85 sales increased. And the first cellulosic ethanol gallons were produced. So here, in satiric tribute to the year that wasn’t,
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Nominations for New Agricultural Science Committee
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice in the Federal Register inviting the public to nominate scientific experts to be considered for appointment to its Science Advisory Board Agricultural Science Committee. According to the notice, the
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
E2 Report: North America's Advanced Biofuel Industry Produced 800 Million Gallons in 2014
( Environmental Entrepreneurs) Smart clean fuel policies in OR, WA, CA and at federal level could drive additional job growth, improve air quality, generate more homegrown energy North America’s advanced biofuel industry reached a production capacity of more than 800 million gallons in 2014,
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
EPA Accepting Comments on Preliminary Biomass Sorghum Analysis
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA is accepting public comments on its preliminary analysis of the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the growth and transport of biomass sorghum for use as biofuel feedstock through Jan.
January 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Biofuels Mandates Around the World: 2015
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Hope vs Change
by Michael McAdams (Biomass Magazine) ... Sen. McConnell has promised a return to regular order. That means lots of votes on lots of potentially contentious issues. It will be interesting to see if he follows through on that pledge given
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Efficient Producers Approved for Expanded Ethanol Production
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Nine ethanol producers received approval recently under the U.S. EPA’s efficient producer petition process. It allows those producers to generate renewable identification numbers (RINs) above the registered volume that was grandfathered in under the
January 05, 2015 Read Full Article
In Face of Uncertainty, Industry Must Fight On
by Joe Jobe (Biodiesel Magazine) As we put another year in the books, I am extremely proud of how the biodiesel industry came together to respond to the adversity faced in 2014. We have certainly seen more than our share
December 31, 2014 Read Full Article
Emission Factor for Tropical Peatlands Drained for Oil Palm Cultivation
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) In January 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published an analysis of the life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with palm oil–based biodiesel and renewable diesel. The results of the analysis indicate that, when compared with the
December 29, 2014 Read Full Article
10 Biggest Bioeconomy Blockbuster Stories of 2014 (Americas)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) POET-DSM, Abengoa, Enerkem, GranBio, Raizen plant openings lead the list; REG’s M&A campaign, EPA’s RFS debacle, are other key trends. They said that cellulosic fuels were “five years away, and always will be,” but five major
December 23, 2014 Read Full Article
EPA: Nearly 6 Million Cellulosic RINs Generated in November
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has released renewable identification number (RIN) data for November, reporting that more than 1.38 billion RINs were generated during the month, including nearly 6 million cellulosic RINs. According to the EPA, 5.99
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
E15 Ethanol Blend Arrives in Sioux City
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Motorists in Sioux City now have another choice of ethanol-blended gasoline. The Murphy USA station next to the Walmart Supercenter at 3400 Singing Hills Blvd. recently became the first metro area retailer to sell
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report on RFS Anniversary
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) December 19, marks the seventh anniversary of the signing into law of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In this Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Policy Center and It’s “Fix the RFS” Recipe, or Lack thereof
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) After a year-long talk fest, the BPC emerges with a report on RFS reform, and lays an egg. Was the process doomed from the start by an insistence of “RFS reform” as a topic for
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
University of Minnesota Report Contains Inaccurate and Misleading Information on Ethanol
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The recent report released by the University of Minnesota, “Life Cycle Air Quality Impacts Of Conventional And Alternative Light-Duty Transportation In the United States,” contains several inaccuracies and misleading information. In particular, its conclusion that corn-based ethanol contains more
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuel Facts for the Road: The Energy Department and Your Gasoline Pump
by Alicia Moulton (US Department of Energy) Going “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house” this holiday season could require a significant amount of gasoline if you’re traveling by car. Before you hit the road to visit relatives
December 18, 2014 Read Full Article
The Year That Wasn’t
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bob Dinneeen writes the Renewable Fuels Association annual in and out list after a year in which the EPA announced it was delaying the publication of the annual RVO rule for 2014. Like
December 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Think Tank Proposes 40 Options to Change Ethanol Mandate
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) published a report outlining 40 different options that it said could improve the country’s ethanol mandate. The BPC said it set out to find a “middle ground” for reforming the Renewable
December 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Small Number of Wells Responsible for Methane Emissions
by Max B. Baker (Star-Telegram) A small number of natural gas wells are responsible for the majority of the methane gas being released into the atmosphere during production, but at higher levels than previously estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection
December 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Frustrated at EPA over Ethanol Mandate Delay
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Lawmakers vented their frustration at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday over its repeated delays of the annual ethanol mandate. The Wednesday hearing in the House Oversight Committee’s subpanel on energy came weeks after the
December 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Algae Biomass Organization Calls for Robust Renewable Fuel Standard
(Algae Biomass Organization) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) submitted comments to the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Energy yesterday calling on Congress to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) includes timely approval for advanced biofuel pathways as
December 11, 2014 Read Full Article
EPA Improves Pathway Petition Process for the RFS
(Biomass Magazine) The U.S. EPA has taken action to improve and streamline the pathway petition process under the renewable fuels standard (RFS). In March, the agency said it would take approximately six months to improve the petition process for new
December 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Producers Today, Carbon Kings Tomorrow
by Matt Carr (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) ... To control carbon dioxide (CO2), the agency (Environmental Protection Agency) places a significant emphasis on burying emissions underground (carbon capture and sequestration or CCS), but I believe it should equally encourage the
December 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Not Broken, Don’t Fix It: Why Congress Should Refrain from RFS Reform
by James C. Greenwood (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and other missteps are being misinterpreted or misconstrued as a sign that the program is
December 10, 2014 Read Full Article
AG Schmidt Challenges EPA Ethanol Emissions Model
(Office of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt) Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has asked a federal appeals court to block new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that discourage the use of ethanol by requiring states to adopt conclusions about ethanol
December 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Plant Expansions Fueled by Shale Gas Boom to Boost Greenhouse Gas, Toxic Air Emissions
by Talla Buford (The Center for Public Integrity) ... By 2018, the land (Stacey) Ryan and other holdouts have fought to keep will be consumed by an $8.1 billion ethane cracker and a multibillion-dollar gas-to-liquids facility, a massive addition to
December 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Congress Should Not Fix What Isn’t Broken
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization) The underlying legal constructs of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) remain in working order, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to issue a final 2014 rule and its other regulatory missteps. Over the
December 09, 2014 Read Full Article
RFA Not Surprised Oil Companies Suing EPA
(WNAX.com) Renewable Fuels Association officials are not surprised oil industry groups are looking at suing EPA over their delay in getting out the 2015 RFS volumes. RFA Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper doesn’t think the American Petroleum Institute or American
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Lifting America’s Game in Climate Education, Literacy, and Training
(The White House Office of Science and Technology) ... Continued progress into the future will depend on ensuring a climate-smart citizenry and a next-generation American workforce of city planners, community leaders, engineers, and entrepreneurs who understand the urgent climate-change challenge and are equipped
December 08, 2014 Read Full Article
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