The Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2008 passed by Congress last week has some significant incentives to promote second generation ethanol. Among them are a cellulosic biofuels production tax credit for up to $1.01 per gallon; funding for loan guarantees to commercial scale bio-refineries for advanced biofuels; a program to encourage farmers to establish and grow biomass crops in …
Senators Pleased With Energy Title of Farm Bill
Two of the main architects of the new Farm Bill are more than thrilled with overwhelming passage of the legislation this week by both the House and Senate. “Senate passage of the farm bill conference report on a strong, bipartisan basis demonstrates support for core farm bill initiatives – conservation, energy, nutrition and rural development – while continuing and strengthening …
Ethanol on Display at Alternative Vehicle Expo
Ethanol was in the spotlight at this week’s Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. The conference featured every vehicle technology under the hot sun on display and several panels and workshops helped to educate and provide information about the various blends of ethanol and especially how they can fit into greener fleets. Ethanol Promotion and Information …
Ethanol Smear Campaign Exposed
Ethanol proponents from the halls of Congress to the corn fields of the Midwest are expressing outrage at documentation that major food corporations may have supported a high-dollar public relations campaign to blame farmers and ethanol for rising food prices. In a prepared floor statement on Thursday, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa told his colleagues that “this anti-ethanol campaign is …
Deere Upgrades Ethanol Management System
John Deere Agri Services has released an upgrade to its ethanol business management system, which includes a new flow controller interface as an extended option available with their scale automation system. As part of the integrated business system for ethanol facility management, the scale system automates shipping and receiving operations. The ethanol facility is able to customize the system according …
Massachusetts to Get E85 Station
Massachusetts drivers will soon be able to get 85 percent ethanol enriched fuel for their flex-fuel vehicles. According to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, Burke Oil of Chelsea, MA will add E85 to its fueling options next month. “Waivers and permits were new issues for state and local government agencies as well as for us,” said Andy Frongillo of Burke …
Joint Venture Creates Cellulosic Ethanol Company
Two leading scientific and biotechnology companies have joined forces to create what they are calling a “world leading cellulosic ethanol company.” DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, have formed DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC to develop and commercialize technology for low-cost production of cellulosic ethanol. The partners plan an initial three-year investment of $140 million, which will initially …
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group Honors Actor
Actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. was honored this week at the 2008 Alternative Fuels and Vehicles conference and expo “for his passionate commitment to living lightly on the planet.” Begley was presented with the “Vision 20/20 Award” by the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi). As an actor, Begley is best known for his role as Dr. Victor Ehrlich on …
Ethanol Impact is Sobering
Biofuels have become an essential component of the world’s motor fuel supply, according to a report released today by the International Energy Agency (IEA). IEA estimates that biofuels will account for nearly two-thirds of the non-OPEC oil supply growth this year, or more than 1.5 million gallons per day. “While it seems unlikely that biofuel targets will be reversed in …
Bill Would Give Tax Break for Flex Fuel Vehicles
Now would be a good time for legislation that would provide federal tax credits for purchases of flex-fuel vehicles, according to the head of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC). Sen. John Thune (R-SD) plans to introduce a bill this week that would let buyers of cars or trucks capable of running on up to 85 percent ethanol enriched fuel …