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 …
Sweet Source for Ethanol
A sweet source for ethanol could be a smart choice for food and fuel that can grow almost anywhere. According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), sweet sorghum may be the perfect crop for ethanol production. It grows in dry conditions, tolerates heat, salt and waterlogging, and provides steady income for poor farmers. ICRISAT Director …
Ethanol Group Names Deputy Director
The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) has promoted Robert White to the new position of Deputy Director. White joined EPIC in 2006 as Director of Operations. He has played a major role in the expansion of E85 across the country. White also spearheaded the effort for a uniform labeling effort at the pump, which now has the EPIC “e” …
Iowa to Increase Ethanol and Biodiesel Infrastructure
A new state law will help expand ethanol and biodiesel availability in the state. Amid several bills signed by Iowa Governor Chet Culver on Monday was one that makes changes to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program created in 2006 to expand renewable fuel infrastructure and access to renewable fuels all across Iowa. Among the changes are enhanced grants for …
USDA Expects Enough Corn for Ethanol
The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast calls for enough corn and soybeans to meet both food and fuel needs. The May supply and demand report released on Friday based predictions for the 2008-09 marketing year on an expected corn crop of 12.1 billion bushels, down 7 percent from last year’s record crop. USDA is expecting total U.S. corn use …
Ethanol Provisions in Farm Bill
Congressional negotiators Thursday announced a compromise 2007 Farm Bill that has new incentives for biofuels production. “The new Farm Bill will dramatically ramp up the agricultural sector’s capacity to produce clean, renewable energy,” said conference committee chairman Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). “Significantly, it provides more than a billion dollars to expand the supply of fuels made from biomass and crop …
Defending the Renewable Fuels Standard
Higher food prices have led to increasing calls for changes in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) that was implemented as part the Energy bill just signed into law last December, which calls for 36 billion gallons of annual renewable fuel use by 2022. In this DomesticFuel Cast, we hear from several of the witnesses who testified in support of the …
Make it Yourself Ethanol
For a mere $10,000 any consumer can now make and pump their own ethanol at home. A company called E-Fuel Corporation has introduced EFuel100 MicroFueler™ “the world’s first home ethanol system.” According to the company, the MicroFueler allows consumers to create ethanol with “sugar, yeast and water, and a standard household 110-220 AC power supply.” They claim that businesses, such …