A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists says that construction equipment is one of the largest sources of diesel pollution in California. But there is a better way. The National Biodiesel Board says cleaner-burning biodiesel could help construction companies reduce their impact. It cites two companies… Manatt’s in Iowa and North Bay Construction in California… and their positive …
Indiana Johanns Adventures
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns spent Wednesday in the state of Indiana talking about domestic fuel. First, the secretary joined Governor Mitch Daniels to break ground for BioTown, USA’s Phase II technology suite. BioTown is the country’s first effort toward creating communities where all energy needs are met through biorenewable resources. At that event, Johanns also announced the availability of $176.5 …
Another Biodiesel Essay Contest… This Time in Iowa
Just as I finished the last post about the biodiesel essay contest for high school seniors in Minnesota, Bob Moffitt with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest let me know there’s also an essay contest for younger students in Iowa. The Iowa Soybean Association and the American Lung Association in Iowa (part of the Upper Midwest division) is …
Essay Contest on Biodiesel Offered in Minnesota
The American Lung Association of Minnesota and the Minnesota Soybean Association are sponsoring some scholarships for students in Minnesota who write winning essays about biodiesel. The Clean Air Choice Scholarships provide money for students with the intent to raise awareness of the emerging alternative fuel: “The Clean Air Choice essay scholarship is open to all high school seniors in Minnesota …
Rome Going Green
The City of Rome, Italy could convert all of its 2800 buses to biodiesel by the end of 2008. According to this article on Checkbiotech.org, a test of 200 buses will start the program: Importantly, the accord covers not just the purchasing of the biodesel end-product but other stages of the supply chain including the growing of oilseed crops from …
When Pigs Fly!
OK, I couldn’t resist that headline… or this story. It seems that North Carolina State University engineers have developed technology that can turn almost any oil… from hog lard to vegetable oil… into jet fuel. According to an NC State news release, the technology is called Centia… a derivative of the Latin “crudus potentia,” or “green power”: Dr. William Roberts, …
Mapquest Finds Domestic Fuels
Not only can MapQuest help you find where you are going, it can help you find the right fuel to get there. MapQuest Gas Prices can guide you to the lowest traditional gas prices in any given area, plus it can locate retailers for a variety of alternative fuels, including biodiesel, E85, compressed natural gas, electric and hydrogen.
Florida Needs Ethanol
An aerial promotion campaign for ethanol in the Sunshine State took off this past weekend over the racetrack at Sebring, the theme parks in Orlando and the beaches of Fort Meyers. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council will be flying this banner over cities from Miami to Jacksonville in the next few weeks to get the message out that Florida …
Summit Calls for Greater Biodiesel Acceptance
DaimlerChrysler was the sponsor of a recent summit that looked to gain widespread acceptance of 20% biodiesel by the makers of engines and vehicles. The auto giant also asked the group to come up with a viable fuel standard for the B20 finished blend. In a press release from the National Biodiesel Board, the summit looked for a defined standard …
Dow Testing Biodiesel By-product
The Dow Chemical Company has announced what it characterizes as a “significant milestone in its pursuit of sustainable chemistries.” In a press release on the company web site, Dow says it is conducting consumer trials using the glycerin from the production of biodiesel. Dow gets Propylene Glycol Renewable… or PGR… from the biodiesel-based glycerin. The PGR is expected to be …