Soybean Board Calls for More Use of Soy Biodiesel

John Davis

The United Soybean Board released a statement today encouraging farmers to use more soy-based biodiesel in their farm equipment. In a press release, USB points out that biodiesel does a great job of lubricating engines, as well of offering an alternative to petroleum. And the board points out that soybean chyeckoff money has been helping fund biodiesel efforts for years: …

Biodiesel

Biodiesel Races Into History

John Davis

History will be made Friday at the Sebring International Raceway in California when the world’s first biodiesel car will join the race. Jim Osborn will be behind the wheel of the number 24, spiced-red Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The car is racing in the SPEED World Challenge SCCA SPEED Touring Car series: The SPEED World Challenge is a production-based car series, …

Biodiesel, Racing

Iowa Forms State Biodiesel Board, Moves Key Legislation

John Davis

The Iowa Soybean Association has formed a board to coordinate biodiesel activities in the state, along with activities with the National Biodiesel Board. Wallaces Farmer reports that the ISA hired Randy Olson to serve as the new Iowa Biodiesel Board’s executive director, as well as a senior marketing manger for the association: “I’m very excited to join ISA and support …

Biodiesel, Government, Legislation

Nova Biosource Fuels Inks Deal with Scott Petroleum

John Davis

Biodiesel maker Nova Biosource Fuels has agreed to purchase 50% of the biodiesel produced from a Greenville, Mississippi plant that is a joint ventire between Nova and Scott Petroleum. In a company press release, Nova says the plant will be capable of producing 20 million gallons of biodiesel a year when it is finished this summer: “We selected Nova’s technology …

Biodiesel

Lincoln, Coleman Look to Extend Biodiesel Tax Incentive

John Davis

In a bi-partisan move, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Democrat from Arkansas, and Norm Coleman, Republican from Minnesota, have introduced legislation today to extend the federal biodiesel tax credit. The legislation would extend the federal excise tax credit and income tax credit for biodiesel to 2017. Lincoln originally introduced the credit and got it passed in 2004. In a press release, the …

Biodiesel, Government, Legislation

Biodiesel on a Small Scale, Too

John Davis

So many times, we talk about large biodiesel refineries coming online that will supply entire regions with the renewable fuel. But this little item in a local on-line paper caught my eye. The University of Wisconsin Extension Service is sponsoring at least two workshops… one at the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton on March 27th and one in Dunn …

Biodiesel

Illinois Eyes Cities’ Requirement on Hybrid, Alt-Fuel-Using Vehicles

John Davis

An Illinois state lawmaker wants to see cities in his state use vehicles that run on more alternative fuels. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Rep. Mike Boland has introduced legislation that would require cities to buy vehicles that run on more ethanol and biodiesel: “We have an opportunity to really bring about an economic renaissance to rural Illinois by the …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Government, News

“Hood Up, Head Down and Alone with Thoughts”

John Davis

Those are the words of Will Steger, famed Arctic explorer, now on a four-month-long, 1200-mile expedition across the Canadian Arctic’s Baffin Island. So what is Steger trying to prove as today he and his sleddog team approach Iqaluit, Canada through -50 degree wind chills? Ironically enough, global warming. Listen here to his audio dispatch from Day 5 that might be …

EPIC, global warming, International, News

Additive to Reduce NOx Approved for Texas Biodiesel

John Davis

California-based Oryxe Energy International has announced that Texas has approved the company’s biodiesel fuel additive, ORYXE LED for Biodiesel, for use in the state. In a release on the Oryxe web site, it’s touted as the first biodiesel additive to reduce NOx emissions. While biodiesel reduces other emissions, this additive will help the fuel reduce the damage done by NOx …

Biodiesel