The U.S. Senate is considering a bill this week that would continue to promote investment in traditional ethanol production while also pushing investments in research, technology and infrastructure for cellulosic ethanol production. This article on Grainnet.com says the bill has the backing of the Renewable Fuels Association: “Record-high gas prices, continued unrest in oil-producing regions of the world and the …
Ethanol Likely to Pass Goal
Officials with the National Corn Growers Association say the U.S. is on target to reach a 15-billion-gallon-a-year production goal… much earlier than the original 2015 goal. In fact, NCGA President Ken McCauley tells the Kansas City Star that goal could be reached as early as 2011 or 2012: That reflects the growing confidence within the ethanol industry about its prospects …
Biofuel Locator Maps Unmet Demands
NearBio, the innovator of technology that sends to your computer, cell phone, or mobile device info on where the nearest alternative fuel station is, has established a new web site: NeedBio.COM, a free registry that links local consumer demand for biodiesel with suppliers serving their area. Check out this from a company press release: “By giving biodiesel consumers a voice, …
Udall Bus Running on Biodiesel
A B20 blend of biodiesel will be what fuels the Morris K. Udall Foundation’s bus tour this year. The tour that highlights public service, environmental, and Native American issues launched today in Washington, D.C. According to this National Biodiesel Board news release, members of Congress and federal government agency leaders kicked off the coast-to-coast Udall Legacy Bus Tour near the …
Soybean Prices Spike Biodiesel Growth
The latest monthly crop report from the USDA says the rapid rise in soybean prices, brought on by the rapid rise in the biodiesel industry, is keeping biodiesel from being as profitable as it could be. This story on Forbes.com says the price for the biodiesel feedstock just rose above the profitability level: Industry experts say biodiesel plants make a …
Biodiesel, Solar for the Big Apple
Being green isn’t just for areas surrounded by green farm fields. The grey, concrete jungle of New York City will start using solar power and biodiesel to heat city buildings. An AP story posted on MSN’s money web site says the announcement comes as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s environmental plans. He wants the city to reduce the city’s carbon …
Energy, Ag Departments Announce $18 mill in Biofuels Grants
Eighteen million dollars in government grants are up for grabs as the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy announce solicitations for biomass research and development. This press release from USDA’s web site says the money will go to researching and developing biomass-based products, biofuels, bioenergy and related processes: “Making these funds available represents this Administration’s ongoing commitment to promoting clean …
GAO Says Energy Department Lacks Biofuels Plan
Congress’ financial watchdog, the Government Accountability Office, says the U.S. Department of Energy lacks a plan for how to match up increased biofuels production with infrastructure and vehicles to use the green fuels. This highlight report on the GAO web site says that America’s reliance on oil poses significant economic and environmental risks. But ethanol and biodiesel could replace oil …
POET VP Nominated to I-CARES
Vice President for POET’s Research & Development division, Dr. Mark Stowers, has been tapped to the external advisory committee of the International Center for Advanced Renewable Energy and Sustainability… also known as I-CARES. According to a POET press release, the Washington University in St. Louis-based I-CARES will encourage and coordinate university-wide and external collaborative research in the areas of renewable …
Wind Industry Dodges Bird Bullet
The wind generation industry in America breathed a collective sigh of relief when a U.S. Congressman from a coal-producing state pulled a measure that would have effectively killed wind power generation as an alternative to coal-powered plants. Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, D-West Virginia had been pushing for regulations that would require the U.S. Interior Department to protect birds …