by Chris Marquette (Politico Pro) House Transportation Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) suggested Monday (December 16, 2024) that he isn't likely to push for a wholesale shift away from the gasoline tax in favor of something like vehicle miles traveled — but reiterated
Transportation Policy
Back TO HOMECanadian Rail Dispute Threatens Ethanol Industry
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Renewable Fuels Association has signed on to a letter from U.S. agricultural supply chain interests to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asking him to take action to ensure railroad operations continue to prevent serious damage to the Canadian and U.S.
August 21, 2024 Read Full Article
STB Seeks Nomination for Biofuel or Feedstock Representative to Fill Vacancy on RETAC Application DEADLINE September 2, 2024
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The Surface Transportation Board is seeking nominees to fill five vacancies on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee. One vacancy is to be filled by a biofuel producer or feedstock grower. The STB established RETAC in 2007
August 20, 2024 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Tool, Moves Climate Change Performance Measure Forward
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Whole-of-Government Approach to Tackling Climate Change Provides States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations a Clear Framework, Flexibility, and Funding -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced a finalized performance measure that will provide State Departments of
November 26, 2023 Read Full Article
Ampol Reveals Plans to Take Biodiesel on the Road
by Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson (The West Australian/Australian Associated Press) Australia's biggest petrol retailer has revealed plans to produce renewable diesel for heavy trucks as part of a two-month trial. ... The news comes one month after Ampol announced plans to build hydrogen refuelling stations
September 25, 2023 Read Full Article
Report: Strong Clean Vehicle Standards Can Deliver $44 Billion in Health, Economic and Climate Benefits to New Mexicans
(Natural Resources Defense Council) New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced bold action which will give New Mexicans more electric car and truck options in the coming years, and a new report shows the state can deliver the most health,
July 24, 2023 Read Full Article
House Panel Sets Vote on Bill to Block EPA Tailpipe Rule
by Lamar Johnson (Politico Pro/E&E Daily) The committee will also vote on legislation to protect internal-combustion engines and prevent renewable fuel incentives from applying to electric cars. A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee will vote this week on legislation to block EPA's
July 11, 2023 Read Full Article
Housing Power, the Future of Spending Power? Consequences for Transport
by Phillipe Marchand (Transport Energy Strategies) ... Gross figures of aggregated housing and transport costs do show large deviations between territories, but are mostly explained by the social categorization of households. Eliminating this bias does show a more balanced picture. For housing,
June 01, 2023 Read Full Article
NBAA Calls Out DC Think Tank’s Attempt to Ignore Business Aviation’s Sustainability Leadership
(National Business Aviation Association) The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today forcefully challenged a DC-based think tank’s study for promoting a misleading caricature of business aviation that ignores the sector’s sustainability leadership and the industry’s essential role in the nation’s economy
May 05, 2023 Read Full Article
The EV Transition Explained
by Robert N. “Bob” Charette (IEEE Spectrum) ... Two years ago, I began investigating the veracity of claims surrounding the transition to EVs at scale. The result is a 12-part series and e-book, The EV Transition Explained, that explores the
May 03, 2023 Read Full Article
GAO: Federal Agencies Should Track Progress toward SAF Goals
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Government Accountability Office on March 27 issued a report that includes recommendations on how three federal agencies can track progress related to the Biden administration’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge. ... As part of
March 29, 2023 Read Full Article
Johns Hopkins Selected by U.S. Department of Transportation to Lead New $10 Million Center for Climate-Focused Transportation Solutions
(Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Newswise) Johns Hopkins University has been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a new University Transportation Center focused on solutions aimed at preserving the environment. The transportation sector is currently the largest contributor
March 13, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces over $250 Million to Fund Innovative Projects that Tackle Climate Pollution DEADLINES March 31, 2023, April 28 and June 15
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is making $250 million available to develop innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies. These planning grants, through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are the first tranche of
March 01, 2023 Read Full Article
How to Reduce CO2 GHG Emissions in the Transportation Sector
(Chevron Renewable Energy Group/Transport Topics) With the transportation sector being the largest source of GHG emissions in the U.S.1, the increasing number of both public- and private-sector entities with carbon reduction goals have set their sights on reducing engine emissions as
February 28, 2023 Read Full Article
The U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization: Joint Strategy to Transform Transportation
(U.S. Departments of Energy, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency) This Blueprint offers a whole-of-government approach to transform the transportation sector and sets forth an interagency call to action to coordinate and work effectively together. Achieving
February 28, 2023 Read Full Article
RFA Testifies in Support of National Clean Fuel Program to Decarbonize Transportation
(Renewable Fuels Association) Implementing a national clean fuel program that incorporates a market-based, technology-neutral approach will be critical to decarbonizing the U.S. transportation sector, the Renewable Fuels Association stressed today at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “While
February 15, 2023 Read Full Article
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Hearing on the Prospects of Low-Carbon Transportation Fuels and Considerations for a Potential National Clean Fuels Program --- February 15, 2023 --- Washington, DC and ONLINE
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper has been invited to testify next week at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The focus of the hearing is on the prospects of low-carbon transportation fuels
February 14, 2023 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels Can Play a Key Role in Delaware’s Effort to Reduce Emissions | Opinion
by Michael McAdams (Delaware Online/USA Today Network) ... Meaningfully reducing emissions from Delaware’s transportation sector will require a more comprehensive approach that embraces both the long-term promise of electric vehicles, along with technologies, such as low-carbon advanced biofuels, to support older,
January 13, 2023 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Releases First-Ever Blueprint to Decarbonize America's Transportation Sector
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Landmark Blueprint Will Advance the President’s Clean Transportation Agenda, Slashing Consumer Costs, Improving Public Health, and Increasing the Nation’s Energy Security -- The Biden-Harris Administration today released the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Developed by the Departments
January 10, 2023 Read Full Article
Transportation Decarbonization: An Interagency Approach at the Federal Level --- January 10, 2023 --- ONLINE
Join representatives from the departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as key transportation industry leaders, for a discussion on the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. Moderated by DOE Deputy Assistant
January 04, 2023 Read Full Article
Bogotá Announces Pilot Labeling Plan to Classify Vehicles According to Their Emissions
(Bogotá Environment Secretariat/AltFuels) The Bogotá Environment Secretariat announced a draft resolution called Environmental Vehicle Labeling (EVA) to classify the type of vehicles according to the way in which they pollute or emit particulate matter. Initially, it will be a two-year pilot
December 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Oregon, Washington Join California in Banning Gas-Powered New Vehicles Starting in 2035
by David Steves (OPB) New cars sold in Oregon and Washington will have to be emissions-free starting in 2035. The rules adopted Monday by both states will mean an end to the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered trucks, passenger cars
December 22, 2022 Read Full Article
2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality
(California Air Resources Board) This Scoping Plan lays out the sector-by-sector roadmap for California, the world’s fifth1 largest economy, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 or earlier, outlining a technologically feasible, cost-effective, and equity-focused path to achieve the state’s climate
November 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol vs. Electrons: The Future of Fuel
by Matt Roberts (Terrain) Many worry that electrified vehicles, fuel economy standards, and improving battery technology will make the internal combustion engine (ICE) obsolete, illegal, or both, with wildly varying estimates of the timeline. Many of these forecasts overlook the
November 16, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA Seeks Public Input on Inflation Reduction Act Programs to Fight Climate Change, Protect Health, and Advance Environmental Justice
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced initial public engagement and input opportunities for a subset of new and existing programs funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. These programs, which include funding for air quality projects
November 04, 2022 Read Full Article
EU Approves Ban on New Combustion-Engine Cars from 2035
(Associated Press) European Union lawmakers and member countries reached a deal to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars and vans by 2035. The deal EU negotiators sealed Thursday night is the first agreement of the bloc’s “Fit for 55”
October 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Ag, States Challenge EPA Action on EVs: Ag Groups, States Say EPA, California Used Back Door to Spread Electric Vehicle Use
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) Agriculture, fuel interests and several states see EPA's March 2022 decision to reinstate California's legal authority to implement a zero-emissions vehicle sales mandate and greenhouse gas emissions standards as a back-door way to move the
October 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Outlines Opportunity to Reduce Emissions before Washington and Oregon Lawmakers
(Growth Energy) Growth Energy recently submitted comments to the Washington Department of Ecology and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in response to the states’ proposals to follow California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation requiring 100% sales of zero emission vehicles by
October 25, 2022 Read Full Article
The Persistence of Myth and Energy Infrastructure
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you’ve been around the renewable fuels movement, lately the renewable fuels industry, for any length of time, you’ve seen quite a few advocates and champions debunking what they contend are untrue urban legends. Indirect Land Use
October 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Potholes on the Road to Electric Cars
by Lamar Johnson (Politico) ... The Department of Labor plans to add lithium-ion batteries to a list of products whose components are known to be made using child or forced labor, write E&E News' Jael Holzman and David Iaconangelo. ... The department made the
October 07, 2022 Read Full Article
How the Right’s Hatred of Electric Vehicles Is Growing in Iowa
by Ty Rushing (Iowa Starting Line) Over the last few months, the Starting Line team has noticed an interesting trend in Iowa social media: Stories about electric vehicles drive huge engagement and draw intense debate among supporters and detractors, mostly on
October 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Argentine Government Launches National Sustainable Transport Plan
(AltFuels/Ministry of Transport Argentina) Within the framework of the Sustainable Mobility Week, the Minister of Transport Alexis Guerrera presented the “National Plan for Sustainable Transport”, which seeks to advance with the energy transition in all modes of transport, both for passengers
October 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Oregon, Washington Plan to Ban All New Gas-Powered Cars by 2035. What's Next?
by Pat Dooris, David Mann (KGW8) In just over a decade, all new cars sold in Oregon and Washington will be electric vehicles (EVs) — that's the plan at least. Earlier this year, California announced a statewide ban on new gas-powered cars
September 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Interagency Commitment to Lower Transportation Emissions and Consumer Costs, Bolster Domestic Energy Security
(U.S. Department of Energy) New Commitment Will Advance Clean Transportation Investments within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, Establish Blueprint for Decarbonizing Transportation in the U.S. -- The Biden Administration today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among
September 19, 2022 Read Full Article
Group Launches Effort to Create 'Low-Carbon Fuel' Standard
by Timothy Cama (E&E News/Politico Pro) The push from green groups would seek a new law for the transportation sector that would also give credit to electric vehicle charging and biofuels. -- A coalition representing environmentalists, biofuels and electric vehicles is
September 19, 2022 Read Full Article
No Ethanol Doesn’t Mean No Profit
By Alan Guebert (Farm and Dairy) ... And it featured several “cropaganda” moments, a clever invention of the podcast’s three co-hosts — Silvia Secchi, a University of Iowa professor of geographical and sustainability studies; Iowa colleague Christopher Jones, a research engineer
September 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Accelerating Energy Independence and Emission Reductions: The Role of Advanced Biofuels in Transport
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) ... In the context of transport, advanced biofuels have been identified in the REDII as one of the key solutions for the deployment of renewable energy sources as their role can be increased to support the
September 06, 2022 Read Full Article
California Poised to Phase out Sale of New Gas-Powered Cars
by Kathleen Ronayne (Associated Press) California is poised to set a 2035 deadline for all new cars, trucks and SUVs sold in the state to be powered by electricity or hydrogen, an ambitious step that will reshape the U.S. car market
August 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Toyota Finally Supports California’s Long-Standing Authority to Set Vehicle Emissions Standards
(Sierra Club) Yesterday, Toyota announced its support for the state of California’s authority to set vehicle emissions standards under the Clean Air Act. During the Trump administration, Toyota and other automakers attacked this authority and sided with Trump’s rollback of key climate and
August 24, 2022 Read Full Article
CARB’s Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation Will Transform California’s Fleets
(ACT News) There is a regulatory hurricane on the horizon in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is just a few short months away from finalizing what will likely be the most consequential environmental regulation in the state’s history. In
August 18, 2022 Read Full Article
After 25 Years of Futility, Democrats Finally Jettison Carbon Pricing in Favor of Incentives to Counter Climate Change
by Marianne Lavelle (Inside Climate News) The $370 billion Inflation Reduction Act is the nation’s first comprehensive climate plan to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and boost renewable energy and green technology. It relies on tax credits and other “carrots,” not
August 15, 2022 Read Full Article
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: Additional Funding for the DOE Loan Program Office to Support U.S. Energy Infrastructure, Vehicle, and Mass Transit Development
by Mark J. Riedy, John C. F. Loving, Stephen M. Anstey and Patrick McShane (Kilpatrick Townsend – Energy/Biofuels Digest) ... Of the $369 billion for energy security and climate change, which supports various tax incentives, programs, and other initiatives, the IRA
August 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Manchin, Schumer Cut Deal on Climate Spending, Including Farm Bill Funds
by Philip Brasher (Agri-Pulse) Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced an agreement with Sen. Joe Manchin on a narrow reconciliation bill that would provide $369 billion in climate-related provisions, including more than $20 billion for farm bill conservation assistance and additional incentives
July 28, 2022 Read Full Article
Sustainable Aviation: How to Prevent Air Transport from Becoming the First Victim of Frugality?
by Philippe Marchand (Transport Energy Strategies) Resource scarcity, frugality, consumerism downsizing, de-growth: these concepts and trends, originally property of hard-core ecologists, are becoming mainstream, found in the last IPCC report on adaptation, in IEA recommendations for citizens to deal with the
July 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Federal Government under Pressure to Increase EV Uptake after ACT Announces Petrol Car Ban
by Royce Kurmelovs (The Guardian) Electric vehicle advocates and auto industry say Australia needs nationally mandated fuel efficiency standards -- The federal government is under pressure to act to increase the uptake of electric vehicles after the Australian Capital Territory became
July 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Walk and Chew Gum – Keeping Biofuels at the Table
by John Eichberger (Fuels Institute/Biofuels Digest) ... (I)t seems we have lost sight of something very important – the 1.4 billion vehicles in operation throughout the world (approximately 300 million of which are in the United States) that will never
July 20, 2022 Read Full Article
D.C. Region Will Now Consider Climate Impacts in Transportation Planning, Aiming to Cut Emissions in Half
by Jacob Fenston (DCist) ... The vote, at a meeting of the regional Transportation Planning Board, came as a surprise to some observers. Previously many leaders, particularly from car-dependent suburbs, scoffed at a 50% goal as unachievable. The board was set to
July 08, 2022 Read Full Article
EU Countries Approve Climate Measures after Long Talks
by Samuel Petrequin (Associated Press) Germany's transport minister said Thursday that he opposes plans to ban the sale of new cars with combustion engines across the European Union in 2035, arguing this would discriminate against vehicles powered with synthetic fuels. EU
June 29, 2022 Read Full Article
Germany Says No to EU’s 2035 ICE Ban, Others May Follow
by Peter Holderith (The Drive) The three largest economies in the European Union are showing strong opposition to the ambitious 2035 target. Germany's finance minister Christian Lindner said Tuesday that the nation will not agree to the European Union's 2035 ban on internal combustion-powered
June 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden Administration Leans on Tesla for Guidance in Renewable Fuel Policy Reform
by Jarrett Renshaw and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... The administration's early and extensive outreach reflects that expanding the scope of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to make it a tool for electrifying the nation's automobile fleet is one of Biden's
June 23, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Regulators to Propose New Tougher Vehicle Emissions Rules by March
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to propose new, more stringent vehicle emissions rules through at least the 2030 model year by March, according to a regulatory update released on Tuesday. In December, the EPA finalized new light-duty tailpipe emissions
June 22, 2022 Read Full Article
NGVA Europe Reacts to Plenary Vote on New CO₂ Emission Standards
(NGVA Europe/NGV Journal) On June 8, the European Parliament plenary voted on the CO₂ emission performance standards for cars and vans and regretfully failed to agree on a pragmatic and practical approach to resolving the decarbonization challenge in Europe’s transport sector. NGVA
June 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Examining the Role of SAF in a Net-Zero Aviation Industry
(Biofuels International) ... Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has the potential to cut lifecycle emissions from aviation by up to 80%, making it the largest contributing factor to decarbonising air travel. Biofuels International asks Angela Robledo, business development director, lowcarbon fuels
June 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Durso and Cattell: A Clean Fuel Standard Would Help New York’s Workers
by John Durso and Robert B. Cattell (Long Island Business News) ... A clean fuel standard would do just that. It would move our transportation sector towards electrification and clean fuel alternatives in a responsible manner, while creating good-paying jobs at
June 08, 2022 Read Full Article
EU Lawmakers Back Effective Ban on New Fossil-Fuel Cars from 2035
by Kate Abnett (Reuters) Lawmakers on the European Parliament’s environment committee on Tuesday backed an EU plan to effectively ban new petrol and diesel car sales from 2035, while voting against proposals for tougher targets to cut car CO2 emissions within
June 07, 2022 Read Full Article
The Distant Hope of EVs ... Gas Price Surge Can't Buy EV Love
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Electric vehicles are still unattainable for many Americans suffering from stifling gasoline prices, and it could really hurt Democrats in November. ... GAS PRICE SURGE CAN'T BUY EV LOVE: Gasoline prices reached yet another record high
May 27, 2022 Read Full Article
Estonian Goverment Wants Public Fleets to Add Only Green Vehicles
(Estonian Ministry of Environment/NGV Journal) ... According to Minister of the Environment Erki Savisaar, the regulation should have a positive effect on the market for clean and energy-efficient vehicles, increase the contribution of the transport sector to the Estonian climate and
May 20, 2022 Read Full Article
Seventeen States Sue EPA for Letting California Set Vehicle Standards
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) Seventeen Republican state attorneys general on Friday announced a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for allowing California to set its own vehicle emissions standards. The lawsuit alleges EPA Administrator Michael Regan violated the Constitution’s doctrine of equal
May 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Research Group Urges EPA to Nix ZEV Credit System
by Arianna Skibell (E&E News) The International Council on Clean Transportation says the proposed zero-emission vehicle credit system, which allows manufacturers to use EV credits to offset emissions, would raise the pollution limit. The International Council on Clean Transportation is calling
May 12, 2022 Read Full Article
New Study Finds Golden State Drivers Save Big on Clean Fuels – Like E85 Produced by American Farmers -- Under California's LCFS
(Low Carbon Fuels Coalition) In California, the Single Biggest Driver of Fuel Costs is the Price of a Barrel of Oil; LCFS is Successfully Opening the Market and Decarbonizing California’s Transportation Fuels -- As the nation grapples with skyrocketing gas prices,
May 12, 2022 Read Full Article
Current State of North American Ethanol Sector
(Biofuels International) ... In the Administration’s adjoining Summer Fuels Outlook, the forecast for the average price of petroleum and diesel is that the next few months will see prices reaching their highest inflation-adjusted levels since the summer of 2014. This is
May 11, 2022 Read Full Article
The Dawn of Greater Energy Independence – Why Europe Also Needs to Count on Sustainable Bioenergy
by Paul Bennett, Chair (IEA Bioenergy/Biofuels Digest) ... Little attention is paid to the global potential of bioenergy from sustainably sourced biomass – and wrongly so. Because without bioenergy, the urgent step toward fossil free greater energy security and climate neutrality
May 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Still Waiting on Subsidies to Compete with Oil, Gas, Electric Vehicles
by Anthony Hennen (The Center Square/The Bradford Era) The biofuel industry could dramatically reduce tailpipe emissions from cars and improve air quality, but the effects of the pandemic and government subsidies for green competitors like electric vehicles makes future growth a
May 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Iowa's Democratic U.S. Senate Hopefuls Differ on Foreign Policy, Ethanol
by Erin Murphy (Sioux City Journal) ...Differences over a hard line on when to send U.S. troops to Ukraine and over ethanol policy were among the few contrasts to emerge during a televised debate Saturday night between the Democratic candidates
May 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Ottawa Unveils $2.6B Carbon Capture Tax Credit for Energy Sector
by Amanda Stephenson (The Canadian Press/Carbon Capture Magazine) Ottawa is urging oil and gas companies to move quickly to take advantage of a major new tax credit for carbon capture and storage — a pricey technology that proponents say could play
May 06, 2022 Read Full Article
Our Best Chance to Avert a Catastrophic Climate Crisis
(California Natural Gas Vehicle Partnership) At the COP26 summit in Scotland in November 2021, the world’s leading climate scientists agreed that the #1 priority — the only measure to avert a catastrophic and irreversible climate crisis — is to immediately
May 04, 2022 Read Full Article
Pilot Fears Rail Crisis Will Cut US DEF, Biofuel Supply
by Abby Caplan (Argus Media) Refined products retailer Pilot Travel Centers fears a move to cut rail traffic by western US railroad Union Pacific (UP) will drive a shortage of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and ethanol in the US. UP this month
May 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Poor Rail Logistics Causing Slow Output at Ethanol Plants
by Mary Kennedy (DTN Progressive Farmer) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) detailed how poor rail service is having a negative impact on the entire ethanol industry in written testimony sent to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) on April 22. The STB
April 27, 2022 Read Full Article
President Biden, USDOT Announce New Guidance and $6.4 Billion to Help States Reduce Carbon Emissions under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Key program will fund projects that help fight climate change and save Americans money on gas -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration today announced a new program that unlocks $6.4 billion in formula funding
April 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Global Food Crisis Coming and Changes to GHG Modeling for Biofuels
(KIT) ...Two Senate Ag Committee members recently urged the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels. Senators John Thune, of South Dakota, and Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, asked the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated
April 16, 2022 Read Full Article
Rules Brittania: The UK’s New Energy Security Strategy, and the Bioeconomy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the UK, the British Government announced its Energy Security Strategy to create a ‘flow of energy that is affordable, clean and above all secure. We need a power supply that’s made in Britain, for
April 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Kickstarting aGlobal Advanced Bioeconomy: The Digest’s Multi-Slide Guide to the BioFuture Campaign of the Clean Energy Minsterial
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Biofuture’s Gerard Ostheimer gave this presentation at ABLC 2022 in Washington, DC examining government-owned initiatives and campaigns to exchange knowledge and insights, build networks and partnerships and facilitate coordinated actions in the bioeconomy. In today’s Digest, the
April 14, 2022 Read Full Article
2022 Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the Ministerial for Mission Innovation (MI) --- September 22-23, 2022 --- Pittsburgh, PA
(U. S. Department of Energy) Ministerials Will Focus on Implementation Efforts to Achieve COP26 Commitments — The U.S. Department of Energy ... announced Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as the host city for the 2022 Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the ministerial for Mission
April 14, 2022 Read Full Article
The Banana Problem: A New Report from Fuels Institute Tackles the Complex Defossilization of Medium to Heavy Duty Transport
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In the world of freight, how you look at the time-energy-emissions equation kinds depends on what you’re hauling. It’s the banana problem. Taking 20+ days to sail from Jamaica to Florida is a great example of
April 12, 2022 Read Full Article
California Moves Closer toward Phasing out Gas Cars: State Officials Have Targeted 2035 as the Deadline to End the Sales of New Cars that Produce Emissions.
by Anne C. Mulkern (E&E News Climatewire) California is expected this week to take a significant step toward its goal of phasing out gas-fueled vehicles. The California Air Resources Board is slated tomorrow to release documents in support of its plan to
April 11, 2022 Read Full Article
It’s Time to Harness Full Range of Economic, National and Energy Security, Public Health and Environmental Solutions Renewable Fuels Can Provide
(Solutions from the Land) ... Unfortunately, he has ignored a widely available, less expensive source of clean transportation fuel – biofuels, like ethanol – that could help ease those prices and supply concerns. Russian oil represents only 2 percent of all U.S.
April 07, 2022 Read Full Article
USDOT Announces New Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards for Model Year 2024-2026
(U.S. Department of Transportation) Standards to require fleet average of 49 mpg by 2026, save consumers money, and advance U.S. energy independence -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced new, landmark fuel economy standards which
April 01, 2022 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Sector Pushes for Better Investment and Support to Boost National Fuel Security
by Erin Somerville (ABC Goulburn Murray) A biodiesel producer says Australia is overlooking a product that could help with fuel security; Private companies have started shifting to biodiesel partly for fuel security reasons, rather than wait for government incentives; Biofuel
March 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Biden to Invoke Defense Production Act for Electric Vehicle Battery Materials
by Zack Budryk (The Hill) President Biden is set to invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) as early as this week to step up production of minerals used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries, a source familiar the plans confirmed to The Hill. Biden is set to
March 31, 2022 Read Full Article
Reap, Baby, Reap – Ag’s Opportunity to Rebuild a Nation
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... Perhaps it was the invasion on Ukraine, when we saw that regimes based in fossil-dollars could harm the world in ways not measured solely in prices at the pump or climate statistics. The bioeconomy has the
March 30, 2022 Read Full Article
Next Hydrogen, 40 Partners Sign on to Support Proposed Northeast Hydrogen Hub
by Michael Bates (NGT News) Hydrogen electrolyzer designer and manufacturer Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.’s fully owned subsidiary, Next Hydrogen Corp., has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), along with an initial total
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
Carbon Control and Clean Air Progress: Apples to Oranges Comparisons Are Barriers to Progress
(Diesel Technology Forum) While emerging technologies scale up, the newest generation of advanced diesel technology and renewable biodiesel fuels need to be embraced and take on more of a role now in cutting emissions -- Ask 10 people the fastest way
March 29, 2022 Read Full Article
The EV Grass Isn’t Always Greener
by Sara Counihan (NACS/Convenience.com/Convenience Matters podcast episode) In some regions, an EV emits more carbon than an internal combustion engine vehicle. -- ... John Eichberger leads the Fuels Institute, and the question he is often asked is why the push for EVs?
March 17, 2022 Read Full Article
Toyota to Launch Green Hydrogen Car in India on Pilot Basis
by Rajkamal Narayanan (Financial Express) Come March 16, and Japanese carmaker Toyota will launch a green hydrogen-based project in India, a step towards introducing an alternative fuel car, the Centre is agressively looking for. “There will be a pilot project on
March 15, 2022 Read Full Article
Grassley and Ernst Call on Biden to Unleash Iowa Biofuel Immediately as Gas Prices Hit Record High, U.S. Bans Russian Oil
(Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)) Iowa senators introduce bipartisan legislation to open up the use of clean, American-made renewable fuels that are available right now to replace banned Russian oil -- As gas prices hit all-time record highs, Sens. Chuck Grassley
March 09, 2022 Read Full Article
Proposed Rule and Related Materials for Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards
(Environmental Protection Agency) On March 3, 2022, EPA Administrator Regan signed a proposed rule that would set new, more stringent standards to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year (MY) 2027. The proposed standards would significantly reduce
March 07, 2022 Read Full Article
Ernst Presses Buttigieg on Admin Prioritizing EVs Over Clean Biofuel
by AJ Taylor (KIOW) At a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) hearing this morning, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) pressed Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, about the Biden administration’s concerning agenda in prioritizing electric vehicles (EV)
March 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Clear Evidence of How Higher Ethanol Blends Lower Gasoline Prices
by Joanne Ivancic (Advanced Biofuels USA) Pictures worth 1000 words show the prices on March 1 at a Sheetz in Virginia. Compare the E10 Regular to E15 Unleaded 88 and E85 FlexFuel. Compare those to the price of E0 --
March 02, 2022 Read Full Article
Farm and Food: Big Ethanol Sees Electric Cars as a Market Maker, Not a Market Taker
by Alan Guebert (The Hawk Eye) ... However, in an interview for an episode of the podcast “Corn Save America,” Jeremy Martin, the director of fuels policy at UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists), suggests ethanol and other “biofuels” may claim a
February 23, 2022 Read Full Article
Court Ruling on Social Cost of Carbon Upends Biden’s Climate Plans
by Maxine Joselow (Washington Post) A recent court ruling that bars the Biden administration from accounting for the real-world costs of climate change has created temporary chaos at federal agencies, upending everything from planned oil and gas lease sales to infrastructure
February 22, 2022 Read Full Article
Auto Rule Targeted after Climate Injunction
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The fallout has started arriving following last week's court order blocking the Biden administration from using its social cost of carbon metric in rulemakings. The conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute on Tuesday sent a letter asking EPA
February 16, 2022 Read Full Article
EPA to Expand Calif. Clean Car Authority — and the Nation’s
by Arianna Skibell (E&E News) The Biden administration is preparing to reinstate California’s authority to set auto emissions rules that are more stringent than federal standards, taking a major step toward cutting transportation-related climate pollution and continuing to chip away at
February 16, 2022 Read Full Article
U.S. Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Biofuel Mandates -Sources
by Stephanie Kelly and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) A U.S. Senate committee is expected to hold a hearing around the nation's biofuel blending laws next week, as the Biden administration works to finalize controversial proposals around blending requirements and exemptions for oil
February 11, 2022 Read Full Article
Green Fuels Shortage Looming Due to EU Restrictions, Industry Warns
by Sean Goulding Carroll (EURACTIV.com) Europe is in danger of failing to meet the transport industry’s soaring demand for sustainable liquid fuels due to EU restrictions on biofuels, a new industry position paper has claimed. Demand for green liquid fuels in Europe
February 10, 2022 Read Full Article
EU Meets 2020 Target for Renewable Energy in Transport
(Bioenergy Insight) The EU has met the 10% target level for 2020 for the share of renewable energy in transport, according to Eurostat. The target includes liquid biofuels, biomethane and green electricity used in transport, and was included in Directive
February 08, 2022 Read Full Article
Keep You Enemies Closer: Lawmakers Traditionally on Opposing Sides of the Renewable Fuels Standard Debated Joined Forces
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) Lawmakers traditionally on opposing sides of the Renewable Fuels Standard debate joined forces Monday in a letter to Biden. The letter, signed by 50 Republican lawmakers, opposes an executive order that Biden signed in December
January 25, 2022 Read Full Article
Drivers and Environmental Impacts of Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities Request for Applications (RFA) DEADLINE: April 28, 2022
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities.
January 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Are Zero-Emission Vehicles the Right Goal for Delivery?
by Megan Lampinen (Automotive World) Allen Schaeffer suggests the delivery segment should be looking at the broader carbon footprint factor as opposed to strictly tailpipe emissions. ... The future is eclectic, particularly during the next two decades. This will be quite
January 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Decarbonization Is a Team Sport
(Diesel Technology Forum) A robust renewable fuels policy that recognizes today’s value and the future potential for expanded use of renewable fuels is no less important than writing a large $7.5 billion check for investments in infrastructure to boost electric
January 18, 2022 Read Full Article
Report Finds Emerging Hydrogen Applications Coupled with Government Policy Instruments Can Stimulate Demand and Unlock Economies of Scale
(Guide House Insights) Recommendations include mitigating risk to procure hydrogen infrastructure investment and developing policies for the hydrogen supply chain to scale demand -- A new report from Guidehouse Insights examines emerging hydrogen end-use candidates that are expected to become mainstays in the
January 14, 2022 Read Full Article
Ethanol Touted as Complementary Decarbonization Solution to EVs at House Hearing
by Jasmin Melvin (S&P Global Platts) Ethanol group CEO calls out singular focus on EVs; Says ethanol 'available now to jumpstart decarbonization' -- Emissions reductions benefits from electric vehicles are poised to make a big dent in the US' carbon footprint over
January 13, 2022 Read Full Article
How Six States Could Transform the U.S. Trucking Industry
by Tom Whipple (Bloomberg) The U.S. trucking industry is set to be transformed by a handful of states adopting zero-emission vehicle requirements. Oregon, Washington , New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts followed California in approving the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT)
January 07, 2022 Read Full Article
The Electric-Vehicle Push Empowers China
by Robert Bryce (Wall Street Journal) Instead of using its own energy reserves, the U.S. is betting on its rival’s rare earths. -- The Biden administration wants to spend billions on electric-vehicle subsidies and charging stations because, as Vice President Kamala
January 04, 2022 Read Full Article
In an East Coast First, New Jersey Will Phase out Diesel Trucks
by María Paula Rubiano A. (Grist) New Jersey joins California, Oregon, and Washington in setting ambitious goals to electrify trucks by 2035. -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection earlier this week adopted a rule to phase out diesel-powered trucks –
January 03, 2022 Read Full Article
Reducing Greenhouse Gases from Flying
by Randal O’Toole (The Antiplanner) Rail advocates say we need to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on high-speed rail to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from flying. But there is probably a more cost-effective way of reducing the greenhouse
December 29, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Reverses Trump Effort to Quash California Vehicle Emissions Rules
by David Shepardson (Reuters) The Biden administration on Tuesday finalized a reversal of a rule issued under then-U.S. President Donald Trump that sought to pre-empt California's vehicle emissions regulations. The Department of Transportation said it was issuing final rules rescinding the Trump
December 23, 2021 Read Full Article
Do We Want All of These Electric Car Mines? If EVs Are Supposed to Be a Social Good, How Do We Deal with Them Needing Mines Nobody Wants?
by Raphael Orlove (Jalopnik) ... 1st Gear: Here’s Another Fun ‘Wait Do We Actually Want These Lithium Mines’ Article -- Every day I feel like there’s a new article about lithium mining coming home. Just the other day, Bloomberg was wringing its
December 22, 2021 Read Full Article
EPA’s Final Vehicle Emissions Rule Fails to Address Biofuels
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. EPA on Dec. 20 issued a final rule setting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for model year (MY) 2023-2026 passenger cars and light trucks. Despite calls from the renewable fuels industry and several
December 21, 2021 Read Full Article
House Bill Would Force States to Cut Transportation Emissions, with ‘Consequences’ for Those that Don’t
by Ian Duncan (Washington Post) A Provision in the Budget Bill Would Reward Transportation Agencies for Bringing down Missions from Driving, while Penalizing Others -- A measure in the House’s $2 trillion economic initiative would require states to cut greenhouse
December 16, 2021 Read Full Article
Why Very Good Is Better than Perfect
(Diesel Technology Forum) Diesel is the primary power source for over 90 percent of the nation’s transit bus fleet because of its energy efficiency, reliability, durability and performance, as well as overall economical ownership and operation -- ... And in Missouri,
December 14, 2021 Read Full Article
The Biden Administration's Regulatory To-Do List
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) The Office of Management and Budget revealed the administration’s key regulatory goals for 2022 on Friday under its Unified Agenda. The laundry list of action items include further rollbacks of Trump-era actions and other self-imposed
December 13, 2021 Read Full Article
The Bright Future for the Internal Combustion Engine
by Bob Stanton (Government Fleet) ... To paraphrase Mark Twain, “The presumptions of the death of the ICE are greatly exaggerated.” The ICE will be with us for decades to come and may never disappear from our landscape. ... The information here
December 09, 2021 Read Full Article
President Biden’s December 8 Visit to Kansas City Missouri: Perspectives on Infrastructure, Transit Buses, Fuels and Technology
(Diesel Technology Forum) ... The President’s policy, which has a strong focus on electrification, should recognize the decarbonization potential from all fuels and strategies, particularly advanced renewable biobased diesel fuels. Missouri has 10 facilities that produce biodiesel, including the third-largest biodiesel production
December 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Tesla CEO Elon Musk Says US Should Get Rid of EV Subsidies
by Hyunjoo Jin (Reuters/Times Drive) The billionaire entrepreneur is escalating criticism about the administration and Democrats for a proposal to give union-made, U.S.-built electric vehicles an additional $4,500 tax incentive. Tesla and foreign automakers do not have unions at their U.S.
December 08, 2021 Read Full Article
COP26 Outcomes Provide Boost for Aviation Decarbonisation and the Sector’s Net Zero Ambitions
by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) Whether COP26 is ultimately judged a success or failure, a number of notable outcomes for the aviation sector emerged that could accelerate momentum and encourage progress towards its net zero emissions by mid-century ambition. One
November 30, 2021 Read Full Article
Highlights from USDA’s Leadership Briefing at Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Conference
by Joanne Ivancic* (Advanced Biofuels USA) Investment, Climate smart agriculture. Incentives. Markets. These are words heard repeatedly at the opening sessions of the Alternative Fuels and Chemicals Coalition Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit this week near Washington, DC. The first
November 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Keep the Tailpipe, Lose the Carbon
by Keith Reid (Fuels Market News) LEADING FUELS-FOCUSED GROUPS SEE ALTERNATIVE FUELS AS KEY PLAYERS IN A NET-ZERO ENVIRONMENT. ... From international political centers to state governments, there seems to be a rush to not only work toward low-carbon goals
November 12, 2021 Read Full Article
Planes, Trains and Automobiles: It’s Transport Day at COP26. Here’s What You Need to Know.
by Tik Root (Washington Post) ... The International Energy Association (IEA) reports that transport emissions are still increasing and account for roughly a quarter of all carbon dioxide released from fuel combustion. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency says that the
November 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Buttigieg Launches US Aviation Climate Action Plan
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Increasing the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is one component of the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan unveiled on Nov. 9 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the UN Climate Change Conference. The
November 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s Crackdown on Auto Emissions to Be Tougher than Proposed
by Jennifer Dlouhy (Bloomberg) EPA head Regan said final mandate to be ‘more aggressive’; Methane curbs for oil wells may also be strengthened -- The Biden administration will strengthen its proposed limits on auto and truck emissions, U.S. environmental chief
November 11, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden Urges Net-Zero Aviation by 2050 in Huge Leap Beyond Cars
by Keith Laing (Bloomberg/Financial Post) President Joe Biden’s administration is targeting one of the tougher sources of climate-warming greenhouse gases with a plan that calls for the U.S. aviation sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Aviation has been more challenging to
November 10, 2021 Read Full Article
6 Automakers and 30 Countries Say They’ll Phase Out Gasoline Car Sales
by Brad Plumer and Hiroko Tabuchi (Wall Street Journal) Ford, G.M. and Mercedes agreed to work toward selling only zero-emissions vehicles by 2040. But Toyota, Volkswagen and Nissan-Renault did not join the pledge. At least six major automakers — including Ford, Mercedes-Benz,
November 10, 2021 Read Full Article
House Passes Massive Infrastructure Bill Packed with Clean Transportation Provisions
by Michael Bates (NGT News) ... Late Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1 trillion federal infrastructure spending bill that will not only modernize the nation’s roads and bridges, but also provide a boost to transit agencies’ efforts toward decarbonization
November 09, 2021 Read Full Article
India’s Transition to a Green Economy Presents a $1 Trillion Opportunity
(World Economic Forum) · A new study by the World Economic Forum presents a sectoral roadmap for India to accelerate decarbonization and drive global climate action efforts · According to the report, India’s transition to a net-zero economy could create over
November 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Biofuel Can Power Agriculture Revenue Streams and a Transitioning Transport Sector
by Emille Giddings (Stabroek News) ... We do not have to deforest. We have the Demerara lowlands, primed and ready and since we would not deforest, one might be safe to assume, at least for now, that our stock of usable
November 08, 2021 Read Full Article
Availability of Advanced, Second-Generation Biofuels Increases – Policymakers Asked to Unleash Their Full Potential
(Clariant/EurActiv) Starting in the fourth quarter of this year, Clariant’s sunliquid® cellulosic ethanol plant in Podari, Romania, will ramp up production in order to produce 50,000 tons of cellulosic ethanol per year. -- Energy prices are soaring and the Commission in
November 08, 2021 Read Full Article
EU Mitght Need More Traditional Biofuels to Meet Climate Goals
by Larry Lee (Brownfield Ag News) A recent report by RaboResearch says the European Union might need more traditional biofuels to reach environmental goals if new technologies are slow to develop. The report says unforeseen events in the future could affect the
November 08, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. DOE Announces $199 Million to Reduce Emissions from Cars & Trucks
(U.S. Department of Energy/Clean Technica) 25 Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects Will Advance Electrification of Freight Trucks, Reduce Vehicle Emissions and Improve Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure -- Vice President Kamala Harris joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in New
November 04, 2021 Read Full Article
Companies Aim to Use Only Zero-Carbon Ocean Shipping by 2040
by Ingrid Irigoyen, Taylor Goelz, Clarke Williams and Dana Rodriguez (Aspen Institute) ... This unfortunate spotlight gives us an opportunity to draw awareness to important issues in the maritime industry, including its massive carbon footprint. It also offers a chance to showcase
October 31, 2021 Read Full Article
Opinion: Ahead of UN Climate Conference, Here’s Why Biden Must Embrace Biofuels
by By Rep. Randy Feenstra (Agri-Pulse) ... As gasoline prices skyrocket and President Biden and congressional Democrats are increasingly compelled to reduce carbon emissions, the facts paint a clear picture: Now is the time for Biden to embrace biofuels. Iowa leads the
October 30, 2021 Read Full Article
COMMENTARY: We Need a More Sophisticated Discussion on the Rail versus Domestic Flights Climate Issue
by Andy Smith (GreenAir Online) In April this year, as part of climate measures to reduce carbon emissions, French MPs voted to ban flights on domestic routes that can be travelled by direct train in less than two-and-a-half hours. This had been
October 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Study Compares Electric Vehicle Charge Costs vs. Gas — And Results Were Surprising
by Jamie L. LaReau (Detroit Free Press) ... Costs to drive an EV compared with a gasoline car are detailed in a report Anderson Economic released Thursday called "Comparison: Real World Cost of Fueling EVs and ICE Vehicles." The study has four major findings: There are four
October 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Taliban Metal: House Republicans Are Having a Forum on Afghanistan’s Critical Minerals
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) House Republicans are having a forum on Afghanistan’s critical minerals, casting the U.S. withdrawal from the country as handing the Taliban access to one of the world’s largest deposits of vital minerals and metals
October 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Study Electric Vehicle Costs, Biojet Fuel
(Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04)) “These proposals aim to help consumers and taxpayers save money while also bolstering demand for corn, soybeans, and biofuels produced in the 4th District.” -- In an effort to expand uses for biofuels, Rep. Randy
October 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Soaring Petrol Prices Make French Drivers Rush to Ethanol
by Sybille de La Hamaide (Reuters) Ethanol sales will hit record highs in France this year and next, supported by strong demand for high-ethanol fuel E85 as car owners seek cheaper alternatives to gasoline, producers said on Thursday. Fuel prices have soared
October 22, 2021 Read Full Article
State of Hydrogen
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you missed the recent HydrogenConnect session, here’s your chance to check out the exclusive Digest State of Hydrogen presentation — who’s doing what, where, how and with whom in hydrogen. In today’s Digest, from the why
October 05, 2021 Read Full Article
Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2021 Addresses Biogas, LCFS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producers Magazine) The implementation of a low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) and expanded production and use of biogas are among the strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions discussed in the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2021. Pennsylvania Gov.
September 30, 2021 Read Full Article
STB Renews Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Charter
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Surface Transportation Board on Sept. 20 announced its intent to renew the charter of the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee, which provides guidance to the STB regarding rail transportation of energy resources, including biofuels,
September 28, 2021 Read Full Article
U.S. Environment Agency Urged by 21 States to Toughen Vehicle Emissions Rewrite
by David Shepardson (Reuters) A group of 21 state attorneys general, the District of Columbia, and several major U.S. cities urged the Biden administration to finalize significantly stricter vehicle emissions rules than it has proposed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in
September 28, 2021 Read Full Article
Carbon Pricing and Regulations Compared: An Economic Explainer
by Shuting Pomerleau and Ed Dolan (Niskanen Center) • Carbon pricing, either in the form of a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system, has the potential to limit pollution to an economically optimal level. Carbon pricing allows various pollution sources
September 27, 2021 Read Full Article
Toyota Boss Says Carbon Is the Enemy, Not the Internal Combustion Engine
by Ronan Glon (AutoBlog) He argues banning the engine is not the solution -- Toyota boss Akio Toyoda is one of the most vocal opponents of banning the internal combustion engine. He renewed his call to reconsider the measures announced by various
September 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Electric Vehicle Tax Credits Take Preference over Biofuels in Democratic Spending Package
by Ben Nuelle (Agri-Pulse) The key committee provisions in the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package show that Democrats in Congress are in line with President Joe Biden’s vision to put electric vehicles — not biofuels — at the forefront of the
September 22, 2021 Read Full Article
Decarbonizing Medium & Heavy-Duty Fleets | Episode 32
by John Eichberger and Kimberly Okafor (Fuels Institute and Trillium/Love's respectively) As the world works to decarbonize the transportation energy sector, headlines tend to focus on the light-duty vehicle market. In reality, medium and heavy-duty trucks represent less than 10%
September 17, 2021 Read Full Article
Local View: Bright Future for Ethanol
by Scott McPheeters (Lincoln Journal Star) ... Ethanol infrastructure is already in place (unlike electric), and it doesn't cost the American taxpayer anything. In fact, when you choose ethanol at the pump, you’re going to save money. Multiple studies have
September 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Biden’s Proposed Tenfold Increase in Solar Power Would Remake the U.S. Electricity System
by Joshua D. Rhodes (The Conversation) ... Relying more heavily on region-specific technologies ... would require building more high-voltage transmission lines to move that energy over long distances, which could increase costs and draw opposition from landowners. ... The report assumes that
September 15, 2021 Read Full Article
Decarbonization Dialogue
(Keystone Policy Center) The Decarbonization Dialogue, led by Keystone Policy Center and Great Plains Institute, convened experts from different sectors to develop recommendations for near-term federal policies to drive economy-wide and equitable decarbonization. The recommendations were developed by stakeholders with
September 10, 2021 Read Full Article
New York Ices the I.C.E.? New York Is One Step Closer to Eliminating the Sale of Gasoline-Fueled Cars
by Matthew Choi (Politico's Morning Energy) New York is one step closer to eliminating the sale of gasoline-fueled cars by 2035 after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill aimed at aligning the state with California's vehicle regulations. New
September 09, 2021 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- A Group of Ag and Biofuel Organizations and Companies
The State should consider requiring that beginning as early as model year 2024, any internal combustion engine light-duty vehicle (i.e., all non-battery electric vehicles) sold in California be Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). ... Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV), an important choice among
September 09, 2021 Read Full Article
Blue Hydrogen for Transport in the US: The Transition to Green Hydrogen & the Conduit to Keeping Pace with the EU
by Salim Rahemtulla (PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp./Biofuels Digest) As the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) indicates in its Hydrogen Program Plan it published in 2020, “Hydrogen, as a versatile energy carrier and chemical feedstock, offers advantages that unite all of
September 08, 2021 Read Full Article
The Major Problems Blocking America’s Electric Car Future: The Electric Future Is Coming. But How Quickly Is Less Certain.
by Daniel Yergin (Politico) ... Targets may be motivating. But no matter how much money is spent, shifting such a vast industrial and consumer ecosystem that is so basic to the economy faces big challenges, with the result that the