The Earthrace, a biodiesel-powered boat out of New Zealand, will be making another attempt to set the world record for circumnavigation of the globe. Earlier this year, the Earthrace had to abandon a record-setting try (see my May 31st post). But according to this story on FoxNews.com, the captain believes he’s got the bugs worked out since then, and he’s …
NBB Praises Leaders for Signing of Energy Bill
President Bush’s signing of H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, has gained the praise of the National Biodiesel Board. Joe Jobe, President of the NBB issued this statement: “The U.S. biodiesel industry praises President Bush, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid and the bipartisan supporters of biofuels in Congress who worked tirelessly to enact an expanded Renewable …
Energy Bill Signed
President George W. Bush today signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and ushered in a new era in the way America produces and uses energy. Bush says the new law is “a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country …
Study: Biodiesel Performs Similarly to Diesel
A two-year-long study is showing that biodiesel is as good as regular diesel for over-the-road trucks. The “2 Million Mile Haul”… halfway through the study at this point… is looking at the benefits of using 20 percent biodiesel blend (B20) and is being conducted by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) in partnership with Iowa Central Community College, Decker Truck Line …
Biodiesel Producer Hit with Another Lawsuit
The developer of what will be the world’s biggest biodiesel plant… if it gets built… has been hit with another lawsuit, the second one this year. Smiling Earth Energy has plans to build a 320-million-gallon-a-year biodiesel plant along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. But the company has had its troubles recently, including a lawsuit by an Oregon biodiesel company for …
NBB Applauds Passage of Energy Bill
The National Biodiesel Board is applauding the U.S. House’s passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by a 314-100. The U.S. Senate passed identical legislation last week, and President Bush has indicated he will sign it. The biggest selling point of the bill is the significant expansion of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) that will increase the …
Biodiesel Seller Warns Against Mandate
“Here’s the rub with a mandate. We can mandate that people have to buy biodiesel. It doesn’t create vegetable oil” Those are the words of John Campbell, vice president of Omaha-based Ag Processing, Inc. It might seem a bit strange coming from a guy who works for a biodiesel-producing and selling company. But this article from the Des Moines (IA) …
At Home with Biodiesel
There’s been plenty of talk about using biodiesel in our vehicles. But some people might not know that the green fuel is good for keeping your home warm on these cold winter nights. This story in the Eugene (OR) Register-Guard says one company in that area has overwhelming support for biodiesel as a home-heating oil: Automatic Heat serves about 2,000 …
Oil Prices Have Greatest Impact on Renewables
A survey conducted at the recent University of Minnesota’s E3 2007 Conference: The Midwest’s Premier Energy, Economic and Environmental Conference says attendees believe oil prices will be the primary driver of sustainable energy development and commercialization in the Midwest. The survey was conducted by Millenium Research, Inc. asking the opinions of the more than 400 experts, representing research, government, business, …
Energy in the Farm Bill
The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 passed by the Senate last week includes increased funding for alternative energy sources. “I’m particularly excited about the energy title,” said Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), ranking Republican on the Senate Ag Committee. “The energy title gives farmers in my part of the country an opportunity to participate in alternative energy, ethanol and …