by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Norway, the national government increased the biofuels content in fuets to 20% from 2020. Also, in their new budget, the government increased taxes on petrol to NOK 0,12 pr/l and NOK 0,35 pr/l. Tax
tax policy
Back TO HOME#Biofuels Could Benefit Under Trump
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) At the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS & Seed Expo this week, noted agricultural economist Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company once again provided his global outlook for agriculture, which includes the outlook for biofuels. Basse
December 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Leaders Take Jobs, Energy Security Message to D.C.
(National Biodiesel Board) Nearly three dozen biodiesel leaders from Kansas to Rhode Island took to the halls of Congress this week to champion America’s Advanced Biofuel. “We have a great message to share with our elected officials. Biodiesel is working today
December 01, 2016 Read Full Article
DC: The Road Ahead for Renewable Chemicals & Materials
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (re:chem Alliance/Biofuels Digest) ... From our vantage point, it is – and has always been – about innovation, performance and the chance to grow advanced manufacturing in the US, so that we can compete effectively on
November 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Swedish Tax Cuts Increase Biodiesel Use, Ethanol Fails to Keep up
by Ilari Kauppila (Biofuels International) The Swedish Bioenergy Association (Svebio) estimates that the August tax cuts given to biofuels in Sweden had a large effect on commercial transport, but the impact on E85 in private transport was more meagre. “Private motorists seem
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Can Biofuels Take Flight? Alternative Fuels for Jetliners Face Political and Economic Headwinds
by John Stang (Geek Wire) Two major steps in Washington’s infant jet biofuel industry are expected to take place in the next couple months. In November, a study group is expected to provide the Port of Seattle with a report studying the
November 07, 2016 Read Full Article
NBB Urges Congress to Act on Biodiesel Tax Incentive
(National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) The National Biodiesel Board sent a letter to House and Senate tax committee leaders urging extension of the biodiesel tax incentive before it expires Dec. 31. The letter was sent on behalf of U.S. biodiesel producers nationwide. “We
November 02, 2016 Read Full Article
Con: Wind an Even Bigger Boondoggle than Ethanol
by Mark J. Perry (South Coast Today/American Enterprise Institute) ... No question, there is a lot of hype about wind power being a huge potential source of energy. Its advocates like to point out that 80 million Americans live in coastal areas
October 24, 2016 Read Full Article
Judge and Grassley Face off in Iowa U.S. Senate Debate
by Shelby Shepherd (KWQC) An hour before Trump and Clinton battled it out in Las Vegas, Iowa’s U.S. senate candidates battled it out in the western part the state they are fighting for. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley has held his
October 21, 2016 Read Full Article
BIO Asks Congress to Extend Critical Bioenergy Tax Credits During Lame-Duck
(Biotechnology Innovation Organization) BIO today (October 18, 2016) sent a letter to Congressional Leadership, the Senate Finance Committee Chairs, and the House Ways and Means Committee Chairs calling for the extension of renewable energy tax credits slated to expire at the
October 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels Developments in Australia
by Susan van Dyk and Stephen Schuck (IEA Bioenergy Task 39 and Bioenergy Australia) ... While Australia has large energy resources, it is a net importer of crude oil and refined petroleum products. In 2013, net product imports were 325,000 bbl/d, according to the Australia
September 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Tax Credit Positioning Intensifies as Expiration Nears
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) ... The U.S. biodiesel industry, through its trade association the National Biodiesel Board, joined a broad coalition of 50-plus industry groups calling for action on tax extenders this year by sending a letter to leaders in
September 29, 2016 Read Full Article
BIO Releases Report on Renewable Chemical Progress, Opportunities
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization recently released a report documenting substantial, ongoing growth in the renewable chemical industry and outlining federal and state policies that support the industry. The report, titled “Advancing the Biobased Economy: Renewable
September 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Rep Black Intros Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Bill
by Joanna Schroeder (Energy.AgWired.com) Another federal bill has been introduced to extend the biodiesel tax credit. Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.) has introduced the “Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Incentive Extension Act of 2016” (H.R. 5994). The bill extends the tax credit
September 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Ethanol Industry Advocates for Tax Credit Extensions
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association and Advanced Biofuels Business Council are among 52 organizations that signed a Sept. 20 letter addressed to congressional leadership advocating for a seamless, multi-year extension of tax provisions
September 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Vietnam Fuel Giant Asks for Tax Support to Keep Unpopular Biofuel in Business
(VN Express International) The government continues to miss its targets for the cleaner, cassava-based fuel. State-owned fuel giant PetroVietnam has asked the government for tax support to save its new biofuel business from going bankrupt due to poor consumption. PetroVietnam said in
September 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Russia Ethanol Production Set to Grow
by Eugene Gerden (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Impending tax abolishment to provide the impetus for the development of Russian ethanol industry. -- Plans to lift a hefty excise tax on fuel ethanol by the Russian government are being called revolutionary. Recent statements
September 19, 2016 Read Full Article
Biofuels Developments in Australia
by Susan van Dyk and Stephen Schuck (IEA Bioenergy Task 39/Bioenergy Australia) Australia’s primary energy consumption is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with renewables contributing about 7% (including hydroelectricity, wind, solar and biomass) (Figure 1) (US EIA). While Australia has large energy resources, it is
September 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels at End of Obama Administration
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) For advanced biofuels under the Obama administration, what started out with a boom in 2008 ended with a whimper in 2016. ... As the nascent industry began to develop, companies hoping to deliver the
September 11, 2016 Read Full Article
The Companies of the Biobased Economy: The Multi-Slide Guide
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Biotechnology Innovation Organization has released its new 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 federal
September 09, 2016 Read Full Article
Baseline Report of Clean Cooking Fuels in the East African Community
(Project Gaia) Ethanol fuel production represents a significant opportunity for economic and social development in the East African Community (EAC) region. Ethanol can be produced locally using a variety of feedstocks that can be selected based on unique local conditions. Farmers can grow
September 05, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Association Seeks VAT Relaxation on Blending of Biodiesel
(Economic Times) Biodiesel Association of India (BDAI) has sought Value Added Tax (VAT) relaxation on blending of biodiesel from States for promoting green fuel Blending and energy security in the country. -- Currently VAT on biodiesel blending goes up to
August 12, 2016 Read Full Article
To Lead Abroad on Climate, Repeal Oil and Gas Tax Breaks at Home
by Gilbert E. Metcalf (The Hill/Tufts University) ... Proponents of reform argue that eliminating tax preferences for producers of oil and gas would save $4 billion taxpayer dollars each year and strengthen American leadership on climate change. ... In a recent study published by
August 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Taxing Virtue as Sin: US Tax Rate on E85 Renewable Fuel Soars Past 100%
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The US passed a dubious and historic milestone this week. The tax rate on E85 renewable fuels now exceeds 100% in some formulations. By comparison, the tax rate on E10 renewable fuel is running at
July 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Bill Intro'd in Senate to Reform, Extend Tax Credit through 2019
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate to extend the $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit through 2019 and restructure the incentive from a blenders credit to a domestic production credit. The legislation was introduced by Sens.
July 15, 2016 Read Full Article
Can Brexit Open the Way for Talks with the European Commission on CO2 Tax?
(Svebio (Google Translation)) One of the consequences of the outcome of the British referendum and upcoming Brexit can be a rethink of the EU's way of working, not least to meet similar EU-hostile public opinion in other EU countries. The
July 01, 2016 Read Full Article
LaHood: Raise the Gas Tax or America’s ‘One Big Pothole’
by Alex Guillén (Politico Pro) Lawmakers must raise the gas tax and index it to inflation, or "America's going to continue to be one big pothole," former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said today, using one of his longtime favorite zingers
June 30, 2016 Read Full Article
Proposed Bill Expands Tax Credit to Biogas-Based RNG
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) A bill (H.R. 5489) recently introduced to the House Ways and Means Committee on Space, Science and Technology would add more biogas applications to the list of technologies that qualify for the federal Section 45 investment
June 27, 2016 Read Full Article
A Disappearing Non-Renewable Carbon User Fee
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA/BiofuelNet Canada) If we are serious about reducing Climate Change caused by Greenhouse Gases (GHG), then we need serious action. First, include the price of Greenhouse Gas effects in the non-renewable portion of fuels and
June 23, 2016 Read Full Article
Industry CEO Asks Senate to Extend Tax Credits for Biogas
by Cole Rosengren (Waste Dive) Steve Miller, CEO of Oregon-based Bulk Handling Systems, testified in favor of more tax credits for biogas at a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing last week. Miller advised a five-year energy production tax credit with a
June 22, 2016 Read Full Article
A Smart Tax: Pricing Oil for a Safe Climate
by Deborah Gordon, Jessica Tuchman Mathews (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace) Because of the growing chemical and geological diversity of the new oils, the lack of alternative liquid fuels for transportation, and the size and global scope of oil production
June 22, 2016 Read Full Article
House Bill Could Help Small and Mid-Size Dairies Deal with Excess Nutrients
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On June 16, Representative Tom Reed (R-NY) and Ron Kind (D-WI) along with 12 Republican and Democratic co-sponsors introduced the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 5489), which would expand the eligibility of biogas systems under the
June 20, 2016 Read Full Article
A Tax on Rising Sea Levels Is Making Waves in the San Francisco Bay
by Jessica Leber (FastCoExist) The regional tax would help all the communities around the Bay lower their risk of flooding by restoring wetlands. Can everyone work together to make it happen? -- Many cities are woefully unprepared for the rising
June 13, 2016 Read Full Article
GOP to Rule Out Carbon Tax
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) House Republicans this week will vote to condemn taxes on carbon dioxide emissions, slamming the door on an idea that some members of their party have flirted with in the past. The nonbinding resolution, sponsored by Majority
June 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Sweden Takes the Lead in Biofuel-Use in Europe
by Tomas Ekbom (Task 39 May 2016 Newsletter) The production and use of biofuels in Sweden have increased substantially since the mid-2000s. According to preliminary statistics from SPBI, the share of renewable energy in the road sector was 14.7% in 2015
May 20, 2016 Read Full Article
National Biodiesel Board Commends Proposed Legislation to Extend Biodiesel Tax Incentive Through 2019
(Biofuels Journal/National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board released the following statement from Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel after Reps. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., and Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., introduced legislation to extend the biodiesel tax incentive through 2019 and reform
May 13, 2016 Read Full Article
RFA Questions Fairness of Big Oil Tax Subsidies
(Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... While hardworking Americans will receive an average of more than $2,800 in refunds, did you know that oil producers and refiners receive $4 billion–6 billion in federal tax incentives and subsidies every year? What makes
May 11, 2016 Read Full Article
Governor Says Interest Is Already There for Biochemical Tax Credit
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Governor Terry Branstad says companies already are expressing interest in the state’s new tax credit for firms that come up with new products made from the starches, sugars and oils left-over after ethanol and biodiesel are
May 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Tenacity Required to Secure Advanced Biofuels Future
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) Addressing climate continues to be one of the major reasons to support and develop advanced and cellulosic biofuels. -- Once again, we enter spring awaiting the U.S. EPA’s proposal for the renewable volumes obligations
April 21, 2016 Read Full Article
Big Oil Wins Big on Taxes
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Today is Tax Day. While many Americans will receive a modest refund, oil producers are raking in the big bucks, $4 billion to $6 billion, through tax incentives dating back more than 100 years. Today, the
April 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Association Heads Unusual Team against Biodiesel Producers Tax Credit
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the Advanced Biofuel Association has teamed with an unexpected group of lobbying partners in favor of keeping the biodiesel tax credit as a blenders credit. Partners include the National Association of Truck Stop Operators,
April 15, 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
Branstad Signs Chemical Tax Credit Bill in Ames
by Austin Harrington (Ames Tribune) Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds came to Iowa State University Wednesday to sign a bill into law that will create a $10 million tax credit for companies in the renewable chemical manufacturing
April 07, 2016 Read Full Article
Importing to Meet California Demand
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) The U.S. imported a record volume of biomass-based diesel in 2015. ... This increase in imports is particularly interesting because 2015 was a year with no forward-looking $1-per-gallon blender’s tax credit, and, for 11 months
April 06, 2016 Read Full Article
Cellulosic Ethanol Will Get Back Up
(RPA News) Our top story this month is a blunt reminder of how deeply U.S. policy uncertainty cut down and yanked back the progress of commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol over the past few years. The U.S. EPA’s epic indecision and sometimes indifference
March 22, 2016 Read Full Article
France Adopts Watered-Down Palm Oil Tax
by Cécile Barbière (EurActiv) French MPs have approved an additional tax on palm oil. But sustainably-produced oil and imports for biofuels will be exempt from the tax. -- France has increased the tax on palm oil imports, amid heated protests from
March 22, 2016 Read Full Article
Bringing up the Throttle on Cellulosic Ethanol
by Holly Jessen and Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Although there are challenges facing the second generation ethanol industry, progress is being made -- U.S. EPA data shows 2.18 million cellulosic ethanol D3 RINs (renewable identification numbers) were generated in 2015.
March 18, 2016 Read Full Article
Life As We Might Have Known It: What If Ethanol Was Our Primary Engine Fuel
by Marc J. Rauch (The Auto Channel) ... Our exchange began with his comments that government should not decide which fuel is the winner; that fossil fuels dominance over alternative fuels was due to consumer choice; and that society owes a
March 16, 2016 Read Full Article
DATA CHECK: For Innovation, No Magic in 3% Rule
by Jeffrey Mervis (Science Magazine) Science policy wonks use the ratio of research spending to overall economic activity to judge whether a country is investing enough in innovation. For decades 3% has been the magic number, and Israel and South Korea
March 01, 2016 Read Full Article
Issue Brief: Obama FY2017 Budget Proposal: Sustainable Energy, Buildings, Transportation and Climate
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On February 9, 2016, President Obama released his $4.15 trillion fiscal year (FY) 2017 federal budget proposal, a 5 percent increase over 2016. In his final budget request, President Obama is seeking to increase funding
February 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Obama to Seek New Tax on Oil in Budget Proposal
by Ayesha Rascoe and Valerie Volcovici (Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama will launch a long-shot bid next week to impose a $10-a-barrel tax on crude oil that would fund the overhaul of the nation's aging transportation infrastructure, the White House
February 08, 2016 Read Full Article
Olden Days, Golden Days, and Golden Gripes
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... So, how fast did petroleum expand production, in comparison to low-carbon renewable fuels? ... One thing is clear, renewable fuels are moving fast, by comparison. From 1866 through 1899 (a year when negative attention on the
January 28, 2016 Read Full Article
Back On Solid Ground
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) After an extended period of policy uncertainty, the final renewable fuel standard (RFS) rule and a two-year retroactive reinstatement of the $1-per-gallon blenders tax credit are expected to bring stability back to the U.S. biodiesel
January 27, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Production Rises in 2015 as Consumers Seek Cleaner Fuels
(High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal) U.S. consumers used a record of nearly 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2015, reducing America’s carbon emissions by at least 18.2 million metric tons, according to new EPA data released as the industry recently kicked
January 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Push to Change Biodiesel Tax from Blender’s to Producer’s Credit
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) The Minnesota Soybean Growers would like to see the Biodiesel Tax Credit changed from a blender’s to a producer’s credit. Under current law, blenders of biodiesel can claim a one dollar per gallon credit against
January 26, 2016 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Production Rises in 2015 as Consumers Seek Cleaner Fuels
(National Biodiesel Board) US consumers used a record of nearly 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2015, reducing America’s carbon emissions by at least 18.2 million metric tons, according to new EPA data released as the industry kicks off
January 25, 2016 Read Full Article
Pushmi-Pullyu: How Do Carbon Prices and Fuel Mandates Work Together in Breaking through a Fossil Fuel Monopoly? Or, Do They?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Sometimes, the set-up of the transition from fossil fuels is as pretty and impractical as Dr. Doolittle’s Pushmi-Pullyu. The Digest investigates. -- ... For example, a renewable fuel does not qualify under the Renewable Fuel Standard
January 12, 2016 Read Full Article
Aemetis Shares Jump 52% in One Day
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, investors were pleasantly shocked when shares in Aemetis traded up 52% last Thursday. What exactly is happening? In a release, Aemetis credited five factors for the jump: January 1, 2016: California LCFS re-adopted as of
January 04, 2016 Read Full Article
Obama Signs Spending Bill, Tax Extenders Legislation
by Erin Voegele (Biodiesel Magazine) On Dec. 18, President Obama signed a $1.1 trillion spending bill and accompanying legislative package of tax extenders into law. The legislation includes two-year extensions of several tax credits that benefit the bioenergy sector. On the
December 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Omnibus Funding and Tax Extenders Legislation Includes Important Extensions for Renewable Energy Projects
by Mark J. Riedy and Heather L. Preston (Kilpatrick Townsend) On December 18, Congress passed and the President signed into law the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016” and the “Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015,” funding the government
December 23, 2015 Read Full Article
Decarbonising Transport Must Take Centre Stage in Europe’s Efforts to Meet Historic COP21 Ambitions
(ePURE) On 12 December, 195 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and strengthen global action to fight climate change. The Paris Agreement includes an objective to limit global warming to
December 21, 2015 Read Full Article
The Crushing Burden of Hidden Taxes on E85 Renewable Fuel
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) There’s historic news out now — that E85 fuel is available on a wholesale basis for less than 85 cents per gallon. The Anderson’s in Denison, Iowa are wholesaling E85 for $0.84, and Little Sioux
December 18, 2015 Read Full Article
Australian Biofuel Use to Plummet Despite Queensland Ethanol Mandate
by Christine Forster (Platts) A decision by the Queensland government to mandate the use of ethanol in regular unleaded gasoline sold in the state may provide a small uptick in demand for the blendstock. But it will not put a
December 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Consumers Go ‘Green.’ Are We Leveraging This Trend Enough?
by Sebastian Søderberg (Novozymes/Biofuels Digest) ... I believe consumers are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about the damage their consumption can cause to the planet. With this awareness, comes a growing focus on products that reduce GHG emissions and maximize resource efficiency.
December 17, 2015 Read Full Article
Meet the New Climate Villain: Cheap Oil
by Charles Komanoff (Carbon Tax Center) ... The average price of gas sold in the U.S. over the past ten months is 25 percent below last year’s price — the steepest drop in at least 70 years. Americans are responding by
December 16, 2015 Read Full Article
2015: A Missed Opportunity for Biofuels
by Michael McAdams (Advanced Biofuels Association/Biomass Magazine) To say that 2015 was an overall disappointment for the biofuels industry would be an understatement. With the price of oil hovering from the high $30s to the mid-$50s all year long, the
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Rubio Commits to Supporting RFS through 2022
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Iowa, Sen. Marco Rubio speaking about the Renewable Fuel Standard in Council Bluffs Iowa, said “Whether you like it or not, it isn’t fair to yank away something in the middle of it, after
November 30, 2015 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Leaders Press Congress on Reformed Tax Credit
(National Biodiesel Board) Critical Incentive Has Remained Expired All Year -- Nearly 100 biodiesel leaders from across the country will press lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday to reinstate the biodiesel tax incentive as a domestic production credit in line with
November 17, 2015 Read Full Article
BIO Applauds Renewable Chemicals Act Bill
by Joanna Schroeder (DomesticFuel.com) Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Coon (D-DE) and Al Franken have introduced a new bill, S. 2271 the Renewable Chemicals Act of 2015. If passed, the legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
November 13, 2015 Read Full Article
No Rich White Guy Left Behind: The Selling of Electric Cars as Zero Emission Vehicles
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Electric cars and their $1600 cost per ton for CO2 reduction. And, yep, you’re paying for it. Electric cars have environmental benefits, no doubt about it, and anyone who drives one is making a contribution to
October 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Feedstock Tax Barrier Removed by India Government Allowing Rapid Expansion of Biodiesel
(Aemetis) Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), an advanced renewable fuels and biochemicals company, announced that the Government of India Revenue Department removed an important tax barrier to expanding biodiesel production in India, issuing an exemption on excise tax for feedstock. Biodiesel is
October 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Support, Opposition Grow Over Proposed Changes to Biodiesel Tax Credit
(Environmental and Energy Study Institute) On October 21, the Advanced Biofuels Association, along with the Petroleum Marketers Association and other retail fuel groups, expressed opposition to changing the biodiesel and renewable diesel blenders' tax credit. In July, the Senate Finance
October 23, 2015 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Producers Oppose Grassley Tax Credit Change: Amendment Could Hurt Consumers
(Advanced Biofuels Association) During the Senate Finance Committee’s July markup, Senator Charles Grassley offered an amendment, co-sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell, which would extend the biodiesel and renewable diesel tax credit for two years. However, starting in 2016 it would
October 23, 2015 Read Full Article
White Paper: The Rise of Biodiesel: New Alternative Fuel, New Taxation Challenges
(Avalara) ... The fuel industry is subject to one of the most complex tax structures in the U.S. and there’s little chance of that changing in the foreseeable future. Federal excise taxes are relatively straightforward. But on top of federal taxes,
August 26, 2015 Read Full Article
Grassley Defends Extending Tax Credits for Renewable Energy
by James Q. Lynch (Iowa Farmer Today) It’s been a big week for renewable fuels, according to Sen. Chuck Grassley after the Senate Finance Committee voted 23-3 to approve extending tax credits for wind energy, biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol. He called
August 03, 2015 Read Full Article
“The Time Is Ripe” for a Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit
by Corinne Young and Michele Jalbert (Biofuels Digest/Renewable Chemicals and Advanced Materials Alliance (re:chem)) ... Buoyed in wake of our successful Farm Bill expansion of USDA 9003 loan guarantees to renewable chemicals/bioproduct manufacturing and progress toward bipartisan TSCA reform, re:chem remains
July 27, 2015 Read Full Article
Jobs at Barnawartha Biofuel Plant Saved
by Nigel McNay (The Border Mail) Several dozen jobs have been saved at Barnawartha’s biofuel plant. That follows the amendment of federal legislation last week to change the excise rules for biodiesel. ARfuels managing director Andrew White said 12 months of
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Brazil Changes Tax Policy for Imported Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane association, has announced the country has made changes to its tax policy on imported ethanol. According to a statement issued by Elizabeth Farina, president of UNICA, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Rand Paul: Farmers Need Less EPA, Lower Taxes
by William Petroski (Des Moines Register) ... (Rand) Paul said the federal government is needed to provide national defense, build some roads, and do some other things. But many other matters can be handled at the state and local government level, the
July 06, 2015 Read Full Article
Washington Should Help Capitalize Green Banks
by Mark Muro and Reed Hundt (The Brookings Institution) ... While the federal government has not been able to lead on the design of modern clean energy and infrastructure finance entities, it now has the opportunity, with its billions of underutilized
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
Washington Update: Carbon And Tax Policy
By Bob Cleaves (Biomass Magazine) Biomass Power Association President Bob Cleaves discusses ongoing policy and regulatory discussions affecting the industry. ... In late March, we testified at the EPA’s Scientific Advisory Board meeting to review the Framework for Assessing Biogenic CO2
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
VietNam Considers Raising Export Tariff on Cassava, Ethanol to Support E5 Production
(VietNamNet Bridge) The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is planning to raise the tariff on cassava and ethanol exports in an effort to retain materials for domestic biofuel production. Cassava and ethanol bear an export tariff of zero percent. ... Cassava, the major
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Capturing the Full and Unrealized Value of Biofuels -- Market Mechanisms are Needed
by Ghasideh Pourhashem (Forbes) During the past decade, production of biofuels has gained momentum largely due to policies and mandates aimed at addressing energy security and climate change. ... But if the right kinds of policies are in place, biofuel-generating facilities will
May 05, 2015 Read Full Article
Ending International Aviation’s $65 Billion Fuel Tax Exemption an Essential Step towards Decarbonisation
by Andrew Murphy (Transport & Environment (T&E)/GreenAirOnline) ... The airline industry predicts a massive increase in the use of alternative fuels, although most experts predict an uptake of only a few percentage points in the coming years. More optimistic projections remain purely
April 24, 2015 Read Full Article
American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Ups Biofuels Presence at Policy Forum
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Over the past year, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) increased its work with the biofuels sector of renewable energy, upped its presence and activity at biofuels-related conferences and events, and got into
April 24, 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
Export Incentive Viable Option For Producers
by Donna Funk (Ethanol Producer Magazine/K-Coe Isom) Ethanol producers exporting product may want to look into the Interest Charge-Domestic International Sales Corp. export incentive, which could qualify them for a 20 percent lower tax rate, writes Donna Funk of
January 15, 2015 Read Full Article
The Chamber of Commerce Conveniently Forgets Its Attacks on Obama
by Dana Milbank (The Washington Post) Tom Donohue, the longtime president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sounded ebullient as he gave his annual report on the health of American business Wednesday. ... “It seems to be hard to make the case
January 15, 2015 Read Full Article
With Oil Prices Low, Now’s the Perfect Time for Congress to Raise the Gas Tax
by Editorial Board (The Washington Post) THE PRICE of crude oil dipped below $50 a barrel on Monday. National gasoline prices average a little over $2 a gallon. On principle and on politics, now is the best time Washington has
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
U.S. Senate Passes Bill Temporarily Renewing Tax Breaks
by Kevin Drawbaugh (Reuters) Dozens of temporary tax breaks, including big ones for business research, wind power and foreign profits, were renewed by the U.S. Senate late on Tuesday, putting to rest worries that further delays in dealing with the
December 17, 2014 Read Full Article
Government Gives Tax Relief for Biodiesel Production
(Correio do Brasil) The Official Gazette published on Friday normative instruction suspending the incidence of PIS / Pasep and Contribution to Social Security Financing (COFINS) in the acquisition of raw materials for the production of biodiesel. The goal, said the IRS
November 25, 2014 Read Full Article
Senate Finance Committee Holds Hearing on Energy Tax Incentives
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate is once again addressing energy tax incentives. On Sept. 17, the Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing, titled “Reforming America’s Outdated Energy Tax Code,” to discuss possible paths forward to
September 18, 2014 Read Full Article
House Tax Proposal Would Alter Biofuel, Bioenergy Tax Credits
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) On Feb. 26, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman David Camp, R-Mich., released draft legislation to reform federal tax code. The draft, titled the “Tax Reform Act of 2014,” would alter, and in some
February 28, 2014 Read Full Article
Sen. Baucus Launches Major Senate Energy Tax Reform
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) A new, technology-neutral tax credit for the domestic production of clean transportation fuel? Read on. In Washington, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) unveiled the latest package in a series of proposals to overhaul America’s
December 20, 2013 Read Full Article
Stakeholders Urge Congress to Extend Biofuel Tax Policies
by Anna Simet (Biomass Magazine) Tax provisions critical to the biofuel and biopower industries are set to expire at the end of the month—including the federal renewable energy production tax credit and cellulosic biofuel producer , biodiesel and renewable diesel
December 10, 2013 Read Full Article
Time to Reconsider a Carbon Tax?
by Wallace E. Tyner (PennEnergy/Purdue University) ... First, with the new IPCC report it is abundantly clear that global warming and climate change represent a clear and present danger not only to the US but for the entire planet. The only
November 21, 2013 Read Full Article
Fossil Fuel Subsidies 'Reckless Use of Public Funds
by Matt McGrath (BBC News) The world is spending half a trillion dollars on fossil fuel subsidies every year, according to a new report. The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) says rich countries are spending seven times more supporting coal, oil and gas
November 08, 2013 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Producer Brands Tax Idea Short-Sighted
by Tamara Timothy (Guernsey News) ...Treasury and Resources announced in their Budget that they are going to investigate putting excise duty on biodiesel. ...Peter Mac Gill said: "It does produce a useful service for the island because what we do, every
October 16, 2013 Read Full Article
Infrastructure, Energy and Natural Resources: Senate Finance Committee Staff Tax Reform Options for Discussion
(US Senate Finance Committee) This document is the fourth in a series of papers compiling tax reform options that Finance Committee members may wish to consider as they work towards reforming our nation’s tax system. This compilation is a joint product