A bill that would have extended and boosted the producer-incentive tax breaks on a host of alternative energy sources, including wind, solar, biodiesel, clean-coal and other projects to help spur alternative energy development, has been stopped in the U.S. Senate… for the time being. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana), would have extended the $1-a-gallon producer tax incentive …
Algae-ethanol Coming Soon
Well, just as soon as I posted the previous story about Solazyme making the world’s first algae-based biodiesel to meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-975 specifications, I found a story about a producer that plans to make ethanol out of algae. This story from Reuters says Algenol Biofuels has big plans for making the green fuel south …
Solazyme Algae-Biodiesel Meets Standard
As we told you yesterday, Solazyme’s algae-based biodiesel now meets the strict American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-975 specifications… the first algal-biodiesel to meet the standard set for all regular diesel. Today, the San Francisco-based synthetic biology company put out its own press release: In a 100% blend, SoladieselRDTM has been road tested in a factory standard 2005 …
High Fuel Prices Drive Support for Ethanol
American motorists are rethinking their driving habits. That is, according to a new survey commissioned by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. The survey shows that consumers think skyrocketing gas prices means the nation should start moving away from oil. The EPIC survey found 47 percent of those polled stated that a fuel price below $5 a gallon should be …
Ethanol Buzz at the 2008 Iowa Corn Indy 250
The 8th race of the 2008 IndyCar racing season is less than two weeks away. IndyCar Drivers hit the track for the 2008 Iowa Corn Indy 250 Sunday June 22nd. The track buzz isn’t just about racing though. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council has a handful of activities set up for race weekend. On Thursday, June 19th, EPIC and …
Solazyme Algae-Biodiesel About to Meet Standard
Solazyme is about to make history as the first algae-biodiesel maker to meet stringent standards that diesel fuel must meet. This post from the Wall Street Journal’s Environmental Capital blog has details: Closely held Solazyme Inc. is set to announce shortly that its algae-derived biodiesel meets the American Society for Testing and Materials specification for diesel fuel. This means it …
Ethanol and Biodiesel Groups React to Anti-Biofuels Coalition
The leaders from the two biggest biofuels groups in the country are countering what they term as a smear campaign against the benefits of biodiesel and ethanol by the nation’s grocers. The National Biodiesel Board and the Renewable Fuels Association (which represents ethanol production in the U.S.) both issued statements today to counter the anti-biofuels campaign launched by the Grocery …
Wind to Power Dems’ & GOP’s Conventions
After a long primary season, the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees for president continue to expend plenty of hot air… and probably will continue to do so through Election Day in November. Now, maybe some of that wind will actually power their conventions. This year, XCel Energy is donating wind power to help run both the Republican National Convention in …
Biodiesel Boat Back in the Water
As we last left the Earthrace, a boat powered by 100 percent biodiesel trying to set a world record for circumnavigating the globe, she was limping into Singapore after hitting some debris near Palau and damaging a prop. Today, the Earthrace is back in the water, racing across the India Ocean, still on pace to set the world record: Despite …
Biodiesel One of the Stars of LA Film Fest
Hollywood is recognizing the importance of renewable energy and a greener approach to entertainment. The Los Angeles Film Festival, scheduled for June 19th-29th, will be using biodiesel, as well as offsetting carbon usage with investment in wind energy. This commentary from film critic Emanuel Levy has more information: Changes being made for the overall Festival will impact everything including the …