According to a new study commissioned by a coalition of investors, utilities and makers of alternative fuels, the alternative fuels market has developed faster than anticipated. Electric vehicle sales are beating early projections, the surge in natural gas supply is helping decrease the carbon intensity in trucking, and consumption of biodiesel and renewable diesel supplies are growing rapidly, according to …
USDA: $98.6 Mil Available for Advanced Biofuels
The USDA is making available up to $98.6 million to support the production of advanced biofuels. This news release from the agency says it will be an opportunity for eligible producers to submit applications and strengthen the rural economy: “The United States is on the path to a cleaner, more secure energy future,” [Agriculture Secretary Tom] Vilsack said. “By helping …
All the World’s A Stage
With debate on Capitol Hill on the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and pressure from oil companies to lower cellulosic fuel mandates as part of the legislation, BBI realized that the time was right to feature a panel discussing the progress to commercialization of several major renewable fuels players to bring advanced biofuels to market. All the World’s …
Mike Bryan’s Call to Arms
Mike Bryan, CEO of BBI International kicked off the 29th International Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) with a call for action for not only the biofuel associations, but for every single person who attended the event. He began by asking the standing room only crowd if they were getting angry, frustrated and a little nervous over the bashing from some legislators …
Biodiesel Tour de Force
This week, six Iowa biodiesel producers, a soybean farmer and several Iowa Biodiesel Board staff will be visiting Capitol Hill to urge Iowa’s Congressional delegation to continue fighting for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The group joins more than 100 other biodiesel advocates from two dozen states in lobbying for Congressional support. “Oil interests have this policy in their …
NBB Unveils New TV Ad Campaign
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has unveiled a new television advertising campaign to make the point that consumers and taxpayers are better protected by a diverse supply of transportation fuels. The 30-second commercial is airing on national TV networks and on Washington, D.C. broadcast and cable news outlets. “Biofuels are helping to diversify America’s transportation fuels, which protects consumers by …
RFS Hearing – Study in Hyprocrisy
The U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements held a hearing to discuss the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),”Up Against the Blend Wall: Examining EPA’s Role in the Renewable Fuel Standard.” While many were on the witness list, none actually worked in the biofuels industry. The ethanol industry was quick to …
EPA’s 411 on RINs & RVOs
A recent “Today in Energy” brief published by the U.S. Energy and Information Administration takes a look at how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN) and Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). RVOs are the targets for each refiner or importer of petroleum-based gasoline or diesel fuel, while RINS allow …
Biofuels, Farm Groups Applaud Pentagon’s Move
Groups representing biofuels and farm interests are praising the Pentagon’s action to develop cheaper, drop-in biofuels. Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association, says the $16 million awarded under the Defense Production Act is a significant step in supporting efforts to build commercial drop in fuels facilities: “Biofuels offer outstanding performance and environmental sustainability, while also providing a diversity …
PacificAg Created Through Merger
Sister companies Pacific Ag Solutions and Pacific PowerStock have merged to become PacificAg. According to the company, the merger creates the largest agricultural residue and hay harvesting business in the U.S. with operations in seven states and the largest fleet of biomass harvesting equipment in the country. “We have always served two important markets: demand for forage crops for livestock …