by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) Not all second-generation biofuels listed by the European Commission are sustainable, critics warn, urging policymakers to use the indirect land use change (ILUC) factor to “clean up” the list. The Commission’s proposed revision of the Renewable Energy Directive
GHG (Greenhouse Gas Emissions)
Back TO HOMEEU Biofuel Policy Requires Reliable Framework Conditions -- UFOP and FOP Appeal to Council, Parliament and Commission
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)) The trialogue procedure for redrafting the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) began in late February 2018. Against this backdrop, the German Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP -
March 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Fiat Panda Natural Power Runs on Biomethane for a Whole Year
(Fiat/NGV Journal) Today marks the first anniversary of the trial on the Panda powered only by biomethane produced at CAP Group’s wastewater treatment plant in Bresso-Niguarda (Milan). On 14 March 2017 Elisa Boscherini (Head of FCA Institutional Relations for the EMEA
March 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Harmonizing a Three-Headed Regulatory Monster (EPA, NHTSA, CARB)
by Graham Noyes and Doug Durante (Low Carbon Fuels Coalition/Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... While not as entertaining to watch as a Godzilla film with a three-headed flying monster, the current regulatory struggle over national auto standards between the US
March 14, 2018 Read Full Article
EPA Chief Signals Showdown With California on Fuel Emission Standards
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Ryan Beene and John Lippert (Bloomberg Politics) Pruitt warns California isn’t in driver’s seat on car rules; EPA faces April 1 deadline to decide on current requirements -- The Trump administration’s chief environmental regulator signaled a coming showdown with
March 14, 2018 Read Full Article
New Zealand Could Dent Emissions by Switching to Biofuels
(Biofuels International) A study from a government-owned research group is urging increased biofuel use to develop a renewable low-carbon transport sector. The report follows two years of research by Crown Research Institute Scion and looks at how New Zealand could grow and refine feedstocks
March 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Report on 8th ISCC Global Sustainability Conference; Presentations Published
(International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) Tuesday 20 February 2018, Brussels, Belgium high profile speakers discussed on the latest updates on a broad range of topics: The future of bioenergy discussed by the European Commission and Member States RED II negotiations Implementation of
March 12, 2018 Read Full Article
Short-Term Bioenergy Solutions for Meeting the Two Degree Celsius Scenario (2DS)
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced BiofuelsUSA) Highlighting how policy makers, investors and scientists can jointly work together to transform the global energy system, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2017 Technology Roadmap for Delivering Sustainable Bioenergy investigates a considerable strategy to increase
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Dismantle RFS, Limit Biofuel Blending
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On March 8, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., introduced companion bills that aim to dismantle the Renewable Fuel Standard and sunset blending obligations for conventional, advanced, cellulosic, and biomass-based diesel fuels. The
March 09, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the Status of Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are over 2,000 biomass to fuel facilities representing 1,461 companies in 90 countries. According to subject matter expert and long-time Digesterati Lorenz Bauer, “first-generation biofuels will continue to dominate the market but will lose market
March 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Neste Touts More GHG Reductions, New Rank on the Global 100 List
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Oil refiner and renewable diesel producer Neste Corp. announced that its renewable fuels reduced global climate emissions by 8.3 million metric tons last year. The reduction is equivalent to removing 3 million passenger vehicles—or nearly half
March 07, 2018 Read Full Article
EV Bash: Moving Emissions from Tailpipes to Smokestacks
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ME never thought global oil companies would be huge fans of electric vehicles, but the regularity of their bashing of the vehicles caught us by surprise. BP CEO Bob Dudley and Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nassir
March 07, 2018 Read Full Article
NZ Could Forge a Green Transport Fuels Future
(Scion/Scoop) Study proves New Zealand could forge a green transport fuels future -- New Zealand could build a renewable low-carbon transport fuels industry - but only if the nation decides to act. A report by Crown Research Institute Scion outlines how the country
February 27, 2018 Read Full Article
Computer Model Offers New Insights into Biofuel Emission Numbers
by Angelica Bottaro (Engineering.com) A new sophisticated computer model to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions from biorefineries has been developed to ensure that the total carbon footprint of these biofuels is being considered when regarding environmental initiatives. The model was developed using a
February 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Carmakers’ 'Harmonization’ Push Could Soften Fuel Efficiency Gains (1)
by Abby Smith (Bloomberg Environment) Automakers seek consistency in EPA, NHTSA programs as agencies weigh standards’ future; Environmentalists say push is meant to soften vehicle limits -- Automakers may already get what they want this spring as the Trump administration eyes lower
February 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Off-Road Engines, Aftertreatment Systems Perform Well on B100
(AGQM/Biodiesel Magazine) The University of Rostock demonstrates in current research results that off-road engines conforming to exhaust emission category EU Stage IV are suitable for operation with pure biodiesel. The German government’s climate protection plan 2050 intends a reduction of the greenhouse
February 21, 2018 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Calls on US Government to Support Biofuels Sector
(Biofuels International) Biofuels are crucial to improving the US energy outlook, according to an expert from ethanol trade association Growth Energy. Chris Bliley, Growth Energy’s vice-president of regulatory affairs, says that the forecasts in the recently released US Energy Information Administration’s (EIA)
February 16, 2018 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In his article suggesting scrapping Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards in favor of a Clean Air Act life cycle analysis-based methodology for CO2 transportation emission reduction, Bob Kozak advised, "(I)f anyone asks what will be the economic incentive for a
February 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Let’s Regulate CO2 Emissions, and Forget the 55.4 MPG 2025 Corporate Annual Fuel Economy Standard: The Inexpensive Way to Quickly Reduce Green House Gases
by Robert Kozak* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 54.5 miles/gallon has become a significant issue since the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Besides the Administration’s near religious fervor against
February 15, 2018 Read Full Article
New DOE Study: Ethanol Among Best Options for Future Engine Efficiency Improvements and Emissions Reduction
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today hailed the release of two studies by the Department of Energy that find ethanol-based high octane fuels can deliver substantial fuel economy improvements and emissions reductions when paired with optimized internal combustion
February 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Neste's Renewable Fuels Reduced Global Climate Emissions by 8.3 Million Tons in 2017
(Neste/Globe Newswire) Replacing fossil fuels with Neste's renewable fuels reduced global climate emissions altogether by a staggering 8.3 million metric tons or 8.3 billion kilograms in 2017. The figure equals removal of 3 million passenger cars from the roads for a
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the Future of the Internal Combustion Engine
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) When it comes to the future of the combustion engine, what are the future developments from a scientific viewpoint? That’s the ambitious topic that Gennadi Zikoridse of the University of Applied Sciences Dresden took on in this recent presentation. Combustion
February 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol's Next Breakthrough? Turning Greenhouse Gas into Fuel.
by Kevin Hardy (Des Moines Register) ... Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory unintentionally uncovered a process that uses tiny bits of carbon and copper to convert the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into ethanol fuel. While the research remains in its preliminary phase, it could
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Realistically Assess and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Rapeseed Cultivation
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) (Google translation)) Global standard values overestimate nitrous oxide emissions in rapeseed cultivation -- A network of eight partners under the coordination of the Thünen Institute (TI) for agri-climate protection engaged in a
February 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Palm Oil to Be Phased out as Biodiesel Feedstock?
by Cheryl Kalisch Gordon (Rabobank/The Land) Only a month after the European Union confirmed Australian canola would satisfy the new 2018 greenhouse gas requirements for use in EU biodiesel, a proposal to alter the EU’s overarching renewable energy policy has
January 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Study: Renewable Diesel Doing Its Part
(Trucking Info/Neste) According to a recent study by Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GMA), renewable diesel (RD) is playing an active part in ensuring that heavy-duty vehicles, including Class 8 trucks, are meeting near-zero emissions mandates in California. The study, which was
January 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Barriers to Biogas Dissemination in India: A Review
by ShivikaMittal, Erik O.Ahlgren and P.R.Shukla (Energy Policy) -Barriers hindering biogas dissemination in urban and rural biogas systems are identified. -Decomposition and logical problem analysis tools are used for assessment. -Key areas of improvements in existing policies are identified. Biogas has emerged
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
World First as AltAir Biojet Fuel Refinery Achieves RSB Certification
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The RSB is delighted to announce the certification of AltAir to produce biojet fuel, renewable diesel and naphtha, a gasoline component. This industry first sees AltAir join the ranks of RSB certified operators who have applied the RSB Global Standard
January 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Webinar Review: Preparing to Harmonize Methane Emission Measurements for Biogas Applications
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On January 18th, 2018, the Canadian Institute of Forestry hosted a webinar for the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy Task 37 which publically addressed that there is a need to harmonize methane emission measurements
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Big Oil, Biodiesel Join Forces to Combat Electrification
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Even though the petroleum and biodiesel industries rarely see eye to eye on U.S. energy policy, the two factions find common ground in a new threat to all liquid fuels—electric vehicles. The opening general session of
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Renewable Industries Canada Launches ‘Facts Don’t Lie’ Ad Campaign
(Global Newswire) Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) announced today (December 4, 2017) the launch of a public awareness campaign on the environmental and economic benefits of biofuels mandates. Dubbed ‘Facts Don’t Lie’, the campaign is designed to educate the public on the
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Calculating the CO2 Emissions of Biofuels Is Not Enough
(Science Daily/Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)) A new EU regulation aims to shrink the environmental footprint of biofuels starting in 2021. But a scientist thinks we should go one step further and take into account all compounds produced at biorefineries,
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
UPM Biofuels and ZERO Environmental Organisation Cooperate to Promote Green Shift in Transportation and Petrochemical Industry
(Globe Newswire) UPM Biofuels and the Zero Emission Resource Organisation have started cooperation in promoting green shift in the transport and petrochemicals sectors. The work focuses on creating a predictable long term operating environment for sustainable, advanced biofuels to enable climate
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Illinois Soybean Association : B20 Biodiesel Use Translates To $1.2M Health Cost Savings
(4-Traders) New calculations show an estimated $1.2 million in health cost savings for Illinois communities where B20 biodiesel fuel is used routinely in diesel vehicles. The calculations come from data submitted by 15 members of the B20 Club, a partnership between the Illinois
January 24, 2018 Read Full Article
INSIGHTS Anaerobic Digesters as a Tool for California’s Clean Transportation Efforts
by Cliff Gladstein (Gladstein, Neandross & Associates/ACT News) As one of the most populous states in the nation and a center of agricultural activity, California faces a waste disposal problem. Organic waste sent to municipal waste water treatment plants and landfills
January 23, 2018 Read Full Article
More Countries Adopting Ethanol Policies
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Alliance /Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Encouragingly, despite an extended period of uncertainty and less-than-ideal market circumstances, free trade has enabled global biofuel production to continue its incremental growth year after year. This resilience has been
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Air Traffic Control the Netherlands Becomes KLM’s Latest Biofuel Partner
(SkyNRG) Air Traffic Control the Netherlands is joining KLM’s Corporate BioFuel Programme. This will enable KLM to increase investment in sustainable biofuel. Air Traffic Control the Netherlands will buy sustainable biofuel for all its business flights. “Sustainable biofuel makes a structural contribution
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Legal GHG Reduction Requirement for Biofuels Rises to 50 Percent
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP) (google translation)) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) recalls that from 1 January 2018, the increased greenhouse gas (GHG)
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Updated UFOP Report on Global Market Supply Published
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants, UFOP)) Strong global harvest yields mean that supply on international markets is more than sufficient. The figures indicate that there is enough to meet worldwide
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
US Government Report Strengthens Consensus on Biodiesel Benefits
(National Biodiesel Board) Argonne National Laboratory, US Dept. of Agriculture, and Purdue University affirm impressive emissions reductions -- A new study on biodiesel’s lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission effects updates and reaffirms the long-understood benefits of using the renewable fuel.
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Research Finds Land Management Practices Matter in Cellulosic Biofuels Production
by Jessie Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) New research from Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Chicago at Illinois and the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that incorporating conservation practices can both increase soil organic content and improve the
January 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Japan: Japan Invites Public Comments on Fuel Ethanol Policy
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) On December 29, 2017, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) invited public comments on changes to its fuel ethanol policy. The changes include a set value for U.S. corn-based ethanol green-house gas (GHG) emissions
January 18, 2018 Read Full Article
My Voice: A ‘Swing and a Miss’ from the USDA
by Doug Sombke (Argus Leader/South Dakota Farmers Union) Our esteemed U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released a report of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. While it is hard to get excited over any government report, I had high hopes
January 18, 2018 Read Full Article
The European Parliament Just Avoided a Biofuels Fail. Now Here’s How to Move forward on Decarbonising Transport
(ePure) 2030 EU target for renewables in transport leaves an opening for sustainable crop-based biofuels to help reach Paris goals -- The European Parliament’s vote to phase out palm oil and allow some crop-based biofuels is a welcome recognition that the EU
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Canada Looks to Protect Industry with Carbon Proposal
(Argus Media) The Canadian government is taking cues from Alberta to ensure that industries do not leave the country in response to a federal carbon price. The country's environment and finance ministries yesterday shared details of a legislative proposal for a federal
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
California-Trump Administration Fuel-Efficiency Talks Intensify
by David Shepardson (Reuters) California and the Trump administration will hold a series of new talks over fuel efficiency rules as the auto industry still hopes for a deal to retain nationwide requirements. Officials from the California Air Resources Board are set
January 17, 2018 Read Full Article
Estimation of a 69 % Reduction in Greenhouse Gases Emissions for Fully Renewable ETBE Compared to Fossil Gasoline
(Global Bioenergies) Global Bioenergies (Euronext Growth: ALGBE) has entrusted EVEA, a company specialized in calculation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), with a study focused on the products to be manufactured in the future IBN-One plant. Fully renewable ETBE is estimated to
January 15, 2018 Read Full Article
France Requires 60pc GHG from Ex-EU Biodiesel Imports
(Argus Media) French biodiesel imports from outside the EU must have a minimum 60pc greenhouse gas (GHG) savings value from 1 January — a measure that could have considerable impact on trade flows from Argentina. The law, thought to be an attempt
January 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Ontario Proposal Aims to Double Ethanol Blend in Fuel
by John Greig (Manitoba Co-operator) An Ontario government proposal could dramatically increase the amount of Ontario corn going into ethanol production and help bring consistency to the basis price for corn in the province. The government has posted its proposal to increase
January 04, 2018 Read Full Article
A New Years Resolution for EPA: Do Your Job!
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Biofuels Digest) ... I am referring to the mandatory requirements in the Clean Air Act that EPA enforce section 202 (l), the “clean octane” provision designed to reduce the use of toxic aromatic compounds in gasoline.
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
China, Moving to Cut Emissions, Halts Production of 500 Car Models
by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times)The suspensions pointed to Beijing’s growing willingness to test forceful antipollution measures and assume a leading role in the fight against climate change. READ MORE
January 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Australian Canola for European Biodiesel Emits Half the Greenhouse Gas of Fossil Fuels
by Sarina Locke (ABC Rural) Australia has secured access to a billion-dollar European biodiesel market for canola, just two weeks away from a cut-off date. The CSIRO has found that using Australian canola in the biodiesel supply chain produced half the greenhouse
December 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Top Trends in 7 Key Latin America Hotspots
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In a striking pledge made in the latter part of 2016. 20 Latin American countries promised to promote biofuel production and use, with the support of development finance institutions. That was then, this is now. What’s happening towards
December 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Canola Council Welcomes Continued Access to EU Biodiesel Market
(Real Agriculture) The European Commission published its decision to allow Canadian canola to have continued access to the EU biodiesel market this week. “This decision means continued access to an important market for Canadian canola,” says Jim Everson, president of the Canola
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Editorial: Keep Biofuel Benefits Flowing
(Wisconsin State Journal) ... A study conducted for the U.S. Agriculture Department found corn ethanol’s life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, by 2022, will be 43 percent lower than gasoline baseline emissions if ethanol plants continue as usual. If ethanol production makes improvements with available
December 27, 2017 Read Full Article
US Grains Council : USGC Explores Potential For Ethanol Use in Indonesia, Thailand
(U.S. Grains Council/4 Traders) Representatives from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently traveled to Indonesia and Thailand to visit with ministry and industry officials there and gain a better understanding of the opportunities for and challenges to expanded ethanol use in
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Grain Sorghum Oil Pathways
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides notice and an opportunity to comment on the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with biofuels that are produced from grain sorghum oil extracted at dry mill ethanol plants. EPA's
December 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Defining Decarbonisation Pathway for Shipping – Zero Emission Vessels 2030 Study Released
(Lloyd's Register) LR and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) have today (December 11, 2o17) released ‘Zero Emission Vessels 2030’, a new study that aims to demonstrate the viability of zero emission vessels (ZEVs) – identifying what needs to be in place
December 22, 2017 Read Full Article
GAO to Look at Social Cost of Carbon
by Arianna Skibell (E&E News) An independent government watchdog has agreed to examine how the Trump administration uses the social cost of carbon, the metric used to calculate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. READ MORE WATCHDOG AGENCY TO STUDY TRUMP CHANGES
December 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Aviation Biofuel - An Engagement for Green Growth
(WebWire) At the World Efficiency Fair, Air France today presented an Engagement for Green Growth (ECV) with the French Ministry for Ecological and Inclusive Transition, French Ministry of Transport and the French Ministry of Economy and Finance along with four other major French
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Judge Rules State Can’t Enforce Inslee Order to Cut Greenhouse-Gas Emissions
by Jim Brunner (News Tribune) Dealing a setback to Gov. Jay Inslee’s climate agenda, a judge has invalidated major portions of a state rule requiring greenhouse-gas cuts by refineries, fuel distributors and dozens of other major industrial emitters. ... The ruling means the
December 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Can Fuel Efficiency Standards Be Met Cost-Effectively? The Potential for High-Octane, Low-Carbon Fuels
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) To cut petroleum usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fuel efficiency standards are set to rise significantly by 2025 under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards—jointly administered by the National Highway
December 15, 2017 Read Full Article
TERM 2017: Mixed Progress for Europe’s Transport Sector in Meeting Environment, Climate Goals
(European Environment Agency) Europe’s transport sector is making only mixed progress in meeting its environment, health and climate policy targets, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment published today (December 5, 2017), which tracks the short and long-term environmental performance
December 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Defining Decarbonisation Pathway for Shipping – Zero Emission Vessels 2030 study released Defining decarbonisation pathway for shipping – Zero Emission Vessels 2030 Study Released
(Lloyd's Register) LR and University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) have today (December 11, 2017) released ‘Zero Emission Vessels 2030’, a new study that aims to demonstrate the viability of zero emission vessels (ZEVs) – identifying what needs to be in place
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Stelco and Pond Technologies to Build Commercial CO2 Abatement Plant
(Algae Industry Magazine) Stelco Algae Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Stelco Inc., one of Canada’s leading integrated steel companies, and algal cultivation specialists Pond Technologies Inc., of Markham, Ontario, Canada, have announced their collaboration for the construction of what they
December 12, 2017 Read Full Article
California’s LCFS: Unlocking Value in Low-Carbon Liquid Fuels
(Propel) New study outlines how to make America’s most important low carbon policy more equitable. -- According to new research, low carbon liquid fuels must play a more significant role to meet California’s 2020 and 2030 carbon reduction goals under the Low
December 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Barrasso Calls on EPA to Study the Renewable Fuel Standard’s Impact on the Environment
(U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works) Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to request that the EPA
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Vehicles (Still) Bigger Emissions Source Than Power Plants in United States
by Alyssa Danigelis (Environmental Leader) The amount of carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector continues to exceed the amount from electricity production in the United States, according to the latest data from the US Energy Information Administration. The shift that started
December 08, 2017 Read Full Article
Tri Delta Transit Goes All-In with Neste MY Renewable Diesel
by Joseph Bebon (NGT News) Tri Delta Transit, which provides public transportation in Eastern Contra Costa County, Calif., has switched its entire fleet of transit buses from operating on petroleum diesel to using only Neste MY Renewable Diesel. ... “Tri Delta Transit is
December 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Industries Canada Launches ‘Facts Don’t Lie’ Ad Campaign
(Globe Newswire/Renewable Industries Canada) Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada) announced today the launch of a public awareness campaign on the environmental and economic benefits of biofuels mandates. Dubbed ‘Facts Don’t Lie’, the campaign is designed to educate the public on the role
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Lo-Carb at Ay Speed: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There are two approaches to encouraging low-carbon fuels — volumetric mandates and carbon reduction incentives. What is different about a Low Carbon Fuel Standard — as compared to a Renewable Fuel Standard? There are 4 primary differences. 1. An
December 05, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazilian Ethanol Can Replace 13.7 Percent of World's Crude Oil Consumption
( São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP/EurekAlert!) Expansion of sugarcane cultivation for biofuel in areas not under environmental protection or reserved for food production could also reduce global emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 5.6%, according to a study by
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Now Deploying at Commercial Scale: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Clariant’s Sunliquid Cellulosic Ethanol Technology
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Clariant’s sunliquid technology for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into sugars, followed by fermentation to cellulosic ethanol, is flexible to be used to convert different feedstocks on a regional basis, for example corn stover in North
November 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Neste Singapore Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary
(Neste Corporation) Neste, along with Mr. S. Iswaran, Singapore's Minister of Trade and Industry (Industry), Mrs Jayalekshmi Mohideen, Singapore's Ambassador to Finland, and Ms. Paula Parviainen, Finnish ambassador to Singapore, and many distinguished guests celebrated the tenth anniversary of Neste Singapore
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
European Parliament Sets Stage for a Battle over Biofuels
(ePURE) Industry Committee vote falls short of what is needed to fix the Commission’s RED II proposal -- The report adopted today by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee sets the stage for a real clash with EU Member States
November 29, 2017 Read Full Article
City of Vancouver, FortisBC Working Together to Tackle Climate Change
(FortisBC) ... Together, FortisBC and Vancouver are working to increase the use and supply of renewable natural gas. FortisBC is an industry leader in renewable energy innovation through programs such as the Renewable Natural Gas program. The first of its
November 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Dutch Researchers Create Maps of GHG Emissions from Biofuel Production
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In the Netherlands, a team of scientists charted greenhouse gas emissions resulting from biofuel production, presenting them as global maps. Dedicated crops grown on grasslands, savannahs and abandoned agricultural lands could provide around 30 exajoules per year (i.e.
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Technology Key to Ensuring Sustainable Bioenergy and Biofuel Production
(EU Science Hub) Bioenergy is the most common renewable energy source in Europe - and it's expected to continue to make up a significant part of the energy mix in the future. However, its climate performance can vary significantly depending on the
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Scania Ethanol Truck Brings Triple Benefits for French Haulier
(Scania) First came Nicolas, then Jérôme and finally Sophia. Today, the Faramia triplets have reached the age of 31 and are all active in the family transport business that bears their initials, Transports NJS Faramia. With the motto “The environment lies at
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Brazil to Launch Ambitious Biofuels Program
by Leticia Phillips (UNICA/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RenovaBio will help Brazil meet its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent of 2005 levels by 2030. -- Building, in part, on the successes and lessons learned from two signature American policies, Brazil is
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
Sweden Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil Sales Hit Record in Q3 as Other Biofuels Drop: Svebio
(UkrAgroConsult) Third quarter sales of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) diesel in Sweden increased by 24% on the year, the Swedish Bioenergy Association (Svebio) said Thursday. This was at the expense of other biofuels used for transport, with consumption for B100 FAME falling
November 27, 2017 Read Full Article
School District Achieves 20-Year Milestone with Biodiesel
(Diesel Technology Forum) Medford Township Public Schools in Medford, N.J., this month celebrates the 20-year anniversary of its transition to cleaner-burning biodiesel in its school bus fleet. Medford is the nation's longest continuous user of biodiesel in a student transportation fleet. The
November 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Presentations Posted for Can Fuel Efficiency Standards Be Met Cost-Effectively? The Potential for High-Octane, Low-Carbon Fuels
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing examining how high-octane, low-carbon fuel can enable CAFE compliance. Research suggests that high-octane, low-carbon fuel is the lowest-cost compliance option for both consumers and the automotive industry. Taking steps
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Germany Saves 7.3 Million Tonnes of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Using Biofuels, New Report Suggests
(Biofuels International) The use of biodiesel and bioethanol in Germany avoided creating around 7.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in Germany in 2016, according to a new report from Federal Agency for Food and Agriculture (BLE). Biofuels consumed in Germany emits on
November 10, 2017 Read Full Article
New Report: California Oil Among World's Dirtiest -- Rampant Oil Production Undermines State's Climate Leadership
(Center for Biological Diversity) Three-quarters of California’s oil is as climate-damaging as Canadian tar sands crude, according to a Center for Biological Diversity report released today at the United Nations climate change conference in Bonn, Germany. Oil Stain: How Dirty Crude Undercuts California’s Climate
November 10, 2017 Read Full Article
New England Power Generators Association/Environmental NGO Letter on Regional Transportation Emissions
(New England Power Generators Association) NEPGA letter – with the Acadia Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists – calling for a regional approach to lowering transportation emissions in a market based manner. READ MORE Excerpts from
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
More than 200 Stations in Minnesota Now Offer E15
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) In a landmark development for Minnesota’s ethanol industry, there are now 202 stations in the state that offer E15. In the past two weeks, several stations in the Twin Cities metro area and in Rochester and Mankato have begun
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
KLM and Costa Rica Start Unique Cooperation to Make Aviation More Sustainable
(KLM) The Costa Rican government and KLM have joined hands to combat carbon dioxide emissions. Over the coming months, they will research the possibilities of flying from San Jose using bio-based jet fuel. Right now, sustainable aviation fuel is the most
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Enerkem's Edmonton Waste-to-Biofuel Facility Receives Registration Approval from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Sell Its Ethanol under the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard
(Enerkem/Canada Newswire) First ever EPA approved municipal solid waste-to-cellulosic ethanol production plant; Allows Enerkem to sell into largest biofuel market in the world -- Enerkem Inc. (www.enerkem.com), a world leading waste-to-biofuels and renewable chemicals producer, announced it has received approval from the
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
ExxonMobil and REG Expand Cellulosic Biodiesel Research
by Joseph Bebon (NGT News) ExxonMobil and Renewable Energy Group (REG) announced that by utilizing REG’s patented fermentation technology, the companies’ joint research program has demonstrated the ability to convert sugars from a variety of non-edible biomass sources into biodiesel. ... During their initial research, the
November 02, 2017 Read Full Article
COSMOS: The Future of Plant Oil
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On October 9th the 10th European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy kicked off in Brussels, Belgium, giving participants the opportunity to take part in a stakeholder workshop held by the European research project COSMOS
November 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Ending Food Waste Not Biofuels Should Be Food Security Priority
by Alex Brinkley (National Newswatch) Groups concerned that using grains to make biofuels threatens food security should be paying more attention to the impact of waste on the food supply, says Andrea Kent, Vice-President of Government and Public Relations at Greenfields
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Fiat Launches Activity to Promote Biomethane Adoption in France
(FCA Group/NGV Journal) FCA has been the leader in Europe for bi-fuel gasoline/CNG vehicles for over 20 years, with over 720,000 new registrations. The range features six Fiat models (Panda, Punto, Doblò, 500L, 500L Wagon and Qubo) and five Fiat Professional
October 30, 2017 Read Full Article
EP Committee on Environment Denies Prospects for Domestic Biofuels
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants) The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) expresses its disappointment in the result of the vote in the European Parliament's Committee on Environment on Monday this week concerning
October 29, 2017 Read Full Article
Carbon Negative, Compression Ignition: The Digest’s 2017 Multi-Slide Guide to Oberon Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Oberon Fuels is facilitating the growth of the DME transportation industry by converting biogas and other hydrocarbon rich waste streams to higher valued commodities such as DME. Using its proprietary small-scale process, Oberon makes DME and
October 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Opinion: Biofuels Sustainable, Essential To Aviation’s Future
by Adam Klauber, Isaac Toussie, Steve Csonka and Barbara Bramble (Aviation Week & Space Technology) To some, biofuels conjure negative images of industrial-scale agriculture with cornstalks as far as the eye can see, or worse, displaced orangutans squatting dejectedly beside burning
October 25, 2017 Read Full Article
Marketing Sustainability: How Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) Are Planning to Take Flight
By Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Flying in Formation: Since the first test flight almost 10 years ago, there have been over 40,000 commercial flights supported by four international airports supplying SAFs. Michael Gill, Executive Director of the cross-industry Air
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Aemetis Signs Long Term Lease for Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Site in California
(Aemetis) 55 year Lease Agreement at Former Army Munitions Facility -- Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced today that its Aemetis Advanced Products Keyes subsidiary signed a 55 year lease at a former US Army munitions facility located in Riverbank, California which is near
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Producers Work with UN to Accelerate Shift to Low Carbon
(Ethanol Europe Renewables, Ltd./EurActiv) EERL partners with UN Climate Change for COP 23 -- Ahead of the UN Climate Conference in Bonn (COP 23, 6-17 November), Ethanol Europe Renewables Ltd (EERL) and UN Climate Change have partnered to boost the deployment of
October 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Wide Range of Issues Covered at Argus Biofuels Conference
by Liz Gyekye (Biofuels International) New ethanol market developments, legislation and trading were just some of the themes analysed at this year’s Argus Biofuels conference. The conference, which is taking place in London at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower over three days, focused on
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Plans for Dorcrecht Inland Seaport to Host Bunker Station for LNG and Other Cleaner Fuels
(PitPoint Clean Fuels) The Port of Rotterdam wants to realise a new multifuel bunker station for the refuelling of LNG and other cleaner fuels. Krabbegors/Duivelseiland at Dordrecht Inland Seaport has been designated as the location for this bunker station. Port of
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Think Transportation GHG Emissions Targets Can Be Reached without Biofuels Mandates? Think Again.
by Gordon Quaiattini (Biofuels Digest) Governments serious about climate change should be wary about eliminating the mandate for renewable fuels, and those promising a low carbon fuel market without it. Earlier this month Canada’s Environment Commissioner urged MPs to push the government from
October 18, 2017 Read Full Article
City Buses to Soon Run on Methane
(The Hindu) Mumbai: The State government will rely on Swedish biogas technology to make urban transport in Mumbai compliant with emission standards. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met officials in Sweden on Thursday and announced that sewage treatment plants (STP) in Mumbai
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Biofuels Cut Uruguay's Annual CO2 Emissions by 7%
by Adam Critchley (BN Americas) Uruguay's transportation sector has achieved an average annual reduction of 7% in CO2 emissions since 2015 as a result of increased use of biofuels, according to a press release from the presidency. Citing a study by state-owned
October 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Coordinated Introduction of E10 Petrol Can Help Meet Transport Carbon Targets and Support the UK Economy
(Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) In support of the UK government’s decision to increase the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, the LowCVP today published its report ‘Successfully Deploying E10 Petrol’. The expert group convened under the auspices of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership concluded
October 13, 2017 Read Full Article
One-Step Reforming of Methane and Carbon Dioxide Yields Fuels, Chemicals
by S. Himmelstein (Engineering 360/IEEE) A new plasma synthesis process promises to enhance greenhouse gas emissions control while producing valuable chemical feedstocks. The technology developed at University of Liverpool allows for the direct, one-step activation of carbon dioxide and methane into higher value liquid
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
St1 Progresses with Renewable Diesel Production Plans at Its Refinery in Gothenburg
(St1) Energy company St1 continues its series of investments targeting to begin the production of renewable diesel in 2020 at its refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company has now signed an Engineering design package and license agreement with Haldor Topsoe for
October 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Federal Government Seeking Partner to Look at Way to Create Domestic Jet Biofuel Industry
by Maura Forrest (National Post) The federal government is looking at the potential of producing jet biofuels, in light of an international agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry. Natural Resources Canada is looking for a company to design
October 11, 2017 Read Full Article
NGOs Slam UN Aviation Agency Plan for Biofuels
(Phys.Org) Nearly 100 environmental and poverty fighting groups jointly released a letter Tuesday slamming a UN proposal that backs large-scale use of biofuels in commercial planes. Extensive burning of biofuels would vastly expand the production of palm oil, which critics say drives
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Groups Comment on CAFE-GHG Standards
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and American Coalition for Ethanol have all submitted public comments to U.S. EPA and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration stressing the benefits of high-octane ethanol fuels in response to
October 10, 2017 Read Full Article
Parliament Debate Debunks Misconceptions on #Biodiesel Carbon Savings and Benefits
(EU Reporter) Ahead of key votes on the post-2020 EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) in the ITRE, ENVI and TRAN Committees of the European Parliament (EP), EU Biodiesel Chain held a debate in Strasbourg aimed at countering misperceptions on biofuels
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
IEA’s Latest Renewable Energy Outlook Highlights Continuing Demand Growth for Conventional Biofuels
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) Today (October 5, 2017), Bliss Baker, the President of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA), reacted to the latest IEA’s medium-term outlook on renewable energy by noting that once again projections are anticipating continued increased growth in demand
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
EESI Comments on Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On October 5, EESI submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their midterm evaluation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light-duty vehicles. ... In its comments, EESI
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Natural Gas Increasingly Used to Meet Part of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Requirements
(U.S. Energy Information Agency) Renewable natural gas (RNG), which is derived from biogas collected at landfills and other facilities, is increasingly used to meet government targets for renewable fuel production. In 2016, about 189 million gallons of RNG were used to
October 06, 2017 Read Full Article
Environmental and Energy Study Institute Publishes Fact Sheet: Biogas—Converting Waste to Energy
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) The United States produces more than 70 million tons of organic waste each year. While source reduction and feeding the hungry are necessary priorities for reducing needless food waste, organic wastes are numerous and extend to
October 04, 2017 Read Full Article
Judge Rules EPA to Release More Documents on Ethanol Test Fuels
(Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) A judge rules that the Urban Air Initiative should have access to more EPA documents discussing test fuels. The D.C Federal Judge made the ruling in regards to a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) Urban Air filed for
October 03, 2017 Read Full Article
The Message Is Clear: We Must Create Demand
by Doug Durante (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth above 15 billion gallons will require new markets and widespread understanding of ethanol's carbon-reduction value. -- ... The guaranteed market for 15 billion gallons has been achieved and anything we do beyond that volume will
September 26, 2017 Read Full Article
Studies Show Ethanol Crop Residues Provide A Billion-Dollar Business Opportunity
(Trestle Energy/CISION PR Newswire) New economic impact analyses highlight the untapped value of crop residue byproducts of ethanol production for agricultural states -- Two new studies show that generating energy from ethanol industry byproducts can fuel a billion-dollar business opportunity
September 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Anti-Biofuel Ideologues Support the Oil Status Quo
by Eric Sievers (Ethanol Europe/Euractiv) Anti-biofuel ideologues claim to be pro-climate and pro-development. But their positions, in fact, support the oil status quo, the concentration of power in the energy sector in the hands of large multinationals and the decline
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
UK Department for Transport Announces Biofuel Reforms
(NNFCC Ltd./Biodiesel Magazine) Following years of policy uncertainty and market stagnation, the U.K.’s Department for Transport has announced its intention to raise the target under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, paving the way for future growth of the U.K. biofuels
September 20, 2017 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standards Can Help Ethanol Play a Greater Role in Reducing Canada's GHG Emissions
(Market Insider/PR Newswire) The government's existing ethanol blend mandate has played a key role in reducing the carbon intensity in gasoline, while providing market access and economic stability for Canada's ethanol industry. Maintaining Renewable Fuel Standards can be an integral part of Canada's transition to
September 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Fact Sheet: The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act: Environmental, Health & Consumer Considerations
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Today, 10 percent of the U.S. gasoline supply is provided by renewable fuel, primarily ethanol. Increasing the use of renewable fuel, which is more sustainable and less polluting than gasoline, will require
September 19, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Urges EPA to Take New Look at Midlevel Blends
by Jeff Barber (Oil Price Information Service) he U.S. ethanol industry is hoping it can obtain from the Trump administration something it could not get from the Obama White House: an acknowledgement that higher levels of ethanol blended with gasoline
September 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Are High Ethanol Blends Going to Be Essential, and Mandatory, for Super High Fuel-Efficient Engines?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Now, war is surely about to break out over E25-E30 blending, now that RFA CEO Bob Dinneen testified in DC in his courtly but adamant manner that a high-octane, low-carbon ethanol blend in optimized engines would
September 14, 2017 Read Full Article
Ethanol Groups Testify at EPA Hearing on CAFE-GHG Standards
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol and the Renewable Fuels Association are among the groups that testified at the U.S. EPA’s public hearing for the reconsideration of the Final Determination of the Mid-Term
September 12, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Helps Clear the Air in Most Visited National Park
(National Biodiesel Board) The last thing a hiker wants to encounter is a haze of smog that diminishes the view from atop a picturesque vista. With more than 11 million visitors annually, Great Smoky Mountains National Park strives to maintain
September 11, 2017 Read Full Article
Södra Commences Biofuel Production
(Södra) Södra will invest more than SEK 100 million in the production of biomethanol, a sustainable fuel from forest raw material. The project will commence in autumn 2017 and is scheduled to be ready for operation by spring 2019. The aim
September 07, 2017 Read Full Article
California’s Supreme Court Denies ARB Petition To Review LCFS Case
By Joshua T. Bledsoe and Kimberly Farbota (Latham's Clean Energy Law Report) In a previous post, we described how potential delays in the resolution of the case commonly known as POET I could create uncertainty regarding the future of the California Low Carbon Fuel
September 01, 2017 Read Full Article
The People’s Fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biodiesel is the people’s advanced biofuel, but it is not always the Establishment’s darling. Whether it is cleaner air, more lubricity, more advanced domestic manufacturing and jobs, higher property values driving higher revenues for states
September 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Academic Study: Biodiesel Benefits Under-Valued for Years
(National Biodiesel Board) A new academic paper published in Biotechnology for Biofuels shows biodiesel’s benefits are even better than previous models suggest. Updated modeling from Purdue University suggests the advantage of using biodiesel has been underestimated by 10 percent. “This latest research verifies
August 30, 2017 Read Full Article
RFA: Mid-Missouri Energy Goes Green with Flex-Fuel Mower
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) RFA member company Mid-Missouri Energy is home to a new piece of equipment. This one doesn’t improve ethanol yield or lower the plant’s energy consumption, but it does provide an example for fellow ethanol producers,
August 30, 2017 Read Full Article
European Commission Study Highlights Benefits of Higher Ethanol Fuel Blends
(ePURE) Newly released report finds that increasing ethanol in petrol helps improve air quality and reduces oil dependency -- A new report published by the European Commission highlights several benefits of higher ethanol blends in petrol, including reducing emissions of
August 30, 2017 Read Full Article
Waste Not Want Not: Understanding the Greenhouse Gas Implications of Diverting Waste and Residual Materials to Biofuel Production
(International Council on Clean Transportation) ... Indirect emissions can also result from the use of waste and residual materials for biofuel production. For example, fatty acid distillates from palm oil refining are currently utilized in applications including oleochemicals, soaps, and animal
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
IRENA Technology Brief: Biogas for Road Vehicles
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe/IEA Bioenergy Task 37 Newsletter) This brief highlights the technologies available – both established and newly emerging – for biomethane production and biogas-driven vehicle fleets. It evaluates costs, performance and sustainability and outlines the best practices from around the
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
A Refresher on Ethanol’s Many Benefits
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) ... For starters, ethanol helps reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions. According to a January analysis by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, corn-based ethanol reduces greenhouse emissions (GHG) by 43 percent compared with
August 24, 2017 Read Full Article
Ninth Annual Green Innovation Index Finds California Clean Economy Thriving but Emissions-Reduction Challenges Loom
(Business Wire/Next 10) As California’s economy continues to grow, the state’s carbon footprint continues to shrink, albeit at a slower pace than in earlier years due in part to a spike in transportation emissions. The ninth annual California Green Innovation Index — released by
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
A Major Moment for Ethanol in Europe
by Emmanuel Desplechin (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The next few months are sure to be a crucial period for the European ethanol industry, as European Union policymakers grapple with new legislation that could phase out crop-based biofuels after 2020. The moment is especially
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Listen to Farmers, Not Oil Industry Lobbyists
by Kris Tom (The Brazil Times) This paper recently published a letter from oil lobbyist Maureen Ferguson attacking Indiana farmers and ethanol producers. I’m a farmer, and I want you to know the oil lobby is flawed in its arguments. Her claims
August 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Major Study Says “Cut Cellulosic Ethanol out”, RFA Says “No Way Jose”
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, a new tractable multi-market model study finds that the RFS has substantially benefited the U.S. economy by lowering gasoline, crude oil prices, and crude oil imports, while increasing prices and benefits for corn
August 21, 2017 Read Full Article
Some Democrats See Tax Overhaul as a Path to Taxing Carbon
by Lisa Friedman (The New York Times) With a sweeping overhaul of the tax code on the horizon, two Senate Democrats believe this is the moment to broach the third rail of climate change policy: a carbon tax. The plan by the senators, Sheldon
August 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Massachusetts Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
by Devin Henry (The Hill) Massachusetts regulators released details of a new plan Friday to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in the state, in accordance with a state law and court order. The rules rely on a clean energy standard, carbon dioxide
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
In a 25 x '25 blog post, Reg Modlin, former director of regulatory affairs at FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and senior advisor to the Ag-Auto-Ethanol Work Group, noted, "Until then (2050), and for decades after, liquid fuel will be used
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Combustion Engines Are Not Going Anywhere for Quite a While
by Reg Modlin (25 x '25 Resource) ... Flags have gone up in recent days as a result of articles proclaiming the coming of the electric car and the resulting disruption in the automobile industry. Relax. There is nothing new
August 17, 2017 Read Full Article
Life-Cycle Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Renewable Jet Fuel Production
by Sierk de Jong, Kay Antonissen, Ric Hoefnagels, Laura Lonza, Michael Wang, André Faaij and Martin Junginger (Biotechnology for Biofuels) The introduction of renewable jet fuel (RJF) is considered an important emission mitigation measure for the aviation industry. This study compares
August 11, 2017 Read Full Article
HGVs Fuelled with Compressed Biomethane Emit 84% Less CO2
(Bioenergy Insight) Lorries using the UK’s first gas filling station emitted 84% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than equivalent diesel vehicles, a newly released study claims. The UK’s biggest gas network, Cadent, commissioned independent analysis of the first 14 months of operation
August 01, 2017 Read Full Article
Notice of Opportunity To Comment on an Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Attributable to Production and Transport of Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (Sugar Beets) for Use in Biofuel Production
(Environmental Protection Agency/Federal Register) In this notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting comment on its analysis of the upstream greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the production of Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris (sugar beets) for use as a biofuel feedstock. This
July 28, 2017 Read Full Article
House Committee Debates Future Federal Support of Biofuels
by Sara Taginawa (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On Tuesday, July 25, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing examining the future of biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). According to Emily Skor, chief executive officer
July 28, 2017 Read Full Article
Let’s Not Return to the Failed Protectionism over Ethanol
by Bob Dinneen and Joel Velasco (Renewable Fuels Association/Estadao (translation of Op-Ed)) ... With all of this progress then, we two old warriors have to ask, why is Brazil contemplating a return to the anti-free trade, anti-consumer, anti-cooperation policies of the
July 24, 2017 Read Full Article
A Push for Low-Carbon Fuels Pays off in California
by Robert F. Service (Science Magazine) Long a leader in environmental regulation, California is pushing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automotive fuels. At the center of this effort is the state’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS), which promotes the use
July 21, 2017 Read Full Article
EU Renewable Energy Policy Undermined by Lack of Transparency and Unsubstantiated Assumptions
(Impact Assessment Institute) The Impact Assessment Institute (IAI) has scrutinised in detail the Impact Assessments accompanying the European Commission legislative proposal for a directive on the use of energy from renewable sources. The lack of availability for scrutiny of the