Some students in Maryland are making their way to school on a bus fueled by propane autogas. Anne Arundel County students boarded the first school bus fueled by propane autogas in the state of Maryland when the Blue Bird Vision Propane bus, from contractor Jubb’s Bus Service, Inc., went into operation. “With the rising costs of diesel maintenance and our …
Biofuels Groups Blast House Hearing on RFS
Biofuels backers say a U.S. House Science Committee had very little to do with science in regards to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Congressional committee met on the 10th anniversary of the RFS, and Tom Buis, co-chair of Growth Energy, said the committee has a history of misrepresenting biofuels, relying on misinformation and outright lies to cast a negative …
Cellulosic Biofuels Celebrated at DuPont Plant Opening
Nevada, Iowa is officially home to the world’s largest cellulosic ethanol biorefinery with the official plant commissioning. When the DuPont facility is at full production, in about a year, it will produce 30 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues such as corn stover. The celebration was kicked off with the National Anthem sung by music legend Simon Estes …
EPA Submits Final RFS Rules to OMB for Review
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has transmitted its Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rules to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review as one of the final steps before publishing the final 2014, 2015 and 2016 final RFS rules for renewable volume obligations (RVOs). While the details are not public, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is …
Renewable Industries Call on Secy of State for Support
COP 21 is fast approaching and the U.S. will be in the spotlight for its efforts to reduce climate change impacts. In anticipation of the worldwide climate event, leaders of the U.S. biomass, geothermal and hydropower industries are urging Secretary of State John Kerry to support a “pan-renewable technologies approach”. The National Hydropower Association, Biomass Power Association and Geothermal Energy …
BioEnergy Bytes
Center for Resource Solutions recently released two reports on the U.S. EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which directs states to implement greenhouse gas emissions limits for existing electricity generators. Renewable Energy in the EPA Clean Power Plan. Part 1: Introduction to Emission Rate Credits gives an overview and explanation of Emission Rate Credits (ERCs), which can be used by regulated generators …
Indy Zoo Cages Oil Beast with Biodiesel
Petroleum can be a real beast for consumers and the environment, but a place that knows a bit about keeping wild beasts in check is using biodiesel to cage its oil usage. This story from WFYI says the Indianapolis Zoo is turning leftover cooking oil into the green fuel. At the Zoo’s café, Manager Pat Cummings drops an order of …
Vertimass Gets US Gov’t OK for Biofuel Tech
A California company received U.S. government approval for its technology that will be able to blend more biofuels with gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. This news release from Vertimass says the technology validation allows the company to get a new award of $2 million by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technology Office. Vertimass technology was originated at Oak Ridge …
Ethanol Producer Green Plains to Buy Texas Refinery
Nebraska-based ethanol producer Green Plains says it will buy an ethanol refinery in Texas owned by fuel retailer Murphy USA. This news release from Green Plains says it will pay Hereford Renewable Energy, LLC approximately $93.8 million, including $78.5 million for the ethanol production facility with the balance for working capital. The facility is a Lurgi-designed, ICM-modified ethanol plant with …
CBC to EPA: Commit to the RFS
Sixteen members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today calling on the agency to get back on track with the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and strengthen the biofuels volume requirements. The rules are due to be finalized on November 30, 2015 and the biofuels industry is calling on the EPA …