by Tyler Jett (Des Moines Register/The Hawk Eye) Ethanol production is coming back to a Story County renewable fuels plants. Verbio North American Corp. received $2.6 million in tax incentives from the Iowa Economic Development Authority on Friday to build an $80
tax policy
Back TO HOMETwo States Tax Some Drivers by the Mile. Many More Want to Give It a Try.
by Ian Duncan (Washington Post) ... Widespread production of hydrogen-powered cars has not come to pass, but GM is eyeing an all-electric fleet by 2035 with the backing of the Biden administration. That has lawmakers in state capitals across the country
March 22, 2021 Read Full Article
The Geopolitics of Critical Minerals Supply Chains
by Jane Nakano (Center for Strategic & International Studies) As clean energy technology becomes the latest frontier for geoeconomic rivalry, the security of supply chains for rare earths and critical minerals—essential materials for clean energy—has become a global strategic issue. The
March 17, 2021 Read Full Article
A Large PR Firm Pledged to Fight Climate Change. Then It Took Millions from a Notorious Fossil Fuel Trade Group.
by Zahra Hirji and Kendall Taggart (BuzzFeed News) Edelman, a PR firm that’s pledged to “work with an environmental conscience,” was paid $4 million to promote one of the most extreme fossil fuel trade groups in the country, new tax
March 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Storage Wars: ... The Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Bipartisan Sens. Heinrich and Susan Collins (R-Maine), along with Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), introduced legislation Tuesday that would create a standalone investment tax credit for energy storage technologies for both businesses and homes. Currently,
March 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Fuels Could Cut Extra 46m Tonnes GHG Emissions from Truck Operations by 2030 as UK Aims for Net Zero 2050
(Zemo Partnership) A new study by Zemo Partnership (formerly LowCVP) shows how the widespread adoption of high blend renewable fuels (HBRF) can speed up decarbonisation in road transport and support the UK’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050. Coming hot
March 10, 2021 Read Full Article
5 Key Tech Takeaways: Highlights from Tech Presented at ABLC 2020
by Iacovos Vasalos (Center for Research and Technology-Hellas/Biofuels Digest) This report summarizes highlights from the ABLC 2020 Biofuels Digest Virtual Conference, which took place in July 7-10, 2020. (And if you haven’t already registered for this year’s ABLC Digital on May 3-7,
March 10, 2021 Read Full Article
Stabenow Introduces Energy Tax Credit
by Nicole Heslip (Brownfield Ag News) Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate which would provide a tax credit to automotive and energy manufacturers transitioning to greener technologies. Sponsor Debbie Stabenow of Michigan tells Brownfield it could also apply to biofuel
March 02, 2021 Read Full Article
Carbon Capture Coalition Releases Policy Blueprint
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Carbon Capture Coalition on Feb. 24 released a national policy blueprint that includes near-term recommendations the group says policymakers should adopt in order to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of carbon capture projects. The blueprint
March 02, 2021 Read Full Article
US Aerospace Industry Calls on New Administration to Provide Immediate Support to Reach Climate Goals
(GreenAir Online) US aircraft and engine manufacturers have called on the new Biden administration to provide sustained government support to help achieve its climate goals. In an open letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, Climate Envoy John
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Transport Ministers Call for Accelerated EU-Wide Deployment and Mandates for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
(GreenAir Online) Eight European transport ministers have called for a harmonised, long-term strategy to decarbonising the air transport sector to include ramping up the production and supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through an EU-wide blending mandate. Hosting a high-level virtual
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
McKinley, Veasey Reintroduce ACCESS 45Q Act
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. David McKinley, R-W.V., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, on Feb. 16 reintroduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act. The bill extends the date for projects to begin construction
February 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Illinois Soybean Growers Are Concerned about a New State Budget Proposal that Would Eliminate the Fuel Sales Tax Exemption for Biodiesel,
(Farm Progress/Prairie Farmer) What about biodiesel? Illinois soybean growers are concerned about a new state budget proposal from Gov. J.B. Pritzker that would eliminate the fuel sales tax exemption for biodiesel, which has existed since 2003. They say the policy has
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Romney Backs Carbon Tax
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Speaking with The New York Times' DealBook, Utah Sen. Mitt Romney said he's "very open" to a carbon tax and dividend. The Times reports that Romney pointed to Bill Gates' remarks not to "play around the
February 24, 2021 Read Full Article
Ag, Trucking Industries Say Pritzker’s Proposed Tax on Biofuel Will Hurt Farmers, Consumers
(The Center Square/WMAY) Some are taking issue with Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal which would bring an end to the sales tax exemption for biodiesel fuel in Illinois. Pritzker said accelerating the expiration of the sales tax exemption for
February 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Velocys on Scaling Up Net Negative, Carbon Capture-Ready Fuels
by Tammy Klein (Transportation Energy Strategies) ... I spoke to both Neville Hargreaves, Vice President, Waste to Fuels and Drew Miller, Project Finance Director of Velocys about their SAF projects in the U.S. (Bayou Fuels) and in the UK (Altalto). We also talked about how
February 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Production Could Help Revive SA Sugar Industry
by Siyanda Sishuba (Farmer's Weekly) Establishing partnerships between government, the private sector and foreign investors is an important step to launching biofuels projects through innovative financing models in South Africa. This was according to Samukelisiwe Maphumulo, a sustainability officer at the
February 17, 2021 Read Full Article
GREEN Act Includes Biofuel, Bioenergy Tax Extenders
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, on Feb. 5 announced the introduction of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act, which includes several tax
February 12, 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
Ed Markey on the Green New Deal, Biden
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ... The Massachusetts senator also said he wants Democrats to pursue a clean energy standard over carbon pricing in their push for climate legislation. "[M]y view is that sector-wide solutions like a clean energy standard
February 08, 2021 Read Full Article
A Force Multiplier for Bio-Investment in Federal Opportunity Zones: The BDOZ Initiative
by Jordan Solomon (Ecostrat Inc./Biofuels Digest) Fifty-two million Americans live in economically distressed communities—many of which are in rural areas. These communities are plagued by a lack of investment capital. In 2017, the US government launched the largest tax incentive program
February 03, 2021 Read Full Article
How Joe Biden Can Cut Off the Fossil Fuel Industry’s Federal Funding
by Alexander E. Kaufman (Huffington Post/Yahoo! News) ... The 11-page Evergreen Action memo highlights the limits of what the Biden administration can do unilaterally. At least a dozen ideas proposed in the document require Congress to act, including nearly all
January 29, 2021 Read Full Article
John Kerry's Climate Plan, in His Own Words: In an Interview with Amanda Little, He Promises a "Total Rethink" and Trillions in Global Investment as He Works to Speed the Shift from Fossil Fuels.
by Amanda Little (Bloomberg Opinion) As President Joe Biden's Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry will play perhaps the most critical role internationally in managing a planetary crisis. ... AL: Yet progressive climate activists have said that “climate delay-al” is
January 29, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s ‘Buy American’ Executive Order Pushes for Electric Vehicles
by Tyne Morgan (AgWeb) Biofuels groups have high hopes a Biden Administration will get the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) back on track. But an announcement just days on the job seems to showcase a Biden Administration’s push for electric vehicles
January 28, 2021 Read Full Article
North Dakota Bill Would Benefit CCS Projects at Ethanol Plants
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Representatives of the North Dakota ethanol industry on Jan. 20 testified in favor of a bill that aims to create a sales and use tax exemption for carbon dioxide used for secure geologic storage. The
January 26, 2021 Read Full Article
Coal, Ethanol Industries Seek Sales Tax Exemption for Carbon Storage Projects
by Amy R. Sisk (Bismark Tribune) Several North Dakota coal and ethanol plants are inching closer to capturing the carbon dioxide they generate and storing it underground, and they’re asking lawmakers to exempt the practice from sales tax. A similar exemption
January 21, 2021 Read Full Article
A Muted Year for Biofuels M&A Activity: 2020 Review and Outlook
by Bruce Comer and Frank Kim (Ocean Park Advisors/Biofuels Digest) COVID-19 further plagues the already challenged North American biofuels M&A market, while capital investments thrive. -- Biofuels merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in North America remained sluggish in 2020. For
January 21, 2021 Read Full Article
Top 10 Bioeconomy Must-Knows in the Biden Transition
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who are the key bioeconomy players in the new Biden Administration? What recent moves by the outgoing Trump Administration and Congress will set their budget and regulatory framework for 2021. What will the new Administration
January 20, 2021 Read Full Article
Renewable Diesel's Rising Tide
by Tom Bryan (Biodiesel Magazine) An update on U.S. renewable diesel projects—operational, expanding, under construction and proposed—giving new purpose to aging oil refineries. The report represents a transformative volume of nearly 5.5 billion gallons of new or potential capacity. The appeal
January 19, 2021 Read Full Article
Hydrous Ethanol Price Parity Not Seen Decreasing Despite Gasoline Price Hike: Sources
by Nicolle Monteiro de Castro (S&P Global Platts) ... Brazilian oil company Petrobras' average gasoline price hike of 7.93% is not expected to increase the economic advantage of the biofuel E100 over the fossil fuel, market participants said. ... More than 80%
January 19, 2021 Read Full Article
IRS Issues Final Rule for 45Q Tax Credit
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service on Jan. 6 issued final regulations regarding the section 45Q tax credit for qualified carbon oxide sequestration. The Carbon Capture Coalition said the final rule provides long-overdue regulatory
January 08, 2021 Read Full Article
45Q - The Drive to Qualify
by Alex Tiller (Carbonvert Inc./Ethanol Producer Magazine) The road to qualifying for the 45Q tax credit can be confusing, with strict limitations on project phases and what constitutes start of construction. But, navigated properly, the credit is a promising opportunity. Carbon
December 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Decarbonizing Hydrogen in the US Power and Industrial Sectors: Identifying and Incentivizing Opportunities to Lower Emissions
by Jay Bartlett and Alan Krupnick (Resources for the Future) This report examines tax credits that could make hydrogen energy more competitive in the US industrial and power sectors, and asserts that reductions in production and storage costs and expansion
December 29, 2020 Read Full Article
The Big, Big Package: What’s under the Christmas Tree for the Bioeconomy, in the $1.4T New Spending Bill?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The $1.4 trillion spending package includes appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021, the COVID stimulus package, extensions of popular tax credits that otherwise expired on December 31st, and the Energy Act of 2020, a $35B version
December 23, 2020 Read Full Article
SoCalGas, SDG&E’s Voluntary RNG Tariff Request Approved
(Bioenergy Insight) On 17 December, the California Public Utilities Commission approved SoCalGas and San Diego Gas & Electric’s request to offer a voluntary Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Tariff. The programme will allow households and businesses to purchase RNG from the
December 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Included in Ag Provisions of COVID Relief Deal Moving through Congress
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee announced the food and agriculture provisions of the latest COVID relief deal moving through the House and Senate this week include payments to producers of advanced biofuel,
December 22, 2020 Read Full Article
EVs Will Leave A Hole In Taxes: 1st Gear: UK Has To Figure Out How To Tax EV Owners As Much As The Rest Of Us
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik's The Morning Shift) The Treasury in the UK is worried that while it’s relatively straightforward to put taxes on gasoline and diesel, it is difficult to tax EVs. The UK tax structure is a net, and EVs
December 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Pascrell, Fitzpatrick Introduce Green Bill to Boost Renewable Chemicals, Phase-Out Fossil Fuels
(Office of Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09)) Bipartisan legislation will provide tax credits for the production of renewable chemicals -- U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) have introduced the Renewable Chemicals Act, legislation that will create an allocated
December 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Export Levy Revision to Support Crude Palm Oil Prices, Stability Key
(Fitch Ratings) The revision in Indonesia's export levy structure should support Indonesia's biodiesel consumption growth in 2021 by boosting collections to fund the subsidy burden, Fitch Ratings says. This will also support crude palm oil (CPO) prices, and the Malaysian
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
McKinley, Veasey Introduce ACCESSS 45Q Act
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Reps. David McKinley, R-W.V., and Marc Veasey, D-Texas, on Dec. 3 introduced the Accelerating Carbon Capture and Extending Secure Storage through 45Q (ACCESS 45Q) Act. The bill extends the date for projects to begin construction to
December 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Looks at Policy Revamp to Keep Biodiesel Program Alive
by Bernadette Christina and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) Policy adjustments required to sustain biodiesel subsidies; Biodiesel program may see $865 mln deficit in 2021-economist; Price gap between crude palm oil and diesel widened in 2020 ... The world’s biggest producer of palm
December 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Biden Plan to End U.S. Fossil Fuel Subsidies Faces Big Challenges
by Timothy Gardner (Reuters) ... Biden has said axing fossil fuel subsidies will generate money to help pay for his broader $2 trillion climate plan. While Biden can take executive action to reverse President Donald Trump’s rollbacks of rules meant to
December 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Incentives Spur Investors to Pick Up Pace on Low-Carbon Projects
by Dean Scott (Bloomberg Law) Growing interest in combining federal, state credits in low-carbon projects; Congress’ inaction on 45Q credit extension a worrying sign for new efforts -- A mix of federal and state environmental incentives are drawing investors towards low-carbon,
December 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Farm Bureau Calls on Congress to Extend Key Tax Provisions
(American Farm Bureau Federation) The American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 60 other organizations are urging Congress to extend tax provisions that promote biofuel production, as well as craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. Among more than 30 temporary tax provisions,
December 01, 2020 Read Full Article
A National Zero Carbon Transportation Plan for the US
by Dan Sperling, Lew Fulton, and Vicki Arroyo (University of California Davis) ... Summary of Policy Recommendations Rapidly increase the sales of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) by implementing the following: National ZEV sales requirements for cars National ZEV sales and fleet
November 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Another Ethanol Program?
by Bill Taylor (Fairborn Daily Herald) ... We now have to pay an additional $100 a year “penalty” to register our hybrid — it’s $200 for all-electric vehicles. Anyway, we drive our hybrid about 5,000 miles a year — the same
November 04, 2020 Read Full Article
The Energy 202: The Oil Industry Thinks It Can Work with Biden, Despite Call for 'Transition' Away from It
by Dino Grandoni with Alexandra Ellerbeck (Washington Post) Joe Biden said he wanted a “transition” away from the oil industry. But the oil industry itself thinks it can still work with the Democratic nominee should he win the White House
November 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Sweden Targets World’s Highest Biofuel Blending
Tomas Ekbom and Cecilia Higa (Swedish Bioenergy Association/IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) ... In the beginning there was ethanol In 1907, there were only 662 vehicles registered in Sweden. The fuel, “Benzin” (the word initially taken from the German language,
October 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Submission by Solutions from the Land on Behalf of the North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance In Response to the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture
(Solutions from the Land) NACSAA 'Capstone Submission' Stresses CSA Is 'Foundational' to Global Agreement -- North America Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance has handed over its capstone submission into the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, the global platform for ag policy
October 23, 2020 Read Full Article
Annual ‘Biofuels in Canada’ 2020 Report Shows Record Avoided GHG, Effectiveness of Canada’s Fuel Regulations
(Advanced Biofuels Canada/EINPresswire) Fourth annual independent report from Navius Research provides open source data on biofuels consumption, consumer costs, compliance credits and carbon prices. -- Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC) announced the release of the Biofuels in Canada (BIC) 2020 report,
October 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Midwest AgEnergy Drilling Well to Test Carbon Capture at Ethanol Plant
by Maddie Biertempfel (KXNet) Midwest AgEnergy’s Blue Flint biorefinery in Underwood turns corn into ethanol, but that process’s byproduct, carbon dioxide, can be harmful to the environment. The energy company is working to mitigate those effects by testing out a carbon
October 15, 2020 Read Full Article
PM Reviews Proposed Ethanol Policy to Ensure Timely Roll-out
by Timsy Jaipuria (CNBC) India is likely to roll out a comprehensive ethanol policy to ensure reduction in dependence on imported crude oil. Sources told CNBC-TV18, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior government officials on Tuesday reviewed the current status
October 14, 2020 Read Full Article
ExxonMobil Focused on Core Oil and Gas as Renewable Returns Too Weak: Official
(Energy Market Price/S&P Global) ExxonMobil remains focused on growing its core oil and gas business as alternative renewable energies are mostly unable to offer attractive rates of return compared to hydrocarbons, a top official at the US oil giant said
October 02, 2020 Read Full Article
How Will Carbon Credits Drive Energy Transition?
(ADI Analytics) Interest in the energy transition is growing rapidly and investments are following that interest closely as well. In the past year, global oil and gas companies have announced major goals and plans embracing the energy transition and have started
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Parsing the Climate Message
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Night 3 of the Democratic National Convention featured a lengthy 11-minute take on Joe Biden's climate and clean energy strategy that hammered home some of his big themes rather than the wonky details (which you
August 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Committee to Review Wyo. Carbon Capture, Utilization
by Jeremy Dillon (County 17/E&E News) The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will head to Wyoming this week for a field hearing to analyze the state’s efforts on carbon capture and sequestration.The hearing is likely to provide another opportunity for
August 19, 2020 Read Full Article
CVR Energy Evaluates Renewable Diesel Project at Wynnewood Refinery
by Janet McGurty (S&P Global Platts) Project costs to be recouped by blenders tax credit; Renewable diesel project approval expected in September -- CVR Energy is evaluating a renewable diesel project at its Wynnewood, Oklahoma, refinery -- the latest refiner seeking respite
August 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Climate Crisis Staff Report Aims to Build Back a Cleaner, More Resilient Aviation Sector
by Jeff Overton (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 30, the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its staff report, Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Border Adjustments in a Carbon Tax
by Shuting Pomerleau (Niskanen Center) The paper reviews the principles of border adjustment, the principal design choices policymakers would face when establishing a border adjustment for a carbon tax, and the implications of different design choices. It also provides a
August 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy to IRS: Ethanol Plants Ready to Capture More Carbon
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted written comments on the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) proposed regulations under section 45Q, a performance-based tax credit for carbon capture projects. In her letter, Skor called on the agency to offer credit for carbon dioxide captured for
August 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Farmers, Researchers Agree: COVID-19, Climate Change Revealed Holes in Agriculture System
by Sarah Spicer (Wichita Eagle) To preserve the environment, mitigate climate change and stabilize the U.S. food system, Midwest farmers should diversify their crops and move away from raising corn and soybeans, researchers say. The current crop system, which was founded after
July 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Omar, Sanders, Merkley, Markey, Barragán Introduce Bill to End Corporate Handouts to the Fossil Fuel Industry
(Office of Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)) Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) together with Sen. Merkley (D-Ore.), Sen. Markey (D- Mass.) and Rep. Barragan (D-Calif.) introduced legislation to close tax loopholes and eliminate other federal subsidies for the
July 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Geismar Biofuels Plant Seeks Property Tax Exemption for a Potential $1.2 Billion Expansion
by Ellyn Couvillion (The Advocate) An Iowa-based company that converts waste oil into renewable diesel fuel is considering a $1.2 billion project that would triple the size of its Geismar facility and is seeking an exemption from property taxes in Ascension
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
COVID-19 Response and November Election: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to 2020 Biofuel Issues to Watch
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Michael McAdams from Advanced Biofuels Association shared this short but illuminating slide guide at ABLC Digital last week to look at the big 2020 issues to watch affecting the biofuels industry. From tax credits, regulatory
July 17, 2020 Read Full Article
New Generation of Diesel-Powered Trucks Vital to Achieving Near-Term, Sustained Progress on Climate and Clean Air Goals
(Diesel Technology Forum) Response to Announcement by NESCAUM, 15 States and District of Columbia Regarding MOU for Electric Trucks -- The Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement today on the recently announced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between 15 states and
July 14, 2020 Read Full Article
WEBINAR: Proposed Regulations for Section 45Q, An Overview and Discussion with the IRS --- July 21, 2020
The IRS and Treasury issued the long-awaited Proposed Regulations for the Section 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and sequestration on June 2nd. The Proposed Regulations provide guidance on key issues such as the contractual requirements for capturing carbon and
July 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Prophet Tilts at Petroleum
by Mikkel Pates (AgWeek) South Dakota ethanol promoter Orrie D. Swayze likes to hear promotions for 30% ethanol blends in gasoline but thinks 50% would be better for the environment and human health. -- ... Swazey, 76, ... became worried
July 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor at ABLC: 1357 Attendees, Registrants Crowd the Opening Day, Sideline Chat of ABLC Digital
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) What the delegates were saying about CNG, fuel cells, and hydrogen, biogas as a platform, new markets, including EVs and succinic acid, policy, methane, emissions, novel crops, and renewable diesel. In Florida, ABLC Digital opened for 583 registered
July 08, 2020 Read Full Article
EU Extends Swedish Biofuels Tax Exemptions to 2030
by Daniel Mackay (Argus Media) The European Commission has approved Sweden's extension of tax exemption measures for certain biofuels used for heating or as motor fuel, until 2030. Under two different schemes, Sweden exempts biogas used in heat generation and biogas used in
July 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Groups Urge Congress to Extend Tax Biofuel Credits
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Advanced Biofuels Business Council, Algae Biomass Organization, Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Growth Energy, National Biodiesel Board and Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee on June 19 expressing support
June 26, 2020 Read Full Article
Clean Fuels for All: A Potential Pathway to Climate Neutrality by 2050
(FuelsEurope) The ambition of the European Union is to be climate neutral by 2050. The European refining industry supports the same ambition. Our industry is transforming, and we have developed a comprehensive potential pathway of how we, together with our partners, can
June 25, 2020 Read Full Article
Republicans Back Bill to Help Oil Sector
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) REPUBLICANS BACK BILL TO HELP OIL SECTOR: Texas Sen. John Cornyn introduced legislation on Tuesday to help the hard-hit oil sector during the coronavirus pandemic by reducing the royalty rate for payments due from oil, gas, minerals and coal
June 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Solutions from the Land's Letter to Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis
(Solutions from the Land) In response to a call for input from the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on the Climate Crisis for input on tools, programs, and support useful to address the impacts of severe weather and climate change on
June 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol's Carbon Underground
by Luke Geiver (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Positioning into the low-carbon biofuels marketplace, ethanol producers are moving forward with sequestration strategies. A more lucrative federal tax credit, along with a reduced minimum production requirement, is making the economics attractive. After more than
June 16, 2020 Read Full Article
Carbon Capture and Storage Pipeline Grows by 10 Large-Scale Facilities Globally
(Global CCS Institute) The Global CCS Institute, an international think tank, has added 10 carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities to its global database, bringing the total number of CCS facilities in various stages of development to 59 with a capture capacity of more than 127 million tonnes
June 09, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil: Producers of Hydrated Ethanol Fuel Can Sell Directly to Gas Station Owners
(Merco Press) Brazil’s CNPE national energy council approved a resolution that establishes rules allowing producers of hydrated ethanol fuel to sell directly to gas station owners, according to a statement. Oil regulator ANP will now be able to take steps to
June 08, 2020 Read Full Article
IRFA Urges Iowa Legislature to Reauthorize Biofuel Tax Differentials before Session End
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Failure to address tax differentials will raise fuel taxes for consumers, hurt farmers and producers -- As Iowa’s elected leaders prepare to return to the State Capitol and wrap up the 2020 legislative session, Iowa Renewable Fuels
June 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Godot Arrives: Carbon Capture Regs Released Public Comment DEADLINE: August 3, 2020
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) The IRS on Thursday released proposed rules for an expanded carbon capture and utilization tax credit, ending a more than two-year wait for the regulations. Congress expanded the carbon capture credit in early 2018
May 29, 2020 Read Full Article
3 Things that Need to Happen for Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Take Off
by Lloyd Ritter (Green Capitol LLC/Biofuels Digest) A timely new report came out recently on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), “Ready for Takeoff: Aviation Biofuels Past, Present, and Future,” written by the Atlantic Council (herein AC). The key takeaways are three-fold. First, aviation
May 26, 2020 Read Full Article
BD Zones and BDO Zones: Weaponizing Biomass to Support a Bio-Fueled Economic Recovery
by Jordan Solomon (Ecostrat Inc./Biofuels Digest) The US has over a billion tons of biomass which can be used as a key lever to drive economic recovery. USDA estimates that 3.4 million jobs and nearly $660 billion of economic benefits
May 21, 2020 Read Full Article
The Door Is Open for Ethanol Producers and CCS
by Roxby Hartley (EcoEngineers/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is receiving a lot of traction thanks to two exciting developments in 2018 and 2019: 1) California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard recognized CCS as a viable pathway to reduce emissions from
May 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil's Bolsonaro Rejects Idea of Gasoline Tax to Support Ethanol Industry
by Roberto Samora, Ricardo Brito and Gram Slattery (Reuters) Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro effectively ruled out raising gasoline taxes on Thursday, a blow to the ethanol industry which had asked for a gasoline tax hike to boost its own competitiveness
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Duties to Stay on Biodiesel from Argentina
(KIWA Radio/National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is pleased that the Department of Commerce will keep countervailing duty orders on imports of Argentinian biodiesel. The Commerce Department made the determination after its “changed circumstances review” of the anti-dumping duty.
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Hit by Oil Crash, Indonesia Set to Delay B40 Biodiesel, Stay with B30 for Now
by Bernadette Christina (Reuters) Indonesia is likely to delay plans to raise bio-content in palm oil-based biodiesel to 40%, and keep going with an already ambitious 30% content, a senior official said, amid speculation that low crude prices could force a government
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Policy Action Needed to Advance SAF, Even During Covid-19: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy in U.S.
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) Aviation’s current reliance on fossil fuels, its expected continued growth rate following the COVID-19 pandemic, the service lifespan of aircraft, and the lack of nonliquid fuel alternatives make it a challenging sector to decarbonize, especially
May 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy in the United States: A Pragmatic Way forward
by Fred Ghatala (Atlantic Council) The aviation sector has been working to decarbonize, but it faces unique challenges since decarbonization options that may work for ground or maritime transport are generally not feasible for air travel. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) present an
May 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil Agriculture Minister 'Frustrated' with Lack of Ethanol Supports
by Jake Spring and Nayara Figueiredo (Reuters) Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said on Thursday she was “frustrated” that measures to help the country’s ethanol and sugarcane sector have not been announced yet, after predicting supports would be unveiled last
May 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Biodiesel vs. Diesel: Everything You Need to Know
(Car and Driver) Are you thinking about switching to a biodiesel-compatible vehicle or running your current diesel car or truck on biodiesel fuel? Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of biodiesel vs. diesel, what's driving the market, and
April 28, 2020 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Brazil Aims to Announce Help for Ethanol Sector This Week -Minister
by Ana Mano and Roberto Samora (Reuters) Brazil plans to announce this week measures to support its ethanol sector, which has been battered by falling demand and a sharp drop in gasoline prices due to turmoil in oil markets, Agriculture Minister
April 14, 2020 Read Full Article
World Energy Doubles Down on Biodiesel Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) “In our space, on a myopic level, we are so used to getting battered around, we’ll get through this too—but on a broader level the dynamics in which we operate will be substantially different,” said Gene
April 07, 2020 Read Full Article
USGC Engagement Helps US Ethanol Fill Australian Fuel Needs
(Aberdeen News/U.S. Grains Council) U.S. ethanol is helping meet fuel supply needs in Australia — the result of a domestic supply gap and engagement by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its ethanol industry partners. “U.S. ethanol is not subject to tariffs
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
What's Lining up for Phase Four?
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ... Both the House and Senate have begun work on surface transportation bills ahead of a September deadline to act, but lawmakers haven't been able to settle on how to pay for the legislation, Pro's
March 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Coronavirus Stimulus Would Provide Indirect Help for Biofuels
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The head of the Renewable Fuels Association says although there’s no direct assistance for biofuels, the economic stimulus package would help ethanol plants. Geoff Cooper tells Brownfield several measures benefit producers. “There’s some small business relief, loans
March 26, 2020 Read Full Article
There’s More than One Way to Save the Planet! Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) Another New Market for Bioenergy
by Mike Newman (Parhelion Underwriting/Biofuels Digest) Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is an important strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate climate change. CCS is a process by which large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) are captured, compressed, transported, and sequestered.
March 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Iowa’s Biodiesel Industry Calls for Fuel Tax Incentive Extension
(Biofuels International) Biodiesel producers, soybean farmers and other supporters in Iowa have urged state lawmakers to extend a break in fuel tax for diesel that contains at least 11% biodiesel. To date, the policy has almost tripled the number of retailers
March 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Restored Biodiesel Blender Credit Boosts TravelCenters Of America Q4 Profits
by Alan Adler (Freight Waves) ... TravelCenters of America Inc. (NASDAQ: TA) reported higher fourth-quarter net income Tuesday from the restoration of the federal biodiesel blending tax credit and selling 5.3% more diesel fuel and gasoline. ... The blender’s credit,
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Congresswoman Pingree Introduces the Agriculture Resilience Act to Promote Farmer-Driven Climate Solutions Legislation Sets Goal of Reaching Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in U.S. Agriculture by 2040
(Office of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine)) Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today introduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), comprehensive legislation that sets a bold vision of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by the year 2040. “Farming has always been a
March 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Most Efficient Source of Fuel May Be Tiniest Organism
by Shelley Schlender (VOA) ... The tiny single-celled, plantlike organisms known as algae are more efficient than other organisms at converting sunlight and carbon dioxide into the raw materials needed for foods, products and fuels. And not just a few
March 03, 2020 Read Full Article
45Q, the Tax Credit That’s Luring US Companies to Capture CO2 -- Cement, Ethanol, and Ammonia Makers Are among Those Looking to Convert Waste Carbon to Cash
by Melody M. Bomgardner (Chemical & Engineering News) ... The most effective policies, economists and industrialists agree, are those that put a price on carbon. Doing so with a tax could make for a potent policy, but the idea doesn’t
February 27, 2020 Read Full Article
IRS Unveils 45Q Guidance
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Almost two years after Congress initially expanded a tax incentive for carbon capture and sequestration projects as part of its 2018 budget bill, the IRS on Wednesday released its initial guidance on how exactly industries
February 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Limited Biofuels M&A Activity in 2019, Stage Set for Potentially Busy 2020
by Bruce Comer (Ocean Park/Biofuels Digest) Biofuels Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activity in North America was subdued in 2019. Only four operating biodiesel, ethanol and advanced biofuels plants were sold during the year. These four acquired plants were relatively small with
February 19, 2020 Read Full Article
Democrats Say They Won't Raise Gas Tax
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Four Democratic candidates for president — former Vice President Joe Biden, billionaire Tom Steyer, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg — said at an infrastructure forum in Las Vegas
February 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Carbon Capture Initiatives and 45Q
by Cácia Pimentel* (Advanced Biofuels USA) On February 15th the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) Carbon Management Research Initiative and the Women in Energy program hosted a panel of experts to discuss carbon capture policies and technologies, especially Carbon Capture, Utilization
February 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Reforming Renewable Fuel Standard Major Task for NATSO
by Alan Adler (Freight Waves) Waivers of blending rules for small refineries drive up pump price of renewable fuels. -- NATSO, the trade group for highway travel center operators, is trying to preserve subsidies for biodiesel that let members profitably
February 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Biomass Leaders Provide State of the Industry at Int’l Event
by Ron Kotrba (Biomass Magazine) The 13th Annual International Biomass Conference & Expo drew nearly 900 industry stakeholders to Nashville, Tennessee, where, following an awards ceremony, a roundtable discussion with biomass association leaders covered topics including the state of the industry, tax
February 06, 2020 Read Full Article
How House Republicans Won over Conservatives to Gain Consensus on a Climate Agenda
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) House Republicans have convinced their most conservative members to support a forthcoming plan for the federal government to address climate change. Republicans have long been skeptical of federal efforts to curb climate change. But now, even conservative
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
IRS Publishes Guidance on Claiming 2018-’19 Biodiesel Tax Credit
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The Internal Revenue Service published guidance Jan. 15 for companies seeking to claim the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax credit for 2018 and 2019. The $1 per gallon tax credit expired Jan. 1, 2018, and remained expired until Dec.
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Palm Oil Prices to Climb 17.9% in 2020 on Tight Supplies, Biodiesel Programs: Reuters Poll
by Mei Mei Chu (Reuters) Average palm oil prices will surge 17.9% this year, a Reuters poll of industry participants showed, as reduced output in the first half of the year and higher biodiesel consumption in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
IRS Delay Threatens Carbon Capture Projects
by James Osborne (Houston Chronicle) Almost two years after Congress passed a law more than doubling tax credits for power and industrial plants that build systems to prevent carbon dioxide emissions, efforts to begin construction are on hold. Companies have announced plans
January 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Carbon Capture Technologies: Biomass Industry’s Unique Opportunity
by Jessie Stolark (Biomass Magazine/Carbon Capture Coalition) Spurred by interest and growing recognition of the role biomass can play in mitigating climate change, project developers and policy makers are putting biomass on the map, but perhaps under a name you
January 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Cutting Edge Funding: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Debt and Equity Financing Mechanisms for Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Money, money, money – a growing bioeconomy needs lots of it. But with so many challenges like a lack of certainty in government programs or a perceived lack of funds at the company and project levels,
January 02, 2020 Read Full Article
Industry Know-How
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) From a company whose software facilitates small feedstock generators landing big contracts to a comprehensive report on biomass-based diesel, and a tax specialist with new solutions, the industry knowledge in this spotlight edition runs deep. Global
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Valuable and Viable: Changes to the 45Q Tax Credit Increase the Monetary Value of Carbon Dioxide for Ethanol Producers.
by Andrew Duguid (Battelle/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Changes to Section 45Q of the U.S. tax code have made it easier for ethanol producers to take advantage of tax credits for capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions. However, producers must act fast
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Palm and PME Ride a Crest of Optimism into 2020
by Donavan Lim (S&P Global Platts) Indonesian PME exports to sink; CPO production stalls; B30 to support consumption -- Analysts and traders fixated on the elevated crude palm oil stockpile at the beginning of 2019 are left cheering as CPO stocks fell across
December 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Spending Bills Sent to Senate ... Included in the Deal Is a Year-End Compromise on Tax Extenders
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) ON TO THE SENATE: The House passed the $1.4 trillion spending deal on Tuesday that would give federal agencies $49 billion in extra cash this fiscal year and avert a government shutdown ahead of
December 18, 2019 Read Full Article
New Polling Confirms Strong Support across Eastern Region for Transportation Modernization
(Our Transportation Future) Two-Thirds of Registered Voters Support Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Distributors Paying for Pollution; Survey Covers Seven States in Region: CT, MD, MA, NJ, NY, PA and VA. -- A new survey from MassINC Polling Group shows that 66 percent of
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Trade Association Leaders Plead for Congress to Act on Tax Extenders
(Ohio's Country Journal) Executives from 11 national trade associations sent a letter to House and Senate leaders, highlighting the urgent need for Congress to extend the expired biodiesel tax incentive before the end of the year. The association executives state in the
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Solutions to Protect the Environment and the Economy
(House Energy & Commerce Committee Republicans) “There are bipartisan bills in Congress that we could pass right now to ensure the United States remains a global leader in emissions reduction, economic productivity, and clean energy production, all at once.” That’s what Energy
December 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Commercializing Conventional and Advanced Transport Biofuels from Biomass and Other Renewable Feedstocks; Focus on Sweden
by Mahmood Ebadian, Jim McMillan and Jack Saddler (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 Newsletter) ... Task 39’s main focus remains on drop-in biofuels for heavy duty transport, i.e., transport sectors where substantial electrification isn’t foreseen in the near-to-mid-term. It is recognized
December 06, 2019 Read Full Article
From Waste Woody Biomass to Carbon Negative Transportation Fuels via CCUS
by Philipp Stratmann (Velocys/Biofuels Digest) At this year’s ABLC Next Conference in San Francisco Velocys presented on the opportunity to produce negative emission fuels at our planned Bayou Fuels facility in Natchez, Mississippi. Whilst we were not the only company presenting on
December 03, 2019 Read Full Article
New Jersey Senator Calls for 45Q Probe
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez called on the IRS' watchdog to open an investigation into potentially fraudulent claims for the tax credit to capture carbon, known as 45Q. In a letter dated Nov. 19
November 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Rep. Escobar to Visit Rio Valley Biofuels Plant in El Paso, Texas
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, co-sponsor of the Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act (H.R. 2089), is scheduled to visit Rio Valley Biofuels, a biodiesel production facility in El Paso, Texas, on Nov. 26. Escobar serves Texas’ 16th
November 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Democrats Unveil Draft of GREEN Act that Includes Extending Biofuel Tax Credits
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures Chairman Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Committee Democrats released a discussion draft of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act. This draft legislation is
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
REG Puts $30 Million Seneca Expansion on Hold Due to Tax Credit Extension Delays
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, local press reports that the Renewable Energy Group has decided to halt its $30 million expansion project at its Seneca plant, saying the 22 months since the biodiesel producers tax credit lapsed has left
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
France to End Tax Breaks for Palm Oil in Biofuel
by Elizabeth Pineau (Reuters) France’s parliament on Friday voted to remove tax breaks for the use of palm oil as a biofuel, a day after a ruling in favour of maintaining the advantage led to howls of protests from environmentalists. A large
November 18, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB Releases New Report on the Importance of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive
(National Biodiesel Board) The tax incentive is crucial to continued growth of the U.S. biodiesel industry -- Today (November 12, 2019), the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) released a new report, "The Importance of the Biodiesel Tax Credit," showing how the emerging
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
In Blow to Total, France Upholds Law Banning Palm Oil from Biofuel Scheme
by Geert De Clercq and Gus Trompiz (Reuters) France’s constitutional court on Friday upheld a law excluding palm oil from the country’s biofuel scheme, rejecting an appeal by energy company Total (TOTF.PA) which says the measure puts at risk its
October 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Refuel as You Sail with Hydrogen
by Nick Savvides (American Shipper Freight Waves) ... Madadh (pronounced Maddy) MacLaine, CEO of Zero Emissions Maritime Technology, Ltd. believes that hydrogen’s time has come. MacLaine is also a founding member of the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association, which was
October 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Cruel Summer
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A series of unfortunate events this summer—all caused by U.S. government action or inaction—has led to a precarious situation in the biodiesel sector, but there may be a silver lining. -- ... The volume of
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Bill Provides Tax Incentives for Biogas Investments
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., reintroduced the Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Act on Sept. 24. The bill aims to expand the biogas market by providing a 30 percent investment tax credit to help offset
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 6478 -- The IRS Is Soliciting Comments Concerning Biofuel Producer Credit. DEADLINE: December 2, 2019
(Internal Revenue Service/Federal Register) ... The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on information collections, as required
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Farm-State Fury Creates Pressure for Trump as Trade, Energy Pain Collide
by David J. Lynch (Washington Post) ... After two decades, Siouxland (Energy Cooperative) this month halted operations following the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to exempt 31 small oil refiners from a federal law requiring them to blend ethanol in their
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Bipartisan Carbon Pricing Bill Introduced
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), a group of House lawmakers introduced a bipartisan carbon pricing measure — the MARKET CHOICE Act — that would fund infrastructure investments by pricing carbon and eliminating the gas tax. "We
September 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Protests against International Aviation Emissions Strategy
(Stay Grounded Network/Biofuelwatch) Planned protests in Montreal at International Aviation Assembly (24th of September to 4th of October) // New briefing exposes plans for palm oil in the airplane tank & aviation emissions scheme (CORSIA) as set to fail to
September 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Taxes on Polluting Fuels Are Too Low to Encourage a Shift to Low-Carbon Alternatives
(Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Taxing polluting sources of energy is an effective way to curb emissions that harm the planet and human health, and the income generated can be used to ease the low-carbon transition for vulnerable households. Yet
September 23, 2019 Read Full Article
NGVAmerica Members Host Senator Ted Cruz
(NGVAmerica/NGV Journal) NGVAmerica members hosted a facility tour and policy roundtable with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to discuss the importance of parity for natural gas powered vehicles.VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio’s public transit agency, joined with NGVAmerica to host Senator Cruz
September 20, 2019 Read Full Article
E15, E30, and Blender Pumps May Become Generally Available, but Refinery Exemptions Make the RFS Irrelevant
by Doug Root* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Farm Fest in southern Minnesota is always a forum on the health of the agriculture sector of the economy and biofuels. This year was no exception as Rep. Colin Peterson hosted a listening session
August 17, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA to Australia: Choose Ethanol, Not Petroleum Reserve
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter sent today (August 15, 2019), the Renewable Fuels Association encouraged Australia’s energy minister to strongly consider U.S. ethanol imports as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to purchasing oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. According
August 16, 2019 Read Full Article
The Real Fuel Issue
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Washington Post) I was surprised to see in Catherine Rampell’s July 26 op-ed, “The Grand Old Socialist Party,” a line about “big fat federal government subsidies for corn ethanol.” The last tax credit for ethanol, the
August 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Fact Sheet: Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Closer Look at Tax Breaks and Societal Costs
by Clayton Coleman and Emma Dietz (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) A recent analysis published in Nature Energy found that continuing current fossil fuel subsidies would make it profitable to extract half of all domestic oil reserves. This could increase U.S. oil production by
August 02, 2019 Read Full Article
An Answer to “Hard to Find” Equity – Opportunity Zone Funds
by Mark Riedy and Eddie Wang (Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP/Biofuels Digest) The recently-established Opportunity Zone Program offers developers, including start-up technology companies attempting to develop and commercialize new technologies in the energy, chemical, and infrastructure industries, an exciting, new opportunity to
July 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Heathrow Calls for Air Passenger Duty to Be Invested in Biofuels
by Victoria Bryan (Flight Dashboard/Flight Global) Heathrow Airport has recommended that targets be set for the use of sustainable biofuels and is urging the UK government to use air passenger duty for investment in such fuels. The call came as the airport
July 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Barnawartha Biodiesel Plant Bounces Back to Life, as Industry Calls for More Government Support
by Erin Somerville (ABC News) Australia's largest renewable biodiesel producer has restarted operations in north-east Victoria just three years after it was driven to closure. Key points: Just Biodiesel will produce up to 50 million litres of biodiesel each year at the
July 19, 2019 Read Full Article
France to Introduce New Tax on Air Travel
(Our Daily Planet) Starting in 2020, France will begin to introduce a new “ecotax” on air travel. The new charge, costing approximately $2 to $20 for every flight departing the country, will be used to generate revenue for more environmentally-friendly modes of transportation,
July 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Latest Resolution Signed into RenovaBio to Further Boost Brazil’s Ethanol Sector
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, a new regulation, Resolution No. 791, recently signed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy into the country’s national biofuels policy, RenovaBio, is expected to boost the ethanol sector with the new decarbonization targets
July 08, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB Strongly Disagrees with Commerce's Preliminary Decision to Change Argentine Biodiesel Duty Rates
(National Biodiesel Board) Commerce gives Argentina a trade break at the expense of U.S. biodiesel producers and soybean farmers -- The National Biodiesel Board's (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition today criticized the U.S. Department of Commerce's preliminary decision in a "changed circumstances" review
July 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Bill Aims to Extend Biofuel, Bioenergy Tax Credits through 2020
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, introduced the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2019 on June 18. The bill extends several biofuel- and
July 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Mayors Approve Resolution Pressing for Carbon Pricing in Congress
by Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) Mayors gathering for their annual meeting Monday approved a resolution urging Congress to pass carbon pricing legislation. It’s the first time the United States Conference of Mayors voted on a carbon pricing resolution. At least a few Republican
July 02, 2019 Read Full Article
EU States Gather to Discuss Imposition of Climate Taxes and Carbon Pricing on European Aviation Sector
(GreenAir Online) A coalition of EU States came together last week in the Netherlands to discuss how carbon pricing and taxes could be applied to Europe’s air transport sector. At a conference convened by the Dutch government, the country’s finance minister, Menno
June 28, 2019 Read Full Article
IATA Research Shows Air Passenger Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
(Biofuels International) Research commissioned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has shown that air passengers support the development of new technologies and sustainable aviation fuels to reduce aviation carbon emissions. These two proposals were preferred over the implementation of ‘environmental’ taxes,