The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo is just a few days away, set to begin on Sunday and run through Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, and the theme for the event in Phoenix, Arizona is “Advance” – reflecting the fact that biodiesel is classified as an advanced biofuel by EPA under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2). So it’s only fitting that …
Algae Harvesting No Problem for Kent Bioenergy
One potential hurdle to the commercialization of algal fuels are how to harvest the algae. But one company believes that they already have this challenge figured out. Kent Bioenergy has been harvesting algae for years, as part of their aquaculture business that dates back the the 1970s. The original company needed to learn how to clean the water used for …
DF Cast: New Year, New Legislation for Ethanol, Biodiesel
The new year brings talk of new legislation for the ethanol and biodiesel industries. In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we talk to some of the leaders of the green fuels’ industries, as well as the head of the nation’s largest farm organization, to get their takes on what should be coming from Washington, D.C. as far as …
Fifth Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Best Yet
The 5th annual Iowa Renewable Fuels (IRFA) Summit was the best ever in many ways, according to IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “The combination of good weather and great speakers, we had record turnout, the crowd stayed, it was very positive,” said Shaw after the summit concluded on Tuesday in Des Moines. “We clearly had over 700 people here based …
NASCAR Champ is Excited About Ethanol
Former NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace may not be on the track racing himself anymore, but he is still a team owner and racing analyst and he is thrilled that every series in NASCAR will be using a 15 percent blend of ethanol this year. “When we hit Daytona, get ready,” Wallace said. “Because NASCAR is the number one source of …
Former Senator is Biofuels Convert
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania was never a believer in ethanol, biodiesel and other forms of renewable energy until one devastating day in American history. “I looked at this issue differently, until 9/11,” the senator said during an address at the Iowa Renewable Fuels (IRFA) Summit in Des Moines on Tuesday. “To me, 9/11 changed the game as we …
Iowa Economy Powered by Renewable Fuels
Iowa is an undisputed leader in renewable fuels production and that is extremely good for the state’s economy At the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Des Moines on Tuesday, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) released a new study detailing the positive benefits that provides for Iowa. According to the report, the renewable fuels industry, both ethanol and biodiesel, accounts …
Newt Gingrich Wows Iowa RFA Summit
If it were up to the Iowa renewable fuels industry, Newt Gingrich would probably be elected the next president of the United States. The former speaker of the U.S. House spoke to a full house at the 5th annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit in Des Moines on Tuesday. Hitting all the right notes, Gingrich was interrupted several times by applause …
USDA Announces Funding for Biorefinery Projects
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $405 million in guarantee loans for three biorefinery projects in the southeast under the Biorefinery Assistance Program. The three projects are located in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. “We believe it’s critical and crucial to develop a biofuel industry powered by feedstocks produced in every corner of the country,” said Vilsack during a conference call …
Let’s Talk About E15
Let’s talk about E15, or the use of 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline, in our conventional cars and light duty trucks. I don’t think people understand well enough why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting so much research on the fuel. What it really comes down to is emissions. Let me explain. Last Friday I attended the California …