by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to land use change (LUC) for corn ethanol has been ratcheted down by Argonne National Laboratory. The recently published manual for the Carbon Calculator for
GHG (Greenhouse Gas Emissions)
Back TO HOMEEthanol Slashes GHG Emissions
by Bliss Baker (Global Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In advance of important climate change meetings set for Septemeber, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance sent an open letter to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, outlining ethanol's power to reduce GHG emissions,
October 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Clariant Announces Results of Cellulosic E20 Fleet Test
(Clariant/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clariant, Haltermann and Mercedes-Benz have tested a fuel of the future in a fleet test since January. Initial results prove the high quality and excellent properties of sunliquid 20 fuel (contains 20 percent ethanol coming from straw). With
September 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Estimated GHG Increase from Obama Administration Inaction on the 2014 RFS
(Biotechnology Industry Organization) In November 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed waiving a substantial portion of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandated volumes for 2014 and reducing the use of biofuels in U.S. transportation compared to 2013.1 The
September 25, 2014 Read Full Article
The Absurdity of Zero GHG Formula-E Racing or Advanced Biofuel Racing is the Real Deal
by Robert Kozak (Advanced Biofuels USA) This past weekend the first race of the much hyped Formula-E electric car series was run in Beijing, China. http://www.racer.com/f1/formula-e/item/108558-formula-e-di-grassi-wins-as-prost-triggers-last-lap-crash The 45 minute race, which required two electric cars (with top speeds about 80 mph
September 13, 2014 Read Full Article
The President's Biggest Enemy
by Brent Erickson (The Hill/Biotechnology Industry Organization) President Obama’s bold vision to transition the nation to a cleaner energy future is about to be derailed by one of his most potent adversaries: himself. To the great consternation of many of the
September 09, 2014 Read Full Article
New Study: E15 Would Reduce Smog & Cancer Risk
(ClearTheAirChicago.com) Using E15 gas rather than regular gas will reduce cancer-causing pollutants and smog in Chicago’s air, says a new report that reviews and aggregates the results of independent research by the Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, California
September 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Greenhouse Gas Report to Assist Producers Facing Climate Challenges
(US Department of Agriculture) For the First Time, USDA Climate Hubs Get New Tools to Gauge Progress in Building Drought-Resistant Healthy Soil The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (July 31, 2014) released a report that, for the first time, provides
August 12, 2014 Read Full Article
World Bank: Climate-Smart Development Benefits Lives, Jobs, GDP
by Sue Retka Schill (Biomass Magazine) Advanced biofuels and biomass play supporting roles in several scenarios examined in a recent report from the World Bank Group looking at climate-smart development. The report introduces a new comprehensive model developed to take
August 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Brazil's GOL to Start International Flights using Newly-Certified Amyris/Total Renewable Jet Fuel
(GreenAir Online) Less than a month after approval for commercial use by fuel certification body ASTM International, Brazilian carrier GOL has announced it is to begin flying with blended farnesane renewable jet fuel developed by the Amyris/Total partnership. The sugarcane-derived Synthetic
August 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Producers Share Revolutionary Efforts at Corn Ethanol Plants
by Katie Fletcher (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Many ethanol advocates attending and speaking at the 2014 American Coalition for Ethanol conference are not strangers to the ethanol industry. Even though they have been with the industry for a while, many reject
August 07, 2014 Read Full Article
Greenhouse Gas Report to Assist Producers Facing Climate Challenges
(US Department of Agriculture) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a report that,for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities.
August 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Rethinking the Future of Biofuels: Leveraging Three Routes Forward
by Dr. Lew Fulton (University of California-Davis Institute of Transportation Studies) ... In a new white paper released this week by the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis (ITS-Davis), we measure the incremental changes that are occurring in the U.S.
July 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Reassessment of Inter-related Biofuel, GHG and FFV Policies Needed
(25 x '25) Reports out of Washington this week that the Obama administration’s lengthy delay in releasing a final 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuel blending rule due to a White House desire to re-evaluate the blending requirements in context
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
25x'25 Statement on CBO Renewable Fuel Standard Report
(25 x '25/Biofuels Journal) How the Congressional Budget Office reached the conclusion in a report released Thursday that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will raise gas and biodiesel prices is a mystery, given the deep price discount advantages biofuels offer in the
June 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Supreme Court Issues Its Decision on EPA's GHG Tailoring Rule
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on the U.S. EPA’s Tailoring Rule. While the court invalidated a portion of the rule, it essentially held up EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas
June 27, 2014 Read Full Article
Anticipation Bubbles Up for ADM Carbon Capture Project
by Chris Luvardi (herald-review.com) Archer Daniels Midland Co. passed through a public hearing process Wednesday with limited concern voiced about its proposal to drill a second injection well in Decatur to store carbon dioxide deep underground. The hearing at the Decatur Public
June 27, 2014 Read Full Article
RNG: The Next Renewable Vehicle Fuel
By Stephanie Thorson (Canadian Biogas Association /Biomass Magazine) Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a little-known fuel that has enormous potential to economically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation, a sector that has high emissions. In the same way that ethanol is blended
June 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Honeywell Green Jet Fuel(TM) To Power Flights Transporting The Brazil National Soccer Team During The 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM)
(Honeywell UOP/PR NewsWire/Wall Street Journal) GOL Airlines, the official airline of the Brazil soccer team, will use Honeywell Green Jet Fuel on 200 commercial flights during the 2014 World Cup UOP LLC, a Honeywell (NYSE: HON) company, announced today that Honeywell
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Producers, Advocates Hit Capitol Hill
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly 100 biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other advocates are traveling to Washington this week to voice concerns about the Obama Administration’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for biodiesel. The biodiesel supporters, who will be visiting with lawmakers
June 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Accounting for Bioenergy Emissions, Benefits Must be Done Right
(25 x '25) With the White House shining a very bright spotlight on its plans for addressing climate change – in particular, the long-awaited proposal to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants under Clean Air Act ‑ it is important that
June 13, 2014 Read Full Article
Exporting U.S. Natural Gas Isn’t as “Clean” as You Think
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) One of the rallying cries in favor of liquefying and exporting U.S. natural gas has been to help reduce greenhouse gases in other countries, by crowding out coal in Asia and Europe. Yet tucked into
June 10, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels Are Part of Vibrant Energy Marketplace
by Rebecca Maitland (Houston Chronicle) ... Biofuels' primary benefits are in energy security, economic growth and environmental performance. "Biofuels reduce dependence on imported fuels. This strengthens our energy security while also creating jobs and improving local economies," Dascal (Rob Dascal, vice president,
June 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Using Less Corn Ethanol Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Environmental Working Group) The Environmental Protection Agency’s pending proposal to cut the amount of corn ethanol that must be blended into gasoline in 2014 by 1.39 billion gallons would lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 3 million
May 29, 2014 Read Full Article
House Committee Passes Anti-Biofuel Amendments in Markup Session
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) On May 7, the House Armed Service Committee held a markup session on H.R. 4435, the fiscal year 2015 national defense authorization bill. During that markup session, committee members voted in favor of three amendments that
May 22, 2014 Read Full Article
California Council on Science and Technology Releases Report on Expanding Biofuels in California
(California Council on Science and Technology) Advanced biofuels have the potential to provide California with economic opportunities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the state's climate and clean air policies. However, the state may not have sufficient incentives in
May 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Carmakers' Greenhouse Gas Reductions Greater Than Required for 2012, EPA Says
by Andrew Childers (Bloomberg BNA) Light-duty vehicle manufacturers achieved more greenhouse gas emissions reductions in model year 2012 vehicles than was required by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an annual EPA report. On average, 2012 vehicles emitted 10 grams less carbon
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Carmakers' Greenhouse Gas Reductions Greater Than Required for 2012, EPA Says
by Andrew Childers (Bloomberg BNA) Light-duty vehicle manufacturers achieved more greenhouse gas emissions reductions in model year 2012 vehicles than was required by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to an annual EPA report. On average, 2012 vehicles emitted 10 grams less carbon
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Cheap, Abundant Shale Gas Won’t Significantly Cut U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Janet Pelley (Chemical and Engineering News) Energy: New study looks at the contested effects of increased shale gas production on the release of greenhouse gases The rapid expansion of shale gas production in the U.S. has triggered a polarizing debate:
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuel Standard Benefits More than Farmers
by Chris Hausman (News-Gazette) ... The critics of renewable fuels fall into three groups — the oil industry, dyed-in-the wool environmentalists, and free market think tanks.Even the "unbiased" Associated Press (AP) has participated in ethanol bashing. While each of these
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
CIRES, NOAA Study Finds More Methane, Ozone Precursors and Benzene than Estimated by Regulators
(CIRES) During two days of intensive airborne measurements, oil and gas operations in Colorado’s Front Range leaked nearly three times as much methane, a greenhouse gas, as predicted based on inventory estimates, and seven times as much benzene, a regulated
May 08, 2014 Read Full Article
Government Ducks Opportunity for Much-Needed Biofuels Policy Reform
(Renewable Energy Association) Lack of clear policy framework for sustainable biofuels sees UK lose out as investments and jobs go overseas The REA is frustrated by the lack of concrete measures to improve the policy framework for sustainable biofuels in Government decisions
May 07, 2014 Read Full Article
New Ontario Biodiesel Mandate Falls Short, Troubles Producers
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The government of Ontario, Canada, issued its new biodiesel mandate regulations for the province April 1, and some biodiesel stakeholders, including members of the Ontario Biodiesel Producers Association, are frustrated and concerned with how the government
May 06, 2014 Read Full Article
Canadian Biodiesel Exports Put Mandate into Question
by Sean Pratt (The Western Producer) Hardly any of Canada’s biodiesel mandate is being filled by domestically produced product. “Last year we exported 100 percent of our production and then imported the equivalent to meet our mandate,” said Scott Thurlow,
April 29, 2014 Read Full Article
EPA Report: Data Show Automakers on Track in Meeting Greenhouse Gas Standards
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a Manufacturers Performance Report that assesses the automobile industry’s progress toward meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for cars and light trucks in the 2012 model year – the
April 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Commentary: Cellulosic Ethanol Worse than Gas? Not so Fast
by Brendan Jordan (Midwest Energy News) A new academic paper on biofuels was released this week, and some media outlets have reached sweeping conclusions. “Fuels from corn waste not better than gas,” claimed the Associated Press. The Daily Caller one-upped
April 24, 2014 Read Full Article
Ontario Changes Biodiesel Requirements
(Canadian Biomass) The Government of Ontario has released new rules for the use of biodiesel in the province's fuel supply. New rules, which went into effect April 1, are being phased in over three years. By 2017, the amount of biofuel blended
April 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Department of Energy Issues Draft Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Projects Solicitation to Foster Clean Energy Innovation
(US Department of Energy) In support of the Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Department of Energy issued a draft loan guarantee solicitation today for innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects located in the U.S. that avoid, reduce, or sequester
April 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Canada: Biofuels Digest’s Spring 2014 5-Minute Guide – CCEMC Grand Challenge Hands $500K Seed Grants to 24
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Alberta’s Grand Challenge on carbon — Liquid Light, Enerkem among 24 winners picking up $500,000 seed grants in first round. Next round will result in up to five $3M grants in 2018, and $10M to
April 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Study Raises New Concerns about Emissions from Shale Gas Wells
by Jennifer A. Dlouhy (FuelFix) Researchers found higher-than-expected emissions of a potent greenhouse gas emanating from Pennsylvania wells, according to a study published Monday that adds to concerns about the environmental footprint of natural gas. The study, conducted by Purdue and Cornell universities
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Oil And Gas Sector Biggest Producer Of Greenhouse Gases In Canada
by Will Campbell (The Canadian Press/Huffington Post) An environmental analyst says the rise of oil and gas production as Canada's biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions adds further weight to calls for the federal government to bring in long-promised regulations
April 15, 2014 Read Full Article
Biofuels: When the Quest for 'Perfect' Becomes the Enemy of the Good
(25 x '25) Risk is a word closely associated with the agriculture industry ‑ and rightfully so. Farming and ranching are some of the most risk-prevalent callings on the planet, given the vagaries of weather, markets, soil conditions, technology and
April 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Obama Administration Proposal for 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard Will Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Paul Winters (Biotechnology Industry Organization) If left unchanged, the Obama administration’s proposal to slash use of biofuels in 2014 would increase emissions of greenhouse gases next year, according to a new white paper from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Brent Erickson,
April 03, 2014 Read Full Article
UFOP: Making the Case for First-Gen Biofuels in EU Policy Future
(UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. )/Biodiesel Magazine) The European resolution and discussion situation with respect to European Commission proposals for amendments to the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive only permits one conclusion at
April 02, 2014 Read Full Article
European Report Shows Increased ILUC Levels for Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Commission’s Joint Research Center recently published a new report on indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions from biofuels. The study presents the results of a new run on the economic model MIRAGE
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
25x'25, Energy Future Coalition Commend IPCC Work Group's Recognition of Bioenergy's Role in Mitigating Climate Change
(25 x '25 Alliance) The 25x'25 Alliance and the Energy Future Coalition applaud an International Panel on Climate Change work group for recognizing the valuable role that bioenergy, including biofuels, can play in addressing a changing climate. The second of
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Research Summary: Sequestration of Carbon by Shrub Willow Offsets Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Extension.org) Grown for biofuel, energy-efficient shrub willow sequesters carbon below-ground, life-cycle assessment shows. Shrub willow is a short-rotation woody biomass crop that could be an important part of our renewable energy future. By sequestering carbon in below-ground biomass, it can
April 01, 2014 Read Full Article
Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Proposed Changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard Through 2022
by Brent Erickson, Matt Carr, and Paul Winters (Industrial Biotechnology) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a significant change to the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014 and beyond, which will have an impact on greenhouse gas (GHG)
March 26, 2014 Read Full Article
Developers of Project to Convert Sugar Beets into Ethanol Looking for Commitment from Growers
by Dave Kolpack (Associated Press/Star Tribune) Backers of a proposed project in North Dakota that would turn a variety of sugar beets into ethanol have preached patience for the last five years. Now they're looking for a commitment from farmers
March 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Scientists Urge CARB to Revisit LCFS Land Use Change Penalties
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association) According to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and other media organizations, 14 scientists and researchers submitted a letter to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on March 6 urging the agency to meaningfully reduce its
March 11, 2014 Read Full Article
In Response: Ethanol Rule Helps the Environment
by Ashwin Raman (Duluth News Tribune) I disagreed with the Feb. 18 commentary, “Ethanol mandate hurts environment,” by Annette Meeks of the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota. How Meeks came to the conclusion that, “Since its inception, the ethanol mandate had made neither
March 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Why We Are Producing Biofuels
by Robert C. Brown and Tristan Brown (The Gazette) In the face of criticism about ethanol, delays in the commercialization of advanced biofuels and the recent development of domestic supplies of fracked gas and petroleum, some people are asking, “Why are
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
New Policy Paper Discusses Future of the Biochar Industry
(University of Northern British Columbia) Biochar, a renewable charcoal-like product derived from burning organic matter in a high-temperature oxygen-limited kiln, could be a substitute for the coal and some of the natural gas burned in British Columbia, according to a
February 24, 2014 Read Full Article
U.S. to Raise Fuel Efficiency Standards for Larger Trucks
By Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) President Obama announced Tuesday that the government will tighten fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, part of an ongoing effort to use his executive authority to address climate change and spur domestic
February 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Levels of Global-Warming Gas Methane Exceed Government Estimates, New Study Contends
by Lenny Bernstein (The Washington Post) The amount of the heat-trapping gas methane in the atmosphere is considerably greater than government estimates, a problem significantly fueled by leaks from the U.S. natural gas system, according to a study released Thursday. The leak rate probably
February 14, 2014 Read Full Article
RFS Proposals to Increase GHG Emissions?
(EnergyGlobal) In light of the proposed rule for the 2014 RFS, BIO have utilised the GREET 1.2013 model to estimate the changes in petroleum demand and the associated CO2 equivalent emissions from both 2013 and the statutory RFS levels for 2014. Proposals,
December 13, 2013 Read Full Article
What Role for Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in Mitigation Policy?
by J. K. Shoemaker, D. P. Schrag, M. J. Molina, V. Ramanathan (Science Magazine) Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) include methane (CH4), black carbon (BC), tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). They are important contributors to anthropogenic climate change, responsible for as much
December 13, 2013 Read Full Article
Senate Hearing Addresses 2014 RFS Proposal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works held a hearing Dec. 11 on the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule to set 2014 volume requirements under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). The hearing, titled
December 12, 2013 Read Full Article
EU Biofuel Supply Chain Associations Reject European Council Proposal
by Sean Bartlett(Platts) A European Council proposal to amend the Renewable Energy Directive will fail to realize EU targets for greenhouse gas-saving emissions, lead to job losses, and reduce competitiveness across the agricultural and biofuels sectors, associations representing the biofuels
December 11, 2013 Read Full Article
Lithuanian proposal Seems a Missed Opportunity to Incentivise Best Performing Biofuels
(ePURE) After one year of heated debates on the ILUC (Indirect Land Use Change) file, the Lithuanian Presidency has put forward a proposal which no longer incentivises best performing biofuels. The distinction between the performance of the different biofuels seems to have
December 05, 2013 Read Full Article
It Isn’t Only Corn: Brazilian Sugar Cane Ethanol Worries about Changes in RFS
by Herman Wang (Platts) Much of the rhetoric surrounding the US Renewable Fuel Standard centers around the notion of home-grown fuels enhancing American energy security and independence. That puts Leticia Phillips in a bit of a delicate situation, as she advocates
November 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Study: US Spewing 50% More Methane than EPA Says
by Seth Borenstein (Associated Press/US News and World Report) The United States is spewing 50 percent more methane — a potent heat-trapping gas — than the federal government estimates, a new comprehensive scientific study says. Much of it is coming
November 25, 2013 Read Full Article
How Electric Cars Can Increase Greenhouse Gas Emissions
by Joshua Linn and Virginia McConnell (Resources Magazine) ...The motivation for these policies is that many consider electric vehicles to be essential for achieving the long-term goals of dramatically reducing vehicles’ oil consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In reality, GHG
November 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Study Highlights GHG Reduction Potential of Butanol, Drop-In Biofuels
(Biomass Magazine) U.K.-based Element Energy recently published a report finding that advanced biofuels offer a more cost-effective means to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 17 years, when compared to electric vehicles. The report, titled “The Role of
October 31, 2013 Read Full Article
Report: Carbon Taxes, Trading Bring Most Cost-Effective Pollution Cuts
by Ben Geman (The Hill E2Wire) A new report finds that the most cost-effective climate change policies are the ones with the least political traction in the United States. Imposing an explicit cost on carbon pollution is the best way to
October 15, 2013 Read Full Article
GRFA Releases Annual Ethanol Production, GHG Reduction Forecasts
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change wraps up its Plenary Session and launches its assessment report in Stockholm, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance in cooperation with F.O. Licht and (S&T)2 Consultants Inc. released their
October 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Algae Biofuel Can Cut CO2 Emissions by at Least 50% Petroleum Fuels
(UPI.com) Algae-derived biofuels can reduce the life cycle of carbon dioxide emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum fuels, a U.S. university study found. The peer-review study -- the first to analyze real-world data from an existing algae-to-energy demonstration
September 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Graphene Nanochem PLC : PlatClear Receives EPA Approval
(4-Traders.com/Graphene NanoChem plc) Graphene NanoChem (AIM: GRPH), the performance chemicals and advanced materials company, is pleased to announce that PlatClear, the Group's waste-based second generation biofuel and the Group's Senawang chemicals facility ("Senawang") have both received approval from the US
September 19, 2013 Read Full Article
In the Black: Advanced Biofuels and Chems: Sizzling Carbon and Parity-Pricing Updates
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A report published by strategic energy consultancy Element Energy finds that by 2030, higher levels of advanced biofuels could cut Britain’s annual car CO2 emissions by 27% or 12 million tonnes a year — at
September 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Methane Emissions from Onshore Natural Gas Drilling Found Lower than Estimates
by Steven Mufson (The Washington Post) A new study by the University of Texas at Austin shows that methane emissions from onshore natural gas drilling are much lower than previous estimates, in part because of the effectiveness of techniques required
September 17, 2013 Read Full Article
Mileage Gains Using Ethanol Seen 20% Higher Than EPA Estimates
by Mark Drajem (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) A tweak to an automobile’s engine software can improve by as much as 20 percent the estimated fuel efficiency when using gasoline with ethanol or methanol, according to a non-profit group pushing gasoline alternatives. A Fuel
September 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Fixing Rufus: Congress, 2013 and the Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Based on our industry sources, here’s an outline for a “change the RFS” outcome – what that might look like. We see four key elements — ethanol, drop-ins, biodiesel and the RIN system for smoothing
September 05, 2013 Read Full Article
Will the Draft European Biomass Policy Repeat Biofuel Mistakes?
by Tildy Bayar (Renewable Energy World) In a leaked draft proposal for a European biomass policy, seen by REW, the European Commission has laid out sustainability criteria for the Union’s future biomass use. The proposal would require a minimum greenhouse gas
August 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Why Sugarcane Ethanol is Essential to RFS
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ...According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calculations, sugarcane ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by at least 61 percent when compared to traditional fuel, i.e. gasoline. Today, sugarcane ethanol represents 3 percent of all fuels under the
August 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Green Plains CEO Challenges Environmentalists on Corn Ethanol
by Herman K. Trabish (GreenTechMedia) “I invite anyone here, anytime. We’ll show them what we do.” Attention, Union of Concerned Scientists, Sierra Club and other environmental advocates: Green Plains Renewable Energy (GPRE) CEO Todd Becker wants you to come to his Iowa corn
August 14, 2013 Read Full Article
EWG Has No Love for Corn Ethanol
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) During the recent Subcommittee on Energy and Power’s hearing to review the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) as well as during a recent RFS briefing sponsored by the Advanced Biofuels Association last week in D.C., the Environmental Working Group (EWG) made it very
July 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Biodiesel CEO Highlights Advanced Biofuel Success
(National Biodiesel Board) Cites Consumer Benefits, Job Creation at House RFS Hearing National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe told Congress Tuesday that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is helping consumers by stimulating the production of advanced biofuels like biodiesel. Jobe emphasized that
July 23, 2013 Read Full Article
John Deere Introduces Mower that Runs Efficiently on E0 to E85
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) John Deere has introduced a flex-fuel model to its ZTrak line of commercial lawn mowers. The new, industry exclusive, Z925M Flex Fuel is compatible with the full range of fuels from E0 to
July 22, 2013 Read Full Article
Auditor General Questions Effectiveness of Alberta’s Biofuel Incentives
by Darcy Henton (Calgary Herald) Programs may have increased emissions Alberta handed out $200 million in biofuel incentives that may have actually increased — rather than reduced — greenhouse gas emissions, says the auditor general. Merwan Saher said Alberta Energy failed to
July 16, 2013 Read Full Article
European Environment Agency Report Calls for More Efficient Biomass Production, Use
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The European Environment Agency has published a report that says bioenergy production should comply with E.U. objectives to use resources more efficiently. The report, titled “E.U. bioenergy from a resource efficiency perspective,” stresses that
July 15, 2013 Read Full Article
EPA Publishes Notice of Data Availability for Barley Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA has published a notice of data availability pertaining to ethanol produced from barley under the renewable fuel standard (RFS). Public comments will be accepted for 30 days following the publication of
July 15, 2013 Read Full Article
In EPA Tier 3 Comments Advanced Biofuels USA Introduces "E30 Capable" Idea to Bring Higher Octane, Higher Ethanol Gasoline to the Marketplace
(Advanced Biofuels USA) As part of the recently proposed Tier 3 motor vehicle fuel and emission regulations, EPA included a very forward looking idea that could bring higher octane, higher ethanol gasoline to the marketplace. However, Advanced Biofuels USA recommends the
July 01, 2013 Read Full Article
Letter to the Editor - Dinneen to Big Oil: Focus on the Facts
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) In an interview published on May 22, Charles Drevna, President of the American Fuels & Petrochemical Manufacturers, disparaged the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and claimed it negatively effects consumers. He couldn’t be more wrong, and left
May 28, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol Improving While Oil Gets Worse
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) The House and Energy Commerce Committee has released its third white paper on the Renewable Fuel Standard, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Environmental Impacts.” Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), Brian Jennings, responded with written
May 28, 2013 Read Full Article
EPA Announces Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: RFS Pathways II and Technical Amendments to the RFS2 Standards
(Environmental Protection Agency) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a proposed rulemaking for modifications to the Renewable Fuel Standard program, E15 misfueling mitigation regulations, ultra low sulfur diesel survey requirements as well as other technical amendments. Elements of this Notice EPA is
May 23, 2013 Read Full Article
US Dominating Cellulosic Ethanol Market
(EnergyDigital) In the ethanol fuel market, the US takes the lead. Pilot and demonstration plants to commence in late 2013. Ethanol is the most widely acclaimed alternative or additive for gasoline used for running vehicles, and the US ranked as number
May 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Biomass Row Heats up after Green Groups Call for Subsidy Cuts
by Jessica Shankleman (BusinessGreen.com) ...Three campaign groups, backed by 12 organisations in the timber, paper and furniture industries, yesterday warned that a surge in demand for wood as a result of renewable electricity subsidies would increase prices, risking 40,000
May 06, 2013 Read Full Article
EPA Methane Report Further Divides Fracking Camps
(National Public Radio/Associated Press) The Environmental Protection Agency has dramatically lowered its estimate of how much of a potent heat-trapping gas leaks during natural gas production, in a shift with major implications for a debate that has divided environmentalists: Does
May 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Refiners' RFS Agenda Is to Stop Competition
by Bruce Dale (The Hill/Michigan State University) The oil industry hopes to protect its control over America’s fuel supply by undermining renewable fuels. By confusing us with misleading claims and outright falsehoods, oil companies hope Congress will overlook the real
April 30, 2013 Read Full Article
National Associations Refuse Commission’s Proposal on iLUC
(Asociación de Productores de Energías Renovables Biocarburantes - Spain; Associação Portuguesa de Produtores de Biocombustíveis - Portugal; Krajowa Izba Biopaliw - Poland; Renewable Energy Association – United Kingdom; Verband der Deutschen Biokraftstoffindustrie - Germany) We support the current target of 10 per cent of
April 30, 2013 Read Full Article
International Energy Agency: Need Major Scale Up in Global Biofuels Production
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Today, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released their Tracking Clean Energy Progress report in New Delhi that details the increased role that biofuels will need to play in reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) as part of their Climate Change
April 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Effective Fertilizer Use Could Cut Emissions from Biofuel Production
(EnvironmentalResearchWeb.org) Scientists in Brazil have found that nitrous-oxide emissions from sugarcane fields vary depending on the nitrogen source employed as a fertilizer. Ammonium nitrate results in higher nitrous-oxide emissions than urea, they discovered. With around half of Brazilian sugarcane production
April 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol vs. Petroleum – NCGA Adds Facts to the Debate
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) Ethanol debates are heating up again on Capitol Hill – so the National Corn Growers Association is comparing the environmental impacts from ethanol and petroleum as transportation fuels. Ethanol – which is primarily made
April 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Environmentalists Shouldn't Side with Big Oil against Biofuels
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) There’s a fight for the future of American motor fuels – renewable fuels versus fossil fuels. Environmentalists shouldn’t have much trouble deciding which side they’re on. After all, the major source of greenhouse gas emissions
March 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Petroleum Use, Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Automobiles Could Drop 80 Percent by 2050; Efficiency, Alternative Fuels, and Strong Government Policies Will Be Needed
(National Academies of Science) A new National Research Council report finds that by the year 2050, the U.S. may be able to reduce petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent for light-duty vehicles -- cars and small trucks -- via
March 19, 2013 Read Full Article
Camelina on the Move: Global Clean Energy Holdings Acquires Sustainable Oils
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Global Clean Energy Holdings announced that it has acquired Sustainable Oils, a leader in Camelina genetics and production. The acquisition includes 100% ownership interest of Sustainable Oils and the ownership of the key intellectual
March 15, 2013 Read Full Article
HGCA Helps Reopen Market Opportunities for Arable Crops in the Biofuels Supply Chain
(Home Grown Cereals Authority) An HGCA-led review of regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions figures has reopened market opportunities in the biofuels supply chain potentially worth several million pounds each year. Revised GHG figures, supplied by HGCA, have been approved by the
March 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Natural Gas Leaks Come under Scrutiny, Raise Questions on Climate Impact
by Juliet Eilperin (The Washington Post) ... Measuring how much methane gas is leaking from pipes under the District could help answer a key policy question. As natural gas production expands in the United States, do its benefits for the climate far outweigh
March 04, 2013 Read Full Article
EPA Issues Final Rule for Additional Qualifying Renewable Fuel Pathways under the RFS Program
(Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking final action to identify additional fuel pathways that the Agency has determined meet the lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements for biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel, and cellulosic biofuel
February 25, 2013 Read Full Article
“The Number-One Objective Is to Combat Climate Change”
by Marie-Martine Buckens (Europolitics) Interview with MEP Corinne Lepage (ALDE, France) French MEP Corinne Lepage (ALDE) was named rapporteur, in late 2012, on the controversial issue of biofuels. She prefers to call them agrofuels, in reference to the so-called ‘first-generation’ fuels made
February 12, 2013 Read Full Article
Murkowski Energy Plan Would Gut the RFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 4, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources, released an energy blueprint that calls for a wide variety of changes to U.S. energy policy,
February 11, 2013 Read Full Article
Well-to-Wheels Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Ethanol from Corn, Sugarcane and Cellulosic Biomass for US Use
by Michael Wang, Jeongwoo Han, Jennifer B Dunn, Hao Cai and Amgad Elgowainy (US Department of Energy/IOP Science) corn-based ethanol production occurring mostly in the US and sugarcane-based ethanol production occurring mostly in Brazil. Advances in technology and the resulting
February 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Analysis: Advanced Biofuel Companies Now In More Than Half Of U.S. States; Clean Fuel Standards Fueling Growth In Top States
(PR NewsWire/Yahoo! News) Top 5 States For Advanced Biofuel Companies: Calif., Ill., Colo., Texas and Iowa; New Web Site at www.FuelingGrowth.org Documents Impact of Growing Industry California is home to nearly 30 advanced biofuel companies, but dozens of other states from coast to
February 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Doing Corn Better and Doing Better than Corn for Biofuels: Recent Developments in the Field
by Ned Stowe (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Like it or not, corn and corn ethanol production are large, established industries in the U.S. While they provide significant economic, energy, and environmental benefits for our society, they also come with
February 01, 2013 Read Full Article
EU Releases Proposal on Deploying Alternative Fuel Infrastructure
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recently released European Commission proposal on deploying alternative fuels infrastructure recognizes the importance of biofuels but does not go far enough, said ePURE, the European Renewable Ethanol Association. On Jan. 24 the European Commission
January 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Washington Auto Show Policy Day Brings Biofuels Conversation to Capitol Hill
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) “Affordable Mobility: A Roadmap to Energy Efficiency” framed a public discussion of automotive issues for Capitol Hill staff which ranged from fuel efficiency and the new CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards to increasing
January 30, 2013 Read Full Article
New Research on Algae-to-Biofuel Schemes Quantifies Uncertainty
(FIS) A Cornell University team has used the Monte Carlo approach to quantify the role of uncertainty associated with process parameters in life cycle analysis (LCA) of algae-to-biofuel schemes for determining metrics such as Energy Return on (Energy) Invested (EROI)
January 24, 2013 Read Full Article
Biofuels Key to Economy and Clean Energy Future: GRFA
(Commodities Now) Today (January 16, 2013) the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance called on the policy development, business and technology sector leaders attending the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, to commit to increasing biofuels’ share of the future global energy
January 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Sustainable Bioenergy Production from Marginal Lands in the US Midwest
by Ilya Gelfand, Ritvik Sahajpal, Xuesong Zhang, R. César Izaurralde, Katherine L. Gross & G. Philip Robertson (Nature) ...An alternative is to grow lignocellulosic (cellulosic) crops on ‘marginal’ lands9. Cellulosic feedstocks can have positive environmental outcomes10, 11 and could make up a
January 18, 2013 Read Full Article
Analysis of 100 Percent Biofuel Tested in Flight by NRC Reveals Reduction in Emissions
(National Research Council Canada/Aviation.ca) Results from the world’s first civil flight powered by 100 percent biofuel released by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) show that the biofuel used in the flight last October is cleaner than and as
January 11, 2013 Read Full Article
Lower Nitrogen Losses with Perennial Biofuel Crops
(EurekAlert!/University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences) Perennial biofuel crops such as miscanthus, whose high yields have led them to be considered an eventual alternative to corn in producing ethanol, are now shown to have another
January 11, 2013 Read Full Article
BioGrace - Extending Its GHG Calculation Tool
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe) In the project BioGrace (I) running from 2010 to 2012 a greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation tool was developed for liquid biofuels. The project BioGrace-II now aims to harmonise GHG calculations for electricity, heating and cooling from biomass. The
January 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Study Shows Policy, Not Economy, Drives Future Carbon Reductions
(Center for Climate Strategies) Existing Local, State, and Federal Policies — Not Cheap Natural Gas or Economic Downturn — Identified As Largest Driver Behind Declining Carbon Emissions Projections 20 New Federal, State, and Local Actions Also Identified to Advance Jobs, Energy,
January 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Forest Products Society Journal Publishes Special Biofuels Issue
(Forest Products Society) Biofuels made from high-yield, short rotation woody crops or from forest residuals and thinnings that are currently left unused have substantial potential to reduce CO2 emissions as well as to contribute to energy independence. A series of
December 31, 2012 Read Full Article
Well-to-Wheels Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Ethanol from Corn, Sugarcane and Cellulosic Biomass for US Use
by Michael Wang, Jeongwoo Han, Jennifer B Dunn, Hao Cai and Amgad Elgowainy (IOP Science/Argonne National Laboratory) Globally, bioethanol is the largest volume biofuel used in the transportation sector, with corn-based ethanol production occurring mostly in the US and sugarcane-based ethanol
December 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Oregon to Implement Phase One of Clean Fuels Program
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Dec. 7, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission elected to begin implementation of the state’s Clean Fuels Program. A spokeswoman for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality confirmed the commission voted four to one to
December 17, 2012 Read Full Article
National Corn Growers Association Offers Ethanol Facts Resource, Designed for Mobile Platform
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The National Corn Growers Association has launched a new web-based resource,www.EthanolFacts.com. ...The home page of EthanolFacts offers links to short articles on hot topics in ethanol circles: flex-fuel vehicles, food and fuel, jobs and
December 17, 2012 Read Full Article
EU Farmers and Biofuel Industry Mobilise against the EC Biofuel U-Turn
(AgiTrade) In a letter to the European Commission in early October 2012, Copa-Cogeca, the EU farmers’ and agricultural cooperatives’ organisation, affirmed its opposition to EC proposals to limit to 5% ‘the use of crop-based biofuels’ in meeting transportation energy needs and
December 17, 2012 Read Full Article
RFA to EPA: “Time is Now” to Revise Lifecycle GHG Analyses of Corn and Sugarcane Ethanol
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should immediately initiate a process to update its obsolete lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analyses of corn and sugarcane ethanol for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), according to a letter sent Friday to EPA Administrator
December 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Carbon vs Rural Economic Development
by Jim Lane (BioBased Digest) ...World Growth warns that the REDD+ program to reduce emissions from deforestation is fatally flawed. At the UN climate conference in Qatar, World Growth released “Immoral Aid: The effect of REDD+ on developing country economies”. It
November 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Carbon Offsetting Rather than Emissions Trading Becoming Favoured Route as ICAO Looks towards a Global Scheme
(GreenAirOnline) As ICAO expert groups continue their work on a global market-based approach to limiting the growth of international aviation emissions, it is beginning to emerge that carbon offsetting, rather than emissions trading, is the favoured option for States and
November 08, 2012 Read Full Article
Baseline Time Accounting Significantly Improves the Climate Impact Assessment of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC)
(PR NewsWire) Accounting for dynamics in the global agricultural area reduces the current estimated contributions to global warming from ILUC by 60-70% Indirect land use models that forecast the global warming impact of biofuels production incorporate time accounting in a very
November 01, 2012 Read Full Article
Biofuels Must be a Larger Part of Future Energy Mix: Global Renewable Fuels Alliance
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Renewable Fuels Association) As world and energy industry leaders gather today (october 22, 2012) in Dubai at the World Energy Forum to chart a roadmap for a sustainable energy mix, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) renewed
October 26, 2012 Read Full Article
Sorghum in Spotlight Due to Drought, Pending EPA Action
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) For years, National Sorghum Producers have advocated for increasing the use of grain sorghum, or milo, as an ethanol feedstock. Lately, the idea seems to be gaining steam. “There’s been increased interest over
September 17, 2012 Read Full Article
Final CAFE-GHG Rule Impedes Biofuel Development and Use
(25 x '25) The nearly 2,000-page final rule establishing federal corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for light duty vehicles, beginning with the 2017 model year, are, undoubtedly, ambitious, even historical. A call for cars and trucks in
September 14, 2012 Read Full Article
Bioethanol or Biodiesel: Europe Hesitates over Indirect Impact of Green Fuel
by Jeremy Bowden (Renewable Energy World) For years Europe has encouraged motorists to use diesel over petrol in its efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions. Now, as the focus switches to introducing renewable fuels, it is proving far easier to
September 07, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol to Reduce Global GHGs Emissions By 100 Million Tonnes in 2012
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) As the world gathers at the Global Conference on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change in Hanoi, Vietnam, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) released its annual Green House Gas (GHG) Reduction Forecast. The GRFA is
September 07, 2012 Read Full Article
UFOP Questions Science of Recent GHG Study on Rapeseed Biodiesel
by Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP) (Biodiesel Magazine) Experts from the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP) question the scientific quality of the recent study, “Uncertainties about the GHG Emissions Saving of Rapeseed Biodiesel,” published
September 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Production to Reduce GHG Emissions by 100 Million Tonnes
(New Energy World Network) Global ethanol production will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 100 million tonnes in 2012, a report by The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA) has found. ...Bliss Baker, spokesperson for the GRFA, said, ‘This is all very good news
September 06, 2012 Read Full Article
UC Riverside Developing Biofuel Formulations for California
by Sean Nealon (UCR Today) Research supports several California measures that aim to increase the use of renewable fuels and reduce greenhouse gases Researchers at the University of California, Riverside’s College of Engineering – Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) are
August 30, 2012 Read Full Article
EPA, DOT Finalize Fuel Efficiency Rule, Address Biofuel Comments
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation finalized new fuel efficiency standards on Aug. 28. The new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards will increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 mpg
August 30, 2012 Read Full Article
25x’25 Statement on the Obama Administration’s Final 2017 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards
(25 x '25) The 25x’25 Alliance’s preliminary review of the final rule outlining 2017 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards reveals that it does not provide a level playing field for
August 28, 2012 Read Full Article
White House Finalizes 2025 'Historic' Fuel Rules for Automakers
by David Shephardson (Detroit News) The Obama administration has finalized the landmark 2017-25 fuel economy rules that will nearly double the efficiency of the nation's cars and trucks over the next 13 years to a fleet-wide average of 54.5
August 28, 2012 Read Full Article
EPA’s 2017-2025 Light Duty Vehicle Rule Discourages Alternative Fuel Use
by Boyden Gray & Associates (25 x '25) While there are a number of obstacles impeding further growth in alternative energy, few are as critical as the joint EPA/NHTSA proposed rules establishing light-duty vehicle GHG and fuel economy standards.
August 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Carbon Credits Gone Awry: Coolant Companies Raise Output of Harmful Gas
By Elisabeth Rosenthal and Andrew W. Lehren (The New York Times) ...But where the United Nations envisioned environmental reform, some manufacturers of gases used in air-conditioning and refrigeration saw a lucrative business opportunity. They quickly figured out that they could earn one carbon
August 09, 2012 Read Full Article
Uncertainties about the GHG Emissions Saving of Rapeseed Biodiesel
by Gernot Pehnelt and Christoph Vietze (Friedrich Schiller University and the Max Planck Institute of Economics) During the last years, the renewable energy strategy of the European Union (EU) and the proposed policies and regulations, namely the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), have been heavily
August 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Bio-Kerosene GHG Emission Cocktail: Fast Forward Into Clean Air – Against All Odds
by Dr. Christoph Weber, CEO JATRO AG, Frankfurt & Mitchell Hawkins, CEO BioJet Corp, Santa Barbara, CA (JATRO/BioJet) Biofuels provide a viable alternative to conventional fuel and enable airlines to reduce their environmental impact. Over the last three years biofuels for aviation have
July 04, 2012 Read Full Article
Perception vs Reality: The 8 Most Common Biofuels Myths
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Attacks from the usual opponents are generally in the form of statements that sound vaguely scientific, or fact-based. Often with a scientist in tow. Beware. Not every person in the business of meat or breakfast
June 08, 2012 Read Full Article
UK Climate Advisers Recommend International Aviation Emissions Be Included in National Carbon Budgets
(GreenAir Online) The Committee on Climate Change (CCC), which advises the UK government on national carbon targets, has recommended international aviation and shipping emissions be included in carbon budgets and the UK’s 2050 overall target to reduce emissions 80 per
April 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Indonesia and Malaysia Launch Palm Oil Offensive against U.S. Ruling
(FreshFruitPortal.com) Indonesia and Malaysia have questioned a U.S. decision that their palm oil fails to meet regulatory greenhouse gas reduction standards, website Antaranews.com reported. They disagreed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ruling that biofuels from Indonesia and Malaysia cut only 17%
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
The Palms Of Controversy
by Joelle Brink (Biofuels Digest Asia) Palms are said to be a symbol of peace and prosperity, but you can’t prove it by the past few weeks of heated debate over palm biofuel. Last week, we looked at the discrepancy between
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Black Carbon Belchers?
by Naomi Lubick (Chemical & Engineering News) Pollution Monitoring: Cars may produce more climate-warming particles than previously thought. Tiny particles known as black carbon can pack a heavy punch when it comes to climate change, by trapping heat in the atmosphere
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Automakers Press for Some Changes to Fuel Rules
by David Shephardson (Detroit News) Automakers asked the Obama administration Monday to make modest changes to a proposed boost in fuel efficiency standards for the 2017-2025 model years and to allow the use of some credits to meet requirements as
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Airlines Set to Win Carbon Credits from Biofuel Flights
(EurActiv) The European Commission has asked airlines to report on "the amount of biomass" they use so that biofuels can be accounted as "zero emission" in the greenhouse gas emissions reports they are requested to produce each year under the
February 15, 2012 Read Full Article
Biofuels Are Killing Climate Efforts
(Americans for Informed Democracy) Biofuels were supposed to be the solution to global climate change. We could slowly reduce our dependence on crude oil by using fuels from corn or sugar cane instead. This fuel would be renewable, because we
February 14, 2012 Read Full Article
EPA Issues Notice of Data Availability Concerning Renewable Fuels Produced from Palm Oil Under the RFS Program
(US Environmental Protection Agency) he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) to release its lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis of palm oil used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel and renewable diesel under the Renewable
January 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Certifying Sustainability: Ethanol Bound for the EU Undergoes New Scrutiny
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...In July 2011, the European Union belatedly approved the first seven voluntary sustainability schemes for biofuels as required by the Renewable Energy Directive. The directive, commonly referred to as RED, requires all 27 EU
January 16, 2012 Read Full Article
EPA Releases First GHG Emissions Data Reporting Results
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Power plants were found to be the largest stationary source of direct emissions, producing a combined total of more than 2,300 million metric tons of CO2e from 1,555 facilities in 2010. Petroleum refineries were
January 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: Identification of Additional Qualifying Renewable Fuel Pathways Under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program
(US Environmental Protection Agency) EPA is issuing a direct final rule identifying additional fuel pathways that EPA has determined meet the biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel or cellulosic biofuel lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements specified in Clean Air Act section
January 09, 2012 Read Full Article
US EPA Publishes Direct Final Rule for Camelina RFS2 Pathway
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) On Jan. 5, the U.S. EPA issued a direct final rule regarding RFS2 pathways for four new biofuel feedstocks, including camelina oil, energy cane, giant reed and napiergrass. While the energy cane, giant reed, and