A U. S. Environmental Protection Agency researcher says that biodiesel can be made from municipal sewage sludge that would cost about the same as diesel made from non-renewable petroleum. In the latest episode of the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) podcast series, “Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions,” the EPA’s David M. Kargbo says sewage treatment plants could use microorganisms that produce higher amounts …
Blue Dog Dem Unhappy with Obama’s Ethanol, Biodiesel Efforts
The leader of the Blue-Dog Democrats, the bloc of House Democratic centrists, says President Obama’s efforts on ethanol and biodiesel are dragging his overall grade for his first year and a half in office down to just average. The Hill reports that while Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-S.D.), believes the President has done a good job on some economic issues, she’s …
Biodiesel Board Honors Bond with Lifetime Achievement
He’s been a big advocate for biodiesel for quite some time, so it’s only fitting that the National Biodiesel Board has honored retiring U.S. Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) today with its Lifetime Achievement Award. “America is striving for energy security and clean air, and Senator Bond deserves our thanks for helping to make biodiesel viable,” said NBB CEO Joe Jobe. …
Montana Grant Funds Train’s Biodiesel Test
A $125,000 grant will help fund a project that studies biodiesel in train engines. Biodiesel Magazine reports the Montana Department of Environmental Quality award for Opportunity Link, a Havre, Mont.-based economic development agency, includes the evaluation of B20 in a Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway engine: “We are supportive of environmental initiatives to identify alternative fuel sources and opportunities to …
Clemson Mobile Facility Spreads Word of Biodiesel
Researchers at Clemson University have a new mobile biofuels processing plant that will help do new research on new biomass feedstocks, like algae and fungio, while spreading the word of what biodiesel can do. This press release from the school says its $125,000 piece of equipment from Piedmont Biofuels in North Carolina will provide the research platform and take the …
Ferry Could Use Biodiesel Instead of Shutting Down
Some new clean air regulations in California could lead to a popular ferry shutting down. But it might not have to if the vessel uses biodiesel. This article from the Daily Pilot says the Catalina Flyer, a 500-passenger catamaran that runs between the mainland and Santa Catalina Island could have to shut down while the owners buy and install a …
Getting Grease Out of Sewer, Into Biodiesel
Columbia, South Carolina is the latest municipality that is getting waste grease out of its sewer system and into its vehicles in the form of biodiesel. The Columbia Free Times says the city has set up a system to collect residents’ used cooking oil and use it in a trash truck: When restaurants need to get rid of used cooking …
Michigan Researchers Turn Wet Algae into Biodiesel
Researchers have found a feasible way to turn wet algal biomass directly into biodiesel. Biodiesel Magazine reports that University of Michigan scientists have published a paper on a two-step hydrolysis-solvolysis process that eliminates costly biomass drying, organic solvent extraction and catalysts: In the first step, wet algal biomass contained 80 percent moisture and was reacted with subcritical water to hydrolyze …
Denver to Host Alt Fuel Trade Alliance Workshop
Make your plans now to attend the free Alternative Fuel Trade Alliance Workshop, Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Crowne Plaza in Denver, Colo. Sponsored by our friends at the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Biodiesel Board, the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation and the Propane Education & Research Council, this one-day event promises to be a must-attend event for a wide …
Help Gulf Coast Move Beyond Oil
A Florida company is trying to win a $250,000 grant from Pepsi to bring alternative fuels to the Gulf Coast region. Pura-Vida-Ventures is an independent company based in Sarasota that has a proposal in to Pepsi for a share in $1.3 million they are offering to fund ideas that “refresh the Gulf.” Their concept is to convert a closed gas …