by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization released a landmark report “Advancing the Biobased Economy: Renewable Chemical Biorefinery Commercialization, Progress, and Market Opportunities, 2016 and Beyond,” documenting substantial, ongoing growth in the renewable chemical industry and outlining
Legislation-State
Back TO HOMECalifornia Scores Tremendous Victories on Climate Policy and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard
(Low Carbon Fuels Coalition) The Low Carbon Fuels Coalition (LCFC) is pleased to announce that the California State Senate and Assembly have approved a pair of ground-breaking climate bills (SB 32 and AB 197). Governor Brown has pledged to sign
August 26, 2016 Read Full Article
California Assembly Approves Climate Change Law
by Anshu Siripurapu (Sacramento Bee) After an intense floor debate, a bill extending California’s greenhouse gas emission targets squeaked by in the Assembly on Tuesday. Senate Bill 32 was seen as a crucial step for reauthorizing the state’s cap-and-trade program. Gov. Jerry
August 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Penn State to Help Develop Guidelines for Growing Industrial Hemp
by Sara LaJeunesse (Penn State News) On July 20, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a law allowing the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and institutions of higher education to grow hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for research purposes. Penn State's College of Agricultural
August 17, 2016 Read Full Article
California Urgently Needs Action on Climate Change; Legislature and Governor Should Pass SB 32 This Year
(Union of Concerned Scientists) In recent days, legislative leadership and Gov. Jerry Brown have been sending mixed signals on whether they will consider SB 32 (Pavley), a bill to require lowering climate pollution to 40 percent below 1990 levels by
August 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Commission to Study Maine’s Biomass Industry to Meet in August
by Katie Fletcher (Biomass Magazine) ... This past April, Maine enacted a resolve establishing the 13-member commission. Members include two from the Senate and three from the House of Representatives. Four members are appointed by the president of the Senate, including a
August 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Washington State’s Proposed Clean Air Rule Ignores Biofuels’ Climate Benefits
(Renewable Fuels Association) Washington state’s proposed Clean Air Rule (CAR) fails to recognize the climate benefits associated with biofuels and in fact penalizes their use, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) told the Washington Department of Ecology in comments submitted today
July 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Hawaii Gov. Ige Signs Renewable Fuels Production Tax Credit
(Pacific Biodiesel Technologies/Biodiesel Magazine) Pacific Biodiesel President Robert King attended in early July the formal signing of the Renewable Fuels Production Tax Credit by Hawaii Gov. David Ige, a long-awaited incentive for biofuels producers in the state. This move supports
July 15, 2016 Read Full Article
A Grand Bargain? Gov. Jerry Brown in Talks with Oil Companies about Climate Change Programs
by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason (Los Angeles Times) Gov. Jerry Brown's administration has been talking directly with oil companies in hopes of reaching a consensus on extending California's landmark climate programs, opening a back channel with an industry the governor has harshly
July 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Maine Retiree Fueling Governor’s Questions about Ethanol
by Scott Thistle (Portland Press Herald) Ralph Stevens, a retired mechanic who says ethanol emissions may have caused the state's opioid crisis, and a legislator persuade Paul LePage to order a study of the additive. A retired mechanic from South Berwick
July 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Missouri Governor Signs Bill Benefiting Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On June 24, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed S.B. 657. The new law will promote the installation of blender pumps within the state by ensuring that the liability insurance gas stations are already required
June 30, 2016 Read Full Article
EPA Pushing Outdated, Costly Ethanol Fuel
by Ryan Rowden (Missouri Petroleum Council/Kansas City Star) ... It’s good to be the world’s leading oil and natural gas producer. But an obsolete law passed before the U.S. energy resurgence could interfere. ... The problem could be even worse in Missouri if
June 22, 2016 Read Full Article
North Carolina House Committee Approves Industrial Hemp Research Study
(WXII) North Carolina lawmakers are pushing a proposal to authorize the cultivation of industrial hemp with the goal of allowing researchers to begin planting next spring. The House Agriculture Committee approved a bill Thursday allowing for state land grant universities to
June 21, 2016 Read Full Article
California's Landmark Cap and Trade Program Faces Uncertain Future
by Rory Carroll (Reuters) California's greenhouse gas reduction program is in a battle for its life, and uncertainty about its future has spooked buyers of its carbon permits -- California in 2012 became the first U.S. state with a comprehensive
June 16, 2016 Read Full Article
Iowa Biodiesel Board Commends Signing of Bill to Expand IA Biodiesel Incentives
(Biofuels Journal) It just makes sense! That’s the sentiment from the Iowa Biodiesel Board and other supporters as Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed SF 2309 into law today, expanding state biodiesel incentives. The bill includes a tax credit that helps keep
May 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Mass. Top Court Says State GHG Rules Not Good Enough
by Keith Goldberg (Law 360) Massachusetts' top court on Tuesday reversed a lower court's decision backing the state's approach to greenhouse gas regulations, saying the state's climate change law requires officials to craft rules that establish annually decreasing limits on multiple
May 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Branstad Signature Ensures Iowans Have Greater Access to Homegrown Fuel
(KMALand/Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed into law H.F. 2464, a multifaceted bill that secures funding for the state’s highly successful biodiesel and ethanol blender pump program, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, through June 30, 2017.
May 17, 2016 Read Full Article
Senate Opens Door for Increased Ethanol Use
by Tom C. Doran (AgriNews) Legislation that supporters say will enhance consumer choices and increase demand for Illinois corn was unanimously approved in the Illinois Senate. The bill allows the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to receive nearly $11.98 million from
May 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Iowa Legislature Approves Funding for State Blender Pump Program
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Iowa Legislature Votes Overwhelmingly to Extend Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program Another Year -- The Iowa Legislature voted 94 – 0 in the House of Representatives and 49 – 0 in the Iowa Senate to secure
May 03, 2016 Read Full Article
Iowa Offers Tax Incentives In Bid To Become An Epicenter For Innovation In Bio-based Materials
by Steven Savage (Forbes) Last week the governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, signed a bill which came to him with bipartisan support from the legislature. The measure institutes tax incentives designed to accelerate the growth of the emerging biotech industry
April 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Senate Hearing on Ethanol Tax Breaks Stirs Small-Engine Debate
by Tim Landis (State Journal-Register) .... At issue is a proposal to eliminate a 20 percent per-gallon sales tax break on sales of E10 fuels and create a 10 percent break for E15, which currently gets no tax incentives. Agricultural
April 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Industry Group Drops Low-Carbon Fuel Fight
by Hillary Borrud (Portland Tribune) An oil industry group announced Thursday it will abandon a bid to get voters to weaken or repeal Oregon’s low-carbon fuel standard. The Oregon Fuels Association had filed three initiatives targeting the law for the November
April 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Electric Car Bill Will Do Little to Reduce Emissions
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) Today’s Star Tribune reported of a proposal in the Minnesota legislature that calls for a financial incentive to boost electric or plug-in hybrid sales in the state to reduce emissions. According to the report, consumers would receive rebates
March 31, 2016 Read Full Article
Kum & Go Becomes First in Missouri to Offer E15
(Convenience Store News) Kum & Go LC became the first retailer to offer E15 in Missouri. The blend of 15-percent ethanol and 85-percent gasoline is now available at two Springfield, Mo., locations: 5384 S. Campbell Ave. and 1505 N. National
March 14, 2016 Read Full Article
White Mountain Biodiesel Announces Plans to Expand Plant Capacity and Begin Direct Sales of Biodiesel to Retail Customers
(White Mountain Biodiesel) NBB member White Mountain Biodiesel, LLC announced today that it has begun the expansion of its plant in North Haverhill, NH. The expansion, which will occur over the next two years, will include a 10,000 square foot
February 29, 2016 Read Full Article
Washington Lawmakers Consider Putting A Price On Carbon
by Ken Christensen (KCTS9/EarthFix) State lawmakers this week began discussing a measure that could make Washington the first state to tax residents and businesses on their carbon emissions. ... More than 350,000 voters signed petitions for Initiative 732. Under state law, Washington’s
February 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Indiana Bill Would Extend Misfueling Immunity to Mid-Level Blends
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) In mid-January, a congressman in the Indiana General Assembly introduced a bill that aims to increase use of ethanol-blended fuels by expanding immunity for the misuse of blended fuel. The legislation, H.B. 1364, was introduced
February 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Stations Continue to Sell Ethanol-Blended Gas, Despite State Law Repeal
(KHON2) One month after gas stations were allowed to start selling fuel without ethanol, Hawaii drivers are still stuck with mostly the same blended gasoline. The new law removes the mandate that required up to 10 percent of ethanol in the gas. Many drivers
February 03, 2016 Read Full Article
California Launches New Fuel Policies in 2016
by Graham Noyes (Biodiesel Magazine/ Keyes, Fox & Wiedman LLP) California will be the biodiesel market to watch in 2016 as the state implements a diverse portfolio of policies that will directly impact the industry. The state’s landmark greenhouse gas
January 27, 2016 Read Full Article
DEQ Proposes Last Minute Clean Fuels Tweaks
by Taylor W. Anderson (The Bulletin) Environmental panel votes today on break for oil companies through 2018, new ethanol models -- Top environmental regulators are slated to finish rules today that include big changes for Oregon’s Clean Fuels program, three weeks
December 09, 2015 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
Carbon Tax Measure Will Make The Washington Ballot, Backers Say
by Ashley Ahearn (KUOW) A voter initiative that would put a tax on carbon emissions has gathered enough signatures to put it on the ballot in 2016. The measure would impose a tax of $25 for every ton of carbon emitted when
December 04, 2015 Read Full Article
Governor's Signature on Tax Bill to Boost California Biodiesel
(The California Biodiesel Alliance/Biodiesel Magazine) On Oct. 4 California Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 1032 into law, correcting a tax problem and clearing the way for a significant increase in the volumes of biodiesel blended in the state. The bill,
October 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Orlando Museum, Tea Party and Biofuels: Letters -- Biofuels Good for Florida
by Mark Emalfarb (Dyadic International) ... Mike Murtha's My Word column, "Feds must follow Fla. on ethanol repeal," on Monday is a misguided call to move the state backward in all three areas. Florida's universities and biotechnology companies — including the
October 02, 2015 Read Full Article
California’s Legislature Drops Petroleum Reduction to Pass SB 350; Approves Escalating State Procurement of Very Low Carbon Fuels; and Leaves Nearly $1B of Cap and Trade Revenue on the Table
by Graham Noyes (Biofuels Digest/Low Carbon Fuels Coalition) The first year of California’s legislative session ended dramatically with a mix of successes and setbacks for the low carbon fuel industry. California leads the nation on policies to combat climate change
September 22, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon's Clean Fuels Law Ignites More Political Wrangling
by Ian K. Kullgren (The Oregonian/Oregon Live) ... One of the law's biggest advocates threatened to join forces with opponents this week over proposed changes. A new environmental coalition launched ads attacking proposed ballot measures. Lawsuits are pending in state and
September 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Illinois Corn Working to Support #Ethanol, E15
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) ... One such initiative is working with key players in Chicago to get 150 E15 stations up and running in the city. A piece of legislation is sitting with the Alderman and the mayor and Hartman hopes
September 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Jerry Brown: “Oil Lobby Gutted California’s Climate Bill”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, Gov. Jerry Brown called the derailment of efforts to cut gasoline cosumption “a well-financed oil industry effort”, but Brown vowed to keep pushing on efforts to reduce the state’s petroleum usage. From California, the
September 14, 2015 Read Full Article
Jerry Brown, Kevin de Leon Abandon Legislative Push to Require 50 Percent Cut in Gasoline Use
by David Siders and Jeremy B. White (Sacramento Bee) Major setback for California governor’s climate agenda; Decision comes amid resistance from moderate Democrats; Brown pledges to use executive power to reduce emissions In a major setback for Gov. Jerry Brown’s climate agenda,
September 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Scorching Summer Drives California Innovation and Biofuels
by Graham Noyes (Low Carbon Fuels Coalition/Biofuels Digest) California’s politicians and people are responding to the state’s increasingly dire symptoms of climate change with innovation, resolve, and biofuel policies. California’s determination to recapture its milder and less fire-prone environment is best
September 01, 2015 Read Full Article
California's New Energy and Climate Goals Will Create Jobs and Boost the Economy
(Advanced Energy Economy/PR Newswire) Advanced energy business leaders went to the California Capitol building today to express support for Gov. Brown's energy and climate goals for 2030 and Senate President Pro-tempore Kevin de León's bill to put those goals into law.
August 19, 2015 Read Full Article
Inslee: I’ll Use My Authority to Impose Cap on Emissions
by Jim Brunner and Hal Bernton (Seattle Times) After being stymied on climate policy in the Legislature, Gov. Jay Inslee announced he’s pressing ahead with executive action to impose a cap on carbon emissions. Frustrated by legislative inaction on climate, Gov. Jay
August 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Gov. Dayton Signs E15 Dispenser Bill: Law Goes into Effect July 1
(Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association) The E15 Dispenser bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton, goes into effect July 1 and will help up to 100 fuel retailers in the state make minor modifications to offer E15. The bill, part
July 15, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Declares Biomass Carbon Neutral
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) After a House vote of 44-9, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed a bill that exempts biomass-derived carbon dioxide emissions from regulation under certain air pollution laws. The bill defines biomass as nonfossilized and biodegradable organic
July 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Clean Fuel Standards Face Political Attacks in Washington, Oregon
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Clean fuel standards under development in Oregon and Washington have been under attack by their respective state legislatures in recent weeks. The Oregon Clean Fuels Standard continued moving forward in March when Gov. Kate Brown
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Washington State Nixes Low Carbon Fuel Standard via Transport Bill “Poison Pill”
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Washington state, state lawmakers passed a $15B transportation package by a 27-22 vote that includes a provision that “effectively prohibits a Clean Fuel Standard for Washington state,” according to the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition.
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Hawaii Gov. David Ige Plans to Veto Ethanol Tax Credit Bill
by Duane Shimogawa (Pacific Business News) Hawaii Gov. David Ige said that he intends to veto a bill passed by the State Legislature that would repeal the ethanol facility tax credit and establish a renewable fuels production tax credit. ... Ige reasoned
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Schepisi Bill Allowing Biofuel Production in New Jersey Approved by the Assembly
(RealEstateRama) Legislation sponsored by Assembly Republican Holly Schepisi paving the way for new jobs for New Jersey workers in the expanding biodiesel industry earned approval from the General Assembly today. “New Jersey’s geographics makes it a perfect fit for the development
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Declares Biomass Carbon Neutral
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) After a House vote of 44-9, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed a bill that exempts biomass-derived carbon dioxide emissions from regulation under certain air pollution laws. The bill defines biomass as nonfossilized and biodegradable organic
June 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Legislature OKs E15 Infrastructure Investments for Iowa Renewable Fuels Grants
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, the state legislature passed legislation that allows E15 infrastructure investments to become eligible for Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure grants. Previously, the infrastructure program funds were only available for blender pumps and dispensers offering E85.
June 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Nebraska Gov. Signs Alt-Fuel Vehicle Rebate Bill
(TruckingInfo.com) Nebraska's Gov. Pete Ricketts has approved legislation that will establish a new program offering rebates for alternative-fuel vehicle conversions, according to documents from the state legislature. The legislation (L.B. 581), called the Nebraska Clean-Burning Motor Fuel Development Act, will allocate
June 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Hawaii’s Clean-Energy Future Requires a Commitment to Develop Biofuels
by Paul Zorner and Martin Sabarsky (Star Advertiser) A decade ago, Hawaii made a commitment to producing and using more renewable fuels, for cleaner air, a cleaner environment, reduced dependence on oil and greater local economic security. It was then
May 30, 2015 Read Full Article
With Clean Fuels as Law, Oregon Biofuel Maker Prepares for Major Expansion
by Wendy Culverwell (Portland Business Journal) A Eugene biofuel company that converts used cooking oil into fuel is in expansion mode thanks to Oregon’s Clean Fuels program. SeQuential Pacific Biofuels expanded its production capacity in anticipation the new law will
May 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Leaders Call for Biochemical Tax Credits for Ethanol, Biodiesel
by Dave Dreeszen (Sioux City Journal) Durham (Debi Durham, the state's economic development director), a former Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president, is championing legislation that would set aside up to $15 million in tax credits per year to encourage ethanol and biodiesel
May 11, 2015 Read Full Article
Schwarzenegger: Three Things Weightlifting and California Can Teach Us About How To Save the World
by Arnold Schwarzenegger (Time Magazine) ... When I praise Governor Brown, some people look at me like I’ve lost my mind. I’m a Republican, and he is a Democrat. In our current political climate, we are supposed to be mortal enemies. This
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Bill Would Lift Biodiesel Requirements in Winter
by Abby Spegman (The Bulletin) Bend-La Pine say bus troubles have force school cancellations ... School districts east of the Cascades are among the groups backing a bill in Salem that would drop the mandated use of biodiesel in winter months.
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Truckers Sue to End Biodiesel Mandate
by David Shaffer (Star Tribune) Minnesota truckers and other interests sued Minnesota on Friday seeking to end the state’s requirement that diesel sold at the pump contain 10 percent biodiesel. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota alleges that
April 21, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Lawmakers Ride-and-Drive on Biodiesel
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) Lawmakers in Iowa got the chance to experience the power of biodiesel for themselves. The Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB)held its its first ever Ride-and-Drive event at the capitol in Des Moines as part of the group’s
April 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Minnesota, the Green Giant: Going All out on Agrastructure and the Advanced Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Today, we look at how Minnesota, too, has been experiencing success via its bioeconomy, and how and why. The traditional view of “Minnesota”? A giant metropolis in the Twin Cities, replete with giant ag-focused corporations
April 10, 2015 Read Full Article
Risk and Reward for Boardman Biomass Proposal
by George Plaven (Capital Press) One possible biomass fuel for the coal plant is giant cane, known as Arundo donax, which PGE has spent several years growing in small test plots. ... As a potential source of renewable energy, giant cane
April 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Transportation Budget Cuts Alternative Fuel Mandate
by Karen Kasler (WOSU) The transportation budget signed last week includes a change for the state’s vehicle fleet: The budget cuts out a requirement on alternative fuels that had been in place for most of a decade. In July 2006 alternative fuels
April 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Billionaire Environmentalist Comes to Sacramento, Clashes with Businesses over Climate Change Bill
by Allen Young (Sacramento Business Journal) Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer came to Sacramento on Tuesday to promote a wholesale expansion of air quality regulations promoted by the governor and Senate leader Kevin de León. Asked point blank why Steyer approved of the
April 08, 2015 Read Full Article
Fees, Taxes Increase with Highway Funding Package
(Rapid City Journal) South Dakota drivers will be paying more for that privilege in the very near future. The 2015 S.D. Legislature, with guidance from an Interim Committee on Highway Needs and Financing, overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 1 and Governor
April 07, 2015 Read Full Article
New Bill Could Add Value To Iowa Biofuel
(WHOTV.com) ... At the Iowa Biotech Association’s Partnering for Growth event on April 1st, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham was a keynote speaker. She talked about using Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel production, and incentivizing, “bolt on” facilities to
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
The Unrecognized Value of Bio-Energy
by Chad Smith (Midwest Producer) "We threw a whole bunch of stuff up on the wall to see if anything sticks." Dave VanderGriend quoted a Kansas state legislator describing House Bill (HB) 2401, a proposal to add a 4.5-cent per gallon
April 03, 2015 Read Full Article
Industry, Water Advocates Come Together on Bioenergy Bills
by Frank Jossi (Midwest Energy News) Environmentalists and bioeconomy advocates reached an agreement last week to modify a bill moving through the Minnesota legislature that they hope will create a new clean energy and green chemical industry in Minnesota. The BioEconomy
March 31, 2015 Read Full Article
Gov. Brown Removes Sunset Date from Oregon Clean Fuels Standard
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has signed S.B. 324 into law. The bill removes the Dec. 31, 2015 sunset date from the state’s Clean Fuels Program. By signing S.B. 324, Brown has allowed the program to
March 13, 2015 Read Full Article
Good Policy Should Float All Bio-Boats
by Amanda Bilek (Biomass Magazine/Great Plains Institute) Exciting biobased industry developments are occurring across the U.S. Although there are challenges, there are also opportunities at the state and local level. Minnesota is one state with many of the essential ingredients
March 09, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon House Sends Fuels Bill to Governor
(Associated Press/Union-Bulletin) The Oregon House voted Wednesday to send Gov. Kate Brown a climate-change bill that’s likely to increase gas prices, handing the Democrat a thorny decision as she settles into office. Brown has spoken favorably of extending Oregon’s low-carbon fuel
March 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Iowa Road Funding Bill Passes with Reduced Tax Rate for B11
(The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association/Biodiesel Magazine) The Iowa Legislature created a 3-cent per gallon differential tax rate for B11 and higher biodiesel blends in the road funding legislation passed Feb. 24. This provision is expected to boost the availability and sales
March 04, 2015 Read Full Article
New Wyoming Law Extends Fuels Tax to Alternative Highway Fuels, Including Natural Gas, E85, Biodiesel
(Associated Press) Gov. Matt Mead has signed into law a bill that extends the state fuels tax to include alternative highway fuels, including natural gas, pure ethanol, E85 and biodiesel. The new law, which Mead signed on Wednesday, will take effect in
February 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Farmers Look to Legislature for Expansion Paths
by Don Davis (Daily Globe) Minnesota farmers want state leaders to help them expand to new markets. They are ready to enter a new era of producing crops that can be made into products ranging from rope to ink, but
February 20, 2015 Read Full Article
4 Things You Should Know about Oregon's Low-Carbon Fuel Standard
by Ian K. Kullgren (The Oregonian/OregonLive) ... The law aims to position Oregon as a leader in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting an increasingly cleaner standard for gasoline distributors over the next decade. ... 1) The low-carbon fuel standard
February 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Senate Approves Clean-Fuels Extension Despite Tie to Cylvia Hayes
by Ian K. Kullgren (The Oregonian/OregonLive) The Senate approved a bill Tuesday to extend the state's clean-fuel standard, bucking Republican opponents who decried the program's connection to the scandal involving John Kitzhaber and his fiancée, Cylvia Hayes. In a display of political
February 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Proposes Elimination of Ethanol Requirement in Gasoline
(SEMA Action Network) Legislation (H.B. 2373) to remove the requirement that all gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol was introduced in the Oregon House of Representatives. Currently, the state requires that “a retail dealer,
February 18, 2015 Read Full Article
US, California Double Down on Climate Change, Energy Security via New Initiatives
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Obama unveils Clean Energy Investment Initiative; California lawmakers introduce a trio of bills aimed at 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In Washington, the Obama Administration launched its Clean Energy Investment Initiative, with a
February 12, 2015 Read Full Article
Oregon Helps Spark National Surge in Biodiesel Production
by Wendy Culverwell (Portland Business Journal) Clean fuel policies in Oregon, Washington and California are helping drive the advanced biofuel industry. In its fourth annual report on the state of the advanced biofuel industry, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) reports the U.S. capacity
January 07, 2015 Read Full Article
Five Myths about Gas Taxes
by Paul Bledsoe (The Washington Post) A dramatic 40 percent drop in oil prices since June has prompted new discussion aboutraising the long-static federal gasoline tax and has many states considering gas tax hikes as well. At the federal level, Congress
December 22, 2014 Read Full Article
Battle Resumes over Clean Fuels Program
by Steve Law (Portland Tribune) Another showdown looms in Salem between Big Oil and environmentalists, but this time environmentalists appear to have the upper hand. Heavy lobbying last year by the Western States Petroleum Association helped stall the state’s Clean Fuels
December 19, 2014 Read Full Article
Perea Bill Would Delay California Cap-and-Trade for Gas
by Jeremy B. White (Sacramento Bee) Democratic fissures over California's cap-and-trade mandates deepened on Thursday, with a key moderate Democrat introducing a bill to push back a looming rule expected to cause a spike in prices at the pump. Assembly Bill 69
July 21, 2014 Read Full Article
Proposed Constitutional Amendment in Ohio Would Benefit Biomass
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) ... On July 7, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine certified a petition for the proposed Clean Energy Initiative amendment. According to Josh Pulliam, a consultant for Yes for Ohio’s’ Energy Future, the political action committee that
July 18, 2014 Read Full Article
Oil Industry Kills California Assembly Bill to Support Biofuel Expansion
by Peter Waldman (Bloomberg BusinessWeek) The oil industry did some intellectual gymnastics last week over California’s low-carbon fuel standard, a 2007 mandate that gasoline refiners reduce the carbon intensity of their transportation fuels 10 percent by 2020. After arguing for
June 12, 2014 Read Full Article
ACE Informs Motorists that Many Vehicles Are Eligible to Use E15
(American Coalition for Ethanol/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The summer driving season is now hitting the United States, and the Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, Ron Lamberty, says many motorists might not realize it, but they could be
June 02, 2014 Read Full Article
Minnesota Is First to Mandate B10 Biodiesel
by John Davis (DomesticFuel.com) The land of 10,000 lakes becomes the first for another 10… a 10 percent biodiesel mandate. The move from a B5 to B10 blending requirement for summer months starting this July 1st was welcomed by the
May 23, 2014 Read Full Article
E15 Arrives in Missouri, though Consumers May Have to Look Hard to Find It
by Jacob Barker (St. LouisPost-Dispatch) It’s hard to find a gas station these days that doesn’t sell a 10 percent ethanol blend. A 15 percent mix, now that it’s available, probably won’t become as common anytime soon. New rules that take
May 23, 2014 Read Full Article
Utah Law Encourages Biodiesel Use
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) While H.R. 5 signed by Gov. Herbert encourages biodiesel use in Utah, exactly how the state plans to do so is less than clear ... The bill expresses support for the continued development and implementation of
May 14, 2014 Read Full Article
Industry Representatives Defend Corn Ethanol at State Hearing
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pending legislation in New Hampshire aims to limit corn ethanol in gasoline to 10 percent. The bill passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives on March 25 and was introduced in the state Senate
May 12, 2014 Read Full Article
DC Mayor Prohibits Fuel Efficient Consumer Choices
(Diesel Technology Forum) If District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray had his druthers there would be no diesel powered cars in the District. ... The problem with the proposal is that the Mayor seems to ignore the fuel savings and emissions
April 30, 2014 Read Full Article
Hawaii Lawmakers Give Unanimous Approval To Studying Hemp
by Johnny Green (The Weed Blog/The Joint Blog) Hawaii’s House Committee on Agriculture, and the state’s House Judiciary Committee, have both voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 2175, a proposal to establish a two-year research program to study the effectiveness of using hemp
April 03, 2014 Read Full Article
Minnesota Bills to Incentivize Biofuel, Biochemicals, Biomass Thermal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Legislation pending in the Minnesota Legislature aims to create incentives for renewable chemicals, advanced biofuels, and biomass thermal energy. In the Minnesota House of Representatives, H.F. 2456 aims to create a capital equipment loan program
March 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Ethanol Rule Set to Take Effect
(Associated Press/Columbia Daily Tribune) Expansion driven by ruling change. Missouri motorists could be able to buy a higher blend of ethanol gasoline as early as this summer because of a new policy pushed by Gov. Jay Nixon over the unsuccessful objections
March 05, 2014 Read Full Article
Legislative Committee Supports Biodiesel as Clean Air Tool
by Amy Joi O'Donoghue (Deseret News) A company in the northern reaches of Box Elder County is churning out 10 million gallons of biodiesel fuel each year, crafting the product from the used vegetable oil generated by restaurants, schools or jails. The biodiesel
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
State May Issue $50M in Bonds for Biofuel Effort
by Tom Callis (Stephens Media Hawaii/West Hawaii Today) Hawaii could issue up to $50 million in special purpose revenue bonds to support a company’s plans to turn agricultural waste into biofuel and animal feed. Since 2011, the Pacific Basin Agricultural
March 04, 2014 Read Full Article
Solving the Midwest Ethanol Problem: The E85 Angle
by Robert Rapier (Biofuels Digest/Energy Trends Insider) ... Today, nine years after I began writing about energy, we have an ethanol industry that has undergone rapid growth, but it is an industry that still relies heavily on the hand of government
February 20, 2014 Read Full Article
Jolt! Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota aims to boost Chems and Advanced Biofuels Industries with New Policy Initiatives
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Minnesota, the Bioeconomy Coalition of Minnesota, who announced their 2014 Minnesota legislative agenda today at the Minnesota Green Chemistry Conference, is proposing the creation of a new production incentive program for renewable chemicals and
January 20, 2014 Read Full Article
IL Sen. Todd Sieben “Retired To” Working for Ethanol
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) (Todd) Sieben (Chairman Central Bank and retired state senator) is currently working with the Illinois General Assembly on passing legislation that would incentivize the use of E15 in Illinois. He explained that for many years there has
December 20, 2013 Read Full Article
Lewinsky’s Dress Syndrome and the EPA Biofuels Debacle
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) So, the EPA hands down cruel cutbacks in renewable fuel targets as the Administration reels under Obamacare pressure. What happened to biofuels, why is “everyone’s friend” biodiesel getting the shaft, what’s next? And what is
November 25, 2013 Read Full Article
And the 2013 Environmental Turkey Goes to …The American Legislative Exchange Council, better known as ALEC.
by Bill Chameides (Duke University The Green Grok) OK, folks, Thanksgiving approaches. For most of you it’s the beginning of the holiday season — family, parties, and presents. For us at TheGreenGrok it means it’s time for selecting the biggest turkey
November 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Riley, McKeon & Giblin Bill to Promote Use of Bio-Based Heating Oil Released by Assembly Panel
(AssemblyDems.com) Legislation Assembly Democrats Celeste Riley, John McKeon and Thomas Giblin sponsored to promote more use of bio-based heating oil was released Monday by an Assembly panel. The Bio-based Heating Oil Act (A-3161) requires that all heating oil sold for residential,
November 21, 2013 Read Full Article
Missouri Lawmakers Block Rule Allowing E15 Gasoline
by David A. Lieb (Associated Press/News-Leader) ... The decision by a legislative panel halts a proposed rule change by the Missouri Department of Agriculture that would have allowed stations to sell fuel containing 15 percent ethanol. Lawmakers said the proposal goes
October 10, 2013 Read Full Article
Biofuels Center Deserves a Better Fate
by G.K. Butterfield (The Herald Sun) Without intervention or significant investment from non-profit organizations or the private sector, the Biofuels Center of North Carolina in Oxford is due to close for good on October 1, 2013. This is a travesty
September 26, 2013 Read Full Article
California Resolution Calls for Federal Reform of RFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The California legislature recently passed Assembly Joint Resolution 21, which urges federal lawmakers and the U.S. EPA to reform the renewable fuels standard (RFS), transitioning away from first-generation biofuels. The measure was introduced by
September 23, 2013 Read Full Article
The Right to Blend
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed into law last week legislation that preserves an Iowa petroleum marketer’s right to blend with Iowa manufactured ethanol and biodiesel. This, according to Dawn Carlson, president of the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience
July 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Funding Axed, N.C. Biofuels Center to Close
by Chris Bagley (Triangle Business Journal) The N.C. Biofuels Center will shut down “within weeks,” a spokesman said Tuesday morning as lawmakers moved to vote on a state budget that cuts off its $2 million in annual state funding. The center, near
July 24, 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
Oregon Senate Rejects 'Clean Fuels' Bill, a Top Priority for Environmental Lobby
by Yuxing Zheng (The Oregonian) The Senate on Saturday rejected a "clean fuels" bill that was the environmental lobby's top priority to combat global warming. ... Senate Bill 488 would lift a 2015 sunset date for Oregon's "clean fuel" program, which
July 08, 2013 Read Full Article
July 1st – Independence Day for Iowa Fuel Retailers
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) July 1, 2013 has now become “Independence Day” for Iowa fuel retailers as today marks the enactment of a new Iowa law that frees Iowa retailers from some Big Oil restrictions. “Today, new liberties go into effect
July 02, 2013 Read Full Article
Legislators: Global Partners Will Not Pursue Ethanol Transport by Train
by Erin Baldissari (Wicked Local Cambridge) Facing pressure from legislators and residents, representatives from Global Partners LP said they would withdraw their proposal July 1 to ship ethanol by train through some of the region’s most densely packed cities, according to state
July 02, 2013 Read Full Article
If Sunset Lifts, Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program Could Bring Heavy Investments
by Spencer Richley (Clean Energy Fuels/Sustainable Business Oregon) Time is running out for the Oregon Legislature to lift the sunset on the Clean Fuels Program, a practical program that would greatly benefit Oregon consumers’ pocketbooks by boosting development of less-expensive
June 25, 2013 Read Full Article
SAFER Southern Bioeconomy Case Study Series: Biofuels Center of North Carolina
(Southeast Agriculture & Forest Energy Resources Alliance) “We’re the nation’s only comprehensive biofuels agency, and I say that more out of surprise than for the purpose of touting North Carolina,” said Steven Burke, President and CEO of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, drawing attention to opportunities in the
May 28, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol Backers Propose E15 Tax Breaks
by Tim Landis (State Journal-Register) Ethanol supporters in Illinois want to trade a 20 percent sales tax break on E10 fuel sales in Illinois for a 10 percent break on E15, arguing it would mean jobs, cleaner air and more
May 28, 2013 Read Full Article
Support Growing for Veto of Ethanol Bill
(News Press) A bio-energy company on the Treasure Coast has joined Fort Myers-based Algenol Inc. in calling for Gov. Rick Scott to veto a measure that would repeal the state law requiring most gasoline sold in the state to include
May 28, 2013 Read Full Article
Iowa Takes Aggressive Step to Tear Down Big Oil’s Bogus Blend Wall
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Passage of Retailer “Bill of Rights” Shows Commitment to Local Retailers and Consumer Fuel Choice The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today applauded the Iowa Legislature’s passage of H.F. 640 as a big step in supporting fuel choice
May 27, 2013 Read Full Article
New Database Tracks Energy Legislation
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy (CNEE) has launched an Advanced Energy Legislation (AEL) Tracker, a database tracking energy-related state legislation pending in all 50 states. Types of energy include solar, wind, biofuels, natural gas and
May 09, 2013 Read Full Article
Douglas Durante: Florida's Ethanol Program Needs to Stay the Course
(Tallahassee.com) Having spent some time on the ground in Tallahassee and talking with several legislators over the past few years, it is clear the ethanol program the state has developed is not understood and certainly not appreciated for what is
May 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Letter to the Editor — Response to Palm Beach Post Ethanol Editorial
by Bob Dinneen (Renewable Fuels Association) Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, penned the following letter in response to a recent Palm Beach Post ethanol editorial. Some say “where there is smoke, there is not always fire.” When reading
May 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Brandt: Order Higher Blends of Biodiesel, Ethanol for Use on the Farm
by Janet Kubat Willette (Post Bulletin) It all started last fall when Dan Brandt called his fuel supplier to see if he could get a higher blend of biodiesel delivered in the spring. His supplier told him he was the only one
May 07, 2013 Read Full Article
Oil $$, No Ethanol. Coincidence? I Think Not.
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Last week the biofuel industry took a hit when Florida voted to repeal its Renewable Fuel Standard, HB4001, that required fuel retailers to blend ethanol into their gasoline. The charge against ethanol was led by Florida Senator Greg Evers,
May 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Florida Legislation Threatening Algenol’s Expansion in State
(Algae Industry Magazine) Tim Engstrom reports in Gannett’s news-press.com that a bill to repeal Florida’s Renewable Fuel Standard passed in the current legislative session and sent to Gov. Rick Scott for signing is putting Algenol’s plans for a $400 million
May 03, 2013 Read Full Article
Maine Legislator Turns up Heat on Ethanol Battle
by Eva Murray (Bangor Daily News) ...Rep. Jeff Timberlake, R-Turner, has been heading up an effort in the Maine Legislature to revisit ethanol and to encourage fuel suppliers to make a non-ethanol product available to Maine consumers. Timberlake hopes that
April 30, 2013 Read Full Article
Evers Wins Ethanol-Free Gas Victory
(NorthEscambia.com) Sen. Greg Evers is applauding the passage of his bill that allows Florida consumers to choose gas that is ethanol free. ...The bill passage prompted a joint statement from a joint statement, Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable
April 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Minnesota Bill Would Allow Other Biofuels to Meet Ethanol Mandate
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Pending legislation in Minnesota could alter the state’s ethanol mandate, allowing for the use biofuels under than ethanol to meet the current 10 percent renewable content requirement for gasoline. ... Current bill text posted to the legislature’s website specifies
April 24, 2013 Read Full Article
Florida Legislature Poised to Pull the Plug on Florida’s Bioenergy Sector
(Business Wire/Florida Biofuels and Bioenergy Association) $1 Billion in Investment At Risk On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Florida Legislature will consider HB4001, which repeals the Renewable Fuels Standard set in 2008. With a federal mandate for 10 percent ethanol in gasoline, this legislation will
April 19, 2013 Read Full Article
Florida Senate Bill Repealing Ethanol Requirement Rewritten with Only 'Nice Words'
by Bruce Ritchie (The Florida Current) A Senate bill that would repeal the 2008 requirement that gasoline in Florida contain about 10 percent ethanol was rewritten on Tuesday to remove the repeal. Bill supporters say the law requirement is a government mandate
April 10, 2013 Read Full Article
Florida Bill Would Repeal Ethanol Requirement
by Cindy Zimmerman (DomesticFuel.com) A bill has been introduced in the Florida legislature that would repeal the state’s Renewable Fuel Standard Act. Currently, the Florida law requires that all gasoline sold or offered for sale by a terminal supplier, importer, blender or wholesaler
March 26, 2013 Read Full Article
Hemp Bill Passes Second Reading in Hawaii Senate
by Thomas H. Clarke (The Daily Chronic) A bill that would establish a two-year hemp pilot program in Hawaii passed a second reading with amendments on the floor of the Senate last week, and has been referred to the Ways
March 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Exec Pushes to Keep State Biofuel Mandate in Place
by Dennis Domrzalski (Albuquerque Business First) One of America’s largest producers of biodiesel said it might walk away from its unfinished biodiesel plant in Clovis if the state Legislature rolls back a mandate that all diesel fuel sold in the state
March 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Big Oil’s Big Smear?
by Brad Krohn (Biofuels Digest/United States EnviroFuels, LLC) Big Oil’s best kept secret from the American consumer is Brazil’s fuel ethanol mandate, which started during the 1970s as a result of the OPEC oil embargoes. In Brazil, where ethanol
March 04, 2013 Read Full Article
Minnesota Legislature: Bill Would Broaden Biofuels Additives in State
by Leslie Brooks Suzukamo (TwinCities.com) Minnesota legislators will get a chance Wednesday, Feb. 27, to look at a bill that would allow a different kind of corn-based biofuel besides ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. The bill also would set an
February 27, 2013 Read Full Article
Clean Fuel Backers Seek Oregon Program Extension
by Christina Williams (Sustainable Business Oregon) Proponents of Oregon's Clean Fuels Program cosponsored an event in Salem Wednesday with Drive Oregon that brought a troupe of electric vehicles to the Capitol in Salem. On the heels of a report on Oregon's
February 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Ethanol Fuel Targeted by Legislators, Administration
by Brett Whitmarsh (WLBZ) The Maine legislature will decide whether to restrict or even eliminate the use of ethanol in gasoline in the state. A legislator from Turner and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection are both submitting ethanol bills. ...Timberlake says
February 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Analysis: Advanced Biofuel Companies Now In More Than Half Of U.S. States; Clean Fuel Standards Fueling Growth In Top States
(PR NewsWire/Yahoo! News) Top 5 States For Advanced Biofuel Companies: Calif., Ill., Colo., Texas and Iowa; New Web Site at www.FuelingGrowth.org Documents Impact of Growing Industry California is home to nearly 30 advanced biofuel companies, but dozens of other states from coast to
February 06, 2013 Read Full Article
Fuel Efficiency Is Bad News For State Governments
(EconMatters/Business Insider) ... But it looks like what may be good for the environment, is actually bad news for the government. You see, for each gallon of gasoline or diesel we gas up in our cars, there’s a portion of tax
January 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Bills Seek to Reduce or Remove Ethanol from Maine Gas
by Scott Thistle (Maine Sun Journal) A pair of bills introduced Thursday by state Rep. Jeff Timberlake, R-Turner, could have a significant impact on what goes into the gas tank of your car, lawnmower or snowblower. One of Timberlake's bills would cut
January 25, 2013 Read Full Article
Bill Would Get Rid of Florida's Ethanol Mandate
by Troy Kinsey (BayNews9.com) ...Republican representative Matt Gaetz is filing a bill to do away with Florida’s ethanol mandate. ...“It's not the final solution to our energy needs, but it certainly can supplement our energy needs. If a choice is between
January 14, 2013 Read Full Article
Maine DEP Working on Plan to Ban Gas Blends with More than 10 Percent Ethanol
by Matthew Stone (Bangor Daily News) The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is preparing to wade into a national debate surrounding gasoline blends made up of more than 10 percent ethanol. The state agency is at work on a bill
January 11, 2013 Read Full Article
The Information Source for Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles
(US Department of Energy) The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decisions makers find ways to reduce petroleum consumption through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and
November 27, 2012 Read Full Article
Bill to Eliminate Ethanol Funding Signed
(Hanford Sentinel) ... AB 523 eliminates all future state funding for the production of ethanol derived from corn after July 2013. Valadao’s office said about $6 million is provided to a very small group of corn ethanol producers. The new
September 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Massachusetts Law Delays Rail Transport of Ethanol through Boston
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new law in Massachusetts will delay allowing ethanol to be transported via train through Boston and several other cities until a public safety study is conducted. The legislation, titled “An Act financing improvements
August 15, 2012 Read Full Article
Building Opportunity: New Tax Credits in Florida Aim to Incent Economic Development and Job Creation Through Biofuel Infrastructure Investments
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) ...Specifically, the bill provides a sales tax refund for materials used in the distribution of blends of B10 through neat B100, ethanol blends of E10-E100, and other renewable fuels produced with biomass feedstock and used
July 19, 2012 Read Full Article
Myth Busting – Republicans and Algae
by Mary Rosenthal (Algal Biomass Organization/Biofuels Digest) ...When you get past the heated rhetoric of a presidential campaign and the demands of a 24-7 news cycle, support for algae is stronger than you might think. Very quietly, we are seeing
July 19, 2012 Read Full Article
New Hampshire Bill Restricts Ability for State to Join LCFS Programs
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) The New Hampshire legislature recently passed legislation (HB 1487) that aims to prohibit the state from participating in any low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) programs that require quotas, caps or mandates on transportation fuels, fuels
July 05, 2012 Read Full Article
Scott Defies Tea Party on Renewable-Energy Bill
by Jim Saunders (The News Service of Florida/Orlando Sentinel) Gov. Rick Scott late Friday disregarded pressure from tea party and conservative groups and a controversial measure including tax breaks for renewable-energy production to become law without his signature. Scott's decision effectively gives a victory to
April 16, 2012 Read Full Article
State Bonds Will Build Facilities for Aviation Biofuels
by Jim Camden (The Spokesman-Review) ...Among legislation closely followed by Spokane businesses was an aviation biofuels plan that allows bonds from the state’s Housing Finance Commission to be sold to help build facilities to turn agricultural products into jet fuel.
April 12, 2012 Read Full Article
Illinois Bill Would Boost Ethanol Producers
(Convenience Store News) Illinois biofuel companies who have faced a market glut since the end of a federal tax credit led energy companies to rush pre-expiration production may have hope in the form of a newly proposed bill that would create new
March 27, 2012 Read Full Article
State Concerned with Algae-to-Ethanol Process of Fort Myers Company
by Laura Layden (Naples News) State concerns with a Southwest Florida company’s plans to make ethanol from algae may have stalled the business’s expansion. Tucked inside an energy bill the Legislature approved in the final hours of its recent session is
March 14, 2012 Read Full Article
Boosters of Butanol Say Change in Law Needed
by Leslie Brooks Suzakamo (TwinCities.com/Pioneer Press) A Colorado green fuels company wants a Minnesota ethanol law that expires at the end of the year to be extended and changed so gasoline can be blended with a new biofuel called butanol
March 09, 2012 Read Full Article
House Proposal Would Raise Gas Tax and Some Vehicle Fees
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Iowa’s gas tax would be eight cents per gallon higher by April, 2014 under a proposal that has cleared a five-member House panel. The bill also calls for new yearly fees for hybrid vehicles and for
February 20, 2012 Read Full Article
Changes to Ohio’s Definition of “Agriculture” Could Benefit Bio-Energy
by Chris Kick (Farm and Dairy) A bill that would broaden the definition of agriculture in Ohio to include algal production and anaerobic digesters is making its way through the House and Senate. ...The bill defines the production of bio-energy
February 17, 2012 Read Full Article
Road Use by E.V. Drivers: To Tax or Not to Tax?
by Jim Motavalli (New York Times) Drivers of purely electric vehicles avoid paying the gas taxes included in the cost of a petro-product fill-up. Consequently, if E.V.’s were to become widely adopted, less money could flow into accounts that pay to build
February 15, 2012 Read Full Article
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