(National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine) Addressing climate change is essential and possible, and it offers a host of benefits - from better public health to new economic opportunities. The United States has a historic opportunity to lead the way
public health policy
Back TO HOMEBiofuels Can Help Solve NY’s Electricity Problem
Guest Opinion by Rocco J. Lacertosa & Kris DeLair (New York State Energy Coalition Inc. / Empire State Energy Association Inc./Syracuse.com) There are many aspects of the scope and scale of New York’s energy system that boggle the mind. Uncertainty about where
December 07, 2024 Read Full Article
Sustainable Mobility for Trains, Ships and Planes: The Role of Hydrogen
(Edison Next) ... By promoting an ecological transition that favors the use of low environmental impact vehicles, we are also in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development of the EU. In this context , green mobility brings
December 06, 2024 Read Full Article
Letter: Ethanol Has Positive Climate and Human Health Benefits
by Brian Werner (Minnesota Biofuels Association/Republican Eagle) An opinion piece published in the Republican Eagle on July 12 by the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance presented a one-sided view of the environmental benefits of ethanol and mislead readers into believing that ethanol
July 25, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA Announces $9M in Grants Available for Tribes and Eligible US Territories to Replace Diesel Equipment and Reduce Harmful Emissions DEADLINE December 6, 2024
(U.S. EPA) Today, May 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of grant funding available to Tribal governments and eligible territories to implement projects aimed at reducing diesel emissions from older diesel engines. Legacy diesel engines emit large amounts
May 13, 2024 Read Full Article
Never Stop Educating
Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/South Dakota Farmers Union) For all of us long-time ethanol supporters, we share the frustration that American agriculture and the ethanol we produce is so often misunderstood. We were reminded of this after participating in the
May 10, 2024 Read Full Article
Celly Partners With Yosemite Clean Energy to Drive Carbon-Negative Biofuel Innovation and Sustainable Fuel Distribution
(Yosemite Clean Energy/Newswire) Yosemite Clean Energy, a leading innovator in the production of carbon-negative biofuels, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Celly, a pioneering force in low-carbon and sustainable fuel distribution. This collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing
May 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Thompson: Cleaner Transportation Fuels Can Save Lives
by Antoine M. Thompson (Washington Informer/Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition) One of the biggest challenges in communities of color are higher rates of asthma and respiratory-related illnesses. I know this firsthand from growing up in the inner city of Buffalo. My
May 08, 2024 Read Full Article
Biodiesel to Help Port of Detroit Improve Air Quality, Decarbonize
(Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority in Michigan revealed details on Earth Day (April 22) of an ambitious program to dramatically improve air quality and the health of residents by cutting carbon emissions to net zero
April 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Booker Introduces Forest Biomass Emissions Act Of 2024
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A bill introduced on April 17 by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and several colleagues aims to require the U.S. EPA to change the way it assesses lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from forest biomass. The American
April 24, 2024 Read Full Article
Higher Biodiesel Blend Exemption in Effect
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews) The first of three phases that move toward higher biodiesel blend sales tax exemptions was effective April 1. Legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that extended the previous B11
April 22, 2024 Read Full Article
More to Do on Methane
by Patrick Serfass and Adam Comora (American Biogas Council/OPAL Fuels/Biofuels Digest) A recent study released by the journal Science supported by research conducted by Carbon Mapper and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory revealed that methane emissions from landfills are greater than previously
April 15, 2024 Read Full Article
China Releases List for a Biofuel Pilot Scheme to Boost Domestic Consumption
by Samyak Pandey and Aditya Kondalamahanty (S&P Global) Major biodiesel exporter faces weak local demand; Government urges demonstrations to support consumption; Loans and carbon profits fall short in driving demand sufficiently -- The Chinese government unveiled a plan for a biodiesel pilot scheme in
April 06, 2024 Read Full Article
Saudi Arabia’s Only Biofuel Producer Is Tripling Refining Capacity by 2025
by Sowmya Sundar (Zawya Projects) The Biofuel Company, which operates the GCC’s largest biofuel refinery, prioritises domestic needs in capacity expansion -- The Biofuel Company, Saudi Arabia’s first and only biofuel producer, is on course to triple its refining capacity by 2025, the
April 04, 2024 Read Full Article
New EPA Emissions Rule for Semi-Trucks: EPA Rolls Out World's Toughest Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Trucks
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... EPA announced new, final national emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles model years 2027 through 2032. Officials stated the new rule would avoid 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions while reducing air pollution for
March 29, 2024 Read Full Article
In Gasolinegate, the True Cost of Gasoline Far Exceeds What We See at the Pump
by Emily Phillips (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... Even today, gasoline as a fuel dominates the transportation sector, despite attempts to increase the market share of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. In Gasolinegate, authors Burl Haigwood (advisor to the Clean Fuels Development
March 26, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Strongest-Ever Pollution Standards for Cars that Position U.S. Companies and Workers to Lead the Clean Vehicle Future, Protect Public Health, Address the Climate Crisis, Save Drivers Money
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Final standards will expand consumer choice in clean vehicles and build on historic progress in U.S. auto manufacturing under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda -- Today, March 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced final national pollution
March 20, 2024 Read Full Article
EPA Celebrates 20 Years of Methane Reduction Accomplishments at the Global Methane Forum
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to cut methane pollution that threatens the climate and public health, the EPA and State Department officials convened a group of 450 global leaders at the 2024 Global Methane
March 20, 2024 Read Full Article
US Grains Council and Cooperators Announce Partnership to Support Ethanol-based Cooking, Transport in Mozambique
(U.S. Grains Council/Club of Mozambique) On February 29, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) convened high-level U.S. and Mozambican government officials, industry professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the benefits and challenges of using ethanol biofuel to meet the country’s clean energy
March 01, 2024 Read Full Article
New Mexico Legislators Seek Cleaner Transportation Fuels, Would Follow West Coast’s Lead
by Morgan Lee (Associated Press) New Mexico’s Legislature has approved a bill aimed at reducing climate-warming pollution from cars and trucks through financial incentives to reward businesses that produce cleaner fuels. The Senate voted 26-15 Tuesday, on a party-line vote with Republicans
February 15, 2024 Read Full Article
Sustainable Shipping Surges on the Great Lakes
by Karen Potratz (Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition/Biobased Diesel Daily) Biodiesel is a readily available solution to decarbonize ports. -- The Great Lakes region is a marine-shipping superpower. Each year thousands of vessels transport 90 million tons of cargo on the five Great
February 06, 2024 Read Full Article
New Global Climate Restoration Fund Announces First Grant Cycle: Applications Open to Fund Environmental Impact Studies and Stakeholder Outreach DEADLINE June 1, 2024
(Climate Intervention Environmental Impact Fund) The Climate Intervention Environmental Impact Fund (CIEIF; https://cieif.org/) is pleased to announce its first round of three $50,000 grants towards environmental impact analysis for climate restoration projects. The inaugural grantees are: Arctic Reflections, bv – a Dutch start-up aimed
February 06, 2024 Read Full Article
NJ Introduces Clean Fuels Transportation Bill
(Fill It Up Clean New Jersey/PR Newswire) First on East Coast to Advance Clean Fuels Legislation -- Fill It Up Clean New Jersey, a diverse coalition of business and community stakeholders, is applauding the New Jersey State Senate for introducing legislation that would give The Garden
January 31, 2024 Read Full Article
Instead of Bickering over Fossil Oil, Use the Energy to Make Biofuels
by Joachim Buwembo (The East African) Rather than, or besides fighting over control of the poison being sold to them by rich international dealers, Uganda and Kenya could put the health of their people, vehicles and wallets first, and jointly develop better
January 29, 2024 Read Full Article
Five Star Collaborates with BSGF to Transform Cooking Oil into Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(Asia Food Journal (Google Translation)) Five Star, a prominent franchise platform known for its grilled and fried chicken under Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), has entered into a collaboration with BSGF Company Limited, a joint venture of the Bangchak
December 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Message from Brussels: Higher Ethanol Blends Are Pathway to Lower Carbon
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) Speaking before the World Ethanol and Biofuels Conference in Brussels, Belgium last week, the Clean Fuels Development Coalition’s Doug Durante said the pendulum will swing back to liquid fuels, and ethanol will be a key to lowering emissions in
November 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Neste Partners with PTL Marine to Supply Renewable Diesel to Marine Customers across California
(Neste) Neste is partnering with PTL Marine to provide Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ to the marine sector across the State of California. PTL Marine, a division of Pilot Thomas Logistics, is a leading provider of maritime fuel and lubricants, supplies and last-mile logistics. Through this
November 07, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Announces Winners of the 2023 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the winners of the 2023 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards for new and innovative green chemistry technologies. Through the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and
October 23, 2023 Read Full Article
Thompson: Reducing Negative Health Impacts from Transportation on Communities of Color
by Antoine M. Thompson (Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition/Washington Informer) ... Nationwide, there is an environmental justice disparity between White and African American citizens. What is the root cause? Air pollution from diesel in the transportation sector. ... Particulate matter (PM2.5) and
October 19, 2023 Read Full Article
US Says Lead Emissions from Small Piston-Engine Aircraft Pose Public Health Danger
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The U.S Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday issued a final determination declaring that emissions from aircraft that use leaded fuel pose a danger to public health, following years of study. Commercial aircraft use jet fuel, which does not contain
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
Institute for Transportation Decarbonization Issues Call for Research Proposals on Drop-in Fuels
(Institute for Transportation Decarbonization/Biobased Diesel Daily) The Institute for Transportation Decarbonization announced Oct. 11 a new grant to deepen understanding of the role of low-carbon liquid fuels in decarbonizing legacy on-road vehicles and reducing the climate impact of the transportation sector. ITD
October 18, 2023 Read Full Article
The Digest’s 2023 Multi-Slide Guide to CO2 Utilization Markets, Resources, and Environmental and Energy Justice
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A recent DOE project aims to quantify resource availability and costs for CO2 utilization (CO2U) in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production to inform industry, technology communities, and policymakers on location-specific economic and societal impacts. It will provide
October 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Commentary: A National Clean Fuel Standard Would Benefit the Environment and Public Health
by Julie Tighe (New York League of Conservation Voters/Times Union) We need a federal fuel policy that prioritizes not just emissions reductions but also American innovation, consumer choice and energy independence. ... To meet both near-term and midcentury decarbonization targets, we need a
August 15, 2023 Read Full Article
New Book Exposes EPA, Oil Industry’s Role in Ensuring the Dominance of High-Emission Fuels: Gasolinegate Debuts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that EPA and oil interests collaborated to manipulate computer models used to certify fuel emissions and set standards, say authors Burl Haigwood and Doug Durante
June 13, 2023 Read Full Article
New Issue Brief Challenges the EV Vision: Biofuels and a Technology Neutral Strategy the Better Approach
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) The widespread introduction of electric vehicles as a means of reducing carbon emissions presents a far greater challenge than the public is being led to believe, according to new research by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC). This
June 12, 2023 Read Full Article
Mining Critical to Renewable Energy Tied to Hundreds of Alleged Human Rights Abuses
by Katie Surma (Inside Climate News) A report released Wednesday faults the U.S. and other nations for providing incentives for the mining of rare metals like lithium and cobalt without enacting adequate labor and environmental safeguards. Over the past dozen years, hundreds
June 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Burning Trash for the Planet? Climate Cash Sets off Branding Frenzy.
by Evan Halper (Washington Post) Incinerators, plastics companies and big agriculture among polluters racing to position as green as billions in federal subsidies flow -- ... (The waste-to energy) Industry officials claim the technology is more sustainable than landfills, which create a
May 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Proposes Strongest-Ever Pollution Standards for Cars and Trucks to Accelerate Transition to a Clean-Transportation Future Hearing May 2-3, 2023; Public Comment DEADLINE TBD
(Environmental Protection Agency) Building on rapid advancements and investments in clean vehicle manufacturing, including investments in domestic manufacturing in the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA’s proposed standards would deliver on President Biden’s agenda to tackle the climate crisis Today, the U.S. Environmental
April 12, 2023 Read Full Article
The Promise of Advancing Biomanufacturing Innovation
by Greg Potter and Glenn Farris (Lipiferm Scientific andFarris Advisory Services/Lee Enterprises Consulting/Biofuels Digest) On September 12, 2022, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order to Advance Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation to support solutions in health, climate change, energy, food security,
February 20, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Testifies in Support of National Clean Fuel Program to Decarbonize Transportation
(Renewable Fuels Association) Implementing a national clean fuel program that incorporates a market-based, technology-neutral approach will be critical to decarbonizing the U.S. transportation sector, the Renewable Fuels Association stressed today at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “While
February 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Gazing Higher: The Quest for E30
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) E30 could be the future of ethanol. The blend has so much going for it, even if it's not yet in widespread use. For starters, E30 provides an engine with more octane per gallon
February 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Ciarán Cannon Hits out after 'Bag of Sh*t' Thrown at Him and Anne Rabbitte
by Daniel McConnell (Irish Examiner) Ciarán Cannon along with junior minister Anne Rabbitte had a 'bag of sh*t' thrown at both of them at a public meeting in Galway. 'The incident last night is indicative of an increasing level of toxicity
January 10, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Releases First-Ever Blueprint to Decarbonize America's Transportation Sector
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Landmark Blueprint Will Advance the President’s Clean Transportation Agenda, Slashing Consumer Costs, Improving Public Health, and Increasing the Nation’s Energy Security -- The Biden-Harris Administration today released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Developed by the Departments
January 10, 2023 Read Full Article
Energy Students Take on a New Challenge – Recycling
(Freeman Business) ... Fluence Analytics is a Tulane University spin-out that specializes in continuous analytics and process control solutions for the polymer and biopharmaceutical industries. Ranked by CB Insights as one of the world’s most promising advanced manufacturing startups, the company
January 09, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes to Strengthen Air Quality Standards to Protect the Public from Harmful Effects of Soot Public Comment DEADLINE unclear
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) New Standards Demonstrate President Biden’s Leadership to Reduce Air Pollution that Threatens Communities -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a proposal to strengthen a key national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for fine
January 06, 2023 Read Full Article
For Cleaner Air Now, Illinois Should Use More Biodiesel
by Pete Probst (Chicago Sun Times) I am writing in response to the recent article “Docs to Pritzker: Truck diesel pollution is killing Illinoisans” to let readers know of an immediate way to reduce harmful emissions from diesel trucks. The complete
December 22, 2022 Read Full Article
California Approves Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality by 2045
by Sophie Austin (Associate Press) California air regulators voted unanimously Thursday to approve an ambitious plan to drastically cut reliance on fossil fuels by changing practices in the energy, transportation and agriculture sectors, but critics say it doesn’t go far enough
December 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Industry's Big Bet on Chemical Recycling Is Sparking Policy Fights across the Country
by Jordan Wolman (Politico) ... At Alterra Energy, trucks drop off shredded plastic from recycling centers across the Midwest. That plastic is heated to temperatures between 800 and 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit to break it down. The end product, 200 to
December 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Portland Is First in Nation to Phase out Petroleum Diesel, Replace with Biofuels
by Gosia Wozniacka (The Oregonian/OregonLive) Portland will phase out the sale of petroleum diesel by 2030, in its first major step to reduce carbon emissions by 50% under the city’s recently adopted climate emergency plan. The unanimous decision by the Portland City Council
December 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Petition Circulators Are Telling California Voters that a Ballot Measure Would Ban New Oil and Gas Wells Near Homes. In Fact, It Would Do the Opposite
by Liza Gross (Inside Climate News) The canvassers are backed by the oil industry in its quest to stop a new law that bans wells near residential areas and imposes new environmental controls. If petition circulators succeed in gathering enough
December 02, 2022 Read Full Article
West Africa Dialogue on Ethanol Clean Cooking Solutions: Social, Health, Economic, Environmental and Climate Impacts
(ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)) The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to UN of several countries is lagging behind in achieving 2030 SDG commitments and actions. The pandemic became a bottleneck in the development process of the
November 21, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Associations Issue Unified Message ahead of COP 27
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In an intentional commitment to support the global fight against climate change, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Renewable Industries Canada (RICanada), UNICA, UNEM (National Corn Ethanol Union) and ePURE have come together today to underscore the
November 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Would CO2 Pipelines Be ‘Life or Death’ for Iowa’s Ethanol Industry?
by Erin Jordan (The Gazette) University of Iowa panel hits on safety, siting and impact of proposed pipeline projects -- The leader of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says whether carbon dioxide pipelines are approved in the state will be the difference
November 09, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Public Input on Inflation Reduction Act Programs to Fight Climate Change, Protect Health, and Advance Environmental Justice
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced initial public engagement and input opportunities for a subset of new and existing programs funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. These programs, which include funding for air quality projects
November 04, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes Endangerment Finding for Lead Emissions from Aircraft Engines that Operate on Leaded Fuel
(Environmental Protection Agency) Proposed Endangerment Finding, if finalized, is an important step forward to address the largest remaining source of lead pollution to air -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed determination that emissions of lead from
October 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Argentine Government Launches National Sustainable Transport Plan
(AltFuels/Ministry of Transport Argentina) Within the framework of the Sustainable Mobility Week, the Minister of Transport Alexis Guerrera presented the “National Plan for Sustainable Transport”, which seeks to advance with the energy transition in all modes of transport, both for passengers
October 03, 2022 Read Full Article
DOE Announces $178 Million to Advance Bioenergy Technology
(U.S. Department of Energy) 37 Projects Will Develop New Technologies That Engineer Plants and Microbes into Bioenergy and Improve Carbon Storage -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $178 million for bioenergy research to advance sustainable technology breakthroughs that
September 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Clean Octane Key to EPA Particulate Rule
by Doug Duarante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Coalition Urges Administrator to Address Mobile Sources -- In a detailed letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) called on the agency to use its existing
September 13, 2022 Read Full Article
City of Fort Wayne - Better For Fleets. Cleaner For Communities.
(American Lung Association) Video interview with Larry Campbell, Fleet Director for City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, on their 19 years of using B20. WATCH VIDEO
August 26, 2022 Read Full Article
After the Oil Crisis: Biofuel Manufacturers Ask that the Increase in Cutting with Biodiesel Be Sustained
(Clarin (Google translation)) On August 16, the deadline for the additional cut of 5 percent ended, but the Ministry of Energy could extend it. -- There are no technical restrictions for the increase in the cut, and there is even
August 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Forget Saudi Arabia — Biden Should Have Gone to South Dakota: Letters to the Editor for July 17
by Doug Sombke (South Dakota Farmers Union/Argus Leader/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) President Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia to beg for more oil seems unnecessary to us — he could have saved himself a long trip by coming to see what is being
July 19, 2022 Read Full Article
RFA: California Takes Big Step toward E15 Approval with Release of Emissions Study
(Renewable Fuels Association) The state of California took an important step toward approving the use of cleaner, lower-cost E15 today (July 15, 2022) by releasing the results of a multi-year study of the fuel’s emissions impacts. The results of the study,
July 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Offer Simultaneous Economic, Environmental and National Security Benefits
by Reid Detchon and Bart Ruth (United Nations Foundation and Solutions from the Land, respectively) Why are drivers in Watertown, S.D., paying 60 cents a gallon less to fill up their gas tanks than we are? Because 30 percent of their fuel is
June 15, 2022 Read Full Article
The Agroindustrial Council Points out that the Solution Is Biodiesel
(AgriTotal.com) ... (T)he Argentine Agroindustrial Council (CAA) through its associated entities, proposes that beyond the current mandatory cut of 5% for SMEs , mixing companies can use biodiesel up to a maximum of 15%, through a market of free supply and demand. "The CAA
June 08, 2022 Read Full Article
White House Should Move Beyond E15, Boost Biofuel’s Economic, Environmental, National Security and Public Health Benefits
(Solutions from the Land) ... Reports out of Washington indicate that EPA submitted to the White House late last month its proposal on biofuel mandates, calling for a retroactive reduction for years 2020 and 2021, then boosting it back up for
May 20, 2022 Read Full Article
New White Paper Says the Real Cost of Gasoline …Is to Our Health
(Clean Fuels Development Coalition) A new White Paper from the Clean Fuels Development Coalition rings the alarm that EPA continues to miss opportunities to replace toxic aromatic compounds with clean burning ethanol and the agency could save thousands of lives through
May 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden Restores Climate to NEPA, Undoing Trump’s Efforts
by Kelsey Brugger (E&E News) ... The Council on Environmental Quality finalized the first phase of planned changes to the rules governing NEPA, a core environmental law that guides federal scrutiny of major projects like pipelines, bridges and transmission lines. The action
April 23, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Holds Webinar on New Chemical Risk Management Actions for Biofuels
(Bergeson & Campbell) On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on “New Chemical Risk Management Actions under TSCA.” As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item, in January 2022, EPA announced an effort to streamline the review
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Submits Comments to EPA on Biofuels’ Role in Reducing Emissions from Aviation Sector
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the agency’s particulate matter (PM) emissions standards and test procedures for jet engines, and the role biofuels play in reducing PM and greenhouse gas emissions in mobile sources including
April 06, 2022 Read Full Article
AltEn Environmental Pollution: Tracking Contamination around a Closed Ethanol Plant
(University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health) Scientists are investigating the contamination of water, soil, and air caused by a closed ethanol plant that is being sued by the State of Nebraska. Toxic piles of ethanol byproduct -- called wet
April 05, 2022 Read Full Article
USDOT Announces New Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards for Model Year 2024-2026
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Standards to require fleet average of 49 mpg by 2026, save consumers money, and advance U.S. energy independence -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced new, landmark fuel economy standards which
April 01, 2022 Read Full Article
EAGLE Stakeholders Convene First Meeting, Seek Solution to Leaded Fuel
by Walker Jaroch (Aviation Pros) The Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) initiative held its first meeting this week, discussing the challenges around and needs of removing lead from general aviation fuel over a two day event. ... The two-day event was
March 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Can Help Reduce Toxic Gasoline Aromatics
by Savannah Bertrand (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States contains toxic chemicals called aromatic hydrocarbons—mainly mixtures of BTEX chemicals, which stands for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—that increase octane. Higher octane levels prevent engines from prematurely
March 09, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Holds Webinar on TSCA Requirements and PMN Process for Biofuels
(Bergeson & Campbell) On February 23, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a webinar on requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the premanufacture notice (PMN) process for biofuels. As reported in our January 24, 2022, blog item,
March 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Drivers and Environmental Impacts of Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities Request for Applications (RFA) DEADLINE: April 28, 2022
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities.
January 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Time for One More Salute to Bob Dole – As an Early Ethanol Pioneer He Laid the Foundation for Modern Biofuels
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) ... When Bob Dole agreed to co-sponsor an amendment with Tom Daschle, a Democrat from South Dakota, it set in motion a series of events that became the building blocks for the modern
January 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Blends Battle Snow and Ice in the Windy City
(National Biodiesel Board) With much of the country facing the onslaught of winter weather and the challenges it can bring, many fleets will power their diesel vehicles with biodiesel blends throughout the winter months, including the Chicago Park District. With much of
January 05, 2022 Read Full Article
PHL Seen as Top 5 Biofuel Importer by 2026 as Sugar Output Dwindles
by Marielle C. Lucenio (Business World) THE International Energy Agency (IEA) said the Philippines is expected to become a top five importer of biofuels by 2026. “The Philippines joins the top five import list as a stable ethanol blending requirement, increasing gasoline demand and a
December 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels, the World’s Energy Past and Future
by Mario Osava (Inter Press Service) The biofuel from this mini biogas power plant in the municipality of Entre Rios do Oeste, in the southern Brazilian state of Paraná, is supplied by local pig farmers, who earn extra income while
November 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Transforming Collected Organic Waste into Insect Feed and Organic Fertilizer in Kenya: Impact Investing in Sanergy (Private Sector Investment Finance)
(Japan International Cooperation Agency) On Oct. 8, JICA made an investment of $2.5 million in Sanergy, Inc., a US company which promotes an innovative circular-economy approach in the developing world, including Nairobi, Kenya. Sanergy collects human waste from sanitary toilets
October 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Ethanol Keeps Gaining Ground in the Race to Reduce Carbon
(Urban Air Initiative) Replacing toxic carcinogens in gasoline provides a huge boost to an already impressive carbon reduction number for ethanol, according to a new study published by Transport Energy Strategies (TES), a leading energy consultancy with expertise in emissions,
September 29, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Environment Agency Urged by 21 States to Toughen Vehicle Emissions Rewrite
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A group of 21 state attorneys general, the District of Columbia, and several major U.S. cities urged the Biden administration to finalize significantly stricter vehicle emissions rules than it has proposed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in
September 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Board Renews Request for Meeting with EPA Administrator Regan
(GrainNet) Thursday (Sept. 16), the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) delivered a letter to Michael Regan, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), renewing a request made in May 2021 to meet and discuss the findings of a new study, Assessment of Health Benefits from Using Biodiesel as a
September 17, 2021 Read Full Article
NBB: Now Is the Time to Cut Carbon with Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel
by Floyd Vergara (National Biodiesel Board/Advanced Clean Tech News) ... However, while other viable solutions are still being developed, biomass-based diesel fuels such as biodiesel and renewable diesel are already delivering both emissions reductions and public health benefits today and
September 03, 2021 Read Full Article
The World Has Finally Stopped Using Leaded Gasoline. Algeria Used The Last Stockpile
by Camila Domonoske (NPR) The final holdout, Algeria, used up the last of its stockpile of leaded gasoline in July. That's according to the U.N. Environment Programme, which has spent 19 years trying to eliminate leaded gasoline around the globe. "The successful
August 31, 2021 Read Full Article
Bustos Introduces “Bold and Innovative” Legislation to Reduce Vehicle Emissions, Limit Harmful Aromatics and Increase Biofuels Demand
(Office of Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17)) Industry leaders praise bill, Bustos as champion for clean liquid fuels -- U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, legislation that leverages greater fuel octane to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, improve air
August 26, 2021 Read Full Article
The Fuel Economy Rule: An EPA That Won’t See, Hear, or Speak to the Facts
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Biofuels Digest) The release of the highly anticipated revision of the Safe Affordable Fuel Efficient Vehicle (SAFE) proposed rule this month was, for the biofuels industry, yet another poke in the eye as the EPA
August 26, 2021 Read Full Article
There at the Beginning: Bob Dinneen
(Renewable Fuels Association) One of the leading authorities on the history of the U.S. ethanol industry didn’t get his start working for the energy or agriculture sectors. He grew up in the suburbs of Boston before finding his way to our
August 12, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA to Overhaul Pollution Standards for Passenger Vehicles and Heavy-Duty Trucks, Paving Way for Zero-Emission Future PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: September 27, 2021
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today (August 5, 2021), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to set robust federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks to secure pollution reductions through Model Year (MY) 2026. The proposal, which revises
August 06, 2021 Read Full Article
Why Recycling Used Cooking Oil into Biodiesel Is Better for the Environment
(Biofuels International) Recycling cooking oil into biodiesel is a more environmentally friendly alternative to other fossil fuels. The high energy demand in the industrialised world as well as domestic has continued to cause environmental pollution problems. All fossil fuels produce detrimental public
August 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Governors Ask Biden Administration to Expand the Market for Higher-Octane Gasoline in New Fuel Economy Rule
(Governors' Biofuels Coalition) High-Octane Ethanol Should Replace Carcinogenic Gasoline Aromatics -- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem sent a letter to the Biden Administration pointing out the role that higher-octane ethanol could play in meeting the Administration’s climate and
July 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Groups Urge EPA to Propose Higher Octane Fuel Standard
(South Dakota Farmers Union) South Dakota Farmers Union is among a coalition of agriculture and biofuel groups urging the administration to propose a higher octane fuel standard as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updates its greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger
July 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Sen. Amy Klobuchar Tours Hormel Institute
by Mike Stoll (Austin Daily Herald) ... During the tour, Klobuchar (Senatory Amy Klobuchar D-MN) learned of the Institute’s research into the role biofuels play in reducing the risk of cancer. A recent study, which was a collaboration between The Hormel
July 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Research Suggests Use of Biofuels Reduces Cancer Risk
(Renewable Fuels Association) Review points to fewer toxic chemicals in ethanol-blended gasoline emissions -- A newly published review of top scientific literature suggests that ethanol-blended fuels widely available at gas stations as E10, E15, or E85 result in less toxic emissions from
July 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Six Reasons to Support a Blender’s Tax Credit for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
by Alexander Laska (Third Way/Biofuels Digest) ... According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, one of the most impactful things we can do to reduce aviation emissions is get more sustainable aviation fuel —”drop-in” fuels that can be used in today’s aircraft and
June 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Auto Alliance Underlines Importance of High Octane Low Carbon Fuels
by Doug Durante (Clean Fuels Development Coalition/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Commends Daschle HOLC Alliance Fight for National Higher Octane Gasoline Standard in SAFE-2 Rule -- The Clean Fuels Development Coalition (CFDC) called a recent letter from automakers in support of high octane
June 25, 2021 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Tom Daschle
“What I do know is — for the foreseeable future, and I would say several decades yet to come — the internal combustion engine is still going to play a role and will be part of the transportation landscape. We
June 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Decarbonizing California Transportation by 2045
(University of California Davis) Report to State Outlines Policy Pathways to Meet the Zero-Carbon Time Crunch -- Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California. In order to achieve the state’s goals of carbon neutrality by 2045
April 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Prepares Sweeping Order on Climate-Related Risks
by Lorraine Woellert (Politico) In a draft executive order, President Joe Biden reaches into all corners of the federal government with plans that would touch every sector. -- President Joe Biden is preparing to instruct federal agencies to take sweeping
April 16, 2021 Read Full Article
A Groundbreaking Environmental Justice Bill Is Poised to Become Law
by Yvette Cabrera (Grist) Democrats who drafted the Environmental Justice for All Act are optimistic it will pass. -- With slim majorities in Congress and an ally in the White House, the Democrats who drafted the Environmental Justice for All
March 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Levin, Warren, Markey, and Ocasio-Cortez Unveil the BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act to Jumpstart the Transition to Electric Transportation and Modernize Infrastructure
(Office of Congressman Andrew Levin (D-Mich.)) United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Congressman Andrew Levin (D-Mich.), along with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), today unveiled the BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act. Modeled after
March 19, 2021 Read Full Article
SDFU Calls for Repeal & Replace of Fuel Economy Rule to Include Octane and Higher Ethanol Blends
by Rusty Halvorson (KFGO) Speaking at the National Farmers Union National Convention February 26, 2021, South Dakota Chapter President Doug Sombke said ethanol advocates need to prioritize support for a high octane standard in the new fuel economy rule that could triple
March 03, 2021 Read Full Article
Refugees in Sudan Reap Benefits of Clean Cooking Energy
by Sylvia Nabanoba and Vanessa Zola (UNHCR) A switch to ethanol reduces risky trips in search of firewood, slows reforestation and creates healthier home environments for refugees in White Nile state. -- The glow from a matchstick lights up Alisa Deng’s
March 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuels Can Contribute Now to a Cleaner Energy Future
by Tom Daschle (Roll Call/The Daschle Group) Smart agriculture policy that has a role for ethanol can help advance Biden’s agenda on all fronts -- Growing up in South Dakota, agriculture has always been in my blood. For nearly three decades, I
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
POET Urges Biden Climate Team to Grasp E15 Philosophy
(Biofuels International) POET has urged the new Biden administration to embrace E15. The world’s largest biofuels producer, based in Sioux Falls in South Dakota, has also welcomed the new President’s leadership in making climate a top priority. ... Rob Walther, vice president of
February 19, 2021 Read Full Article
New Report: 21st Century Agriculture Renaissance: Solutions from the Land
(Solutions from the Land) “There has never been a greater need for an Agricultural Renaissance. The many voices of farmers, echoing across centuries of scarcity and abundance, challenge us to find new ways forward, paths that produce abundance for expanding populations
February 18, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Production Could Help Revive SA Sugar Industry
by Siyanda Sishuba (Farmer's Weekly) Establishing partnerships between government, the private sector and foreign investors is an important step to launching biofuels projects through innovative financing models in South Africa. This was according to Samukelisiwe Maphumulo, a sustainability officer at the
February 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Will 2021 Be the Year for Environmental Justice Legislation? States Are Already Leading the Way
by Kristoffer Tigue (Inside Climate News) The new state laws address the disproportionate impact of climate change and pollution on communities of color. Joe Biden is promising to do the same in Washington. -- In Oregon, new legislation would require state
January 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Many Reasons for U.S. to Count Carbon Savings from Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
by Kurt Kovar (National Biodiesel Board/Biofuels Digest) As the new Biden administration and a growing number of states examine options to address transportation carbon emissions, biodiesel and renewable diesel stand out as the workhorses of existing low-carbon fuel programs. State programs
January 13, 2021 Read Full Article
‘There’s a Red Flag Here’: How an Ethanol Plant Is Dangerously Polluting a US Village
by Carey Gillam (The Guardian) ... But unlike most of the other 203 US ethanol plants, AltEn has been using seed coated with fungicides and insecticides, including those known as neonicotinoids, or “neonics”, in its production process. Company officials have advertised AltEn
January 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Battling America’s ‘Dirty Secret’: Climate Change Raises the Risk from Failing Sewage Systems.
by Sarah Kaplan (Washington Post) ... (Catherine Coleman) Flowers has a vision for a better septic system. It’s cheap to buy and easy to run. It’s equipped with sensors that can monitor for signs of pathogens, including the coronavirus. Instead of
January 11, 2021 Read Full Article
House Rules Would Exempt Coronavirus, Climate Bills from Budget Limits
(CQ Roll Call) Changes could paper over differences within House Democratic Caucus between deficit hawks and progressives -- The new rules package for the 117th Congress unveiled by House Democrats on Friday would grant a sweeping new exemption from deficit controls
January 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, D.C. Are First to Launch Groundbreaking Program to Cut Transportation Pollution, Invest in Communities
(Transportation and Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States) TCI-P will invest $300 million every year to modernize transportation, improve public health and combat climate change -- The governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and the mayor of the
December 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Gas Pumps to Get Climate, Health Warning Labels in Cambridge, MA
by Sebastian Blanco (Car and Driver) Cambridge, Massachusetts, this week became the first city in the U.S. to put health and environment warning labels on its gas pumps. - In related news, a nine-year-old girl in South London, England, became
December 21, 2020 Read Full Article
ADB to Help Improve Advanced Biofuel Production in India
(Asian Development Bank) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2.5 million technical assistance (TA) to support advanced biofuel development in India. The grant is funded from the Asia Clean Energy Fund, financed by the Government of Japan under the
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
New Study Links Texas Oil Refineries To Elevated Cancer Risk
by Tsvetana Paraskova (Oilprice.com) People who live close to oil refineries are at increased risk of cancer, a new study from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has found. Proximity to an oil refinery was associated with an increased risk of multiple cancer
December 07, 2020 Read Full Article
20th Datagro Conference on Sugar and Ethanol: COVID 19 Impacts and Renovabio Set the Agenda
by Isabela Rodrigues* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In October, The 20th Datagro Conference on Sugar and Ethanol 2020 took place over a virtual platform with more than 4000 attendees. This year, Brazilian government authorities including Vice President Hamilton Mourão, Secretary of Amazon
November 27, 2020 Read Full Article
New Joint Paper: ‘BioLNG in Transport: Making Climate Neutrality a Reality’
(Natural & bio Gas Vehicle Association (NGVA Europe)) The European Biogas Association (EBA), Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), the Natural & bio Gas Vehicle Association (NGVA Europe) and SEA-LNG published a joint paper, which demonstrates the concrete benefits of using BioLNG
November 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Kerala to Convert Used Cooking Oil into Biodiesel
(The New Indian Express) Around 60 tonnes of used cooking oil will be repurposed to biodiesel as part of the initiative. -- To ensure food safety and prevent health hazards owing to the consumption of used cooking oil, food business operators(FBOs)
November 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Groups Continue to Press for Clean Energy Standard
by Nick Reisman (Spectrum News) Dozens of groups in a letter to top state elected officials this week urged them to take up a clean fuel standard for the transportation sector. The push was initially made at the start of the year. But as
November 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump’s Rural Edge Shrinks with Enthusiasm Fading in Key States
by Mike Dorning (Bloomberg) Surveys show Trump’s margin fading versus 2016 exit polls; Biden campaign making efforts to play for rural votes -- The big margin of support among rural voters that helped Donald Trump secure victory four years ago
October 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Joni Ernst Is Now in Trouble. Trump Is a Huge Part of Her Problem.
by Art Cullen (Washington Post/Storm Lake Times) One big reason Republicans are shoving a Supreme Court appointment through the Senate before the election is their rising fear of losing the upper chamber — and the White House — in November.
September 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Bustos Introduces Next Generation Fuels Act
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., on Sept. 24 introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, a bill that establishes a minimum octane standard for gasoline and requires sources of added octane value to reduce carbon emissions by
September 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Behind the Smoke: It’s What You Don’t See That Kills
by Doug Durante and Larry Pearce (Morning Consult) ... But a bigger problem has existed for decades in the air we don’t see — air polluted with toxic ultra-fine particles, or UFPs. For more than 30 years, a small group of U.S. Environmental
September 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Americans Return to Road Trips: More Travelers Drove to Vacation Spots This Summer Because of the Pandemic, a Survey Finds.
(NACS) The great American road trip is back, courtesy of the pandemic. Last week, Generali Global Assistance (GGA) released its “Revival of the Great American Road Trip” white paper, which looks at how the pandemic is creating a resurgence that may
September 08, 2020 Read Full Article
California Issues 190% More New Oil and Gas Drilling Permits
(Our Daily Planet) While California Governor Gavin Newsom has called his state “a leader in the fight to transition away from fossil fuels,” watchdog groups have been calling out the fact that California is continuing to issue oil and gas extraction permits.
September 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Climate Crisis Committee Report Supports Biofuels in New Report
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) ... The new report – which comes after dozens of hearings, meetings, and input from experts, labor unions, mayors, environmental justice leaders, and native communities, among others – details how bold climate action from Congress can
August 27, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA ‘Reset’ Recommendation Addresses RFS, LCFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A group of six former U.S. EPA administrators representing both republican and democratic administrations are calling for a “reset” of the agency as it approaches its 50th anniversary. The Renewable Fuel Standard and a potential federal
August 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Federal University of Goiás Work on Indigenous and Quilombolas Community Health Advocacy Plan Wins EU-funded Advocacy Award
(Federal University of Goiás) A collective effort led by Advanced Biofuels USA board member, Dr. Laís Forti Thomaz, won recognition for work on a community health advocacy plan for indigenous communities and quilombolas. On July 28, a collective effort led by
August 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Leaders Urge Noem, Trump to Open Door to “E30 by 2030”
(South Dakota Farmers Union) Compliance with Existing Law Would Inject $8 Billion Per Year into South Dakota Economy -- In a Rapid City Journal ad, a Sioux Falls Argus Leader editorial, and a letter to Governor Kristi Noem, South Dakota ethanol leaders said that a
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Turbocharging South Dakota’s Economy while Making Americans Healthier
by Doug Sombke and Jim Seurer (South Dakota Farmers Union/Glacial Lakes Energy/Argus Leader) During President Trump’s Fourth of July visit to Mount Rushmore, our organizations sponsored an ad in the Rapid City Journal that urged the President to “tear down the wall”
August 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Replacing Toxic Additives in Our Fuel
Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Biofuels International) As policymakers and public health experts dig deeper into the human costs of air pollution, including heightened risk from COVID-19 among vulnerable communities, a rapidly growing body of research is raising awareness of the threat
July 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Prophet Tilts at Petroleum
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) South Dakota ethanol promoter Orrie D. Swayze likes to hear promotions for 30% ethanol blends in gasoline but thinks 50% would be better for the environment and human health. -- ... Swazey, 76, ... became worried
July 13, 2020 Read Full Article
More Evidence of Causal Link between Air Pollution and Early Death
(Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health) Strengthening U.S. air quality standards for fine particulate pollution to be in compliance with current World Health Association (WHO) guidelines could save more than 140,000 lives over the course of a decade, according to a new
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
Our View: Politics: What Rural Areas Need from Legislators
(Mankato Free Press) ... Here’s what rural Minnesota does need: It needs clean water and subsidized wastewater systems. It needs good government that gets state and federal subsidies to provide a life that provides a solid base of services but few luxuries. It needs
June 29, 2020 Read Full Article
IEA Offers World Governments a Sustainable Recovery Plan to Boost Economic Growth, Create Millions of Jobs and Put Emissions into Structural Decline
(International Energy Agency) Based on analysis conducted in cooperation with the IMF, new IEA report outlines energy-focused policies and investments to move the world towards a cleaner and more resilient future -- The International Energy Agency is today presenting a
June 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Climate Mitigation Potential of Agricultural Conservation Practices Is Significant!
(Solutions from the Land) A blog posted on the World Resources Institute (WRI) website last month dismissed the potential for regenerative agriculture and related systems to contribute to large-scale emissions reduction and carbon dioxide (CO2) removal - cuts that will
June 17, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Proposes Honest Accounting Standard to Improve Future Clean Air Act Rules PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: July 27, 2020
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today (June 4, 2020), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal to improve the rulemaking process under the Clean Air Act by establishing requirements to ensure consistent, high-quality analyses of benefits and costs are provided to
June 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Thune Introduces Bill to Support Hand Sanitizer and Ethanol Production By Extending FDA Guidance
(Office of Senator John Thune (R-SD)) U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation that would extend for two years The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Temporary Policy for Preparation of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency.” Extending
June 12, 2020 Read Full Article
EPA Panel Asked to Review Public Health Benefits of Ethanol
(Urban Air Initiative/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Urban Air Initiative sent a letter to the COVID-19 Review Panel within the EPA’s Science Advisory Board asking them to look at the research that shows the impact gasoline additives have on tailpipe emissions and air pollution. The
May 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Urges EPA COVID-19 Panel to Examine Air Toxics
(Growth Energy) In a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB), Growth Energy urged members of a new COVID-19 Review Panel to examine the impact of toxic gasoline additives on respiratory health, as well as the potential benefits offered by bio-based
May 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Update from Dave on COVID-19, Air Pollution and Ethanol
(Urban Air Initiative) The last few months have been tough, the sudden distress caused by COVID-19 has caused so much harm and heartache for all of us. But if there is something positive coming from this pandemic, it is the world's attention
May 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Midwesterners Were Already Doubting Trump. Covid Could Seal His Political Fate
by Art Cullen (The Guardian/Storm Lake Times) ... “A lot of voters wanted to believe Trump – that out there in Washington it’s all BS, and that a savvy businessman could straighten it out,” (Drake) Custer said. It’s hard for many
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
The Car Is Staging a Comeback, Spurring Oil’s Recovery
(Bloomberg/Yahoo! Finance) ... Gasoline demand is rebounding, suggesting that the car -- at least for now -- is making a comeback. As lockdowns ease and parts of the world reopen for business, driving has emerged as the socially distant transportation mode
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Giant Sees More Driving Than Before in Post-Pandemic Era
by Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) Ethanol to benefit as people avoid mass transit: Green Plains; For now, biofuel plants have idled as drivers stay home -- There’s light at the end of the tunnel for the battered American ethanol market, according to
May 05, 2020 Read Full Article
We Need Health Warning Labels on Points of Sale of Fossil Fuels
Mike Gill, Kristie L. Ebi, Kirk R. Smith, Lorraine Whitmarsh and Andy Haines (The BMJ Opinion) Mike Gill and colleagues explain how the implementation of of fossil fuel labelling could have a significant impact on the awareness of climate change. This article is part of The BMJ’s Health
May 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Senators Call for Rural COVID-19 Task Force
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) U.S. Senators concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on rural America say what started out as a health crisis is quickly becoming a financial crisis as well. On a call with reporters Thursday, Senate Democratic Policy
April 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Harvard Study Bolsters Ethanol's Role In Protecting Public Health, Saving Lives
(Oklahoma Farm Bureau) ... The Harvard team's recent findings underscore the need to power more of our transportation system with non-petroleum-based fuels, like ethanol. The research team looked specifically at polluted areas beleaguered by fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5). Motor vehicle emissions
April 21, 2020 Read Full Article
Govt Approves Plan to Convert FCI's Surplus Rice into Ethanol
(Outlook The News Scroll) The government on Monday approved that surplus rice available with Food Corporation of India (FCI) can be converted into ethanol in order to manufacture alcohol-based hand sanitisers and also for blending with petrol. The decision was taken