ACE Conference 2026

Nicholas Theisen Wins Biodiesel Essay Contest

Joanna Schroeder

Nicholas Theisen is the winner of a $1,000 scholarship for his entry in the Clean Air Choice Biodiesel Essay Contest. The 2011 graduate of Apollo High School wrote, “Biodiesel is clearly a beneficial alternative fuel that benefits Minnesotans directly and indirectly. It offers environmental benefits in that in cuts down greenhouse gases and carbon emissions, it’s a more efficient energy …

Biodiesel, Education

Level the Playing Field for Biofuels

Joanna Schroeder

Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) announced this week his intent to introduce bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate that would help level the playing field for advanced biofuels such as algae. He wants to accomplish this by reforming the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to make it technology agnostic. Of the 36 billion gallons required by the RFS, up to 15 billion …

advanced biofuels, algae, Biodiesel, biofuels, Cellulosic, Ethanol, Legislation

Iowa Biodiesel Board Comments to EPA

Cindy Zimmerman

In comments submitted this week to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) said that the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) has “breathed new life into Iowa’s struggling biodiesel industry.” The comments were submitted by IBB executive director Randy Olson in regard to EPA’s notice of proposed rulemaking on the Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives: 2012 Renewable …

Biodiesel, Government

Bharat & SG Biofuels Create Jatropha Partnership

Joanna Schroeder

India’s second largest petroleum company, Bharat Renewable Energy (BREL), has partnered with SG Biofuels (SGB) to develop sell jatropha hybrids modified for the production of biodiesel in India. The first phase of the program will focus on crop development aimed at creating oil-rich jatropha hybrids suited to growing conditions throughout India. The next phase will consist of deploying more than …

Biodiesel, biofuels, feedstocks, International

SunPower Biodiesel Fuels Tractor Pull Winners

Cindy Zimmerman

The power of the sun wins tractor pulls. Tractors fueled by SunPower Biodiesel took both first and second place in Northern Wisconsin Tractor Pull event, part of Almena Fun Days, and first in the Turtle Lake Fair Tractor Pull, also in Wisconsin. The winning tractors were running on B99 – a 99% biodiesel blend. The winners were from DRM Farms …

Biodiesel

Biodiesel Industry Update

Joanna Schroeder

There are some changes taking place in the biodiesel industry. Enervation Advisors has purchased its third biodiesel plant, this one located in Adrian, Michigan. The company has purchased the closed NextDiesel plant and its first step is to update the technology and put the plant back online. When this occurs, the plant will operate as LVA Adrian Biofuel LLC. This …

Biodiesel, biofuels

The Search For Used Cooking Oil

Joanna Schroeder

Used cooking oil is in high demand. Cream City Grecycling, a division of Fushion Renewables, is in search of used cooking grease from local Milwaukee, Wisconsin restaurants. After collecting the used cooking oil, the company will then turn it into biodiesel. The company has a goal of collecting at least 30,000 gallons a month by the end of the year …

Biodiesel, biofuels

Biodiesel Board Announces New Capitol Hill VP

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has announced a new vice president of federal affairs to serve the industry on Capitol Hill. Anne Steckel, who will lead NBB’s Washington office, brings nearly 15 years of Washington experience to the job. Currently chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson of California, she has overseen legislative issues for several members of Congress, …

Biodiesel, NBB

NBB Offers Diesel Technicians Biodiesel Training

Joanna Schroeder

Diesel technicians are getting up-to-date, accurate information about biodiesel compliments of a National Biodiesel Board (NBB) training program. The program is a partnership between NBB and Universal Technical Institute, a provider of entry-level technicians to the transportation industry. So far, more than 300 instructors have been taught about biodiesel through the program. “I’ve found that students are very curious about …

Biodiesel, Education, NBB

How Do Coffee & Biodiesel Mix? Besspresso.

Joanna Schroeder

Raise your mug if you love coffee. For you coffee lovers in Iowa, you can now get your fix from Dave Bess and Anna Erickson’s mobile coffee shop that is fueled by biodiesel. The Iowa City couple has been traveling around the country to public events this summer including the world famous Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) sponsored by …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Solar