Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) has introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would explore ways the federal government could use biofuels to reduce transportation costs while lowering carbon emissions. The Comparison of Sustainable Transportation (COST) Act and the Biojet Fuel Research Act “aim to help consumers and taxpayers save money while also bolstering demand for corn, soybeans, and …
Senators Request White House Meeting to Talk Biofuels
Sen. John Thune (R-SD), along with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and several Senate colleagues, are requesting a meeting with President Biden and representatives of his cabinet to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard and promote biofuels as a key solution for America’s energy and climate agenda. The senators made a similar request in July and received no response. “Mr. President, biofuels …
DC Gets Grant for B100 Biodiesel Project
The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) is getting some help toward lower greenhouse gas emissions in the District thanks to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant. The Project will retire 14 diesel powered vehicles, replacing them with 12 B100 (100 percent biodiesel) vehicles. This effort is projected to reduce greenhouse gases …
Groups Urge White House to Embrace Biofuels
Ten biofuel and farm advocacy organizations are asking President Biden to “swiftly expand access to lower-carbon, lower-cost biofuels as the administration seeks to address the rising cost of fuel.” In a letter to the White House, rural leaders noted that biofuels hold the power to “insulate consumers from volatile oil markets by extending the fuel supply, much like releasing oil …
Biodiesel Conference Scholarships Available
University science students with a passion for biodiesel and renewable diesel are invited to apply to the National Biodiesel Board for a scholarship to the 2022 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo to be held Jan. 17 – 20 in Las Vegas. Students can also apply to present a poster on their biodiesel-related research or outreach projects. A few poster presenters …
MN Working Toward Clean Fuel Standard
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz last week directed state agencies to explore ways to reduce climate change impacts from transportation fuels through a Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) in the state. The state Departments of Agriculture and Transportation will lead the process to engage a broad cross-section of stakeholders statewide to identify shared goals and opportunities. The agencies will provide a report …
REG Joins Iowa State University on Hydrotreater Pilot Plant
Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG) joined Iowa State University (ISU) this week for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF) to celebrate the start of a new hydrotreater pilot plant. The hydrotreater pilot plant, the result of a three-year collaboration between REG and the ISU Bioeconomy Institute, will work on how various biomass feedstocks can play a …
NBB Hits the Airways with NPR Sponsorship
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) has commenced a three-week sponsorship of National Public Radio (NPR) as part of a comprehensive educational campaign aimed at decision-makers and the public. The 15-second radio spot will air on some of NPR’s most listened to programs including Morning Edition, All Things Considered and 1A. “We’re excited to share the biodiesel industry’s ‘Better. Cleaner. Now!’ …
Renewable Energy Group Closes Houston Biodiesel Plant
Renewable Energy Group (REG) has announced the closing of its 35 million gallon per year biodiesel production facility located near Houston, Texas. The company acquired and commissioned the plant in 2008 and has been operating it since. “We have made the decision not to renew the lease for our REG Houston biorefinery, which would have imposed an uncompetitive fixed cost …
No RVO Proposal Yet
The biofuels industry was left hanging Friday when the rumored release of proposed blending obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) failed to happen. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings said late Friday they remain hopeful the numbers that were reported would also prove incorrect. “We hope they’re wrong,” said Jennings. “If they are right, it just seems …