2012 was a challenging year for the renewable fuels industry. The biodiesel tax credit expired, the Renewable Fuels Standard was attacked, E15 continues to be attacked and there is yet to be a Farm Bill passed. With the fiscal cliff looming, many tax credits and incentives for wind, solar and advanced renewable fuels are set to expire. This uncertainty caused …
Top Stories for 2012
This is the time of year where people reflect on the year past and look to the next year. 2012 was a roller coaster year for the alternative energy industry but amidst some struggles, the industry saw many successes. Here is a brief look at some of the top stories for 2012 covered on DomesticFuel. Top Stories for 2012: National Defense …
Best Books of 2012
If your New Year’s resolution to is get a bit smarter about alternative energy and the environment, then start your education with the Best Books of 2012. Here are the top five best books I read in 2012. 5. “The Powers That Be,” by Scott L. Montgomery 4. “Eaarth,” by Bill McKibben 3. “Sustainable Transport Fuels,” by David Thorpe 2. “Rooftop Revolution,” …
Book Review – Build the New City!
Here is an idea to take into the new year – build a new city – or a utopia for the future. Author Todd Durant proposes the U.S. “Build The New City!” to solve three major problems: create millions of jobs, preparation for population growth and rising sea levels and national pride. Some of our readers may be familiar with …
E15 Could Save Iowa Drivers $69M
Based on gasoline sales data released today by the Iowa Department of Revenue, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) said that Iowa motorists could have saved $69 million in 2012 if E15 would have been widely available in Iowa. E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, is approved for use for vehicles manufactured after 2001 or …
Ag Secretary Reacts to EPA Administrator Resignation
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has had a good working relationship with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on various issues important to farmers, ranchers and renewable energy and he is sorry to hear about her resignation from the Obama cabinet. “Lisa Jackson has served our country well as she balanced improving the environment and the health of the American people – while …
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Steps Down
After nearly four years as the Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lisa Jackson has announced in a statement that she would be stepping down as President Obama begins his second term. While reports say she gave no specific reason for leaving her position, she said in a statement, “I will leave the EPA confident the ship is sailing in the right direction, …
Thorntons Wins Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture honored Thorntons Inc. as the recipient of the Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy Leadership Award. The honor was given during the Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition Holiday Reception by Indiana’s Ag Director Joseph Kelsay. The Paul Dana Award was established by Governor Mitch Daniels and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman in 2006 after Indy Racing League driver …
Amyris Begins Biofene Production in Brazil
Amyris has announced that it has completed a $42.25 million private placement of its common stock. The company has also begun production of its industrial fermentation facility in Brazil and is producing Biofene, its brand of renewable farnesene, a fragrant oil chemical. When adding a hydrogen molecule to farnesene, you get farnesane, which is the foundation molecule for renewable diesel. “We are …
Most Choose Artificial Trees
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ”What kind of Christmas tree do you have?” Our poll results: Fifty-one percent said artificial tree; thirty-three percent said real tree; eleven percent said none and four percent said other. It looks as though the majority of you have allergies to real trees like my family! Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks …