REG Expands in NJ as Biodiesel Mandate Debated

John Davis

The country’s leader in biodiesel production is expanding its presence in New Jersey, as lawmakers in that state look to enact a biodiesel heating oil mandate. This news release from Renewable Energy Group (REG) says it entered into an agreement with Dutch Hill Terminals, a leading heating oil terminal in New Jersey, to market biodiesel and biodiesel blended heating oil …

Biodiesel, Legislation, REG

Navy Looks to Vets for Alt Energy Future

John Davis

Veterans might be the next tool in the U.S. Navy’s quest to find alternative energy. This Office of Naval Research (ONR) news release says the service is highlighting the Energy Systems Technology Evaluation Program, or ESTEP, providing student veterans with internships in Navy organizations using advanced technologies. “Finding reliable, alternative sources of energy is an essential component of naval strategy …

Government, Video

Ethanol-Fueled NASCAR Welcomed Back to St. Louis

John Davis

NASCAR racing, fueled by ethanol, is being welcomed back to the St. Louis area. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says NASCAR returns to Gateway Motorsports Park with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on June 14, 2014. National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre joined track owner Curtis Francois, NASCAR VP of Racing Operations Jim Cassidy, and American Ethanol …

corn, Ethanol, Ethanol News, NASCAR, NCGA

Biodiesel By-Product Could Make Marine Fuel

John Davis

A by-product of biodiesel could become a green fuel for maritime operations. This article from Seatrade Global says glycerol, or better known as glycerine, is being looked at for use in shore-side operations. If adopted by shipping, glycerol could potentially match the emissions-saving properties of low-sulphur marine diesel or even liquid natural gas at a fraction of the cost of …

Biodiesel

London Buses to Run on Waste Grease Biodiesel

John Davis

Some buses in London will soon be running on biodiesel made from waste cooking grease. This story from the East London Advertiser says more than 100 buses are testing a B20 blend of the green fuel. Matthew Pencharz, Boris Johnson’s senior advisor for Environment and Energy, said: “This is another example of the mayor’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions and …

Biodiesel, International

Idled Biodiesel Plant Gets New Tenant

John Davis

A biodiesel plant idled by bankruptcy last year will get new life as a new tenant moves in. This article from Capital Press says TransMessis Columbia Plateau has moved into the former Inland Empire Oilseeds, LLC refinery in Odessa, Wash., and could be operating in the next few days and at full capacity early next year. TransMessis Columbia Plateau (TCP) …

Biodiesel

Ethanol By-Product as Biodegradable Kitty Litter

John Davis

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have found a way to turn a by-product of ethanol production into a biodegradable form of kitty litter. This news release from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says USDA plant physiologist Steven Vaughn and his colleagues are using dried distiller’s grains, DDGs, as a starting material for a more environmentally friendly alternative …

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government, USDA

Argentine, Indonesian Biodiesel Hit with EU Duties

John Davis

Biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia are now subject to punitive duties imposed by the European Union. Reuters reports they were hit with the measures after the EU ruled that producers there were selling into the bloc at unfairly low prices. The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, said in a statement on Thursday the duties would be set at an …

Biodiesel, International

Opinion: Biodiesel’s Biggest Foe? US Government

John Davis

So if you’re considering biodiesel opponents, you might think of the usual suspects led by Big Oil. But according to this piece by Ron Kotrba from Biodiesel Magazine, if you look at the history of the opposition, especially what has happened in the past week, the biggest roadblock to biodiesel could be the current U.S. government. Then [Environmental Protection Agency]’s …

Biodiesel, Government, Opinion

Iowa Gov Launches Site to Boost Biodiesel, Ethanol

John Davis

Considering the fact that Iowa leads the nation in biofuels production, being a major player in the biodiesel and ethanol industries, it only makes sense the state’s governor launches an effort to protect the green fuels. This post from the Des Moines Register blog says Gov. Terry Branstad launched a new website to oppose the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Government