Even though gas prices are nearing $4 a gallon, ethanol is helping drivers across the country save an average of $156 per year. That’s according to the Renewable Fuels Now (RFN) coalition and a recent Iowa State University study calculating ethanol’s impact on gasoline prices around the country. The study concluded that, by expanding the fuel supply, ethanol has made …
Cellulosic Ethanol Focus at Hearing
A South Dakota lawmaker is urging Congress to allow cellulosic ethanol derived from woody biomass on federal lands to count towards the Renewable Fuels Standard. Current law prevents biofuels made from biomass that originates on public lands or any biomass from private land that is not ‘planted’ and ‘actively managed’ from being counted toward the RFS. During a hearing this …
Report on Role of Ethanol in Food Prices
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) held a press conference last week at the National Press Club in Washington DC to counter claims that ethanol production is causing higher food prices. RFA’s “Ethanol Report” podcast features comments from the four agriculture and ethanol industry leaders who participated in the press conference. Featured are former Agriculture Secretary John Block, National Corn Growers …
Oil Company Invests in Cellulosic Ethanol
Marathon Oil has made a $10 million equity investment in the research and development of cellulosic ethanol at Mascoma Corporation The investment is part of $61 million raised in Mascoma’s third round of funding. As part of the investment, Marathon Senior Vice President Cliff Cook has joined the Mascoma Board of Directors. “This investment in Mascoma’s leading-edge technology reflects our …
Ethanol Standard Debated as Oil Prices Rise
As the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality heard testimony regarding the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) on Tuesday, oil hit yet another record high of $122 a barrel. Renewable Fuels Association president Bob Dinneen reminded the committee of that several times during the hearing, having to correct his own pre-prepared remarks. “Mr. Chairman, the RFS made sense when you …
Fungus Could Aid Ethanol Production
A fungus capable of breaking down cotton and other fibers could hold the key to improvements in the production of biofuels. Researchers led by Los Alamos National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute announced this week that the genetic sequence of the fungus Trichoderma reesei has uncovered important clues about how the organism breaks down plant …
Cellulosic Ethanol Start Up Reports Growth
A pioneer in the development of next-generation cellulosic ethanol and high-performance specialty enzymes is reporting record growth and advancement towards the commercialization of cellulosic ethanol. Massachusetts-based Verenium Corporation reports that total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 were $15.2 million compared to $11.3 million for first quarter of 2007. Verenium CEO Carlos Riva says he is encouraged by …
Opposition to Ethanol Waiver Demand
Two dozen Republican Senators, including presidential candidate John McCain, are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to waive the Renewable Fuels Standard they just passed as part of the energy bill in December in an effort to cut food prices. Other senators disagree. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin of Iowa says the request would cut short the promise of biofuels …
Florida Requires Ethanol Use
Despite all the outcry about ethanol in the media, Florida is bucking the trend and establishing a renewable fuel standard, requiring ethanol to make up 10 percent of Florida’s total fuel supply by 2010. Florida’s comprehensive “Green Energy” bill passed by the 2008 Florida Legislature last week includes a variety of other initiatives, prompted by Governor Charlie Crist, who praised …
Former Ag Secretary Defends Ethanol
Former Secretary of Agriculture John Block can look at the food versus fuel issue from a number of angles. He ran the U.S. Department of Agriculture under President Reagen from 1981-1986. He was executive vice president of the Food Marketing Institute, which represents food retailers and wholesalers. He serves on the board of Friends of the World Food Program, a …