by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Access to higher-level ethanol blends at gas stations across the country is expanding thanks to federally funded infrastructure incentive programs along with state-based opportunities. In 2022, the USDA announced plans to provide $50
Rhode Island
Back TO HOMEHeating Oil Industry on Track to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
(Clean Fuels Alliance America) The Northeast heating oil industry is on track to achieve the ambitious goals set forth in the Providence Resolution, a landmark commitment made in 2019 to voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution, which was unanimously approved
April 30, 2024 Read Full Article
Attorney General Bird Leads 13-State Lawsuit to Pull the Plug on Biden Electric Vehicle Handout and Defend Ethanol
(Office of Iowa Attorney General) Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today led a 13-state coalition in a lawsuit to pull the plug on Biden’s electric vehicle handout and defend ethanol. -- In Biden’s most recent attack in the war on gas vehicles, he
April 12, 2024 Read Full Article
8 States Are Planning to BAN the Sale of Gas-Powered Cars Entirely - after Biden Unveiled Ambitious Plans to Phase Them out by 2032
by Tilly Armstrong (Daily Mail) California was the first state to adopt the plan to ban sales of gas cars by 2035; Electric vehicles made up 7.6 percent of new car sales in the US last year; READ MORE: What does
March 26, 2024 Read Full Article
Embracing the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule, or Not?
by Emma Frantz (ACT News) ... Originating in California from a need to curb air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this regulatory initiative emerged as a pivotal strategy to decarbonize and reduce the environmental footprint of the trucking industry. The ACT
January 18, 2024 Read Full Article
Optimistic Outlook: Biodiesel Producers in North America Have Their Eyes Set on Hitting a US Output Target of 6 Billion Gallons, Much Earlier than Originally Planned
(Biofuels International) ... After securing a 3 billion/gallon output last year, production across the US is on track for 4 billion this year with power to add, according to Paul Winters, director of public affairs and Federal Communications for Clean Fuels
December 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Senators Call for Stronger EPA Regulation for Heavy Duty Vehicles
by Taylor Ekbatani (School Transportation News) U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finalize the strongest possible Phase 3 heavy-duty vehicle emissions rule by next year. “Now, we are here today
December 07, 2023 Read Full Article
Merkley, Colleagues Urge IRS to Properly Implement IRA Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credits, with No Giveaways to the Petroleum Industry
(Office of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Senators: "Companies are proposing to manufacture aviatin fuel from sources that include significant amounts of plastic waste, and are claiming that it is sustainable. That is incorrect.” Today (October 27, 2023), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley,
October 30, 2023 Read Full Article
Some Countries Are Already Talking about Walking Back Fossil Fuel Car Bans
by Bradley Brownell (Jalopnik) Will anyone be ready for their own EV mandate deadlines? --- In the wake of the United Kingdom Prime Minister opening discussions on potentially delaying the country’s ban on the sale of new gas and diesel cars, we thought it might
September 22, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Funding for Homegrown Biofuels as Part of Investing in America Agenda
(U.S. Department of Agriculture) Funds Are Being Provided by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act; USDA Awards First Round of Funding to 59 Infrastructure Projects -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA plans to invest up
June 26, 2023 Read Full Article
INSIDE CFAA: Forward Motion for Clean Fuels
by Floyd Vergara (Biodiesel Magazine) ... Momentum from California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard continues to build the framework for the success of biodiesel and renewable diesel. Nearly 1.7 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel was used in 2022, displacing nearly half
June 02, 2023 Read Full Article
Exclusive: California Seeks EPA Approval to Ban Sales of New Gasoline-Only Vehicles by 2035
by David Shepardson (Reuters) California has asked the Biden administration to approve its plan to require all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be either electric or plug-in electric hybrids, a landmark move that could speed the end
May 24, 2023 Read Full Article
How Truly ‘Green’ Are Electric Cars?
by Nick Landekic (Boston Globe) According to retired biotechnology CEO Nick Landekic, the uncomfortable reality is that EVs alone will not help the planet much if the electricity is coming from non-renewable primary sources -- ... The elephant in the room
April 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Massachusetts Moves Forward with Advanced Clean Cars II Program, Formally Adopting Policy to Slash Transportation Pollution & Provide More EV Choices to Consumers
(Sierra Club) Today (March 30, 2023), Massachusetts announced its formal adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC) rule, which requires auto manufacturers to ensure that every new light-duty car sold in the state is a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) by
April 03, 2023 Read Full Article
EPA’s RFS Proposal Attempts to Limit Biodiesel Blends in Heating Oil to 20% Pubic Comment DEADLINE February 10, 2023
by Ron Kotrba (Biobased Diesel Daily) The Biden administration is attempting to limit biodiesel blends in heating oil and diesel fuel to no more than 20 percent (B20), according to an action alert issued by the National Energy & Fuels Institute
February 09, 2023 Read Full Article
INSIDE CFAA: Midwest Momentum
(Clean Fuels Alliance America/Biodiesel Magazine) This past year, states across the country continued to prioritize low-carbon renewable fuels like biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.Clean Fuels Alliance America worked with state soybean organizations and member organizations to enact new
January 31, 2023 Read Full Article
US Can Reach 100% Clean Power by 2035, DOE Finds, but Tough Reliability and Land Use Questions Lie Ahead
by Herman K. Trabish (Utility Dive) New aggressive planning is needed to identify the long-duration storage technologies and find the land to grow enough resources to reach Biden net zero emissions goals, a DOE national lab reports. -- Four major
November 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Inside Innovation: Long Live Electric, But Diesel’s Not Dead Yet
by John Bleasby (Daily Commercial News) ... When projected over 10 years between 2022 and 2032, it found considerable advantages with advanced diesel technology, particularly when using renewable biofuels, as compared to an electrification strategy. The study found using low-carbon renewable bio-based
September 07, 2022 Read Full Article
New Jersey and New York Communities to Benefit from EPA Grant to Support Anaerobic Digestion Technology
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a $200,000 grant to the Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEWMOA) to support anaerobic digestion technology in 11 states in the Northeast, New England the Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey
August 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Maine, Rhode Island Join New York-Led Coalition on Hydrogen Hub Bid
(Renewables Now) New York governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced that Maine and Rhode Island have joined a big consortium led by New York that is working on a proposal to become one of at least four regional clean hydrogen hubs
August 26, 2022 Read Full Article
Research Finds More Emissions Benefits at Lower Cost from Accelerated Fleet Turnover and Use of Bio- and Renewable Fuels than Switching to Electrified Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks
(Diesel Technology Forum/Globe Newswire) A new study that evaluates several approaches to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles from 2022-2032 finds considerable advantages with advanced diesel technology particularly when using renewable biofuels, as compared to
July 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Lawmakers Are Urging EPA to Get RFS Back on Track
by Currey McCullough (RFD TV) Just this morning (July 19, 2022) on a call with ag reporters, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said he and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar are sending a letter urging the EPA to increase volumes of biodiesel
July 20, 2022 Read Full Article
National Grid to Switch MA, NY Gas Networks to RNG and Hydrogen by 2050
(Renewables Now) Utility National Grid (NYSE:NGG) on Tuesday unveiled plans for fossil-free gas and electric networks in Massachusetts and New York by 2050. The company will aim to replace fossil fuel in its gas networks with renewable natural gas (RNG) and green
April 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Opinion: Clean Fuel Production Is Growing Sustainably
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Clean Fuels Alliance America/Agri/Pulse) America’s demand for cleaner, better fuels is growing. Washington state recently joined Oregon and California in launching a clean fuels program. New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island have adopted requirements for Bioheat®
January 13, 2022 Read Full Article
NY to Require Biodiesel Blending with Heating Oil in 2022
by Laura Sanicola (Long Island Press/Reuters) New York will become the largest state to enact a biodiesel blending requirement for heating oil, according to legislation passed in the state on Wednesday night. Petroleum-based heating oil sold in the state beginning in July
December 24, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Reverses Trump Effort to Quash California Vehicle Emissions Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The Biden administration on Tuesday finalized a reversal of a rule issued under then-U.S. President Donald Trump that sought to pre-empt California's vehicle emissions regulations. The Department of Transportation said it was issuing final rules rescinding the Trump
December 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Bioheat Fuel: The Key to Gaining and Maintaining Market Share
by Charlie Uglietto (Cubby Oil & Energy/Mechanical Hub) ... There are better alternatives than electrification, and the best option we have available right now, at least for homes with an existing oil boiler, is Bioheat® fuel. Bioheat is a liquid fuel
December 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel Producers Prepare for Thanksgiving
(Biodiesel Magazine/National Biodiesel Board) This Thanksgiving, many biodiesel producers are prepping for the holiday surge in used cooking oil. National Biodiesel Board members — such as Newport Biodiesel in Rhode Island, New Leaf Biofuel in San Diego and American GreenFuels in
November 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Northeast States Abandon Cap-and-Trade Plan for Cars
(E&E News) The Transportation and Climate Initiative — a cap-and-trade program covering cars in three Northeastern states and the District of Columbia — was abandoned last week after Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) pulled
November 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Northeast States Pass Biofuel Blending Bills
(PriMedia) Liquid heating fuel is on track to continue reducing its carbon footprint across the Northeast U.S. In recent weeks, the state legislatures of New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island passed bills that would create new biofuel blending standards for
July 13, 2021 Read Full Article
Press Release: Advanced Biofuels USA Files Comments on Transportation and Climate Initiative: Calls for Extension of Program to Aviation, Trains, Marine/Maritime, Agriculture, Rocket Launches and Natural Gas
(Advanced Biofuels USA) Advanced Biofuels USA suggests an expansion of transportation emissions reduction in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) proposed Draft Model Rule (TCI-P) in public comments filed today. Currently, the proposed emission reduction program is limited to on-road
May 07, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Faces Pressure to Drive Gasoline and Diesel Cars out of the US
by Oliver Milman (The Guardian) Joe Biden’s administration, seeking deep cuts to planet-heating emissions, is facing pressure to take a previously unthinkable step: declare the end of the internal combustion engine in the US. Washington state has moved to call time on
May 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Big Tobacco Had to Pay $206B. Is Big Oil Next?
by Maxine Joselow (E&E News) In 2006, a federal judge issued a scathing ruling that would reverberate across the country. "Over the course of more than 50 years, Defendants lied, misrepresented and deceived the American public," Judge Gladys Kessler of the U.S.
March 10, 2021 Read Full Article
TCI Publishes Draft Model Rule and Updates on Public Engagement Planning
(Transportation and Climate Initiative) On March 1, TCI state agency staff shared updates on the TCI-P, including a Draft Model Rule and proposed processes for public engagement to ensure that equity, environmental, climate, and transportation justice considerations are at the center
March 01, 2021 Read Full Article
Brownley Introduces ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act’ to Reduce Carbon Emissions
(Office of Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA-25)) Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and help the aviation sector reduce carbon emissions. “We are facing an existential threat to the future
February 09, 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
200 Organizations Urge Northeast, Mid-Atlantic Governors to Move on “Ambitious and Equitable” Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
(Insider NJ) Groups Push For “Strong Safeguards and Guarantees for Overburdened and Underserved Communities” in 12 TCI States & DC; Need for State Leadership Seen As U.S. Formally Abandons Paris Climate Agreement. -- The largest and most diverse collection ever of
November 12, 2020 Read Full Article
BP Helps Establish Coalition to Support Transportation Carbon Pricing Program
(BP) bp and five additional businesses from a range of industries announced they are launching an integrated advocacy campaign to encourage a group of East Coast states to enact the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional carbon pricing policy designed
September 25, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Forum Insights: Looking at Key Sectors of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic's Economy - Ag, Construction, Goods Movement and More --- August 4, 2020
This session is designed for anyone interested in learning more about trucks, construction and farm equipment use in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia,
July 21, 2020 Read Full Article
My Turn: Robert Morton: Biodiesel Is already Tackling the Climate Crisis
by Robert Morton (Providence Journal) Recently, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its final report and recommendations for legislative and regulatory measures to address carbon emissions. The report provided an action plan, including a national Low Carbon Fuel
July 16, 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
Newport Biodiesel Starts Fundraiser to Benefit Local Restaurants and Homebound Seniors
by Rachael Thatcher (Daily Press) ... Newport Biodiesel is raising funds to provide homebound seniors associated with the Edward King House with gift certificates to Newport-area restaurants offering delivery. Newport Biodiesel, a company that collects waste cooking oil from 4,500 kitchens
April 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Would You Pay Higher Gas Prices to Slow the Climate Crisis? Governors in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States Are Pondering that Question.
by Justin Gillis (New York Times) A plan is under development in about a dozen Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States to tackle the country’s biggest source of greenhouse emissions, cut road congestion, clean up the air, improve public transit and ramp
February 28, 2020 Read Full Article
We Need Better Transportation Options, Not More Roads and More Lanes
by Parris N. Glendening (Washington Post/Smart Growth America’s Leadership Institute) When President Trump attempted to eliminate California’s more stringent fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for cars and trucks, local elected officials cried foul — and not just in California.
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Newport Biodiesel Earns EPA Recognition for Recycling Toxic Waste
by Nancy Lavin (Providence Business News) Even clean energy has some dirty byproducts. For Newport Biodiesel Inc., a company that converts used cooking oil into biofuel, that byproduct is a toxic chemical known as methanol. But thanks to a new distillation tower installed
February 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) Requests Public Comment on Cap and Invest Program
The states participating in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) have released a Draft Memorandum of Understanding to establish a regional cap and invest program to transition to a more sustainable, resilient, low carbon transportation sector. Also released were initial
January 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Regional Cap-and-Invest Modeling Lacks Consideration of Renewable Fuel Adoption and Infrastructure
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Modeling by Georgetown Climate Center's Transportation and Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States released Tuesday showed potential for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, pollution reduction, job creation and public health benefits. The anticipated
December 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Regional Proposal for Clean Transportation Reaches Milestone States and D.C. Invite Feedback on Draft MOU, Share Estimates of Potential Benefits for Health, Environment, Economy DEADLINE February 28, 2020
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown Climate Center) The bipartisan group of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions that make up the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) today invited public input on a new draft proposal for a regional program to establish a cap
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Oil Heat Institute Is Now Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island
(Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island) Association rebrands to better reflect industry’s evolving heating fuels market -- The Oil Heat Institute of Rhode Island (OHIRI) has changed its name to the Energy Marketers Association of Rhode Island (EMARI). The trade group’s
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
The New Science Fossil Fuel Companies Fear
by Zack Coleman (Politico) Researchers can now link weather events to emissions – and to the companies responsible. A string of lawsuits is about to give “attribution science” a real-life test. -- Richard Heede spent a decade digging through “disheveled, dusty”
November 06, 2019 Read Full Article
A Gas Tax to End All Gas Taxes
by Eric Wolff (Politico's Morning Energy) A bipartisan group of a dozen northeastern and Mid-Atlantic governors are considering a plan to impose a gas tax to fund investment into mass transit, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and other infrastructure improvements in
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Northeast States Draft Regional Policy Proposal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Transportation Lacks Renewable Fuel Emphasis DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: November 5, 2019
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) "Nothing has been decided yet about the treatment of biofuels" or renewable fuels in the proposed program to cap transportation emissions in 13 Northeastern US jurisdictions, according to the chair of the Transportation and Climate
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
TCI Jurisdictions Share Updates on Policy Design Process
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown Climate Center) Jurisdictions participating in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) have made available a framework for a draft regional policy proposal to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from transportation, and are encouraging interested individuals and organizations to provide
October 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Heating Oil Industry Commits to Net-Zero Emissions by 2050
(New England Fuel Institute /Biodiesel Magazine) The Northeast’s heating oil industry has resolved to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal was set at the Northeast Industry Summit held during the 2019 Heating & Energizing America Trade
September 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Available for Viewing: Public Workshop: Low-Carbon Transportation Investments, Strategies, and Outcomes
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown Climate Center) On Tuesday, July 30, more than 300 community members, transportation, environmental and social justice advocates, business and industry representatives, and state and local officials participated in the Transportation & Climate Initiative workshop on Low-Carbon Transportation
August 15, 2019 Read Full Article
States Sue Trump Administration for Reduced Penalties on Fuel Efficiency
by Rebecca Beitsch (The Hill) Thirteen states filed suit against the Trump administration Friday, arguing it was breaking the law by cutting penalties for automakers that do not meet Obama-era fuel efficiency standards. The suit, led by California's and New York’s attorneys general, goes
August 05, 2019 Read Full Article
What Happened to Anaerobic Digestion in Rhode Island?
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Today it seems that the use of anaerobic digestion in the Ocean State is not as widespread as it once was. According to a recent survey conducted by the Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC), owner
July 09, 2019 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: Green New Deal Is Alive and Well in Liberal Cities and States
by Dino Grandoni (Washington Post) The Green New Deal may be floundering in Washington. But it is alive and well in left-leaning states and cities across the country. From Maine to California, Democratic politicians have begun adopt the Green New Deal brand -- a
June 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Sen. Whitehouse Targets Dark Money to Address Climate Change
by Jennifer McDermott (Associated Press) ... Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, is targeting so-called “dark money” because he thinks opposition to addressing climate change in Congress is propped up by the fossil fuel industry. “If you kicked out that support,
April 12, 2019 Read Full Article
New Bill Plans Rise in Heating Oil Biodiesel Requirement in Rhode Island
(Biofuels International) Representative Deborah Ruggiero has introduced a legislation that could help Rhode Island meet its carbon emissions reduction goals by phasing in higher percentages of biodiesel in heating oil sold in the state. The New England state already requires heating oil
March 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump's Dilemma: Appease U.S. Biodiesel or His Argentine Buddy
by Mario Parker and Jonathan Gilbert (Bloomberg) The Trump administration’s decision in April to slap tariffs on Argentine soybean products came as a blessing for Bob Morton. Free of competition from the soybean-product giant, Morton etched out a plan to increase capacity at
January 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Bill Seeks To Transition U.S. To 100 Percent Zero-Emission Vehicles:
(Bergeson & Campbell's Clients and Friends Memorandum) On November 28, 2018, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), both senior members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, introduced legislation that would put the U.S. on the path
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Nine States and D.C. to Design Regional Approach to Cap Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Transportation
(Transportation and Climate Initiative/Georgetown University Climate Center) A coalition of nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia today announced their intent to design a new regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Transportation and Climate Initiative Listening Session Summary Report Now Available
(Georgetown Climate Center) In November 2017, member jurisdictions from the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) began a public conversation inviting stakeholder input on the opportunities, challenges, and benefits of a modern, low-carbon transportation system, and what policies catalyzing these benefits might look like.
November 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Washington State Voters Reject Carbon Tax
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) Voters in Washington state on Tuesday rejected a proposed carbon tax that would have been the first such levy in the nation. The policy would have been an effort to fight climate change by mandating that companies using or selling fossil
November 07, 2018 Read Full Article
German-Language STEM Workshops at University of Rhode Island for High School Students--CO2 Experiment
by Michael Eggleston* (Advanced Biofuels USA) For scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians, Germany offers a broad range of opportunities when it comes to higher education and professional development. The University of Rhode Island’s (URI) German International Engineering Program (GIEP), together with
November 05, 2018 Read Full Article
The Future of Biofuels Discussed at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Leadership Conference
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) I was pleased and excited to be invited to speak on a "Future of Biofuels" panel at this fall's Leadership Conference of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, whose purpose is "Developing the Next Generation
October 02, 2018 Read Full Article
University of Rhode Island Energy Fellows Program: Applications for 2019 Now Open! DEADLINE: November 12, 2018
(University of Rhode Island Extension) In response to a growing need for student experiential learning opportunities in energy, URI Cooperative Extension created the Energy Fellows Program in 2008 to enhance the undergraduate and graduate student learning experience. To date, the program
September 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Carbon Utilization Bill Could Create Value for CO2 Emissions
by Tim Albrecht (Biomass Magazine) Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., introduced three bills this week to boost rural economic opportunities by expanding USDA funding eligibility for clean energy projects. This funding would help improve electric grid security, create more energy choices for
June 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Volvo Ocean Race Stays on Sustainability Course with Biodiesel
(National Biodiesel Board) Biodiesel Recycled from 'The Galley' Powers North American Stop -- Biodiesel will be working overtime as the Volvo Ocean Race ports in Rhode Island for its North American stopover this month. The race, which is known for rugged competition
May 14, 2018 Read Full Article
California And 16 Other States Are Suing Trump To Stop Him Destroying Emissions Standards
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik) Our emissions standards are probably the biggest booster to automotive performance in the past half century, making our cars not only more eco-friendly but more powerful, too. Trump has been trying to cut it all down, but now California
May 01, 2018 Read Full Article
States to Sue EPA over Failure to Enforce Landfill Gas Rules
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) A coalition led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the California Air Resources board has announced plans to sue the U.S. EPA over its failure to enforce existing landfill methane regulations. The coalition announced its plans
April 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Raimondo Backs Biodiesel Increase in Visit to Newport Company
by Sean Flynn (Newport Daily News) Newport Biodiesel LLC saw a big jump in demand for its product at the beginning of the year when a Massachusetts regulation took effect that requires a minimum 10 percent biodiesel component of all
April 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Cow Power: The Digest’s 2018 Multi-Slide Guide to Ag-Grid Energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Ag-Grid Energy has a vision to convert agricultural and organic waste into renewable energy, compost and support local area practices that lead us towards a sustainable environment. The company intends to finance, build, own (jointly), operate
March 19, 2018 Read Full Article
9 States Buck the Trump Administration and Move Forward with a Price on Carbon Pollution
by Natasha Geiling (ThinkProgress) Currently only one state in the country has an economy-wide cap on carbon. These states want to change that -- Lawmakers from nine states announced on Wednesday that they would be forming a coalition to help pass carbon pricing
February 01, 2018 Read Full Article
Northeast States Tap the Gas Pump for Carbon Emissions Cuts
by Gerald B. Silverman (Bloomberg) Motor fuel could be the next target for controlling greenhouse gas emissions in the Northeast, as seven states that have already clamped down on power plants train their sights on the transportation sector. The states are considering
January 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Governors Announce New Collaboration to Reduce Transportation Emissions
(Union of Concerned Scientistst) Statement by Ken Kimmell, Union of Concerned Scientists -- Leading environmental, health, scientific and business organizations today applauded the announcement by seven states and Washington, D.C. of plans to develop a regional policy to reduce carbon pollution from
November 14, 2017 Read Full Article
New England Power Generators Association/Environmental NGO Letter on Regional Transportation Emissions
(New England Power Generators Association) NEPGA letter – with the Acadia Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists – calling for a regional approach to lowering transportation emissions in a market based manner. READ MORE Excerpts from
November 07, 2017 Read Full Article
Some Democrats See Tax Overhaul as a Path to Taxing Carbon
by Lisa Friedman (The New York Times) With a sweeping overhaul of the tax code on the horizon, two Senate Democrats believe this is the moment to broach the third rail of climate change policy: a carbon tax. The plan by the senators, Sheldon
August 18, 2017 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Sees the Sea: New Sailing School Vessel Fueled with B20
(National Biodiesel Board) Newport Biodiesel provides 6,000 gallons of B20 for voyage ending in Cuba -- A one-of-a-kind ship with a special mission is now fueled with 20 percent biodiesel as it begins a voyage from New England to Florida,
February 22, 2017 Read Full Article
Decentralized Organics to Energy with Containerized Anaerobic Digestion
by John D. Forcier (Lee Enterprises Consulting, Inc./Biofuels Digest) Most trash and recycled waste materials are being processed on a regional basis to maximize the economy of scale. There have been various attempts to gather and process organic waste materials
January 03, 2017 Read Full Article
With Canada and Mexico on Board, Carbon Pricing Could Become a Reality Across North America with Expanded U.S. Action
(Center for American Progress) Carbon taxes and emissions trading systems, once considered political moonshots in the battle to combat carbon emissions, have found purchase in Canada, Mexico, and parts of the United States, raising the possibility that carbon pricing could
November 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Carbon Cature and Utilization Act Would Support Algae Technologies
(Algae Biomass Organization) Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and five of his Senate colleagues introduced today the Carbon Capture and Utilization Act of 2016, a bill that will provide provide tax credit support for algae and other carbon capture and
July 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Cessna 182 Crosses Country on Biofuel
(Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) Ross McCurdy, a science teacher from Ponaganset High School in Glocester, Rhode Island, has flown to Santa Monica, California, and back in a 1980 diesel-powered Cessna 182 owned by a New Jersey flying club using
May 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuel Plane Makes Stop in Walnut Ridge
by Seth Stephenson (WMCActionNews5.com) A Rhode Island science teacher made a stop in Walnut Ridge Sunday during his cross country flight using a Cessna powered by biofuel. Ross McCurdy, the pilot, teaches science and alternative energy at a high school on the
April 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Circling Opportunity
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Blue Sphere Corp.’s two-prong business development strategy in the global waste-to-energy industry is proving to be fruitful. -- ... Blue Sphere’s first two stateside anaerobic digestion (AD) projects have reached final stages of construction, and a
April 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Science Teacher Plans First Coast-to-Coast Biofuel Flight
by Megan Elliott (Flying Magazine) First transcontinental flight using aviation biofuel in a certified light aircraft. -- High-school science teacher Ross McCurdy is planning the first transcontinental flight using aviation biofuel in a certified light aircraft. McCurdy will launch from North
March 23, 2016 Read Full Article
A Look at Six State Proposals to Tax Carbon
by Peter Vail and Dallas Burtraw (Resources for the Future) As the political likelihood of passing comprehensive national climate policy has remained low, many states have taken up the mantle. This devolution of climate policy has been further reinforced by the US
March 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Algae Industry Magazine's 2015 International Readers’ Poll — Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
(Algae Industry Magazine) In any industry, a few incredible people make an enormous impact. The algae industry is fortunate to honor Algae Ambassadors that are great scientists and industry leaders. They are also superb educators for our next generation of
January 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Electric Cars Can’t Take the Cold
by Jeff Plungis (Bloomberg) Batteries generate power less efficiently as temperatures drop. --- ... The trouble is, except for Oregon, none of the states have California’s temperate weather. The batteries used by the greener cars generate electricity from chemical reactions that work
December 07, 2015 Read Full Article
A High Price to Pay: The Hidden Costs of Corn-Ethanol Mandates on New England
(Center for Regulatory Solutions) ... How have the RFS and federal corn consumption mandates impacted non-corn states, and the small businesses struggling to stay competitive in the global economy? According to a new study commissioned by the Center for
November 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Senators Push White House on Ethanol Mandate
by Devin Henry (The Hill) A group of senators is pushing the White House to issue a strong mandate for ethanol fuel. Fourteen senators — a mix of Republicans and Democrats, many from ethanol-producing Midwestern states — met with White House
October 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Home Heating Oil Industry Using Biodiesel to Revive and Reinvent Itself
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The heating oil market is well established along the East Coast with approximately 6.2 million homes relying on it during the winter. But progressive states in that region are looking to move towards renewable
August 24, 2015 Read Full Article
In Stunning Spectacle, RI Tall Ship Sails for First Time
by Mark Schieldrop (Bristol-Warren Patch) Narragansett Bay was graced by the mighty presence of the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry on Thursday as she set sail for the first time on wind power alone on a maiden voyage to join other
July 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel to Help Power U.S. Leg of Volvo Ocean Race
(VolvoOceanRaceNewport.com) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is a supporting sponsor for the Newport Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race, providing blends of biodiesel for use on the Volvo Ocean 65 race boats and in all of the diesel generators and
May 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Malloy's Rhode Island Company Recognized for Use of Biodiesel
(vtdigger.org/TH Malloy and Sons) Jim Malloy, of Plainfield, Vermont, is being recognized for his contributions to reducing the use of petroleum fuel in the transportation sector. His business, TH Malloy and Sons in Newport, Rhode Island, is being recognized with
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Brown Panel: To Cut CO2 Emissions, Make It Profitable
by Alex Kuffner (Providence Journal) To get power plants and other large polluters to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases that are driving climate change, make it financially attractive to them. That was the key takeaway from a conference held last
January 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Algae Biomass Organization Applauds Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for Supporting Carbon Utilization Technology
(Algae Biomass Organization) Senators urge Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to support carbon utilization throughout their programs. The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the algae industry, applauded U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV)
January 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Crooked Brothers Sentenced over Huge Waste Cooking Oil for Biofuel Scam in Rhode Islanld
by Ben Messenger (Waste Management World) Two brothers in their 70s have been sentenced for conspiring to sell and transport used cooking oil stolen from restaurants in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to a processing plant in New Hampshire for
December 12, 2014 Read Full Article
Biomass Producers Today, Carbon Kings Tomorrow
by Matt Carr (Biomass Magazine/Algae Biomass Organization) ... To control carbon dioxide (CO2), the agency (Environmental Protection Agency) places a significant emphasis on burying emissions underground (carbon capture and sequestration or CCS), but I believe it should equally encourage the
December 11, 2014 Read Full Article
Sen. Whitehouse to Push Carbon Price Bill
by Laura Barron-Lopez (The Hill) Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is preparing legislation that will put a price on carbon and he plans to introduce it next month. Whitehouse announced the legislation during a conference at New York University on
October 29, 2014 Read Full Article
Manchin, Whitehouse Tour Algae Facility, Discuss Role of CO2 Utilization
(Algae Biomass Organization) In a sign of growing awareness among policy makers of carbon utilization as a climate change mitigation platform, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) today paid a joint visit to ABO platinum member BioProcess Algae
October 16, 2014 Read Full Article
Teknor Apex Company Named Commercial Bioproduct Innovation of the Year award winner and Cenergy USA, Inc. Names Consumer Bioproduct Innovation of the Year
(OBIC Bioproducts Innovation Center) Bioproduct Innovation of the Year Awards Announced at Bioproducts World Showcase and Conference The inaugural Bioproducts Innovation of the Year awards were announced today (October 6, 2014) at the Bioproducts World 2014 Showcase and Conference, being held today through Wednesday
October 07, 2014 Read Full Article
RI Producer To Supply Biodiesel For America's Newest Tall Ship
by Tall Ship SSV Oliver Hazard Perry (Biodiesel Magazine) While lathes are turning in Washington State, dozens of riggers have begun working on the standing rigging that will faithfully support the three masts of SSV Oliver Hazard Perry. The 200-foot square-rigged
May 06, 2014 Read Full Article
Congressional Algae Caucus Launched!
(Algae Biomass Organization) Algae Biomass Organization Applauds Reps. Scott Peters and Matt Salmon as New Chairs of the Congressional Algae Caucus. Bi-partisan group focused on increasing awareness of the potential of algae industry to create jobs and economic development through
October 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Algae Illustrated–ABO’s New Industry Project Book
(Algae Biomass Organization) The algae industry is moving faster than many people suspect. To help demonstrate how far along so many of ABO’s members are we recently created the Algae Industry Project Book, an illustrated guide of some of the most
August 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Rhode Island Passes Statewide Bioheat Requirement
(National Biodiesel Board) State's oil heat to contain 2 percent biodiesel by 2014 The governor of Rhode Island signed landmark legislation recently that will ensure all of the state's heating oil becomes Bioheat® by 2014. Starting July 1, 2014, every gallon of oil
July 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Fast Swimmers: 10 Algae Technologies, Where Are They in the Race for the Summit?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The Summer of Algae has passed, but dozens of companies have remained hot in pursuit of a solution for fuels, feed, nutraceuticals, fragrances, flavorings and tailored renewable oils. Their technologies? Closed systems, open-systems, hybrid systems. Hosts
July 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Zero Waste and Plant Optimization
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) When Pacific Biodiesel Technologies’ Big Island Biodiesel refinery came online last year, it was marketed as a state-of-the-art, zero-waste plant. The facility, scaled at 16,000 gallons a day, was Hawaii’s first since 2000 and boosted
March 23, 2013 Read Full Article
Science Teacher Tests Biofuel Plane
by Neil Remiesiewicz and Steve Nielsen (WPRI.com) Ross McCurdy, who teaches at Ponaganset High School, teamed up with other fliers to take their biodiesel-powered aircraft for a test flight Saturday. McCurdy and the team modified a Cessna 182 aircraft to run
March 05, 2013 Read Full Article
How a Microbial Biorefinery Regulates Genes
(Brown University) Digesting lignin, a highly stable polymer that accounts for up to a third of biomass, is a limiting step to producing a variety of biofuels. Researchers at Brown have figured out the microscopic chemical switch that allows Streptomycesbacteria to
February 21, 2013 Read Full Article
U.S. States Threaten Lawsuit against EPA over Regulations
by Andrew Hay (Reuters) A coalition of seven eastern states led by New York plans to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to issue new guidelines to curb methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that may be linked to
December 17, 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
The Olive Economy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ...Here are five types of technologies that straddle the political divide between green and black. Re-using industrial waste gases Here are three companies aiming at capturing CO2 and either directly converting to fuels, or using it as
March 23, 2012 Read Full Article
Rail Plan to Ship Ethanol Is Decried
by Katheleen Conti (The Boston Globe) Eight firefighters are seen dousing a couple of rail cars, as bright flames and a plume of dark smoke engulf parts of the freight train in a still image stamped with the message: Ready
March 09, 2012 Read Full Article
An Endeavor into Biofuel: University of Rhode Island Fuels Its Research Vessel with Biodiesel
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) In mid-January the University of Rhode Island topped off its research ship Endeavor’s fuel tank with 53,000 gallons of biodiesel-blended fuel. The move was the initial step in URI’s plan to transform the 185-foot ship
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Scholastic Beginnings: Bob Cerio Blazed the Biodiesel-Blended Heating Oil Trail—This Is His Story
by Luke Geiver ( Biodiesel Magazine) Until 2001, the electrode tip or the fuel nozzle in an oilheat burner didn’t mean much to the biodiesel industry. But after an energy resource manager for the Warwick, R.I., public schools department decided
March 02, 2012 Read Full Article
Cassandra Lin, Rhode Island Student, Applauded For Recycled Biodiesel Project
by Pete Danko (Earth Techling/Huffington Post) ...The child this time is 13-year-old Cassandra Lin, who two years ago came up with the idea of collecting used cooking oil in the Westerly, R.I., area where she lives and turning it into
October 19, 2011 Read Full Article
The XTL Diet: New Paths to Feasible, Domestic Low-Carb Fuels
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Can synthetic biology capture and utilize CO2 to such an extent that it not only can make money – but can mitigate the carbon intensity of no-no feedstocks like coal, gas and oil, opening up
August 23, 2011 Read Full Article
Newport Issues RFQ for Algal Fuels Demo
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Rhode Island, the City of Newport is soliciting a Statement of Qualifications (QBS) for the creation of a Demonstration Project converting naturally occurring algae into a biodiesel for the City of Newport. Deadline for