by Hannah DelSordo* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In recent years, Dickinson College of Carlisle, PA, has been interested in innovative environmental practices that will improve the community and foster a hands-on learning experience for the students. In 2008, students and staff
Pennsylvania
Back TO HOMEOwner of Allentown Biofuel Company Sentenced to Prison in Green Energy Scheme
by Peter Hall (Morning Call) The owner of an Allentown biofuel company who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to fraudulently claim green energy subsidies was sentenced to prison and ordered to repay the government more than $10 million. Ralph Tommaso,
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Researchers Aim to 'Upcycle' Nutrient Waste on Farms Using Duckweed
by Tim Schley (Penn State News) New approach to nutrient management could make money for farmers and land managers; Best management practices for reducing runoff and other nutrient losses in agriculture have been difficult to implement, according to Penn State
December 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Grant to Help U. of Tennessee Ag Institute Develop SAF Feedstock Supply Chains
(Biobased Diesel Daily) Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate regional biomass supply chains with regard to their potential for supplying feedstock for domestic fuel production
November 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Novel Cellulose Finding May Lead to New Chemicals, Biofuels
by Jamie Oberdick (Pennsylvania State University/Phys.Org) A multi-institutional research group led by two Penn State faculty members has identified, for the first time, how cellulose crystals orient themselves relative to the cell wall in plants, with potential implications for chemical and
November 20, 2020 Read Full Article
One Minute Video: The Use of Biofuels--Purchase Consciously
by Hannah DelSordo* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Created for Dickinson College's Eco-Reps fall mission of People, Planet, Prosperity, this lively video helps people learn more about biofuels in order to consciously purchase vehicles that can reduce their carbon footprint. WATCH VIDEO *Hannah
November 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Maryland Campaign for Environmental Human Rights/University of Maryland Environmental Law Clinic Environmental Justice State Law Webinar
(Maryland Campaign for Environmental Human Rights) The Maryland Campaign for Environmental Human Rights (MDEHR) hosted a webinar by the University of Maryland Environmental Law Clinic about recent state activity on environmental justice. The webinar focused on two areas: (1) recent state environmental
November 13, 2020 Read Full Article
200 Organizations Urge Northeast, Mid-Atlantic Governors to Move on “Ambitious and Equitable” Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
(Insider NJ) Groups Push For “Strong Safeguards and Guarantees for Overburdened and Underserved Communities” in 12 TCI States & DC; Need for State Leadership Seen As U.S. Formally Abandons Paris Climate Agreement. -- The largest and most diverse collection ever of
November 12, 2020 Read Full Article
“Flim Flam” Biofuels Company Wants to Buy the Largest East Coast Oil Refinery
by Steve Horn (The Real News) ... The little-known company has pitched its proposal to convert the site into a biofuels refinery. It is run by a man one mayor has dubbed the “Flim Flam Man,” and the company has never actually opened
October 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Plants Rule! Harnessing the Sun for a Negative-Carbon Bio-economy
(Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association) ... Among the Carbon-negative (and climate positive) solutions, those based on photosynthesis are by far the cheapest and most scalable options now, and likely for many decades to come. Properly implemented, these solutions can also provide
October 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Use of Switchgrass Growing in Popularity for Ag Conservation
by Ad Crable (Bay Journal) Will switchgrass, a tall, resilient and fast-growing native plant once familiar to pioneers, become the next cash crop for farmers in states in the Chesapeake Bay drainage? In a convergence of promising developments, a new study gives
October 23, 2020 Read Full Article
The Art and Science of Codigestion on Dairy Farms
by Nora Goldstein (BioCycle Magazine) Reinford Farms in central Pennsylvania has been a pioneer in integrating codigestion of manure and food waste on a dairy farm. -- ... In 2008, Reinford Farms installed a 526,000-gallon complete-mix anaerobic digester supplied by RCM
October 16, 2020 Read Full Article
US EPA Announces $3 Million for 12 Food Waste AD Projects
(Bioenergy Insight) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 12 organisations and projects to receive around $3 million (€2.55 million) in funding to help reduce food loss and waste and divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digestion
October 06, 2020 Read Full Article
The Pandemic Could End Texas’s Oil Boom—and Start Something Better: Profits from the Permian Basin Are Falling and Renewable Energy Is Surging. Here’s What That Means for the Lonestar State’s Future.
by Justin Miller (Texas Observer/Popular Science) ... Thousands flocked to the region to get a piece of the boom. “You could be someone with no college degree, no high school diploma … and get out here and make $50,000
October 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Clean Energy Fuels Providing RNG to MTA Buses and More
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Clean Energy Fuels Corp., a provider of clean fuel for the transportation market, has been contracted by New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to provide its Redeem renewable natural gas (RNG), a fuel derived from organic waste, to power
September 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Democrats Turn to Rural Issues: Rural, Midwest Democrats Promote Infrastructure and Divergent Strategy From Trump Years
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Democratic leaders put a heavy emphasis on rural broadband and health care while criticizing the Trump administration and President Trump directly on trade, biofuels, climate change and the pandemic response. A western Pennsylvania soybean and hay
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Parsing the Climate Message
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Night 3 of the Democratic National Convention featured a lengthy 11-minute take on Joe Biden's climate and clean energy strategy that hammered home some of his big themes rather than the wonky details (which you
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Fossil Fuel Sector Has Come Out Far Ahead of Renewables in Pandemic Relief, Recent Policies
by Lisa Martine Jenkins (Morning Consult) Energy Policy Tracker: Since March, U.S. has devoted more to its fossil fuel sector than any other G-20 country -- At least $71.6 billion in federal funds has been allocated directly or indirectly to
August 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Getting Aggressive with Sustainability: Municipal Fleet Cuts Emissions by Running on 100% Biodiesel
(Renewable Energy Group) The city snowplows in Ames, Iowa, have worked in all types of winter weather. Blizzards. Ice. Subzero temperatures. You name it, they’ve been out in it. In early 2020, they did something they’ve never done before: run on fully
July 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Top Renewable Diesel Projects and Pathways: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Renewable Diesel Now
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed last week’s DigestConnect webinar, have no fear, the full deck is here! From 11 pathways on who’s doing what, how and with what, 21 projects and who’s running them and where, 13
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
United Refining Sues EPA for Renewable Fuel Exemption (1)
by Maya Earls (Bloomberg Law) The Environmental Protection Agency is failing to act exempting Pennsylvania-based United Refining Co. from the Clean Air Act’s renewable fuel standards, the company says in a D.C. federal court lawsuit. The act mandates that fuel sold in
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Harnessing Biomass, Manure to Fuel Farms through Multi-institutional Project
(Penn State News) Transdisciplinary research team aims to create new value chains on U.S. farms, with emphasis on the generation of renewable natural gas, improved rural economic outcomes and protection of the environment. -- A new federal grant will allow a
July 22, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Forum Insights: Looking at Key Sectors of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic's Economy - Ag, Construction, Goods Movement and More --- August 4, 2020
This session is designed for anyone interested in learning more about trucks, construction and farm equipment use in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia,
July 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Covid-19 Fears Spur More Cars on Roads, Threatening Air Quality
by Amena H. Saiyid with assistance from Sylvia Carignan and Christina Brady (Bloomberg Law) Some who normally use mass transit seek safer commute option; State, local officials watch data for air quality impact -- ... More cars on the roads
July 01, 2020 Read Full Article
CARB Adopts Rule Requiring State Transition from Diesel Trucks
by Michael Bates (NGT News) The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted a first-in-the-world rule – the Advanced Clean Truck regulation – that requires truck manufacturers to transition from diesel trucks and vans to electric zero-emission trucks beginning in 2024. By 2045,
June 30, 2020 Read Full Article
District of Columbia Sues 4 Oil Majors for Misleading Consumers on Climate Change
by Valerie Volcovici (Insurance Journal/Reuters) The attorney general for the District of Columbia on Thursday filed a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp, BP Plc, Chevron Corp, and Royal Dutch Shell Plc for “systematically and intentionally misleading” consumers about the role their products
June 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel Expanding with Petroleum-to-Renewable Refinery Conversions
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) But there is a huge transformation happening with growth in the conversion of petroleum refineries to renewable diesel. Just look at how renewable diesel went from 78MMGY in 2010 to 397MMGY in 2018 and Fuels
June 15, 2020 Read Full Article
15 Hot Tech Case Studies: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to The Digest’s #BetterWithBiology Top 15
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Everything’s better with biology, so here’s The Digest’s newly released Top 15 case studies of today’s hottest technology and new markets for traditional oil and gas refiners. What are our top picks? Spoiler Alert: The top 15
June 10, 2020 Read Full Article
The Bankrupt Philly Refinery Is off the Hook for Millions Owed in Renewable Fuel Obligations
by Andrew Maykuth (Philadelphia Inquirer) The U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Wednesday approved a settlement allowing Philadelphia Energy Solutions to pay a small portion of the millions of dollars it owes in unpaid renewable energy obligations, clearing a major obstacle facing
June 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Cornell Farm Tractor Gets Clean, Green Biodiesel Makeover
By Blaine Friedlander (Cornell Chronicle) A week before the Ithaca campus shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of an engineering student group converted a university-owned diesel tractor into a clean, green farming machine. Instead of emitting the notoriously noxious black
May 30, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Offers Bankrupt Refiner $10 Million Cap on Biofuel Obligation: Filing
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The Trump administration has offered to place a $10 million cap on Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ biofuel blending obligations, effectively slashing the bankrupt refiner’s regulatory liability by more than 70%, according to a proposed settlement between the
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Fun, Science and Agriculture, All in One
by Jackie Coughenour (Daily American) ... The Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab is helping educate students in Pennsylvania about agriculture, food origins and agricultural careers, through hands-on, fun, scientific experiments. ... Cathy Vorisek, educator with the Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab, said,
April 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Hero BX Eyes Expanding Biodiesel Footprint When Pandemic Subsides
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... “We are surviving day by day,” Peterson (Chris Peterson, president of Hero BX) said. “All our people are still employed.” According to Peterson, Hero BX owner Pat Black strives to provide stability for his staff
April 15, 2020 Read Full Article
World Energy Doubles Down on Biodiesel Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “In our space, on a myopic level, we are so used to getting battered around, we’ll get through this too—but on a broader level the dynamics in which we operate will be substantially different,” said Gene
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Top Democratic Law Firm Helps Oil Companies Dodge Climate Regulations
by Donald Shaw and David Moore (Sludge) Perkins Coie, a law firm with deep ties to the Democratic Party, is lobbying for fossil fuel clients to win exemptions from a federal program to limit greenhouse gas emissions. -- ... The
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Here We Go Again: Senate Letter Plagued by Myths and Mistruths about RINs
by Scott Richman (Renewable Fuels Association) Yesterday (February 27, 2020), a group of senators wrote a letter to President Trump regarding the January 24 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that found the EPA improperly exceeded its
March 02, 2020 Read Full Article
We Need Better Transportation Options, Not More Roads and More Lanes
by Parris N. Glendening (Washington Post/Smart Growth America’s Leadership Institute) When President Trump attempted to eliminate California’s more stringent fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for cars and trucks, local elected officials cried foul — and not just in California.
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Wide-Ranging Partnership to Deploy B100 Biodiesel Technology in Daily, High-Mileage Class 8 Trucks
(National Biodiesel Board) Wide range of organizations announce a partnership for validation project of biodiesel technology to demonstrate viability in real-world, high-mileage fleet applications -- Innovative system allows for seamless 100 percent biodiesel use in all climates; Five ADM trucks
February 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Limited Biofuels M&A Activity in 2019, Stage Set for Potentially Busy 2020
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in North America was subdued in 2019. Only four operating biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels plants were sold during the year. These four acquired plants were relatively small with
February 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Fracking Ban Hits House
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Darren Soto led the introduction of a nationwide fracking ban, H.R. 5867, in the House on Wednesday. The measure is a companion to a bill, S. 3247 (116) , introduced
February 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Clean Energy Delivers 143 Million Gallons of Redeem RNG
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Clean Energy Fuels Corp., a provider of natural gas fuel and renewable natural gas (RNG) fuel for transportation in the U.S. and Canada, says it delivered 143 million gallons of Redeem RNG in 2019. Redeem was the first commercially
January 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) Requests Public Comment on Cap and Invest Program
The states participating in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) have released a Draft Memorandum of Understanding to establish a regional cap and invest program to transition to a more sustainable, resilient, low carbon transportation sector. Also released were initial
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Philadelphia Refinery Expected to Be Sold to Real Estate Developer - Sources
by Laila Kearney (Reuters) The bankrupt Philadelphia Energy Solutions is expected to sell its fire-damaged refinery site to real estate developer Hilco Redevelopment Partners, three sources familiar with the situation said on Tuesday. ... Hilco, which has $2.5 billion of assets
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Regional Cap-and-Invest Modeling Lacks Consideration of Renewable Fuel Adoption and Infrastructure
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Modeling by Georgetown Climate Center's Transportation and Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States released Tuesday showed potential for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, pollution reduction, job creation and public health benefits. The anticipated
December 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Regional Proposal for Clean Transportation Reaches Milestone States and D.C. Invite Feedback on Draft MOU, Share Estimates of Potential Benefits for Health, Environment, Economy DEADLINE February 28, 2020
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown Climate Center) The bipartisan group of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions that make up the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) today invited public input on a new draft proposal for a regional program to establish a cap
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Leyline Finances AD Plants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey
(Leyline Renewable Capital/Biomass Magazine) Leyline Renewable Capital announced today that it has entered into an agreement with RNG Energy Solutions to provide bridge funding for the development of two major anaerobic digestion facilities located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Linden, New Jersey.
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Corpse to Compost, Jose Cuervo’s Agave to Straws, Ford’s Coffee Waste Parts, Reebok Biokicks, Cellulose Optical Fibers, Catalysts Algorithms, and More: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 12th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From Jose Cuervo’s new project to convert agave byproduct into biodegradable straws to death (corpse to compost), this week’s Top 10 Innovations are a hoot to boot. Car maker Ford is using McDonald’s coffee waste in
December 12, 2019 Read Full Article
New Polling Confirms Strong Support across Eastern Region for Transportation Modernization
(Our Transportation Future) Two-Thirds of Registered Voters Support Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Distributors Paying for Pollution; Survey Covers Seven States in Region: CT, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA and VA. -- A new survey from MassINC Polling Group shows that 66 percent of
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB Releases New Report on the Importance of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive
(National Biodiesel Board) The tax incentive is crucial to continued growth of the U.S. biodiesel industry -- Today (November 12, 2019), the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) released a new report, "The Importance of the Biodiesel Tax Credit," showing how the emerging
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
HDT's Top Green Fleets of 2019
(Heavy Duty Trucking) All of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine's Top Green Fleets of 2019 take sustainability to the next level — through fuel economy, freight efficiency, alternative fuels, energy savings, and more. -- What does it mean to be “green”?
November 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Winners of the 2019 American Biogas Council Industry Awards Revealed
(Bioenergy Insight) Eight biogas projects received awards from the American Biogas Council (ABC) for their ‘outstanding performance and contribution’ to the industry. The winners were announced at the Biogas Industry Awards and Dinner during the BioCycle REFOR19 event in Wisconsin,
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
A Gas Tax to End All Gas Taxes
by Eric Wolff (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of a dozen northeastern and Mid-Atlantic governors are considering a plan to impose a gas tax to fund investment into mass transit, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and other infrastructure improvements in
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Plant Skeletons: Weighing the Environmental Impacts of a Byproduct of Biofuel Combustion
(University of Pennsylvania/Phys.org) ... Burning plants, however, is not a completely clean process; it produces emissions that vary depending on the species used, the combustion conditions, and the air pollution controls. To understand one component of these emissions, an international, multidisciplinary
October 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Michael Bloomberg Says Cities Can Help Us Meet Paris Climate Goal
by Josh Siegel & Abby Smith (Washington Examiner's Daily on Energy) New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and eight other U.S. mayors released a policy “playbook” Thursday for how cities can cut emissions from the transportation and building sectors. The mayors say if the largest 100
October 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Optimus Technologies Named $1 Million Grand Prize Winner - Pittsburgh-Based Company Will Expand Business to the Southern Tier
(New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) Governor Cuomo Announces Winners of 76West Clean Energy Competition -- Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the six winning companies of the 76West Clean Energy Competition, one of the largest competitions in the
October 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Northeast States Draft Regional Policy Proposal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Transportation Lacks Renewable Fuel Emphasis DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: November 5, 2019
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) "Nothing has been decided yet about the treatment of biofuels" or renewable fuels in the proposed program to cap transportation emissions in 13 Northeastern US jurisdictions, according to the chair of the Transportation and Climate
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
$73 Million, 35 Projects, Who Won, for What and Why: The DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office 2019 Project Selections
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the U.S. Department of Energy has selected 35 projects totaling $73 million for bioenergy research and development support. Funded through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, these projects will help reduce
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
TCI Jurisdictions Share Updates on Policy Design Process
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown Climate Center) Jurisdictions participating in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) have made available a framework for a draft regional policy proposal to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from transportation, and are encouraging interested individuals and organizations to provide
October 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Corn and Soybean Leaders Compel Lawmakers to Stop EPA’s Anti-Biofuels Actions
by Dave Blower Jr. (The News Gazette) The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) along with 12 other Indiana farm, ethanol and biodiesel plants and allied industries wrote to Indiana’s congressional delegation expressing frustration with
September 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Your View: Why Pennsylvania Deserves Praise for Use of VW Settlement Money
by Allen Schaeffer (Diesel Technology Forum/The Morning Call) ... Even more emissions reductions could be possible through a switch to high-quality advanced renewable bio-based diesel fuels, instead of using conventional petroleum diesel fuel. Both new and existing diesel engines of
September 24, 2019 Read Full Article
'Very Engaged' Trump Talks Biofuels Policy with U.S. Oil-State Senators
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) President Donald Trump on Thursday discussed biofuels policy with senators from U.S. oil states, including Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who said the president was engaged on the issue that has pitted Big Oil and Big Corn
September 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Increase Value, Reduce Costs: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Advanced Algal Systems
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)Advanced Algal Systems. Maybe you’ve heard of it but did you know that technologies are being developed as part of a DOE program to enable production of sustainable algal feedstocks that perform reliably in conversion processes
September 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Comments from Advanced Biofuels USA to the Maryland Commission on Climate Change Mitigation Working Group
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) As the Maryland Commission on Climate Change and its Mitigation Work Group continue to look at mitigating the effects of climate change, they should look forward using a recent International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC)
September 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Optimus Technologies Named Pittsburgh Tech 50 Awards Finalist
(Optimus Technologies) – Optimus Technologies, a biodiesel conversion system manufacturer, today announced that the Pittsburgh Technology Council has named it a Tech 50 Awards Finalist in the Manufacturing Category. The Pittsburgh Technology Council’s annual Tech 50 Awards recognize southwestern Pennsylvania’s most
September 04, 2019 Read Full Article
REG Looking to Fuel Ames' Sustainability Efforts through B100 Biodiesel.
by Robbie Sequeira (Ames Tribune) Ames-based Renewable Energy Group (REG) is looking to fuel the city of Ames' ever-expanding sustainability efforts through 100 percent biofuel, as part of their B100 Pilot Program. In conjunction with Optimus Technologies, based out of Pittsburgh,
September 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Corn Farmers to Trump: The Government Put Us in 'One Hell of a Bad Situation'
by Tal Axelrod (The Hill) The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, saying the government has put it in “one hell of a bad situation.” The trade association hammered President Trump for approving what it called 31 “unjustified” refinery waivers
August 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Orders Biofuel Boost in Bid to Temper Farm State Anger
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) 2021 quotas will jump to make up for oil refinery exemptions; Move could alienate Rust Belt refinery workers in Pennsylvania -- President Donald Trump, seeking to tamp down political fallout in U.S.
August 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Renewable Energy Producer S.G. Preston Interested in Buying PES Refinery
by Catalina Jaramillo (WHYY) Philadelphia-based biofuel company S.G. Preston Co. is the first of at least two prospective buyers to publicly express interest in taking over the damaged Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery to make renewable diesel, marine diesel and jet fuel,
August 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Energypath 2019 in Review
(Sustainable Energy Fund) Energypath 2019 was held at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on Thursday, July 25th, 2019. More than 240 industry and aspiring industry professionals attended the conference to learn about the future of energy financing from nationally recognized energy
August 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Available for Viewing: Public Workshop: Low-Carbon Transportation Investments, Strategies, and Outcomes
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown Climate Center) On Tuesday, July 30, more than 300 community members, transportation, environmental and social justice advocates, business and industry representatives, and state and local officials participated in the Transportation & Climate Initiative workshop on Low-Carbon Transportation
August 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Promising New Solar-Powered Path to Hydrogen Fuel Production
(Lehigh News) A team at Lehigh is the first to use a single enzyme biomineralization process to create a solar-driven water splitting catalyst that produces hydrogen with the potential to be manufactured sustainably, cheaply and abundantly. -- Engineers at Lehigh University
August 14, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA Extends Ethanol Invite as EPA Head Visits Oil Refinery
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association has invited U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler to visit an ethanol plant as a follow-up to his tour of a Pennsylvania oil refinery. Wheeler was scheduled to visit Monroe Energy’s plant in Trainer,
July 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill from U.S. Sens. Toomey, Feinstein Would Abolish Ethanol Mandate
by J.D. Prose (The Times) U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey is working to repeal the ethanol mandate with California Democratic U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The Restore Environmental Sustainability to Our Renewable Energy (RESTORE) Act would abolish the corn ethanol mandate in the Renewable
July 29, 2019 Read Full Article
A Political 'Fight to the Knife' over Ethanol Comes to Wisconsin
by Chris Hubbuch (Wisconsin State Journal) ... “There’s (a) civil war within the Republican Party,” said Scott Irwin, chairman of agricultural marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It’s pitting two significant Republican constituencies of the president and neither one
July 15, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB Tells EPA, Stop Damaging the Biodiesel Industry
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) This year has been brutal for the biodiesel industry. As if the absence of the biodiesel tax credit wasn’t enough of a challenge, these unjust retroactive small refinery waivers are destroying the biodiesel market
July 11, 2019 Read Full Article
24 Governors Call on Trump to Halt Rollback on Rules for Clean Cars
by Hiroko Tabuchi (New York Times) The opposition to one of President Trump’s most consequential regulatory rollbacks — a plan to weaken pollution standards for automobiles nationwide — widened on Tuesday when 24 governors, including three Republicans, urged the president to abandon his plan. The governors’ plea adds
July 10, 2019 Read Full Article
AFPM Launches Ad Campaign Urging the President to Protect Refinery Jobs
(American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers) Today (July 8, 2019), AFPM launched an advertising campaign asking President Trump to keep his promise to protect U.S. refiners from unchecked ethanol mandates that threaten to kill our jobs. This campaign comes on the heels
July 09, 2019 Read Full Article
With 2020 Looming, Trump Weighs Boosting Farmers at Refineries’ Expense
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) The future of an exemption shielding oil refining companies from a federal mandate that they blend corn-based ethanol into the nation’s fuel supply is looking increasingly uncertain amid increasing political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of
July 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Philadelphia Energy Solutions Seeks to Permanently Shut Oil Refinery
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) will seek to permanently shut its oil refinery in the city after a massive fire caused substantial damage to the complex, the mayor confirmed on Wednesday, a day after two sources told Reuters
June 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Start It Up! Cheering for Biodiesel in Hazleton Area School
by Sarah Buynovsky (WNEP) It was an exciting Friday morning for biology students at Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences. "I love this project, I love it. I live for seeing the students really getting involved and getting excited about getting to use
June 10, 2019 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Green New Deal Is Alive and Well in Liberal Cities and States
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) The Green New Deal may be floundering in Washington. But it is alive and well in left-leaning states and cities across the country. From Maine to California, Democratic politicians have begun adopt the Green New Deal brand -- a
June 03, 2019 Read Full Article
EERE’s SBIR Selects Bioenergy Phase I Innovation Projects
(U.S. Department of Energy) American small businesses got nearly a $22 million boost from the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Small businesses are receiving Phase I Release 2 grants (from
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
US Fuel Mandates No Salve for Farm Trade Losses
(Argus Media) Higher US biofuel blending mandates cannot make up for lost export trade opportunities, according to farm groups caught in the crossfire of the country's trade war with China. US independent refiners show little concern that the administration will blunt sharply
May 21, 2019 Read Full Article
State Leadership Fuels Carbon Reduction, Clean Energy Booms
(Solutions from the Land) ... The swelling momentum of state leadership pushing forward climate issues and solutions, as well as growing engagement with the challenges of climate change on Capitol Hill, shows there is a surging opportunity for stakeholders from the
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Green Energy Fraudster Convicted at Trial for Scamming Multiple Federal Agencies and His Customers
(U.S. Department of Justice) Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and United States Attorney William M. McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced today that a federal jury in
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Of Renmatix and All These Pivots
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Pennsylvania bioeconomy pioneers debuts Celltice, a “Petro-Free Breakthrough in Clean Cosmetic Formulations” -- From Pennsylvania, comes the news that Renmatix is introducing Celltice, its “zero-chemical self-emulsifying active,” built from cellulose and lignin, and aimed at the clean
May 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Jury Finds Pennsylvania Biofuel Company Owners Guilty of Tax and False Statements Conspiracy
(U.S. Department of Justice) Following a 14-day jury trial in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ben T. Wootton, of Enola, Pennsylvania, and Race A. Miner, of Buena Vista, Colorado, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the Environmental
April 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Make a World of Difference — Explore Penn State Energy and Sustainability Programs Online
(Pennsylvania State University) The global shift to clean energy is creating opportunities for project developers and policy experts to drive renewable energy initiatives and encourage a culture of sustainability. Prepare yourself to help shape the future by graduating from one of
April 09, 2019 Read Full Article
CNG, Biogas Facilities Among PA’s New State-Funded Clean Energy Projects
by Betsy Lillian (NGT News) Gov. Tom Wolf, D-Pa., has announced the approval of 11 projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to assist in the development of clean and renewable energy projects across Pennsylvania. Among the projects are a compressed natural gas (CNG)
April 02, 2019 Read Full Article
The Digest’s Top 10 Celluosic Project Flashpoints, 10 Quick Takes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) It’s all very rosy on the cellulosic potential frontier. As Gevo and Renmatix recently observed, “cellulosic sugars are one of the most abundant feedstocks in the world, and in many geographies with dense vegetation, using woody
March 26, 2019 Read Full Article
As Costs Skyrocket, More U.S. Cities Stop Recycling
by Michael Corkery (New York Times) ... “We are in a crisis moment in the recycling movement right now,” said Fiona Ma, the treasurer of California, where recycling costs have increased in some cities. Prompting this nationwide reckoning is China, which
March 18, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB Commemorates National Biodiesel Day with Biodiesel Success Stories
(National Biodiesel Board) Meet just a few of biodiesel's movers and shakers making an impact in this innovative industry -- National Biodiesel Day takes place March 18, in honor of Rudolf Diesel’s birthday. In the 1890s, Rudolf invented the diesel engine, which
March 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania Retail Chain Adds More E15
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Retail chains that have decided to add E15 to their product mixes continue to see positive results. Stores like Rutter’s, a Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain, have added the fuel despite the uncertainty surrounding year-round sales. Rutter’s
March 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Online Programs in Energy and Sustainability at Penn State
(Pennsylvania State University) The global power shift is creating jobs for renewable energy project developers as well as policy experts who can drive clean energy initiatives and encourage a more sustainable culture. Let our online programs help you become an agent
March 05, 2019 Read Full Article
How Ethanol Threatens Energy Security
by Pat Meehan (Washington Times) The blending of fuels puts needed small refineries in peril of extinction -- Big oil manufacturers who can blend ethanol and oil in excess of their needs can sell that excess capacity as a credit to the smaller
March 01, 2019 Read Full Article
One of the Oldest U.S. Refineries in Trouble again in Philadelphia: Court Filings
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Philadelphia Energy Solutions Inc, owner of the largest and oldest refinery on the U.S. East Coast, is facing another financial crisis just months after emerging from a controversial bankruptcy, according to two sources and a Reuters review
February 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Exclusive: Delta Trying to Unload East Coast Refinery - Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw and Jessica Resnick-Ault (Reuters) Delta Air Lines wants to sell its oil refinery in Trainer, Pennsylvania, after attempts to offer a partial stake in the plant late last year failed, according to two people familiar with the matter. The
February 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel’s Cutting Edge
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine profiles nine companies whose process technologies, products and services are on the frontline of change in this industry. Third Coast Commodities Biodiesel feedstock trading is evolving, and Third Coast Commodities is one of the firms ushering
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Enemy Submarine Detecting Microorganisms, Algae-Based Polymers, Edible Antimicrobial Film, Limestone-Based Bags, Soybean Oil Based Road Sealant: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the Week of December 26th
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The pace of bioeconomy invention and change continues at a frenetic pace. Here are the top innovations for the week of December 26th. In today’s Digest, enemy submarine detecting microorganisms, algae-based polymers, edible antimicrobial film, limestone-based bags,
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Nine States and D.C. to Design Regional Approach to Cap Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Transportation
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown University Climate Center) A coalition of nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia today announced their intent to design a new regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
How a Pennsylvania Trash Company Is Working to Build RNG Infrastructure
by Arlene Karidis (Waste 360) Vogel Disposal Service seeks to eventually fill its 220-vehicle fleet at one of several fueling stations it will own, one day bypassing the utility. -- Vogel Disposal Service has become Pennsylvania’s first waste company to make renewable natural
December 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Renmatix, Gevo Ink Deal to Develop Cellulosic Hydrocarbons for Jet Fuel, Gasoline Markets
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) We have word bubbling up simultaneously from Pennsylvania and Colorado that Gevo and Renmatix inked a joint development agreement to evaluate the commercial feasibility of creating renewable jet fuel by integrating Renmatix’s Plantrose Process with Gevo’s
December 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Relieving the Pressure: There’s Movement at Last to Obtain an RVP Waiver for E15 ...
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... “There’s a very tight window between today and June 1,” says Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol. “The big-picture goal is for the proposed rule to be out for public comment
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Here's Where Incoming Republicans Stand on Climate
by Mark K. Matthews (E&E News) If they stay true to their campaign rhetoric, the class of freshman House Republicans won't be leading any revolutions next year on the issue of climate change. ... In a few cases, there are reasons for climate activists
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
A Carbon Tax Wave? 7 States Considering Carbon Pricing to Fight Climate Change
by Marianne Lavelle (Inside Climate News) Democratic election victories raised the odds of climate change policies succeeding, activists and analysts say. A national plan was also just floated in Congress. -- At least seven state governments are poised at the brink of
December 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Delta Refinery Will Convert Plastic Waste to Jet Fuel with Sir Richard Branson-backed Agilyx
by Alex Gailey (Atlanta Business Chronicle) Monroe Energy, Delta's subsidiary refinery, will start converting plastic waste into jet fuel under an agreement with Agilyx, an environmental technology and development company backed by Sir Richard Branson. The idea is that the material will help create
November 21, 2018 Read Full Article
More RFS Exemption Requests Monroe Energy, Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf Want Full RFS Waiver
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Pennsylvania's governor and state refining interests are putting pressure on EPA to grant waivers to the Renewable Fuel Standard program, just ahead of the agency's Nov. 30 deadline to finalize new biofuels volumes for
November 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Weaker RINs Lure Gasoline Shipping into US East Coast Ports: Sources
(Hellenic Shipping News) A decline in the US obligation for biofuels has prompted an increase in imports from Canada and Europe into the Atlantic Coast, according to market sources and federal government data. The renewable fuels obligation for a gallon of imported
November 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Transportation and Climate Initiative Listening Session Summary Report Now Available
(Georgetown Climate Center) In November 2017, member jurisdictions from the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) began a public conversation inviting stakeholder input on the opportunities, challenges, and benefits of a modern, low-carbon transportation system, and what policies catalyzing these benefits might look like.
November 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Washington State Voters Reject Carbon Tax
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Voters in Washington state on Tuesday rejected a proposed carbon tax that would have been the first such levy in the nation. The policy would have been an effort to fight climate change by mandating that companies using or selling fossil
November 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Consultative Expansion
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel Magazine spotlights a producer whose recent acquisition fulfills increased feedstock demand, a consulting firm that assists in market entry and production efficiencies, and the expansion of one of today's fastest-growing biodiesel refiners. -- BioJoe Renwick, founder
November 06, 2018 Read Full Article
World Energy to Complete Conversion of California Petroleum Refinery to Renewable Fuels
(World Energy/Globe Newswire) $350 million investment will result in 306 million gallons of annual production -- World Energy, a global leader in low-carbon transportation fuels production, announced today a $350 million investment over the next two years to complete the conversion
October 25, 2018 Read Full Article
A Bird's Eye View of Bioenergy
by Bill Keba* (Advanced Biofuels USA) The Mid-Atlantic Bioenergy Conference and Expo (MABEX) was held on September 12 and 13 at the Convene at CityView in Philadelphia, Pa. The Mid-Atlantic Bioenergy Council did well in selecting this terrific skyscraping venue.
October 06, 2018 Read Full Article
A Unique Approach to Renewable Fuel Market Development in Western Pennsylvania
(ACT News) ... Ed Vogel Sr. started the company’s first municipal waste landfill in 1965, the Seneca Landfill in Butler County. More than a decade ago, the Vogel family set out to find a way to utilize the fugitive methane emissions
October 05, 2018 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Biodiesel Tax Conspiracy
(U.S. Department of Justice) A Harrisburg, Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to one count of conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division,
October 05, 2018 Read Full Article
HERO BX – Even Kryptonite Can’t Stop the Largest Biodiesel Producer in the Eastern U.S. from Getting Stronger and Bigger
by Helena Taveres Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) The largest biodiesel producer in the Eastern United States is getting larger, and stronger. Lake Erie Biofuels dba HERO BX purchased the assets of a Clinton, Iowa biodiesel facility from Tenaska Commodities, LLC, an affiliate of Tenaska,
October 01, 2018 Read Full Article
RNG Energy Solutions and Philadelphia Energy Solutions Partner to Form Point Breeze Renewable Energy
(Philadelphia Energy Solutions) RNG Energy Solutions (RNG Energy) and Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining and Marketing LLC (PES) announced today that they have completed and executed several contracts including a long-term renewable natural gas sales agreement and site lease agreement to build
August 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Change of Plans: EPA Hearings
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy)EPA will no longer hold public hearings in Washington, D.C., Detroit and Los Angeles on the administration's proposed freeze of Obama-era fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, Bloomberg Environment reports. Instead the EPA
August 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania’s Next Biorefinery: Discussion Held at the Penn State Energy Days Annual Conference, 2018
by Anahita Bharadwaj (Pennsylvania State University for Advanced Biofuels USA) Energy Days, 2018 at The Pennsylvania State University- University Park, brought together leading researchers, government agencies, industries, non-profit organizations and academics in the field of energy to understand the current challenges
August 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Grassley Gets Local Perspective on Ag
by Seth Boyes (Dickinson County News) Steffes Company in Milford played host to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley on Monday Aug. 6. ... "If you're a member of Congress, you can't keep your mouth shut if you think the president's hurting your people,"
August 15, 2018 Read Full Article
The EnergyPath toward Renewables
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) EnergyPath. It’s like nothing else. Funded by a lawsuit settlement more than a decade ago, EnergyPath has become the region’s largest sustainable energy event, attracting industry professionals, policymakers, and academia from across the United
August 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Brief Thoughts on the 2018 Bio World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology (July 16-19, 2018, Philadelphia, PA)
by Craig Laufer* (Advanced Biofuels USA) After hearing from many speakers at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, one recurring theme from the sessions I attended was the application of digital biology, synthetic biology in silico modeling, machine learning
August 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Montauk Energy Strikes Biogas Deal with US Dairy Farm
by Lisa Steyn (Buisness Live) Government incentives spur the JSE-listed firm to transform cow manure into natural gas at dairy farm in California -- JSE-listed Montauk Energy has struck a deal with a dairy farm in California where it will for the
August 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Association of Warm Season Grass Producers Meeting Goals
by Will Brandau (Association of Warm Season Grass Producers) The Association is experiencing success meeting our primary objectives. 1. Promotes the planting and use of warm-season grasses I know of 4 producers expanding the acreage they maintain. We have 3 new producers planting for
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Ballard-Powered El Dorado Fuel Cell Electric Buses Ready to Deliver Zero-Emission Transit Throughout California
(Ballard Power Systems) Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) today announced that El Dorado National fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs), powered by Ballard FCveloCity®-HD modules, have successfully completed rigorous testing at The Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center under a
July 20, 2018 Read Full Article
The Yosemite Sam of the Microbial World, Hot Rodded Lichen, BYO Nitrogen, The Microbial Marx Brother, Sexy Hexy and More: The DOE Delves into New Orgamsism for Fuels & Chems
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The meanest, nastiest, ornierest, heat-seeking organism ever found that munches biomass and other microbes that got a booster via the DOE’s $40M grants for advanced microbes R&D. And aromatics without the mess, a sky-vacumming organism and
June 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Forest Concepts Receives $1.8 Million from DOE to Improve the Design of Biomass Handling Systems
(Forest Concepts/EIN Presswire) Forest Concepts LLC has been awarded a $1.8 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy) to address the critical issues of poor flowability, high friction, and highly variable physical properties that
June 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Announces Rutter’s as Newest E15 Retailer
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy and Pennsylvania-based Rutter’s announced that the convenience store chain will begin selling E15 – a fuel with 15 percent biofuel – at seven of its locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. “The success of Prime the
June 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Attis Industries Narrows Site Selection to Six States for Construction of Advanced New Biorefining Facilities
(Attis Industries) Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky, and Minnesota Present Most Competitive Options -- Attis Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATIS) (the “Company” or “Attis”), a diversified innovation and technology holding company, today announced its approval of its lead sites for acquisition and construction of
May 29, 2018 Read Full Article
E15 Year-Round: Mixed Messages from RFS, RINs Meeting
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews Publications) It was good news and bad news for corn growers and ethanol proponents after President Donald Trump met with legislators to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard. A White House meeting with Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Joni Ernst,
May 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania Offers Funding for Alternative Fuels, Vehicles DEADLINE July 13 and December 14, 2018
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has announced it is accepting applications for its Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, which offers funding for the purchase and use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The AFIG
May 23, 2018 Read Full Article
Waiver Wire: Why Is the Biofuels Industry up in Arms about Oil Refinery Waivers?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... But they’re part of the Washington dialogue this month, waivers and easy outs, since reports surfaced in media that the US Environmental Protection Agency granted a Renewable Fuel Standard hardship waiver for CVR Energy’s Wynnewood, Oklahoma
May 22, 2018 Read Full Article
Tech-Agnostic, Integrated, Diversified Biorefineries: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to SG Preston
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) SG Preston is a Philadelphia-based bioenergy company, which has unveiled its Multi-Facility Program that will include the development and construction of a series of commercial volume, advanced biofuels manufacturing plants, initially in the U.S. Midwest and Canada. Here’s
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Parties to White House Biofuel Deal Disagree What's Agreed
by Jennifer A Dlouhy and Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Tentative agreement struck during a White House negotiation; Refiners could benefit with biofuel exports allowed for quotas -- A tentative deal on U.S. biofuel policy struck at the White House would allow year-round sales of higher-ethanol gasoline in
May 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Wolf Administration Allocates $5 Million to Support Alternative Fuel Transportation Initiatives DEADLINES July 13, 2018 and December 14, 2018
(Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting grant applications for innovative, advanced fuel, and vehicle technology projects that will result in cleaner advanced alternative transportation within the commonwealth. DEP’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG)
May 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Accelerating Ag Innovation: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to the USDA Agricultural Research Service
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access and dissemination to:
May 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels Lab Opens at Penn State Behrend: HERO BX Partnership Extends Open-Lab Model to College's School of Science
(Pennsylvania State University) A $1 million investment by HERO BX, an Erie-based biodiesel company, will create research opportunities for students and faculty members in the School of Science at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Much of the work will be
May 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Update 2-White House Sets Meeting with Senators on Biofuels Next Week -Sources
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters/Successful Farming) The Trump administration has invited a group of U.S. senators to the White House early next week to discuss biofuels policy, the latest in a series of such meetings aimed at helping refiners cope with the Renewable Fuel Standard, according
May 03, 2018 Read Full Article
EnergyPath Student Science Fair Applications Open DEADLINE: June 29, 2018
EnergyPath 2018 has something for everyone: Learn about renewable technologies, energy efficiency techniques and start or expand your career in the energy industry with a crash course in sustainable energy. Following the EnergyPath Energy Camps July 23-25, an Expo, Conference and
May 03, 2018 Read Full Article
California And 16 Other States Are Suing Trump To Stop Him Destroying Emissions Standards
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik) Our emissions standards are probably the biggest booster to automotive performance in the past half century, making our cars not only more eco-friendly but more powerful, too. Trump has been trying to cut it all down, but now California
May 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Refinery Workers Return to Capitol Hill to Rally for Renewable Fuel Standard Reform
(United Steelworkers/PR Newswire) The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that on Thursday, April 26, about 100 workers from independent merchant oil refineries owned by Monroe Energy, Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) and PBF Energy will rally for their jobs in Washington, D.C., bringing
April 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Hero BX to Manufacture at Iowa Renewable Energy Biodiesel Plant
(Hero BX/Biodiesel Magazine) Biodiesel producer Lake Erie Biofuels LLC, doing business as Hero BX, recently announced a strategic partnership with Iowa Renewable Energy LLC based in Washington, Iowa, to manufacture and market biodiesel from IRE’s Iowa facility. “It has been my ambition to
April 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Braskem Begins Operation in Boston to Strengthen Its Renewable Chemicals Strategy
(Braskem/WebWire) Braskem expands strategy for the future of renewable chemicals -- Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5 and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest thermoplastics resins producer in the Americas and the worldwide leader in bio-polymers, announced today its expanded focus on the research,
April 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Exclusive Report: The Federal Biofuel Mandate ‘Has Failed To Achieve Its Policy Goals’
by Michael Bastasch (The Daily Caller) The federal biofuel mandate “has failed to achieve its policy goals while imposing significant other costs on consumers,” according to a new report. Americans paid out nearly $77 billion in additional fuel costs over the last 10
April 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Commonwealth Countries Get Knocked Down, But Get Up Again
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) With 195 countries on the planet today, an impressive 53 countries are Commonwealth countries, including countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. They include large, rich countries like Canada and Australia all
April 16, 2018 Read Full Article
States to Sue EPA over Failure to Enforce Landfill Gas Rules
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A coalition led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the California Air Resources board has announced plans to sue the U.S. EPA over its failure to enforce existing landfill methane regulations. The coalition announced its plans
April 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Bankruptcy Judge Lets Refiner off the RFS Hook
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) A Delaware Bankruptcy judge approved a consent decree between EPA and bankrupt refiner Philadelphia Energy Solutions, allowing PES to get out of much of its obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2016, 2017 and
April 05, 2018 Read Full Article
How EPA Is Destroying Demand for Ethanol and Corn
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) Recent actions by EPA have effectively reduced the Renewable Fuel Standard conventional renewable volume obligation (RVO) for 2016 by more than 1 billion gallons, and the agency appears poised to take similar actions to effectively reduce the
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
BIO Comments on Proposed Settlement Agreement Between EPA and Philadelphia Energy Solutions on RFS Obligations
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization) BIO is greatly concerned by the Department of Justice's and Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Settlement Agreement to resolve a dispute about the PES Holdings' obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard. ... This Settlement Agreement undermines the goals of the
April 02, 2018 Read Full Article
New Insights into How Cellulose Is Built Could Indicate How to Break It Apart for biofuels
(Phys.Org/Pennsylvania State University) A comprehensive look at how plants build cellulose, the primary building block of the walls of most plant cells that is used in a wide variety of manmade materials, could have important implications for its use in biofuels.