The city of Toledo, Ohio is testing cellulosic ethanol in city vehicles this summer. In partnership with Virginia-based SuGanit Systems, the city will test the company’s formula for ethanol from biomass feedstock on three city fleet vehicles. The tests will measure emissions, miles per gallon and cost differentials, among other factors, according to city officials. The Toledo Free Press reports …
Planting Switchgrass for Cellulosic Ethanol
Some farmers in Tennessee are testing out the first switchgrass seed varieties specifically developed for biofuels production. Their goal is to learn first-hand how to manage this new crop, and then use that knowledge to facilitate the development of the bioenergy industry in Tennessee. Tennessee growers Tony and Tim Brannon – pictured here getting some planting done last week – …
Ethanol Report on Miami E85
South Florida motorists who drive flex fuel vehicles now have at least 12 stations where they can fill up with E85 fuel. The Renewable Fuels Association joined Urbieta Oil in celebrating the grand opening of the nation’s 2000th E85 fueling station this week in Davie, Florida. This edition of “The Ethanol Report” includes comments from RFA Director of Market Development …
South Florida Ethanol Availability Increases
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) celebrated the grand opening of the nation’s 2000th E85 fueling station Thursday in south Florida. RFA Director of Market Development Robert White says this is a milestone in E85 history. “Being in the Miami metro area promoting E85 shows that this is not a Midwest niche fuel any longer,” White said. “This is a product …
Obama Stresses Support for Corn Ethanol
President Barack Obama sent a letter this week to the Governor’s Biofuels Coalition supporting corn-based ethanol as the foundation for the next generation of biofuels. “My administration is committed to moving as quickly as possible to commercialize an array of emerging cellulosic technologies so that tomorrow’s biofuels will be produced from sustainable biomass feedstocks and waste materials rather than corn,” …
Ethanol Wins Jackpot for Indiana Couple
Filling up with 85 percent ethanol paid off in a big way for an Indiana couple who hit the Hoosier Lotto jackpot this month. According to Hoosier Lottery officials, Pamela Smith of Summitville won a $2.5 million jackpot in the May 9 Hoosier Lotto drawing after stopping at a Muncie gas station specifically to buy E85. “I was looking for …
EPA Opens Comment Period on RFS
The Environmental Protection Agency has officially opened a 60-day comment period for proposed changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard. The comment period will be open until July 27. In addition to seeking comments on the proposed rulemaking announced earlier this month, EPA is also conducting peer reviews of critical aspects of the lifecycle methodology used to determine the greenhouse gas …
Organization Promotes Advanced Biofuels
A Maryland-based organization is promoting the education, acceptance and use of advanced biofuels. “The goal of Advanced Biofuels USA is to show the American people, decision-makers and opinion leaders that US farmers and researchers together can produce sustainable and economical biofuels that will directly replace all types of transportation fuels including gasoline and jet fuel.” said founder Joanne Ivancic. Advanced …
Green Plains Buys Two Former VeraSun Plants
Green Plains Renewable Energy will acquire two former VeraSun ethanol plants located in Nebraska, to make it the fourth largest ethanol producer in the U.S. Addition of these plants will increase the Company’s ethanol production capacity by 45%, from 330 million to 480 million gallons per year. “The acquisition of the plants in Central City and Ord lowers our cost …
Senate Bill Would Change Renewable Fuels Standard
A bill was introduced in the Senate this week that would keep the Environmental Protection Agency from using non-scientific data when determining greenhouse gas emissions. The bill introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is a companion to legislation introduced last week by Collin Peterson (D-MN), the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Like the House bill, Grassley’s bill improves several …