by Roberta Rampton and Susan Cornwell (Reuters) U.S. senators who support the Pentagon's push to expand its use of biofuels said they have a plan to answer critics who argue the fuel is far too expensive to help develop at a
Policy
Back TO HOMEThe Navy’s Green Strike Group Sails on Biofuels Blend: Will It Sail Again?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As the Pacific-based forces of Can-Do battle the Washington-based forces of Shouldn’t-Try, we look at the 6 Big Myths of Military Biofuels In Hawaii, the US Navy demonstrated its Green Strike Group as part of the 2012 Rim
July 19, 2012 Read Full Article
Regulatory Uncertainty Key Challenge for EU Biofuels: BP Biofuels CEO
(Platts) The EU needs to overcome regulatory uncertainty and provide more clarity on its biofuels policies before new investments are poured into greenfield projects across the 27-nation bloc, BP's Biofuels CEO Phil New said at an event in London Tuesday. ...In
July 18, 2012 Read Full Article
GOP Puts Biofuels on the Chopping Block
by Zack Coleman (The Hill/E2Wire) The biofuels industry is at loggerheads with House Republicans, who are eyeing its funding for elimination in the farm bill. Biomass and biofuels groups warn that the loss of $800 million in guaranteed federal support would
July 17, 2012 Read Full Article
White House Official: Congress 'Short-Sighted' on Biofuels
by Zack Coleman (The Hill/E2Wire) Congress “needs to get beyond short-sightism” that is stunting investment in and handcuffing Defense Department use of biofuels, a senior White House energy official said Wednesday at a conference in Washington, D.C. Heather Zichal, the White
July 17, 2012 Read Full Article
Cumberland Gulf CEO: Congress Must Act to Promote Alternative Fuels
(Convenience Store News) If Congress is serious about convenience stores and gas stations selling alternative fuels, it must work now to pass H.R. 4345, otherwise known as the Domestic Fuels Protection Act of 2012, said Joseph Petrowski, CEO of The Cumberland Gulf
July 17, 2012 Read Full Article
House Hearing Sends RFS through the Policy Wringer
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A House Subcommittee on Energy and Power hearing held July 10 to discuss the challenges and opportunities of alternative fuels provided the latest platform for the ongoing and increasingly heated battle between biofuels and
July 17, 2012 Read Full Article
Guatemala Farmers Losing Their Land to Europe's Demand for Biofuels
by John Vidal (The Guardian) Indigenous smallholder farmers are being violently evicted as companies move in to satisfy Europe's hunger for biofuels ...Over the next four days, 10 more villages were cleared. By the end of March 2011, around 800 families
July 06, 2012 Read Full Article
15th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency EXPO + Policy Forum Posts Forum Videos
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 21, 2012, the Sustainable Energy Coalition - in cooperation with the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucuses and in partnership with the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition, House Algae Energy Caucus,
July 05, 2012 Read Full Article
New Hampshire Bill Restricts Ability for State to Join LCFS Programs
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The New Hampshire legislature recently passed legislation (HB 1487) that aims to prohibit the state from participating in any low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) programs that require quotas, caps or mandates on transportation fuels, fuels
July 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Guest Column: The Long and Winding Biofuels Road
by Tammy Klein (Hart Energy/Fuel Fix) ...A Hart Energy study examined mandated ethanol production vs. capability and arrived at this inconvenient truth: The government, through the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, has ordered production of cellulosic biofuels to ramp up to
July 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Proposed CAFE Standards Could Pose Deadly Threat to Biofuels
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A coalition of agriculture and bioenergy groups, led by the 25x’25 organization, filed late comments with the U.S. EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on June 28 to draw attention to an aspect of the
July 04, 2012 Read Full Article
Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee Final Report Now Available
(Federal Aviation Administration) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is committed to developing a fiscally responsible action plan to meet the agency's goal of making an unleaded fuel available for most of the general aviation fleet to replace 100 octane low-lead
July 04, 2012 Read Full Article
Face the Truth: Europe’s Biofuels Bonanza Causes Hunger in Africa
by David Cronin (New Europe Online) ...The production of biofuels is a central factor behind the grabbing of land in Africa. Yet rather than using food crops, many of the players in this murky game have recently chosen jatropha, a
July 04, 2012 Read Full Article
“End Fossil Fuel Subsidies” Emerges as Rio+20 Theme; PANGEA Says Focus on “Best Practices” for Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, “end fossil fuel subsidies” has emerged as a theme at the Rio+20 Summit is underway, where a flash mob of protesters, organized by Earth Day, 350.org and youth groups attending the summit protested
July 04, 2012 Read Full Article
The Obama Plan for Cost-Competitive, Military Biofuels: The 10-Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...The Obama Administration has laid out an integrated strategy for commercializing advanced biofuels, with a focus in this phase on military advanced biofuels at cost-competitive prices with conventional fuels. The vehicle is a joint program between
July 03, 2012 Read Full Article
Congressman Introduces Phantom Fuel Reform Act
(CSP Daily News) Would eliminate EPA mandates for use of biofuels that do not yet exist Representative Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) has introduced the Phantom Fuel Reform Act (H.R. 6047) to reform an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation that he said adds
July 03, 2012 Read Full Article
European Biofuels Technology Platform Stresses Benefits of Bio-Carbon Capture
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine) The European Biofuels Technology Platform published a report in June that addresses the potential to couple carbon capture and storage (CCS) with biofuel and biomass heat and power technologies. The report, titled
June 25, 2012 Read Full Article
No One Size Fits All, Says Bio-Fuels Panel at Rio+20
(United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) On the eve of the official opening of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development -- Rio+20, a panel discussion was organized by UNCTAD on exploring new sustainable and socially inclusive biofuels experiences in
June 22, 2012 Read Full Article
End the Subsidies of Fossil Fuel
(Bloomberg) There may be little reason to hope the Rio+20 meeting in Brazil this week will lead to major global action against climate change. World leaders have skipped it. The draft agreement the delegates from 190 countries have written is rightly criticized as weak. Yet it turns
June 22, 2012 Read Full Article
World Faces Economic, Not Caloric, Famine
(AgWired) Farmers of the world are producing enough food to meet the demands of wiping out all hunger in the world. But hunger still exists. Why? Dr. Chris Mallett, Corporate VP of Research and Development for Cargill explains it’s a
June 15, 2012 Read Full Article
Biofuels: Better for Airplanes, Too?
by Margaret Ryan (AOLEnergy) Biofuels could be a "game changer" for both military and commercial aviation, says Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Terry Yonkers, because they're proving to have advantages over petroleum-based jet fuels that go beyond the environment. ...Burning biofuels is considered
June 14, 2012 Read Full Article
Scientists, Environmentalists, Biofuels Industry Unite to Save RFS, Extend Biofuels Incentives
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker John Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, leading environmental, science and advanced biofuels advocates urged Congress today
June 13, 2012 Read Full Article
UNEP Releases Global Renewables Status Report 2012
by Megan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Kenya, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) published its Global Renewables Status Report 2012, which showed that renewables accounted for almost half of the estimated 208 gigawatts (GW) of electric capacity added globally in
June 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Wishful Thinking: If We Only Had a Stable Energy Policy
byRobert Rapier (Christian Science Monitor) In this column energy expert Rapier provides three examples — originating with both Democrats and Republicans and impacting both renewable energy and fossil fuels — of how constantly shifting legislation makes it very difficult to
June 08, 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
Data on Biodiesel Production Shows Harmful Impact of Stop-and-Go, Short-Term Policies
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On May 4, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released monthly data on biodiesel production in the United States since 2009. Biodiesel production fell dramatically during 2010 when Congress decided not to renew production tax credits,
June 07, 2012 Read Full Article
Expect Brutal Fight for RFS and E15
by Greg Martin (AgInfo.net) ...DINEEN: The RFS is under attack in Washington today. I don’t see for a moment that it will be unraveled this year but they will continue to fight next year and they’ll continue to fight in
June 07, 2012 Read Full Article
EU Revises Horizon 2020 Programme to Make Gas a Green Fuel
(Power-Technology.com) Gas has been reclassified as a green source of power by Horizon 2020, an €80bn European Union programme unveiled last year, which could have serious repercussions for the renewable energy industry. According to a document seen by the Guardian, a
June 07, 2012 Read Full Article
Insiders Support Military’s Renewable-Energy Push
by Sara Sorcher (National Journal) Nearly two-thirds of National Journal’s National Security Insiders agree with the military’s push for renewable energy, siding with the Obama administration over some Republicans in Congress who have charged that the Defense Department should not spend
June 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Switching to a Green Economy Could Mean Millions of Jobs, Says UN
(The Guardian) United Nations Environment Programme says global move to low-carbon economy means millions could be lifted from poverty Tens of millions of new jobs can be created around the world in the next two decades if green policies are put
June 01, 2012 Read Full Article
US Senate Group Starts up “Seed to Wheel” Review of US Renewable Fuel Standard
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, staff members working for least eight US Senators will join a study group aimed at a “seed-to-wheel examination of the US Renewable Fuel Standard,” the Digest has learned. The goal of the study group
May 31, 2012 Read Full Article
Expert Says Business, Military Can Lead U.S. Away from Fossil Fuels
by Morgan Lee (U-T San Diego) There’s a persistent view that the United States can best compete in the global economy by keeping energy prices low. Amory Lovins is out to prove otherwise by helping private industry, the military and civil
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Gasoline Suppliers Overcomplying with Ethanol Content Rules
by Martin Mittelstaedt (The Globe and Mail) Federal law forces oil companies to sell gasoline in Canada with an ethanol content of 5 per cent, but the industry is going one better. Oil refiners like ethanol so much, they’ve quietly begun
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Congressmen Defend Ethanol
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Members of Congress are exchanging dueling fact sheets about corn ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) sent an email last month to members of the House Commerce, and Agriculture and Energy Committees
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Ellison Wants to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies
by Brett Neely (Minnesota Public Radio) U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison introduced legislation Thursday to end all subsidies for fossil fuels. Ellison said the oil, gas and coal industries will get $113 billion worth of government support over the next decade even
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
CBO: Increasing Domestic Oil Doesn’t Help Energy Security Much
by Simone Sebastian (FuelFix) Increasing domestic production of oil won’t significantly boost energy security in the United States, according to a report by the Congressional Budget Office. The CBO advocated policies that reduce demand for oil, such as promoting more fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Backers Push Back against Anti-Renewables PAC
by Dan Piller (Des Moines Register) ...The executive director of the Renewable Fuels Association, Monte Shaw, said AFP should “stop the hypocrisy and to get its facts straight when it comes to ethanol and oil policy.” ...“AFP’s hypocrisy is astounding,” continued
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Will US Federal Fleet Help Alternative Fuel Switch?
by John Kemp (Reuters COLUMN) Widespread use of alternative motor fuels has been hampered by lack of fuel distribution infrastructure, despite strongly favourable economics for alternatives to gasoline and diesel, and a range of financial incentives offered by U.S. federal
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Pure Gasoline Options Shrink: Subgrade Blends Soon Will Spread Eastward in S.D.
by Cody Winchester (Argus Leader) Sometime this summer, already-scarce blends of pure gasoline will become more rare in western South Dakota. That’s because the largest refineries that supply the Plains Rocky Mountain Pipeline terminal in Rapid City, and therefore much of
May 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Groups Ask Senate to Reconsider NDAA Amendments Blocking Military Use of Alternative Energy
(BusinessWire) The Advanced Biofuels Association, the Algal Biomass Organization, Airlines for America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, Growth Energy, and the Pew Charitable Trusts today expressed disappointment that the Senate Armed Services Committee adopted amendments to
May 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Summary Report of Stakeholder Responses to USDA’s Regional Biofuel Roadmap
(US Department of Agriculture) On June 23, 2010, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a strategic biofuels production report, “A USDA Regional Roadmap to Meeting the Biofuels Goals of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) by 2022” (USDA’s Roadmap). Subsequently, Secretary
May 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Pacific Nations under Threat from Rising Seas Vow to Abandon Diesel
(Radio New Zealand International) Pacific nations which are most under threat from rising seas have vowed to abandon diesel and other dirty, expensive fuels and replace them with clean sources of energy. Using coconut biofuel and solar panels, Tokelau plans to
May 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Benefits Thrown into Doubt
by Sean Nicholls (Sydney Morning Herald/New South Wales) THE value of the NSW ethanol mandate has been questioned by the NSW Treasury in documents that describe it of questionable benefit to motorists and a policy that mainly serves to prop
May 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Republicans Blowing up Military’s Plans for Alternative Energy; Democrats Fighting Back
by Troy Hooper (The Colorado Independent) ...House Republicans passed a pair of provisions Friday that would stymie the military’s efforts to incorporate more renewable fuels into its supplies. The defense authorization bill now heads for a markup in the Senate
May 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Colombia's Biofuels Ready for International Market: Study
by Rosemary Westwood (Columbia Reports) Colombia's biofuels exceed international standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – advancing the country’s goal to become a leading ethanol producer, according to a new government report. The study commissioned by the Ministry of Mines and Energy
May 21, 2012 Read Full Article
Massachusetts Sets Strict Regulations for Biomass: Will This Influence Further Restrictions?
by Meg Cichon (Renewable Energy World) The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources released a new set of strict standards for biomass in early May that have the potential to cut subsidies for developing plants. According to these new requirements, all
May 09, 2012 Read Full Article
Measuring the energy and greenhouse gas balances of biofuels and bio-based chemicals using LCA, NNFCC 12-023
(UK's National Center for Biorenewable Energy, Fuels and Materials) This report investigates the importance of allocation procedures in reporting and understanding energy and greenhouse gas balances from life cycle assessment of biofuels and bio-based chemicals. Life cycle assessment (LCA), or life
May 03, 2012 Read Full Article
IEA Urges Governments to Seize the Opportunity to Accelerate Clean Energy Deployment
(International Energy Agency) While progress is being made on renewable energy, most clean energy technologies are not being deployed quickly enough, the International Energy Agency(IEA) said today in an annual progress report presented to ministers and representatives of nations that together
May 01, 2012 Read Full Article
United States Leads World in Exports of Ethanol
(Hart Energy/PR NewsWire) Hart Energy study insists U.S. production mandates are out of sync with market reality Hart Energy's newly released study, U.S. & Brazil Ethanol Outlook to 2022, finds the United States has vaulted over Brazil to lead the world in the export of ethanol, a
May 01, 2012 Read Full Article
EU Biofuels' Indirect Carbon Emissions Debate To Move Forward
(Wall Street Journal/Governors Biofuels Coalition) Top European Union policy makers will next week be faced with one of Europe's most controversial climate policies, as they consider whether biofuels do more harm than good when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. The
April 30, 2012 Read Full Article
Senate Ag Committee OK’s $800M for Farm Bill Energy Programs; DOE OK’d to Move $100M for Advanced Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Senate Agriculture Committee has approved $800 million in mandatory biofuels-related funding for the proposed energy title in the upcoming Farm Bill. ...Yesterday, Senators Kent Conrad of North Dakota and Richard Lugar of Indiana
April 27, 2012 Read Full Article
The US Bioeconomy Blueprint: the 10 Minute Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Obama Administration releases its long-awaited, historic strategic plan for the bioeconomy, and US economic revival from advances in health sciences, agriculture, industrial biotechnology and advanced biofuels. No time to read the dense pages
April 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Algae Is Not Endive: The Future of Biofuels in the United States
by Dan Morgan (The Globalist) The plant world has a curious way of providing fodder for Republicans in the midst of important elections in the United States. In 1988, the party cast the Democrat's presidential candidate, Michael Dukakis, as an
April 26, 2012 Read Full Article
Take Courage! Develop a Comprehensive, Strategic Meaningful Energy Policy that Answers the Tough Questions--or Not...
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) In an interview with Kris Bevill of Ethanol Producer Magazine, John Eichberger, National Association of Convenience Stores vice president of government relations and author of the paper, titled “The Future of Fuels: An Analysis
April 26, 2012 Read Full Article
25x'25 Steering Committee Member Michael Bowman, White House 'Champion of Change' Alum, Meets with Obama
(25 x '25) Wray, CO Advocate Urges President to Lend More Support to Bioenergy Development, Support Higher Ethanol Blends Mike Bowman, a member of the National 25x'25 Alliance's Steering Committee, met with President Obama today and outlined the Alliance’s recommendations and
April 26, 2012 Read Full Article
America's Biofuel Industry Moves From The Beaker To Barrel, ABFA President Testifies To Congress
(Advanced Biofuels Association) Testifying today before the U.S. House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, Michael McAdams, president, Advanced Biofuels Association – ABFA, said he is, "proud to report to this Committee and to this Congress that America's
April 26, 2012 Read Full Article
Groups Call On U.S. Senate to Authorize Funding for Military Biofuel
(Advanced Biofuels Association) Energy security is a vital part of national security; we can improve energy security with advanced biofuel production in the U.S. The Biotechnology Industry Organization, the Advanced BioFuel Association, the Algal Biomass Organization, Airlines for America, and the
April 26, 2012 Read Full Article
Paper Evaluates Consequences of Dueling CAFE, RFS Policies
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Increasing fuel efficiency standards are expected to shrink U.S. gasoline demand over the coming years while, at the same time, the renewable fuel standard (RFS) will require increasing amounts of alternative fuels to be
April 26, 2012 Read Full Article
China Seeks to Develop Biofuels Industry Despite Production Difficulties
by Liu Yuanyuan (RenewableEnergyWorld.com) China seeks to promote the development of its biofuels industry through a series of supportive measures despite mass production difficulties. A spokesperson for the National Energy Bureau said that the Chinese government has set a goal
April 25, 2012 Read Full Article
California Wins Temporary Reinstatement of Carbon Fuel Standard
By Karen Gullo and Lynn Doan (Bloomberg) California won temporary reinstatement of its low-carbon fuel standard, which was blocked last year by a federal judge. The U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco yesterday granted a request by California officials to put on hold the Dec.
April 24, 2012 Read Full Article
Americans Show Strong Support for Renewable Fuels Agenda
(Ethanol Producer Magazine/Renewable Fuels Association) By an overwhelming majority, American voters are supportive of the key federal policy driving renewable fuel innovation in America today – the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a poll commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association
April 23, 2012 Read Full Article
RFA’s Dinneen Tells House Committee to Support Domestic Fuels Protection Act
(Renewable Fuels Association) Providing flexibility to fuel retailers will be key to the continued growth in availability of higher level ethanol blends like E15 and other renewable fuels, according to Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen in written testimony before
April 23, 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
RFA Forms Renewable Fuels PAC
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today announced that it has formed a political action committee (PAC). The Renewable Fuels Association PAC, to be referred to as the Renewable Fuels PAC, will help RFA members support candidates for federal
April 19, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama Energy Aide Strongly Backs Biofuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, addressed the Renewable Fuels Association’s Washington Legislative Forum. ...“Now, as we produce more biofuels, it’s also important that we focus on deployment.
April 19, 2012 Read Full Article
Want to Cut Reliance on Foreign Oil? Replace the Whole Barrel
by Lee Edwards (Virent/The Hill) ...If we really want to succeed in getting off foreign oil, policymakers need to think bigger – they need to think about how we can replace the whole barrel. Currently, the U.S. imports approximately 12 million
April 18, 2012 Read Full Article
India Official Sheds Light on Local Biodiesel Industry
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) ...Although India’s biodiesel industry is small, it does show potential for growth. This week World Health Energy Holdings announced plans to establish algae biodiesel production in two areas of the country are moving forward. READ MORE
March 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Tom Murphy Interview: Resource Depletion is a Bigger Threat than Climate Change
by James Stafford (OilPrice.com) Rising geopolitical tensions and high oil prices are continuing to help renewable energy find favour amongst investors and politicians. Yet how much faith should we place in renewables to make up the shortfall in fossil fuels?
March 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Is Kansas Ready to Bump to E15 at the Pump?
by Steve Everly (Kansas City Star) Ethanol industry pushes for the state to step up from the E10 blend now offered. But automakers warn of engine damage, voided warranties. ...E10 will still be available, and selling E15 won’t be mandatory, but
March 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Malaysia, Indonesia Refute EPA Report on Palm Oil-Based Biofuels
(Bernama) Malaysia and Indonesia, the world’s largest producers of palm oil, are on a joint mission to correct and update a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that could impact future exports of palm oil-based biofuels. Plantation Industries and Commodities
March 29, 2012 Read Full Article
The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota Releases Roadmap for Minnesota's Advanced Biofuels and Biobased Chemicals Industry
(Enhanced Online News/Live Science Alley) Today (March 28, 2012), The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota released a comprehensive white paper detailing the extent and impact of the advanced biofuels and biobased chemicals industry and providing a roadmap for their continued growth
March 29, 2012 Read Full Article
When Defending Biofuels, Supporters Point to History
by David Ferris (Forbes) At a conference today sponsored by the Carbon War Room outside Washington, D.C., a panel of biofuels entrepreneurs, supporters and financiers pointed to disruptive episodes in American history that bear some similarity to the current debate over cooking-oil fuel
March 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Government Drags Feet on Biofuel Project
(Business Day) State wants industry to source feedstock from small-scale farmers, writes Hopewell Radebe The government has not moved an inch on the proposal by the farming community to include maize as an alternative crop for biofuel production since the Department
March 28, 2012 Read Full Article
Eight Biofuels-Related Groups Send Letter to Congress Championing the Success of the RFS
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) joined with seven other biofuel-related organizations to champion the success of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY),
March 28, 2012 Read Full Article
EU to Recognize Ensus as Biofuel Certification in 'Matter of Weeks': Source
(Platts) A decision in favor of recognizing Ensus, a UK biofuel sustainability certification scheme, will be taken in "a matter of weeks," a European Commission source said Monday. UK bioethanol producer Ensus received the support of EU member states' experts on
March 27, 2012 Read Full Article
AEC Urges Support for Extension of Two Critical Tax Incentives
In a letter to Senate Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Ranking Member John Cornyn (R-TX), the Advanced Ethanol Council voiced support for extending key cellulosic ethanol tax provisions set to expire at
March 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Low Carbon Fuel Standard Could Double Gas Prices
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A new study released today by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) indicates that a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states could result in doubling gasoline prices and other negative economic impacts. The study, “Analysis of the
March 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Regional Approach to New, Clean Energy Can Improve Our Economy, Security
by LtGen John G. Castellaw, USMC (Ret.) (25 x '25) ...In spite of claims to the contrary, increased domestic drilling and building pipelines to carry Canadian crude south will not result in energy independence or low fuel prices in either the
March 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Gingrich “a Flat Out Liar,” Says National Algae Association, Denying Campaign Contact, Slamming Speaker’s Algae Numbers
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Texas, the National Algae Association called on presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich to issue a retraction of statements he made at a campaign speech in Pennsylvania, branding the Speaker’s claim that he contacted the NAA to
March 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Former NATO Supreme Commander Talks Ethanol in Annawan
by Lisa Depies (GateHouse News Service/Galesburg.com) Retired Gen. Wesley Clark spent 38 years in the U.S. Army protecting America. Today, Clark is working to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Clark is co-chairman of Growth Energy, an organization that represents
March 26, 2012 Read Full Article
Queensland’s Election Landslide: a Message for State, Country or the World?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Two reasons why Queensland’s election stands out. First, the election was also notable for the electoral debut of the rural, populist Katter’s Australian Party, which was formed last year – socially conservative, pro-growth, protectionist,
March 26, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama Pushes Efficiency, Alternative Fuels
(UPI) ...Obama said the key to America's energy future is reducing dependence on foreign oil through increased fuel efficiency and investment in alternative fuels. "The most important thing I can do as a president is not to simply focus on tomorrow;
March 26, 2012 Read Full Article
NSAC Suggests REAP, BCAP Changes
by Anna Austin (Biomass Power and Thermal Magazine) The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has released its 2012 Farm Bill platform, which provides suggestions to improve some federal bioenergy programs. These include the Repowering Assistance Program and the Biomass Crop Assistance
March 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blends Overtaking Gasoline Supply Chain
(OPISNet.com) It’s been a long time coming, but ethanol now dominates the U.S. gasoline blending landscape. The number of wholesale terminals supplying only conventional clear gasoline for truck loadings has trimmed down to just nine out of about 325 rack
March 23, 2012 Read Full Article
No Farm Bill, No Tier 3—Not until after the Election; Sundrop Fuels Presents an Alternative
By Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) At the March 21 Bioenergy Day on Capitol Hill, discussion focused on the need for a continued Renewable Fuels Standard, reviews of the history of biofuels, assessment of current questioning of biofuels as viable
March 23, 2012 Read Full Article
An All-of-the-Above Approach to Energy in America
by Sarah Bittleman (USDA/25 x '25) America needs and is developing a reliable, sustainable, fuel supply. If we are able to produce more of it here at home – rather than relying on foreign oil – we’ll generate good, middle-class jobs
March 20, 2012 Read Full Article
National Biodiesel Board Introduces First Phase of RIN Solution
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The first phase of the National Biodiesel Board’s measures to help restore integrity to the renewable identification number (RIN) credit market was established yesterday after NBB held a town hall meeting with its members to
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
State Concerned with Algae-to-Ethanol Process of Fort Myers Company
by Laura Layden (Naples News) State concerns with a Southwest Florida company’s plans to make ethanol from algae may have stalled the business’s expansion. Tucked inside an energy bill the Legislature approved in the final hours of its recent session is
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
U.S. Ag Secretary Says Ethanol Holding Gas Prices in Check
by Jim Martin (Erie Times-News) U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack knows gas prices are high. ...But Vilsack, a Pittsburgh native, said prices could be a lot worse. In an interview with the Erie Times-News, Vilsack said Tuesday that ethanol and other biofuels
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
An Opportunity to Show Ethanol’s Edge
by Brian Jennings (American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...First, with E15 market ready in many states, the U.S. EPA ought to ensure summer Reid vapor pressure (RVP) limitations do not stand in the way of consumers having access
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
FDA Has No Jurisdiction Here—Or Does It?
by Sarah Brew and Steve Toeniskoetter (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Faegre Baker Daniels) Pop quiz time—which federal agencies regulate your plant? Did your answer include the Food and Drug Administration? If your plant produces distillers grains, corn oil or similar products for
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
ILUC: The ‘Soap’ Continues
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...In my opinion, the delay in putting a bill on the table is caused by the fact that the ILUC ‘science’ is simply not conclusive. A study by the International Food Policy Research Institute
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
Opinion: Making the Case for Renewable Energy Subsidies
by Wayne Lee (Biorefining Magazine/Lee Enterprises Consulting) ...Since renewable fuels do not enjoy the longer-term subsidies and programs of oil, we are back asking Congress and the administration for some stability. ...First, we must understand that, oftentimes, renewable energy advances
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Mabus Defends Biofuels during Hearing on Navy Ship
by Brock Vergakis (AP/Wisconsin Rapids Tribune) Navy Secretary Ray Mabus defended the service's investment on biofuels Monday, saying that it is a "false choice" for critics to suggest the Navy should focus on building more ships instead of finding alternative fuels to
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Briefing: Advanced Biofuels in the Public and Private Sectors
(Pew Charitable Trusts) On Thursday, March 8, the Pew Project on National Security, Energy, and Climate held a briefing on the outlook for advanced biofuels, the roles of the federal government and private industry in developing this resource, and predictions for commercialization. Speakers included: Phyllis
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Steven Chu Discusses 'All of the Above' U.S. Energy Strategy
by David Biello (CNET.com/Scientific American) The U.S. government aims to improve energy production from renewables to oil, but what does that mean in practice? Energy Secretary Steven Chu explains. ..."We're not going to be able to just drill our way out
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Zimbabwe: Zanu-PF Chiefs Plan to Grab Ethanol Project
by Patrice Makova (AllAfrica.com) THE US$600 million Chisumbanje ethanol project is threatened with collapse as Zanu PF chiefs, including Cabinet ministers, demand free shares in the lucrative venture under the guise of indigenisation. Sources close to the project told The
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Senegal: Researchers Help Draft Biofuel Law
by Theodore Kouadio (AllAfrica.com) Senegal's government has called on the expertise of the country's researchers in drafting a new national law to regulate the production and environmental impact of biofuels. The law was developed in collaboration with scientists from the country's
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
US Group Files Suit against Federal Cellulosic Ethanol Mandate
A US energy industry group on Monday said it has filed suit to challenge the federal government’s mandate for US cellulosic ethanol consumption, charging that it is unrealistic and constitutes an illegitimate tax. The American Petroleum Institute (API) said that it filed a petition for review in
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industrials Shift Focus to Waste, Asia as World Biofuels Markets 2012 Opens
by Nadim Chaudhry (Biofuels Digest/Greenpower Conferences) 1500 industry leaders expected to gather in Rotterdam as oil prices, aviation dominate thinking on growth, in 100-leader industry survey. As we gear up for the 2012 World Biofuels Markets event in Rotterdam, March 13-15, we asked
March 13, 2012 Read Full Article
Energy Secretary to Look at Hanford Land Transfer
(Yakima Herald) Energy Secretary Steven Chu will look at speeding the transfer of 1,600 acres of Hanford nuclear reservation land for industrial development in response to a request by Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. Inslee, who is running for governor, asked the
March 12, 2012 Read Full Article
Algal Biomass Organization Briefing on Industry Accomplishments and Policy Needs
by Josh Rathod (Advanced Biofuels USA) As host of an annual legislative hearing on Capitol Hill, the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) used this year’s presentation on March 1st to give a clear outline of where the industry stands on reaching
March 12, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Pioneer Wants Higher Blends
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ...At the recent National Ethanol Conference, where ICM, Inc. founder Dave Vander Griend was honored with the Renewable Fuels Association 2012 Membership Award, he talked about how ethanol could replace some of the additives currently found in gasoline – called aromatics
March 12, 2012 Read Full Article
Forum to Address Energy’s Role in National Security
(Midwest Energy News) Military leaders are increasingly connecting the dots between energy, climate and national security issues. We’ve reported here before on the U.S. military’s push to go green with solar, biofuels and other renewable technologies. Across the pond, defense leaders in the United
March 09, 2012 Read Full Article
U.S. Must Use All Options to Beat High Gas Prices, Especially Biofuels
(25 x '25) While President Obama continued his “all of the above” energy campaign in North Carolina this week promoting the development and manufacturing of vehicles that run on electricity, natural gas, and even hydrogen, the element that continues to
March 09, 2012 Read Full Article
US Legislation to Prohibit Airlines from Joining EU ETS Moves a Step Closer as Senate Bill Receives Bipartisan Support
(GreenAirOnline) A bill introduced into the US upper house by Republican Senator John Thune that would prohibit US aircraft operators from participating in the EU ETS has received backing from Senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat. As the Democrats hold
March 09, 2012 Read Full Article
What To Do About High Gasoline Prices?
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee held a hearing on what to do about rising gasoline prices. Most of the hearing focused on whether increasing oil production from federal lands and off shore and reducing environmental
March 09, 2012 Read Full Article
President Obama Announces $1 Billion Fund to Promote Energy Efficient Vehicles
by Matt Compton (White House Blog) Today, (March 7, 2012) President Obama made a trip to a manufacturing plant for Daimler Trucks North America in Mount Holly, North Carolina. He was in the Tar Heel state to discuss more ways his
March 09, 2012 Read Full Article
ANALYSIS-Doubts about Biodiesel Threaten the EU's Green Targets
by Charlie Dunmore and Ivana Sekularac (Reuters) The European Union will almost certainly not meet their targets for cutting emissions of fuels in the transportation sector if policymakers act on the basis of scientific warnings about the impact of biofuels
March 08, 2012 Read Full Article
Oil Prices, Gas Prices and Domestic Production
(US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources) Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, has a well-deserved reputation for focusing on facts. He worries about the many myths surrounding gasoline prices, oil prices and domestic production. Today, on
March 08, 2012 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Urge Administration to Support Biodiesel
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) Dozens of lawmakers have sent letters to the White House calling for an increase in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2013. A bipartisan group of 60 members of Congress on both the Senate side and the House signed letters urging
March 07, 2012 Read Full Article
IPEA Recommends Diversifying Production to Build the Biodiesel Program
(Pernambuco.com) The Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) points as a solution to consolidate the biodiesel program in the country diversification of agricultural production, reducing dependence on tax incentives and lower costs of the final product. A study released today (1)
March 07, 2012 Read Full Article
USDA Offers Farmers More Money to Idle Sensitive Land
by Tom Polansek (Reuters) U.S. officials said on Friday they would offer higher payments to certain owners of environmentally sensitive farm land if they idle it in a conservation program instead of using it to grow crops. The offer from the
March 07, 2012 Read Full Article
How Not to Lose an Energy Policy in 10 Days
by Brent Erickson (Biotechnology Industry Organization/Biofuels Digest) BIO’s industrial biotech czar says that governments should resist attempts to derail the commercialization of advanced biofuels, and not be beguiled by the Solyndra Syndrome In 2011, consumers spent a record $481 billion on gasoline ,
March 07, 2012 Read Full Article
EPA Says Not Now, Maybe Later to Camelina, Energy Cane, Napiergrass, and Giant Reed as Biofuels Feedstocks
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the EPA withdrew the direct final rule to allow camelina, energy cane, napiergrass, and giant reed to meet the RFS2. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said: “EPA published a direct final rule on January 5, 2012 (77
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Campaigners Claim Government Has ‘Not Done Its Homework’ Following Analysis of Biodiesel Prices
(Fleet News) Campaigners have accused the Treasury of ‘not doing its homework’ after analysis by the Save our Sustainable Biodiesel campaign identified a lack of demand for biodiesel certificates, calling into question the Treasury’s plans to switch incentives for used
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Gaia Association Requests Expressions of Interest for Procurement of Ethanol Microdistillery, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
(PR.com) Request for Expression of Interest Promotion of Ethanol Microdistillery for Cooking Fuel in Ethiopia Loan No. /Credit No./ Grant No.: TF096664 Activity Title: Demonstrating the Feasibility of Ethanol for Household Cooking The Gaia Association, an Ethiopian non-governmental and non-profit organization established in 2005
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Electric Cars and Liberals’ Refusal to Accept Science
by Charles Lane (The Washinton Post) OpEd: President Obama boasted at a United Auto Workers conference last week that General Motors was back in business, producing cutting-edge vehicles like the plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt. He even promised to buy one when his time
March 06, 2012 Read Full Article
Gov't To Test Jatropha Biodiesel Offered By Company From Malaysia
(Manila Bulletin) The government is subjecting to fuel standard testing the jatropha biodiesel of Malaysia-based Bionas which is offering to supply what it claims to possibly become the world’s first jatropha biodiesel. The Department of Energy (DoE) is expected to evaluate
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Dominican Republic Signs Cooperation Agreement on Bioenergy
(Caribbean Journal) The Dominican Republic’s National Energy Commission signed a technical cooperation agreement Friday with the Inter-American Development Bank on the development of bioenergy. The agreement will develop a series of studies on bioenergy, taking into account the country’s cooperation on
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
EU Seeks Tighter CO2 Grip on Farms, Forests -Draft
by Francesco Guarascio and Barbara Lewis (Reuters) The EU forestry and farming sectors will have to monitor and report from 2013 any changes to land use that could affect greenhouse gas emissions as part of the bloc's measures to curb climate change,
March 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Bringing Oil Intensity to the Energy Debate
by Former Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) (Bipartisan Policy Center/The Hill) ...For example, both parties have helped raise fuel efficiency standards. First under President Bush in 2007, then under President Obama in 2010, America has vastly improved
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama Calls on Congress to Repeal Federal Subsidies for Oil Industry
by David Nakamura (The Washington Post) President Obama reiterated his call for Congress to repeal federal subsidies to the oil industry Thursday, escalating a political skirmish with Republicans over rising gasoline prices amid evidence that much of the public remains
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Va. Congressman Questions Navy's Ability to "Go Green" versus High Cost
by Mike Gooding (WVEC.com) ... Fourth district congressman Randy Forbes is challenging the Navy which is making a priority out of going green. House Armed Services Committee member Randy Forbes had harsh words for Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, saying he was focusing
March 01, 2012 Read Full Article
RFS May Top Farm Bill in Importance to Corn Growers
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) ...“If you took a poll of our members, and we may well do that at our Commodity Classic next week, I would say that they view the RFS as more important than the farm bill,” said National
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Global Leaders in Advanced Biofuels Industry Urge Congressional Leaders to Extend Critical Tax Provisions
(PR Newswire) Leaders of America's rapidly emerging advanced biofuels industry urged congressional leaders today to extend two tax provisions that are critical to the commercialization of new biofuel production technologies. In a letter addressed to the Chairs and Ranking Members
February 29, 2012 Read Full Article
Biofuel Said a Sustainable Fuel Source
(UPI) Growing crops for fuel as opposed to refining fossil fuels and substituting bioethanol for gasoline is a sustainable energy strategy, Japanese researchers say. In a study published in the International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, researchers analyzed the overall
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Obama’s Green-Car Plan Runs Into Alternative-Fuel Limits
by Angela Greiling Keane and Jeff Green (Bloomberg) President Barack Obama’s administration is buying fewer hybrid and electric cars and more vehicles that can consume both ethanol and gasoline to meet 2015 environmental goals, favoring older technology over new. Obama gave speeches
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Vilsack Thanks Industry, Outlines Challenge for Energy Title
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Maintaining the energy programs within the Farm Bill will also be a challenge, with the expectation that there will be deep budgets cuts from the baseline. Vilsack explained that with the energy programs being new
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Breaking Oil’s Hold Over America
by Tom Buis (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Our nation imagines itself the most free and secure in the world, but the volatility of the global oil market shows how vulnerable we are as a nation to saber rattling by
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Future Won’t Wait
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ...Before year’s end, Congress should pass a multi-year extension of the Producer Tax Credit for cellulosic ethanol production as well as the Accelerated Depreciation Allowance for Cellulosic Biorefineries. These vital tax incentives
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Is Double Counting a Double Whammy?
by Robert Vierhout (ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Between April 2010 and April 2011, the U.K. used 428 million liters of used cooking oil (UCO) for the production of biodiesel. It has become the primary source for biofuel used in U.K. transportation
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Thirsty for More: Ethanol’s High Octane Rating May Be the Ticket for Meeting Escalating Fuel Efficiency Standards in Engines
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards unveiled by the agencies, which reportedly had the support of major automakers and environmental groups, would steadily increase fuel efficiency requirements
February 27, 2012 Read Full Article
OriginOil Study Concludes Algae Producers Can Make Gasoline and Diesel For as Little as $2.28/Gallon
(OriginOil) Analysis indicates potential $2.28/gallon cost for algae-blended feedstock using newest growth, harvesting and fuel conversion technologies OriginOil, Inc., developer of a breakthrough technology to convert algae into renewable crude oil, today announced a new company study indicating for the first
February 24, 2012 Read Full Article
American Coalition for Ethanol Says Ethanol Would Help Consumers Save More at the Pump Immediately
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), a national advocacy association for the U.S. ethanol industry, released this statement today following President Obama’s remarks on energy policy and gasoline prices. “We appreciate that the President talked about biofuels in his
February 24, 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
Innovation, Vision Drive Current Ethanol Industry, Says RFA Chief
(Renewable Fuels Association) Speaking before 1,200 attendees at the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando today, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen will drive home the message that America’s ethanol industry is on the vanguard of leading this
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Stop Keystone Pipeline before It's too Late
by Ted Turner (CNN) ...The purpose of Keystone XL is to bring tar sands crude oil through the United States to Gulf Coast refineries. The route through the United States is actually the oil industry's second choice: Transporting the oil
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Retailers Want Liability Protection before Considering E15
by Kris Bevill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Liability issues surrounding the use of E15 remain a major concern for many retailers when considering offering the fuel to customers driving 2001 and newer vehicles. The U.S. EPA recently approved required health effects
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
IN FOCUS: Pricing and Supply Key to Unlocking Large-Scale US Biofuel Use
by Lori Ranson (FlightGlobal) Successful commercial biofuel flights operated by US carriers in late 2011 were underpinned by an understanding that price and supply chain infrastructure remain the big hurdles to creating a viable full-scale alternative aviation fuels industry in
February 23, 2012 Read Full Article
In Support of Cellulosic Ethanol
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Union of Concerned Scientists is applying some energy to supporting ethanol. Well, not corn ethanol, I doubt they’ve made an about face there. But they are coming out in support of cellulosic ethanol. ..."A
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Ethanol Vital If Refineries Shut- Katter
(Big Pond News) Australia will need a vibrant bio-fuel industry more than ever if Caltex decides to close its refineries, independent MP Bob Katter says. Caltex Australia has flagged shutting its two domestic refineries in Sydney and Brisbane, putting 800 jobs
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Uruguay 5% Blend of Biodiesel in Diesel
(UPI) The Biofuels Act states that from 2012 onwards ANCAP mix 5% biodiesel in diesel, appropriated a report from the portal of the President. Juan Gomez, a member of the board of the company, explained that this will possible if it
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Make It Here, Bank It Here: Biofuels’ Economic Impact Spurs Expansion
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) As President Obama orders a sweeping increase in the USDA’s BioPreferred Program, new research suggests a $80 billion US financial gain that results from domestic fuels and bio-based products over the next 10 years. In Washington,
February 22, 2012 Read Full Article
Grow it Here, Make it Here
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...In Michigan, US Senator Debbie Stabenow expanded her “Grow it Here, Make it Here” initiative into a $5 billion proposal designed to dramatically expand bio-based manufacturing and job creation, funded through what she described as reductions in
February 21, 2012 Read Full Article
Soil Erosion Increasing Global Warming Threat: UNEP
by Nina Chestney (Reuters) Global warming will get worse as agricultural methods accelerate the rate of soil erosion, which depletes the amount of carbon the soil is able to store, a United Nations' Environment Programme report said on Monday. Soil contains
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
U.S. Will Lead New Effort to Cut Global Warming from Methane, Soot
by Brian Vastag (The Washington Post) With global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions stalled, the United States and five other countries are starting a new program to cut other pollutants — including methane, soot and hydrofluorocarbons — that contribute
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
House Proposal Would Raise Gas Tax and Some Vehicle Fees
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Iowa’s gas tax would be eight cents per gallon higher by April, 2014 under a proposal that has cleared a five-member House panel. The bill also calls for new yearly fees for hybrid vehicles and for
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
U.S. ‘Losing Momentum’ in Biofuels Makes Novozymes Target Brazil
by Justin Doom (Bloomberg) Novozymes A/S (NZYMB), the world’s biggest maker of enzymes for biofuels, is focusing its expansion efforts in Europe, China and Brazil and isn’t pursuing new projects in the U.S. because of the lack of political support. “The policy signals sent to