The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) voted 11-10 along party lines Tuesday to advance the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. “Mr. Wheeler has served as deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency since April of 2018, when the Senate confirmed his nomination with bipartisan support,” said Committee Chair Senator John …
Next Gen Biodiesel Scientists Take One Small Step
As we celebrate 50 years since that first small step for man on the moon, the Next Generation of Biodiesel Scientists (NGBS) are continuing to take that giant leap for mankind doing research here on Earth for the future. NGBS co-chair Jennifer Greenstein, North Carolina State University, moderated a panel of four young scientists from around the world during the …
Growth Energy Sues Over Small Refinery Exemptions
Growth Energy has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to address small refinery exemptions in its 2019 renewable volume obligation (RVO) rulemaking issued late last year. “EPA’s inaction on addressing lost gallons due to small refinery exemptions in this rulemaking is a clear violation of law,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “In doing nothing …
Novozymes’ Bioenergy Business Grew in 2018
2018 was a very good year for Novozymes’ Bioenergy business with 12% organic sales growth, on top of a strong 11% growth in 2017, according to the company’s latest annual report. Tina Sejersgård Fanø, Executive Vice President, Agriculture & Bioenergy says growth in the sector was driven by the launch of new yeast products – Innova Drive and Lift – …
Deere Showcases Biodiesel Gator and Mower
John Deere took part in the 2019 Biodiesel Vehicle Technology Showcase to highlight biodiesel-friendly vehicles in its consumer lineup. For one, there is the diesel powered 865M XUV Gator, which is approved for up to B20. New this year is the diesel Z994R Commercial ZTrak™ zero-turn mower. Learn more in the video below from Steve Geick with John Deere who …
Ethanol Production Lower, Stocks Higher
For the week ending January 25, ethanol production was lower while stocks were higher. According to the latest Energy Information Agency (EIA) data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol production decreased 1.8% (down 19,000 barrels per day, or b/d) to an average of 1.012 million b/d—or 42.50 million gallons daily. The four-week average for ethanol production remained at 1.023 …
Iowa Biofuels Industry “Hurting but Hopeful”
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw told the 2019 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit last week that 2018 was his toughest year yet working for the biofuels industry. “With forces inside of EPA and the West Wing trying to convince President Trump to gut the RFS, there were months when I went to sleep wondering if a tweet the …
RFA Asks EPA to Use Reset Rule to Restore Lost RFS Gallons
With the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee scheduled vote next week on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be administrator of EPA, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) CEO Geoff Cooper sent a letter to Wheeler this week to provide input on the agency’s upcoming RFS reset proposal. RFA is asking Wheeler to use the reset rule as an opportunity to …
Advanced Biofuels USA’s Ivancic Appointed to MD Clean Energy Group
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) appointed Advanced Biofuels USA executive director Joanne Ivancic to serve on its 2019 Advisory Council. The council consists of 50 energy industry representatives and exists to develop a work plan for the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) and set the framework for activity of the organization, “I look forward to doing just that here …
Independent Study Finds Vehicle Emission Testing Unreliable
The Urban Air Initiative (UAI) has released the results of an independent study that finds “many of the test fuels used in emissions research studies do not reflect the makeup of consumer fuels, limiting the ability of ethanol to be used to reduce emissions and improve vehicle efficiency.” The study, titled Effects of Ethanol Blends on Light-Duty Vehicle Emissions: A …