by John Herath (Farm Journal/AgWeb) There could be an opening for relief for farmers and ethanol refiners under the small business provisions of the COVID-19 aid plan passed by the Senate late Wednesday according to Pro Farmer policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer. The
Legislation-Federal
Back TO HOMESenate Passes Emergency Package without Green Provisions
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) SENATE PASSES RELIEF PACKAGE: The Senate last night unanimously passed a mammoth $2 trillion coronavirus rescue package, POLITICO's Melanie Zanona, Sarah Ferris and Heather Caygle report. The measure, which is the biggest economic rescue package in
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Coronavirus Stimulus Would Provide Indirect Help for Biofuels
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The head of the Renewable Fuels Association says although there’s no direct assistance for biofuels, the economic stimulus package would help ethanol plants. Geoff Cooper tells Brownfield several measures benefit producers. “There’s some small business relief, loans
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Deal in Congress Axes Funding to Fill SPR with US Crudes
by Meghan Gordon and Brian Scheid (S&P Global Platts) Trump administration sought $3 billion to buy US crudes; Analyst sees market hit from US failing to take 'no-brainer policy' -- The Trump administration's plan to fill the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve with
March 25, 2020 Read Full Article
A Moderate Proposal: Nationalize the Fossil Fuel Industry
by Kate Aronoff (The New Republic) ... For the last week, the White House has reportedly been exploring low-interest loans to a struggling fossil fuel industry. Talk of a bailout is in the air, spurred on in part by longtime Trump ally and fracking
March 18, 2020 Read Full Article
House Democrats Warn against Oil Industry Bailout
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) A growing number of Democrats are voicing concern that the White House may pursue broad relief for the oil and gas industry amid sinking prices and the coronavirus pandemic. Twenty House Democrats sent a letter to President Trump on
March 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Prices Hit All-Time Low, Unconfirmed Reports of Plant Shutdowns
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) ... The downturn in demand for ethanol, which is blended at a 10% rate in almost every gallon of gasoline consumed in the U.S., is coming at a time when ethanol plants were already economically
March 18, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Calls on Trump Administration to Help Struggling Biofuels Industry
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) ... With many ethanol plants on the verge of shutting down, we implore the Trump Administration to take action that equitably supports all liquid fuel industries—including ethanol producers—during this time of unprecedented market uncertainty and
March 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Inhofe Amendment Would Cap Biofuels Credits Price at 10 Cents
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, has offered an amendment to an energy bill to cap the price of Renewable Identification Numbers, or RINs, at 10 cents, as time is running out on the EPA to make
March 06, 2020 Read Full Article
UPDATE 2-U.S. EPA Mulls Ways to Stabilize Biofuel Costs for Refiners, with Waiver Program at Risk
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it is mulling new measures to help oil refiners cope with the cost of complying with the nation’s biofuel policy, as the agency faces a sweeping legal challenge
March 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Restored Biodiesel Blender Credit Boosts TravelCenters Of America Q4 Profits
by Alan Adler (Freight Waves) ... TravelCenters of America Inc. (NASDAQ: TA) reported higher fourth-quarter net income Tuesday from the restoration of the federal biodiesel blending tax credit and selling 5.3% more diesel fuel and gasoline. ... The blender’s credit,
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Congresswoman Pingree Introduces the Agriculture Resilience Act to Promote Farmer-Driven Climate Solutions Legislation Sets Goal of Reaching Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in U.S. Agriculture by 2040
(Office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)) Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), comprehensive legislation that sets a bold vision of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by the year 2040. “Farming has always been a
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Energy Bill Finally Here
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Pulling from numerous existing proposals ranging from energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage, Energy Chairman Lisa Murkowski and ranking member Joe Manchin released their long-awaited energy bill on Thursday, Anthony reports. The measure marks the latest attempt to pass sweeping energy legislation after more
March 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Congresswoman Angie Craig Leads Letter Reiterating Support for Biofuels, Reducing Carbon Emissions
(Office of Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN2)) Today, U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (MN-02) and Dave Loebsack (IA-02) delivered a letter signed by 11 members on the bipartisan Congressional Biofuels Caucus urging the Select Committee on Climate Crisis to include biofuels as a
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
45Q, the Tax Credit That’s Luring US Companies to Capture CO2 -- Cement, Ethanol, and Ammonia Makers Are among Those Looking to Convert Waste Carbon to Cash
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) ... The most effective policies, economists and industrialists agree, are those that put a price on carbon. Doing so with a tax could make for a potent policy, but the idea doesn’t
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Udall, Grassley Introduce Bill to Ensure Taxpayers Get Fair Share for Public Lands Leasing
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) On the 100 year anniversary of the Mineral Leasing Act, senators introduce the Fair Returns for Public Lands Act of 2020 to modernize the country’s antiquated public lands royalty system, increase return to federal
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Rep. McEachin and Chair Grijalva Unveil Landmark Environmental Justice Legislation Following Year-Long Collaborative Effort
(Blue Virginia) Great work by Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA04) on the landmark Environmental Justice for All Act, which they introduced at a at a press conference earlier today on Capitol Hill. As Rep. McEachin said, “With today’s introduction of the Environmental Justice
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Fracking Ban Hits House
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Darren Soto led the introduction of a nationwide fracking ban, H.R. 5867, in the House on Wednesday. The measure is a companion to a bill, S. 3247 (116) , introduced
February 13, 2020 Read Full Article
25th Annual National Ethanol Conference Welcomes President George W. Bush
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association was honored to welcome George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, to the 25th Annual National Ethanol Conference today in Houston. By championing an all-of-the-above approach to domestic energy production while in
February 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Budget Slashes Environmental, Clean Energy Funding
(Our Daily Planet) Yesterday, President Trump released his FY2021 budget, and the proposed cuts to federal agencies and research programs were severe.As Science Mag summarized, Trump’s budget proposes the following cuts: National Institutes of Health: a cut of 7%, or $2.942 billion,
February 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Withholding $823 Million for Clean Energy, Democrats Say
by Ari Natter (Bloomberg) Unspent funds earmarked for electric cars, energy efficiency; Energy Department vows to spend funding at House hearing -- The Trump administration is withholding nearly a billion dollars for a clean energy program it has unsuccessfully tried to
February 06, 2020 Read Full Article
NRDC: DOE Is Flouting the Will of Congress by Delaying Clean Energy R&D
(Natural Resources Defense Council) The Department of Energy is flouting the will of Congress by delaying clean energy R&D and Congress should act quickly to prevent such ideologically driven efforts that thwart action to combat climate change, a Natural Resources Defense
February 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Time for a Price on Carbon
(Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL-22)/OurEnergyPolicy.org) You don’t have to search hard to find an American community already experiencing, firsthand, the devastating impact of climate change. The question is no longer if, but how to respond. For too long, damaging carbon emissions
February 04, 2020 Read Full Article
How House Republicans Won over Conservatives to Gain Consensus on a Climate Agenda
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) House Republicans have convinced their most conservative members to support a forthcoming plan for the federal government to address climate change. Republicans have long been skeptical of federal efforts to curb climate change. But now, even conservative
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Carbon Emissions Will Fall Just 4 percent by 2050, According to Government Projections
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) ... Though a number of states have set goals to have their electric sector be carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner, the report suggests those efforts could be derailed by growing transportation emissions, which are
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Iowans Push 2020 Candidates to Focus on Climate Change
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) ... While climate change has been given short shrift on the debate stages, it’s been widely discussed as the state races toward its first-in-the-nation caucuses on Monday. Record-setting flooding devastated nearly every corner of the state
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
E&C Leaders Release Draft Clean Future Act Legislative Text to Achieve a 100 Percent Clean Economy
(U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce) Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) today released legislative text of the draft Climate Leadership and
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Democrats' Infrastructure Proposal Gets Green Tint
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) DON'T CALL IT INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK... But House Democratic leaders are expected to roll out their own infrastructure framework today with a particular focus on climate change. The framework comprises a mix of transportation and water
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Plant Reopens Thanks to Biodiesel Blenders Tax Credit
by Marjorie Kulba (Farm Journal's Ag Pro) An Iowa biodiesel plant is reopening after it shut down late last year. The Western Dubuque Biodiesel plant in Farley, Iowa started up production at the plant last week after shutting down for most of December
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Refers Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 to Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
(Bergeson & Campbell) On December 10, 2019, the U.S. Senate received and read twice the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2019 (Act). Passed by the U.S. House of Representatives one day prior to the Senate’s review, the Act --
January 28, 2020 Read Full Article
How Plastic Can Fit in a Circular Carbon Economy: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Recycling and Upcycling Plastics
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We’ve seen the staggering numbers, 78 million tons of annual plastics production, 98% virgin feedstock, and only 14% gets collected for recycling. So what do we do about it? Jay Fitzgerald from the Bioenergy technologies
January 24, 2020 Read Full Article
At the Table, or On the Menu?
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) As discussions about climate change ramp up, ethanol and its impact on emissions and the environment should be top of mind. -- We’re only halfway through the 116th Congress and, already, there have been
January 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Military Researching Ways to Suck Carbon From Air to Make Fuel
by Bobby Magill (Bloomberg) Military could use carbon captured from the air and sea water to make fuel; Pentagon involvement could speed up commercialization of technology -- Technology that would suck carbon dioxide from the air and ocean water could be
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
IRS Publishes Guidance on Claiming 2018-’19 Biodiesel Tax Credit
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The Internal Revenue Service published guidance Jan. 15 for companies seeking to claim the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax credit for 2018 and 2019. The $1 per gallon tax credit expired Jan. 1, 2018, and remained expired until Dec.
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor: Alleluias and Vision 2020 at the National Biodiesel Conference
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... They have been three years in the valley of the shadow of Death, and have emerged on the other side with huge wins in recent weeks on tax credits, progress on Argentine and China
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Exclusive: What’s in Republicans’ New Climate-Change Push
by Amy Harder (Axios) Trees, plastics and favorable tax policy are at the core of House Republicans’ new push on climate change — an effort to reassure voters they care about the problem after a decade of dismissing it. Why it
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Passes USMCA
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate passed legislation implementing the revised U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement on Jan. 16 by a vote of 89 to 10. The legislation will now be sent to President Trump for his signature. The USMCA trade
January 17, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Seeks Input on New Ethanol Sales Infrastructure Incentive Program DEADLINE January 30, 2020
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input to help with the creation of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), a new program that will expand the availability of domestic ethanol and biodiesel by incentivizing the expansion
January 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Payments for Ecosystem Services Key to Enabling Agricultural Solutions to Sustainable Development Goals, Ag Renaissance
(Solutions from the Land) As discussions on climate change, clean water, hunger, poverty and biodiversity grow both on the domestic and global stages, the role of agriculture in addressing these mega-challenges is filling a growing role at the policy table. Statewide
January 16, 2020 Read Full Article
A Vision for Biodiesel
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... NBB undertook a formal strategic planning process in the second half of 2019 to ask the tough questions, define the challenges and opportunities, and to lay out a roadmap to achieving those
January 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Dems Tee up Climate Plans
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The legislative framework that senior Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee want to move this year to combat climate change calls for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the building, industrial, transportation
January 09, 2020 Read Full Article
What's Looming in 2020?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ... Another looming fight: EPA's proposals to weaken rules on greenhouse gas emissions from cars. The Trump administration has revoked California's waiver authority, but its sweeping rollback of federal emissions standards has stalled ahead
January 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Cutting Edge Funding: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Debt and Equity Financing Mechanisms for Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Money, money, money – a growing bioeconomy needs lots of it. But with so many challenges like a lack of certainty in government programs or a perceived lack of funds at the company and project levels,
January 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Valuable and Viable: Changes to the 45Q Tax Credit Increase the Monetary Value of Carbon Dioxide for Ethanol Producers.
by Andrew Duguid (Battelle/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Changes to Section 45Q of the U.S. tax code have made it easier for ethanol producers to take advantage of tax credits for capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions. However, producers must act fast
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Finding Environmental Markets Carbon Credits, Water Quality Markets Rebuild for Farmers
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) When Ohio farmer Fred Yoder testified last month before the House Select Committee on Climate Change, the long-time no-till farmer and champion of climate-smart farming practices told lawmakers one of the best things that could
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Economics, Expectations and Exports
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine talked to three experts about the past year, and what they see moving into 2020. -- 2019 brought a Reid vapor pressure waiver for E15, but it also brought excessive small
December 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill Would Create ARPA–Terra, a New Research Agency to Invest in Early Stage Research on Innovative Agricultural Technologies that Enhance Environmental Sustainability, Export Competitiveness, and Crop Resilience
(Office of Senator Michael Bennet, D-CO) Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Cindy Axne (IA-3) announced they have introduced new legislation to create the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Terra (ARPA–Terra), a new agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
House Passes Reworked North American Trade Deal in Victory for Trump, Democrats
by Erica Werner (Washington Post) The bill passed by a vote of 385 to 41 and is expected to pass the Senate early next year. -- The House of Representatives voted Thursday in favor of a new trade deal for
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
The Bioeconomy Christmas: Uncle Sam puts $12B+ for Biomass-Based Diesel, Action on Biointermediates, Cellulosics, and Small Refinery Waivers into the Stocking This Year
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, Congressional leaders announced a five-year extension of the biomass-based diesel tax credit as part of a year-end tax extenders package. As Christmas gifts go, the importance and value of this to the biomass-based diesel
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Spending Bills Sent to Senate ... Included in the Deal Is a Year-End Compromise on Tax Extenders
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ON TO THE SENATE: The House passed the $1.4 trillion spending deal on Tuesday that would give federal agencies $49 billion in extra cash this fiscal year and avert a government shutdown ahead of
December 18, 2019 Read Full Article
House Bill Sets New Standard for GREEN Streets
by Emily Mangan (Transportation for America) Last week, Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) introduced a bill that would measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled on our roadways. This would be transformative. ... Transportation is the single largest source of
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
McEachin, Haaland, Dingell, Blumenauer, Tonko & Pingree Introduce 100% Clean Legislation
(Office of A. Donald McEAchin (D VA-04)) Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 with Representatives Deb Haaland (NM-01), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Chellie Pingree (ME-01). This legislation sets
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Trade Association Leaders Plead for Congress to Act on Tax Extenders
(Ohio's Country Journal) Executives from 11 national trade associations sent a letter to House and Senate leaders, highlighting the urgent need for Congress to extend the expired biodiesel tax incentive before the end of the year. The association executives state in the
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Solutions to Protect the Environment and the Economy
(House Energy & Commerce Committee Republicans) “There are bipartisan bills in Congress that we could pass right now to ensure the United States remains a global leader in emissions reduction, economic productivity, and clean energy production, all at once.” That’s what Energy
December 09, 2019 Read Full Article
EESI Submits Recommendations to House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) today submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis an extensive set of policy recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. “The Select Committee’s
November 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Rep. Escobar to Visit Rio Valley Biofuels Plant in El Paso, Texas
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, co-sponsor of the Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act (H.R. 2089), is scheduled to visit Rio Valley Biofuels, a biodiesel production facility in El Paso, Texas, on Nov. 26. Escobar serves Texas’ 16th
November 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Farm Credit Head: Stabilize Ethanol, Pass USMCA
(The Fence Post/The Hagstrom Report) Farmers need the Trump administration to stabilize the biofuels market and Congress to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, Farm Credit Administration Chairman and CEO Glen Smith told the House Agriculture Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Democrats Unveil Draft of GREEN Act that Includes Extending Biofuel Tax Credits
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures Chairman Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Committee Democrats released a discussion draft of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act. This draft legislation is
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
REG Puts $30 Million Seneca Expansion on Hold Due to Tax Credit Extension Delays
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, local press reports that the Renewable Energy Group has decided to halt its $30 million expansion project at its Seneca plant, saying the 22 months since the biodiesel producers tax credit lapsed has left
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Congress Now Offers Venues for Ag to Address Threats from a Changing Climate
(Solutions from the Land) The testimony of SfL Co-Chair Fred Yoder before the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis (HSCCC) two weeks ago represented an early opportunity for farmers, ranchers and forestland owners to advance proven, pragmatic and practical solutions
November 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Rep. Welch, Sen. Udall Introduce Legislation to Reform the Renewable Fuel Standard to Benefit the Environment
(Office of Representative Peter Welch (D-VT)) Bill would phase out corn ethanol mandate, reverse tide of habitat destruction, and boost the mandate for advanced biofuels that reduce greenhouse gases -- Today (November 14, 2019), Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) introduced
November 15, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB Releases New Report on the Importance of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive
(National Biodiesel Board) The tax incentive is crucial to continued growth of the U.S. biodiesel industry -- Today (November 12, 2019), the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) released a new report, "The Importance of the Biodiesel Tax Credit," showing how the emerging
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
How Iowans Drove The National Debate On Carbon Farming
by Isabella Murray (Iowa Starting Line) ... (Beto) O’Rourke had read a guest op-ed by Leonard and Matt Russell, executive director of Interfaith Power and Light — a group that pushes for faith-based solutions to climate change — in the New York Times
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Making the Carbon Tax Pitch
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) More than 800 volunteers across the U.S. will be on Capitol Hill today to meet with lawmakers on the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, H.R. 763 (116), on behalf of the Citizens' Climate
November 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Interior Appropriations Bill Requires EPA to Act on eRINs
(RFS Power Coalition/Biomass Magazine) The RFS Power Coalition today applauded the passage of H.R. 3055 (116), the Senate’s Interior Appropriations bill. The Interior-EPA portion of the spending package includes a provision led by Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, requiring the EPA to
November 06, 2019 Read Full Article
New Senate Climate Caucus Rooted in Industry Shift
by Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) When the Senate's new bipartisan climate caucus meets for the first time this week, members will be joined by another group looking to engage more in climate policy discussions on Capitol Hill: industry CEOs. The choice of
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
How Lithium Could Be Calif.'s Next 'Gold Rush'
by David Ferris and David Iaconangelo (E&E News) ... EnergySource, based in San Diego, is making an expensive gamble that it can be the first to tap a vast reserve of lithium here that has frustrated engineers for decades. Lithium
October 31, 2019 Read Full Article
House Energy Hearing Pits Ethanol vs. EPA, Administration
by Matt Kaye (FarmWeekNow.com) Renewable Fuels Association chief Geoff Cooper called the proposed supplemental rule issued by EPA a "bait and switch." -- ... During a hearing before a U.S. House Energy subcommittee, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) chief Geoff Cooper
October 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Dems Propose Major Clean Cars Push As Court Rejects Challenge to Clean Car Rollback
(Our Daily Planet) Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, on Friday announced a $450 billion/10 year “Clean Cars For America Climate Proposal” to accelerate the
October 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Planting a Trillion Trees Will Not Halt Climate Change
by Kay Ledbetter (Farm Progress/Southwest Farm Press) Tree planting in natural grasslands can destroy plant and animal habitat and won't sequester enough carbon to compensate for fossil fuel emissions. -- A group of 46 scientists from around the world, led by
October 28, 2019 Read Full Article
House Committee Approves Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act
by Lynn L. Bergeson (TSCAblog) On October 17, 2019, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology unanimously approved the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act (H.R. 2051), a companion bill to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Chris
October 26, 2019 Read Full Article
E&C Subcommittee Announces Legislative Hearing to Address EPA's Mismanagement of Renewable Fuel Standard Program
(U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee) Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY) announced today that the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee will hold a legislative hearing on Tuesday,
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Pitch Plan to Trash Ethanol Mandate Amid Industry Clashes
by Brian Dabbs (National Journal) ... Now, though, two retiring Republican House members want to carve out a new future for U.S. liquid transportation fuel policy. Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois, who represents some of the most prolific corn-producing counties
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Algae Could Be Turned into Climate-Friendly Food and Fuel
by Stephanie Manuzak (Yale Climate Connections) The newest farm bill offers support for algae growers. -- ..."Currently companies in the industry are producing plastics, and recyclable foam, and animal feed for cows and chickens and pigs, and aquafeed for shrimp,”
October 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Cruel Summer
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A series of unfortunate events this summer—all caused by U.S. government action or inaction—has led to a precarious situation in the biodiesel sector, but there may be a silver lining. -- ... The volume of
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Bill Provides Tax Incentives for Biogas Investments
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., reintroduced the Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act on Sept. 24. The bill aims to expand the biogas market by providing a 30 percent investment tax credit to help offset
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Big Law Firms Draft Model Climate Laws in Pro Bono Project
by Stephanie Russell-Kraft (Bloomberg) More than 20 law firms join pro bono effort led by two law school professors; Draft laws and regulations will be publicly available to local, state and federal lawmakers -- More than 20 Big Law firms have
September 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Carbon Pricing Bill Introduced
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), a group of House lawmakers introduced a bipartisan carbon pricing measure — the MARKET CHOICE Act — that would fund infrastructure investments by pricing carbon and eliminating the gas tax. "We
September 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Prospects for Biofuels Use by Other Transportation Modes
by Stephanie Mercier (Farm Journal AgWeb) ... While supporters of the U.S. biofuel industry will no doubt continue to advocate for some remedial action by the administration on the SRE/RFS issues, they should not overlook the fact that the U.S.
September 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Economist Proposes Two RFS Changes to Appease Oil, Ethanol
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With a reported big deal for biofuels in flux, an economist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign put forward a plan on Thursday to account for more than 4 billion gallons of biofuels exempted
September 23, 2019 Read Full Article
NGVAmerica Members Host Senator Ted Cruz
(NGVAmerica/NGV Journal) NGVAmerica members hosted a facility tour and policy roundtable with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to discuss the importance of parity for natural gas powered vehicles.VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio’s public transit agency, joined with NGVAmerica to host Senator Cruz
September 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Davis Introduces Pro-Ethanol Legislation
(The Telegraph) Local ethanol officials are lauding the Small Refinery Exeption Fairness Act of 2019 introduced Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville. Davis introduced the bill after the EPA continues to increase the number of small refineries exempted from the Renewable
September 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Threatened as Push Builds for Electric Vehicles
by Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) Biofuel advocates may be fuming about the Environmental Protection Agency's recent actions granting small refinery exemptions to oil refineries, but they'd better check their rearview mirror. Electric vehicles may soon have policy in place to put
September 18, 2019 Read Full Article
House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Request for Information DEADLINE: November 22, 2019
(House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis) The climate crisis already is harming communities across America. The costs and impacts to the United States in the coming decades could exceed hundreds of billions of dollars annually. To limit global warming to
September 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Daily on Energy: How the US Could Get Caught up in a ‘Carbon Trade War’
by Josh Siegel & Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) ... Readers are probably familiar with the concept of the U.S. imposing “border carbon adjustments” on other countries. This has been a regular feature of carbon tax proposals in Congress and a component of
September 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Republican Mike Braun Looks to Bring GOP 'in the Game' with Bipartisan Climate Caucus
by Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) The Senate will soon be getting its own bipartisan caucus focused on addressing climate change. A bipartisan duo of Sens. Mike Braun of Indiana and Chris Coons of Delaware are organizing the new caucus, which is still
September 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Subsidize My Electric Car, Please: Auto Makers Want Congress to Expand This Gift to the Affluent.
(Wall Street Journal) The great myth of political subsidies for business is that they will help an industry get started and then go away. We’ll soon see if Congress can for once live up to its temporary promise and block
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
View from a Former Fed: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Multi-Slide Guide to Policy Nexus Advisors’ Federal Programs
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s nothing like a former fed to give a unique perspective on federal programs and policy. Paul Argyropoulos, President of Policy Nexus Advisors, gave this illuminating overview of what he thinks the future holds, influencing
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Booker: We Will Stop the Oil Refinery Waivers, as Part of $3 Trillion Clean Energy and Infrastructure Plan
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In New Jersey, Senator Cory Booker announced that, if elected as US President, he would “Immediately end the granting of unwarranted RFS small refinery waivers to big oil companies, and substantially increase funding for the Rural
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
What’s the Plan to Increase Ethanol Use? Low Carbon Octane Standard Could Be the Way to Increase Ethanol Use beyond E15.
by Brian Jennings (Ethanol Producer Magazine/American Coalition for Ethanol) ... Are we simply going to play defense on the RFS and hope the E15 market develops quickly, or can we turn the page, go on offense and initiate a new
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
A Farmer's Plea to the President: Fix our Fuel
by Doug Sombke (The Hill/Farmers Union Enterprises and the South Dakota Farmers Union) ... I recently wrote a letter to the president suggesting a pathway out from under the proverbial rock. I urged him to direct the EPA to enforce the mandatory provision
September 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Wound up over Waivers
by Alex Guillén (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA's internal watchdog is being asked to determine how the agency decided to grant the vast majority of exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard that oil refiners have requested. EPA approved 31 petitions for waivers
August 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Report: Trump Ordered Waivers: Ongoing Court Challenges May Be Only Avenue Left for Biofuels
by By Todd Neeley and Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ...The president sided with oil refiners over ethanol producers and corn farmers, just two months after reiterating his support for ethanol at a rally held at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy
August 19, 2019 Read Full Article
A 'Golden Triangle': In Nebraska, Ethanol, Cattle and Agriculture Are Intertwined, with Major Impacts on the State's Economy.
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) It’s fitting that the Cornhusker State should be an important player in the nation’s ethanol industry. Second only to Iowa in production, Nebraska’s ethanol industry has a big impact on the state’s economy. In addition to
August 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Federal Bill Could Create Biogas Tax Credits, Bolster Organics Infrastructure
by Cole Rosengren (Waste Dive) ... The expiration of the ITC benefits in 2016, followed by the expiration of related production tax credits in 2017, are frequently cited as key limitations for financing new biogas infrastructure. While other incentives such
August 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Carbon Pricing Proposals in the 116th Congress
by Jason Ye (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions) There are various market-based approaches to pricing carbon (e.g. carbon tax, cap and trade, and a clean energy standard). All of these can reduce emissions cost-effectively while driving clean energy innovation. This factsheet compares
August 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Fact Sheet: Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Closer Look at Tax Breaks and Societal Costs
by Clayton Coleman and Emma Dietz (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A recent analysis published in Nature Energy found that continuing current fossil fuel subsidies would make it profitable to extract half of all domestic oil reserves. This could increase U.S. oil production by
August 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Biofuel Advocates Want a Piece of Transportation Bill
by Elvina Nawaguna (Roll Call) The bill would set aside $1 billion to build charging and fueling stations for electric-, hydrogen- and natural gas-powered vehicles -- A provision in the Senate’s surface transportation bill that would help pay for charging and refilling stations for zero-
August 02, 2019 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Kamala Harris and Jay Inslee's New Climate Plans Target 'Environmental Injustice'
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) ... On Monday, two contenders, Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, released climate plans aimed at ensuring communities already facing an exceptionally large amount of pollution don't get saddled with any more. The proposals
August 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Committee Acknowledges Climate Change in Passing $287 Billion Transportation Bill
by Ashley Halsey III and John Wagner (Washington Post) ... The bill got pushback from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), whose state is a major producer of ethanol, the corn-based product that is added to about 98 percent of gasoline. She objected
August 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill from U.S. Sens. Toomey, Feinstein Would Abolish Ethanol Mandate
by J.D. Prose (The Times) U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey is working to repeal the ethanol mandate with California Democratic U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The Restore Environmental Sustainability to Our Renewable Energy (RESTORE) Act would abolish the corn ethanol mandate in the Renewable
July 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Four New Carbon Pricing Bills Drop in Congress
by Danny Richter (Citizen's Climate Lobby) ... First, Florida Republican Rep. Francis Rooney has introduced the bipartisan Stemming Warming and Augmenting Pay (SWAP) Act with cosponsor Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL). Together, these two representatives have also introduced the Raise Wages, Cut Carbon Act. Citizens’ Climate
July 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Paving the Way for Green, Local Leadership: Doggett Introduces Green Transportation Act to Reduce Pollution & Mitigate Climate Change
(Office of Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX 35)) Today (July 18, 2019), U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chair of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee and House Budget Committee Member, along with Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Chair of the House
July 19, 2019 Read Full Article
A Bill Bonanza: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Will Consider 23 Bills
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will consider 23 bills this morning on issues ranging from carbon capture to nuclear energy. Texas Sen. John Cornyn's bill, S. 1685 (116), for one, would require
July 16, 2019 Read Full Article
On to Conference: The Annual Defense Policy Bill, H.R. 2500 (116)
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The annual defense policy bill, H.R. 2500 (116) , passed Friday by the House now heads to conference, where lawmakers will have to work out their differences and overcome objections from the White House —
July 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Senators Markey and Van Hollen Introduce Legislation to Create a National Climate Bank
(Office of Senatory Ed Markey (D-MA)) Will leverage $35 billion in public funds to fund as much as $700 billion in total investment into projects that support clean energy, reduce emissions -- Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.),
July 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Marco Rubio Introduces Bill to Combat China's Rare Earth Monopoly
by Megan Henney (Fox Business) Sen. Marco Rubio introduced legislation on Thursday intended to boost American competitiveness in processing critical rare-earth minerals after China signaled it could weaponize its dominance in the sector in the midst of the year-long trade war. The Florida Republican’s plan, named the RE-Coop 21st
July 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Republicans Form Conservation Caucus to Take on Environment, Climate Change
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) Republicans on Wednesday launched an environment-minded conservation caucus aimed at battling the perception that their party doesn’t care about climate change. Dubbed the Republican Roosevelt Conservation Caucus after National Park Service founder President Teddy Roosevelt, the bicameral
July 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Intervention Delaying EPA Biofuel Waiver Action, Sources Say
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump’s request for a review of the administration’s expanded use of biofuel waivers for oil refiners is holding up its decisions on 2018 applications, according to three sources familiar with the matter, two of
July 11, 2019 Read Full Article
New Coalition Working on SAF: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to AFCC
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition advocates for public policy to promote the development and production of alternative fuels and chemicals, especially sustainable aviation fuels. It’s a collaborative government affairs effort formed just months ago in January
July 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Bernie Sanders and AOC Want Congress to Declare a National Emergency over Climate Change
by Tara Golshan (Vox) Climate activists around the world are pushing governments to treat global warming as an emergency. -- ... On Tuesday, they got three prominent progressive allies in the United States to publicly join their cause: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Reps.
July 10, 2019 Read Full Article
24 Governors Call on Trump to Halt Rollback on Rules for Clean Cars
by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times) The opposition to one of President Trump’s most consequential regulatory rollbacks — a plan to weaken pollution standards for automobiles nationwide — widened on Tuesday when 24 governors, including three Republicans, urged the president to abandon his plan. The governors’ plea adds
July 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Rooney Introduces Bill to Repeal the RFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., introduced legislation June 21 that aims to eliminate the Renewable Fuel Standard. Rooney cited the impact of ethanol on boat engines and the U.S. EPA’s rule to allow year-round E15
July 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Extend Biofuel, Bioenergy Tax Credits through 2020
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, introduced the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 on June 18. The bill extends several biofuel- and
July 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Mayors Approve Resolution Pressing for Carbon Pricing in Congress
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) Mayors gathering for their annual meeting Monday approved a resolution urging Congress to pass carbon pricing legislation. It’s the first time the United States Conference of Mayors voted on a carbon pricing resolution. At least a few Republican
July 02, 2019 Read Full Article
In Lobbying Battle for Electric Vehicle Tax Credit, It’s Car Makers vs. the Oil and Gas Industry
by Dino Grandoni and Steven Mufson (Washington Post) ... GM, like a fleet of other car manufacturers, is seeking the extension of a tax break that has for a decade helped sustain the sale of cars that need little to no gasoline to
June 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Up for a Climate Debate--Welcome to Miami: Presidential Contenders Lock Horns tonight in Round One of the Primary Debates
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy)Presidential contenders lock horns tonight in Round One of the primary debates in Miami to prove they're ready to take on President Donald Trump — and show Democratic voters they have a plan to fight
June 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report on 2019 Crappie Masters
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) With retail sales of E15, or 15% ethanol, now approved in the summer months, some oil industry-backed organizations are issuing dire warnings about damage to boat engines – but E15 is clearly labeled as NOT approved for
June 25, 2019 Read Full Article
King Introduces Bills Protecting RFS from Small Refinery Exemptions
(Office of Congressman Steve King (R-IA-4th) Legislation Recovers Volume Lost to Waivers by Increasing RFS Requirement Gallon -for-Gallon -- Congressman Steve King releases this statement following his introduction of two bills that are designed to protect the volume requirements in the Renewable
June 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Proposed Legislation Would Extend Biodiesel Tax Incentive
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) House Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee Chairman Mike Thompson (D-CA) has introduced legislation to extend expired tax incentives, including the biodiesel tax incentive, which is scheduled for mark up Thursday June 20. The proposal would
June 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Sens. Coons, Moran, Reps. Thompson, Estes Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Level the Playing Field for Clean Energy
(Office of Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)) Financing Our Energy Future Act would give clean energy projects access to a tax advantage currently available only to oil, gas, and coal projects -- U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Representatives
June 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Feinstein, Bennet Introduce Bill to Lock In a Science-Based Method to Determine the Cost of Carbon Pollution
(Office of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)) Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and 15 of their collegues reintroduced the Carbon Pollution Transparency Act (S. 1745), legislation to ensure the federal government implements a science-based process to account for the cost of carbon
June 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Extend MLPs to Bioenergy, Biofuel Projects
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Reps. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Ron Estes, R-Kan., reintroduced bipartisan legislation June 13 that aims to give investors in clean energy projects access to the use of
June 17, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Farm State Senators Unveil Bill to Overhaul Biofuel Waiver Program
by Jarrett Renshaw and Richard Valdmanis (Reuters) Two Midwest senators said on Friday they have introduced a bill to reform the Environmental Protection Agency's opaque biofuel waiver program, which the corn industry says helps oil companies at the expense of farmers here by threatening
June 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Legislation Would Help Finance Carbon Capture and Storage Projects
(Office of Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)) U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Rob Portman (R-OH) today reintroduced a bill to make it easier for power plants and industrial facilities to finance the purchase and installation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage
June 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Letter Urges Extension of 3 Biofuel-Related Tax Credits
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa, and Josh Harder, D-Calif., authored a letter June 3 urging the House Ways and Means Committee to extend, and retroactively apply, several expired biofuel tax credits. The letter was signed by
June 11, 2019 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Green New Deal Is Alive and Well in Liberal Cities and States
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) The Green New Deal may be floundering in Washington. But it is alive and well in left-leaning states and cities across the country. From Maine to California, Democratic politicians have begun adopt the Green New Deal brand -- a
June 03, 2019 Read Full Article
What If Scientists, Not Politicians, Called the Shots on Climate Policy
by Michael Langford (The Hill/Utility Workers Union of America) ... For example, carbon capture technology could broadly decarbonize power generation including both natural gas and coal-fired plants as well as heavy industries such as steel, cement and ethanol manufacturing to cite
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
All For One: The American Coalition for Ethanol’s Annual Washington, D.C., Fly-In
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) During a meeting with three attendees of the American Coalition for Ethanol’s 2019 Washington, D.C., fly-in, Jaqueline Schmitz, senior policy advisor for Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said New Jersey voters are against ethanol. They don’t
May 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Duckworth Accuses EPA of Deception, Calls for Probe into Ethanol Waivers
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth asked the Environmental Protection Agency's inspector general Thursday to investigate whether the agency broke the law in granting dozens of waivers to the oil industry to not blend corn ethanol into the
May 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill Would Increase SRE Transparency, Reallocate Waived Volumes
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Reps. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., introduced legislation May 23 that aims to increase transparency surrounding Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery exemptions (SREs) and ensure any waived volumes are reallocated. The bill, titled the “Renewable
May 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Cleaner Transportation Fuel, Healthier Forests
(Office of Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)) Legislation allows the use of biomass waste from certain federal lands in the making of renewable fuels -- U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today introduced bipartisan legislation to allow the use of biomass from
May 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Senators Collins, Heinrich Lead Bipartisan Group in Introducing Energy Storage Bill to Bolster Renewables, Fight Climate Change
(Office of Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)) The bipartisan bill authorizes $300 million over five years to reduce the cost of promising grid-scale energy storage systems, similar to DOE’s SunShot Initiative that decreased the price of solar by 75% -- In order to
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Agriculture Industry Groups Call on Congress to Immediately Extend the Biodiesel Tax Credit
(National Biodiesel Board) Congress can address the growing economic crisis in the agriculture sector, trade groups write -- Thirteen trade groups representing farmers, rural lenders, crop and biobased oil producers, and biodiesel producers today wrote leaders of the House of Representatives and
May 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Trump EPA Did Not Await Court Ruling to Loosen Biofuel Rules for Refiners - Documents
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The Trump administration made it easier for oil refineries to get waivers from the nation’s biofuel law at least four months before a 2017 court decision it often cites to justify the move to the corn lobby,
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Carbon Removal Takes Hold on Hill
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) CAPTURING HEARTS AND MINDS: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will dive into the Energy Department's carbon capture, utilization and storage programs during a hearing this morning (May 16, 2019), where Assistant Energy
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Republicans Want a Climate Bill — but Please Don't Call It the Green New Deal
by Matt Laslo (Vice News) ... The same week the United Nations released a report stating that a million animal and plant species are on the verge of extinction, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in Europe proclaiming that melting sea
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Letter from Washington – Taxes, Blends, RINs, Jobs and “The Year of the Tree”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... (C)onsider this for now a Digested summary of the (Washington, DC) news you can use, as short as we can make it so that we return you to the business of building the bioeconomy
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Flores and Welch Reintroduce Bill to Limit Ethanol Quotas under RFS
by Nick Snow (Oil & Gas Journal) US Reps. Bill Flores (R-Tex.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) reintroduced legislation on May 7 which would limit ethanol quotas under the Renewable Fuel Standard to 9.7% of the total gasoline volumes projected to be
May 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Democrats See Opening for Climate in Tax Extenders, Highway Bill
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Environment) Senate Democrats home in on strategy for raising clean energy tax credits, highway bill reauthorization; Parallel effort on making infrastructure better resilient to climate change --- ... They are likely to score their biggest victories in two must-pass bills
May 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill Introduced to Overhaul Renewable Fuel, Energy Tax Credits
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and 25 colleagues introduced legislation May 2 that aims to overhaul the federal tax code and consolidate the current 44 energy incentives into three technology-neutral provisions that encourage clean electricity, clean
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Sunrise Movement, the Force Behind the Green New Deal, Ramps Up Plans for 2020
by Tessa Stuart (Rolling Stone) ... The science is really clear, the solutions are ready, overwhelmingly popular, will create millions of good jobs. In 2019 and in 2020, the goal of young people everywhere who are interested in Sunrise is to
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Democrats Are Trying to Block Trump from Exiting Paris Agreement by Pushing New Climate Bill
(USA Today) It's not as bold as the Green New Deal but House Democrats on Thursday are poised to adopt the most significant climate legislation in a decade: A bill that would prevent the Trump administration from exiting the international Paris Agreement aimed at global warming. The Climate Action
May 02, 2019 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Why Some Climate Activists Are Cooling on a Carbon Tax
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) It is one of most popular plans among economists for addressing climate change. Many Democrats have embraced it. Even some Republicans have come around to the idea. But a carbon tax is increasingly out of favor among left-wing climate
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Rep. Axne Introduces Amendment to HR 9 to Support Renewable Fuel Industries
(Atlantic News Telegraph) U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) introduced an amendment to H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, to extend tax credits for Iowa’s biodiesel, second generation biofuels and wind power industries. The Climate Action Now Act, which Rep. Axne
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Yes, Tin Lizzie Was an Alcoholic
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) Correcting Bad Revisionist History About Ford's Model T Automobile -- The most venerated automobile of all time is Henry Ford's Model T. Nicknamed "Tin Lizzie," "Leapin' Lena," and sometimes "Flivver," the Model T went into production
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
More Energy Companies Lobbying on Climate Issues, Including Green New Deal
by Esther Whieldon and Molly Christian (S&P Global Market Intelligence) The number of power companies lobbying on climate-related issues at the federal level nearly tripled in the first quarter of 2019 over the prior quarter as the topic became a key focal
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Modifying the Message: With a Democratic-Majority House of Representatives, the Ethanol Lobby Emphasizes Carbon Reduction.
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The ethanol industry has done a great job making friends throughout the political spectrum, says John Fuher, vice president of government affairs for Growth Energy. “You have to have support from people across the divide,”
April 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Bonanza: How Federal Subsidies Prop Up the Industry and Cost Taxpayers Billions
(Taxpayers for Common Sense) The federal government has subsidized the mature U.S. biodiesel industry for more than a decade. In years when subsidies are larger and more predictable, the industry responds with higher production levels to take advantage of billions of dollars in
April 24, 2019 Read Full Article
New Study Underscores the Need to Make Rare Earth Metal Use More Sustainable
(Our Daily Planet) We don’t recycle these metals and their extraction is rife with human rights abuses. As Phys reported, a new study, commissioned and funded by the non-profit EarthWorks, “shows that as demand for minerals such as lithium and rare earths skyrockets, the already significant environmental