Avalara has published a free white paper, “The Rise of Biodiesel: New Alternative Fuel, New Taxation Challenges“. The report reviews the growth of the biodiesel industry and the role played by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as well as tax policy at the state and federal levels, supply chain tax challenges of biodiesel, and complexities of multi-state transactions.- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced nearly $2.3 billion in loans to build and improve rural electric infrastructure in 31 states. USDA is awarding loans to 77 utilities and cooperatives in 31 states. The funding includes more than $108 million for smart grid technology, $41 million for renewable energy improvements and $9 million for storm damage repairs. These loans will help build or improve 12,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines. The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Electric Program.
- The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and FORTUNE announced that Baltimore based Bithenergy, a renewable energy firm, topped the 2015 Inner City 100 list of the fastest-growing inner city businesses in the U.S. Bithenergy was recognized by longtime ICIC partner Staples, Inc. for both its top place on the list, and for its growth rate of 2,973 percent. Bithenergy applies a professional services model to the energy business and offers intelligent strategies for development of renewable energy systems, managing energy consumption, and building smart grid infrastructure.
- Because of the increase in shale gas development over recent years, the total GHGs from fossil fuel use in the U.S. rose between 2009 and 2013, despite the decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. Given the projections for continued expansion of shale gas production, this trend of increasing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels is predicted to continue through 2040. This is detailed in Energy and Emission Control Technologies’ new review “Methane emissions and climatic warming risk from hydraulic fracturing and shale gas development: implications for policy”. The report finds a need to move away from all fossil fuels and move to renewable energy such as wind and solar.
