The discovery of a new gene could help in the production of cellulosic ethanol. Purdue University scientists have found the last undiscovered gene responsible for the production of the amino acid phenylalanine, a discovery that could lead to processes to control the amino acid to boost plants’ nutritional values and produce better biofuel feedstocks. The researchers have determined that the …
Ethanol Report on California LCFS
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to use the latest research on indirect land use change (ILUC) for implementing the state’s Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS), meaning the current ILUC penalty for corn ethanol likely will be cut by at least half by the spring of 2011. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) says the resolution is good news …
EPA Decision on E15 for Later Models Delayed
The Environmental Protection Agency says it will now be the end of the year before testing of 15 percent ethanol blended fuel in vehicles older than 2007 model year is complete. According to a very brief statement issued by the EPA, the Department of Energy has informed EPA that “lab testing of E15 in model year 2001-2006 vehicles will now …
Delay Expected on E15 for Later Model Vehicles
Reuters is reporting today that the Environmental Protection Agency is likely to delay a decision on the use of E15 in cars and pickup trucks built from 2001 to 2006 by up to a month. Using an unidentified source, Reuter’s reporter Tom Doggett said the agency wants to do more testing on the effects of 15 percent ethanol blended gas …
California to Update Land Use for Ethanol
The California Air Resources Board yesterday agreed to update the land use change and other indirect effects of biofuels production under their Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS). The board is asking for updates to the land use values for corn ethanol, sugarcane ethanol, and soy biodiesel, and other feedstocks by spring of 2011 to implement the LCFS, which currently penalizes …
Guardian Energy Invests in Ohio Ethanol Plant
Guardian Energy Holdings of Minnesota now has a majority stake in an ethanol production facility located in Lima, Ohio. The 54-million gallon per year plant will operate under the name Guardian Lima, LLC. The facility originally began operations in 2008 as Greater Ohio Ethanol, but filed for bankruptcy protection later that year due to numerous operational challenges and adverse financial …
Registration Open for Commodity Classic
Registration is now open for the 16th Annual Commodity Classic in Tampa, March 3-5. The annual event will be “smooth sailing” for soybean, corn, wheat and sorghum farmers and biofuels will be a big part of the event, as always. Growers who attend the 2011 Commodity Classic are sure to benefit from the value of attending a trade show with …
Biodiesel Board Elects First Producer Chairman
The soybean farmers got it going, but producer members are now assuming the leadership at the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). NBB members elected their trade association leadership today, including Gary Haer with Renewable Energy Group (REG) as the first producer to take the chairman role. Members also elected four returning governing board members and three new members to serve on …
Ethanol Report From NAFB
There were lots of ethanol issues to discuss at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual Trade Talk event in Kansas City last week. The topics included the lame duck session of Congress, importance of renewing biofuels tax incentives, doing more to invest in cellulosic ethanol, labeling for E15 at the pump, just to name a few. Renewable Fuels Association …
Ethanol Industry Testifies at EPA E15 Hearing
Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis and organization founding member Dave Vander Griend of ICM were the first to testify at a public hearing today in Chicago on EPA’s proposed label for 15 percent ethanol fuel at the pump. Buis stressed that the country has gone through fuel changes before, such as the transition to unleaded, and he is confident the …