Leaders from all over the world have gathered at the United Nations in New York City for the annual high-level debate before the General Assembly. Part of that included the fuel-versus-food debate. In this article from the UN News Centre, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva disputed the idea that biodiesel and ethanol are the cause of high food …
Rhode Island Mapping Wind Energy Future
Rhode Island is looking to literally map out its wind energy future. This story from the Providence (RI) Journal says that the state has enlisted oceanographers, engineers and other experts from the University of Rhode Island to determine where would the best places be for off-shore wind turbines… a massive $3.2-million effort: Soon, the state is scheduled to select one …
Cross-Country Biodiesel Trip Rolling
Two guys and a Volkswagen Jetta running on biodiesel are trying to re-create the crazy coast-to-coast run made famous in the movie “Cannonball Run,” while proving the value of the green fuel they’re running on. Hopefully, they’ll still be rolling along when you’re reading this, but right now (Monday evening at about 9:45 CST), two ad execs from Atlanta are …
New Spokesman at Biodiesel Board’s DC Office
There’s someone new for you to meet at the National Biodiesel Board. The group has announced Michael C. Frohlich is the new Director of Communications at NBB’s Washington, DC office: “Michael has diverse experience and knowledge in the communications field,” Manning Feraci, Vice President of Federal Affairs stated. “I am confident he is the right person for the position, and …
Five States Form Wind Energy Transmission Group
Five Midwestern states have joined together to develop an electric transmission system that should help promote wind energy in the region. This AP story from the St. Paul (MN) Pioneer Press says Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota have formed the Upper Midwest Transmission Development Initiative: The coalition of governors will study the costs of developing more wind energy …
Rebuilding with Biodiesel
Officials in Parkersburg, Iowa recently received a check for $10,520 to help them rebuild their town destroyed by an F5 tornado back on May 25, 2008. This story from Biodiesel Magazine says the money is from donors from all over the state: The initial idea of the fundraiser was for donors to pledge five dollar amounts, signifying the approximate cost …
Biodiesel Fueling Cross-Country Trip
Following the route of the famous Cannonball Run of the 1970s (made even more famous by the movie in 1981), a pair of advertising copywriters will attempt to go from the East Coast to the West Coast… entirely non-stop and entirely on biodiesel. This press release from the Willie Run ’08 web site has more information: Scheduled for departure from …
Oilseed Production to Hit Record
While American farmers might have a smaller soybean crop this year, that feedstock and other oilseeds for biodiesel production is expected to be at record levels on the global market. The latest USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report says the U.S. soybean crop will be down to 2.93 billion bushels… 39 million bushels lower than previous estimates. But …
Biodiesel, Ethanol & Wind Facing Uphill Battle on the Hill
The latest version of the energy bill, which includes an extension of the $1-a-gallon biodiesel tax credit and federal incentives for wind and solar energy (which were all set to expire at the end of this year), has passed the U.S. House, but its future is most assuredly less assured as it moves on to the U.S. Senate. Senate Majority …
House Passes Energy Bill with Renewable Fuels Provisions
The U.S. House has approved a measure that will renew some tax credits for wind and solar power that were set to expire at the end of this year, as well as allowing more drilling for offshore oil. This story from the San Francisco Chronicle says passage came after some contentious debate on the issue: [House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi hailed …