NBB Calls for Passage of Farm Bill

John Davis

The National Biodiesel Board today called for passage of the U.S. House’s version of the Farm Bill – H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 – especially the parts referring to biodiesel. NBB officials say the energy title portion of the bill includes an expansion of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Bioenergy Program and the Biodiesel Education …

Biodiesel, Government, Legislation

The Future of Biofuels

Cindy Zimmerman

A middle school student from Merritt Island was in the spotlight at the 2007 Florida Farm to Fuel Summit last week in St. Petersburg for her work in making biofuels. Yep, you read that right. Erin McCaskey, 12, attends Thomas Jefferson Middle School and her seventh grade science project last year was making biodiesel from a variety of sources. “I …

Audio, Biodiesel, Ethanol, Government, News

Marathon Pumping Biodiesel at Two Illinois Terminals

John Davis

Marathon Oil Company is now pumping biodiesel at two of its terminals in Illinois. This company press release says the biodiesel blended fuel will be available at its Robinson and Champaign terminals: “Marathon is proud to announce that two more locations have been expanded to offer biodiesel storage and distribution. Similar to our existing biodiesel facilities in Minnesota and Kentucky, …

Biodiesel

Green Generators for Entertainment

John Davis

Green Power Generators is helping the entertainment industry lessen its carbon footprint. GPG is already known for its biodiesel-fueled power generators. According to this story posted on on BusinessWire.com, the company has come up with the next generation of green fuel power: “We’re very excited to be able to provide the entertainment industry with the only truly eco-friendly energy outsourcing …

Biodiesel

Iowa Forms Biodiesel Board; Sponsors Soy Biodiesel 225

John Davis

The Iowa Soybean Association will be using some of its checkoff dolars to form the Iowa Biodiesel Board… with the obvious mission of promoting Iowa’s biodiesel industry. This story in the Des Moines (IA) Register quotes Randy Olson, executive director of the organization as saying the board was created by demand from “the entire biodiesel chain”: Issues facing the biodiesel …

Biodiesel

Virgin Music Festival Goes Green

John Davis

The second annual Virgin Festival sponsored by Virgin Mobile will try to be as environmentally conscious as possible during the two-day concert, August 4-5th at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Organizers of the event featuring bands such as The Police, Smashing Pumpkins, and Amy Winehouse are encouraging festival attendees to “green it like they mean it.” This press release …

Biodiesel, Miscellaneous

Report: World Biodiesel Sales at 4.7 bil gallons by 2010

John Davis

A report from Global Industry Analysts, Inc. says rising crude oil prices, and much of the world’s desire to find alternatives to fossil-based fuels, will push world biodiesel sales to 4.7 billion gallons a year by 2010. This story posted on PRWeb.com says the rise of biofuels, including biodiesel and ethanol, are being driven by the need to replace the …

Biodiesel

Iowa’s Biodiesel Appreciation Day

John Davis

Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, July 18th between 8 and noon, Kum & Go gas stations in 17 locations in Iowa will hold “Biodiesel Appreciation Day”… offering B2 biodiesel for 10 cents a gallon off the regular price. This article from EarthTimes.org says it is the biggest biodiesel promotion in the Upper Midwest and has gained the praise of politicians, environmentalists, and …

Biodiesel

Bill Expands Biodiesel Education Program

John Davis

Introduction of bipartisan legislation by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) could expand the federal biodiesel education program. According to this National Biodiesel Board release, the Biodiesel Education and Expansion Act of 2007 would extend the program started in 2003 for another five years and double the resources allocated for biodiesel education efforts: “When it comes to renewable …

Biodiesel, Government, Legislation

Texas A&M Biodiesel Short Course

John Davis

The Food Protein Research & Development Center at Texas A&M University is offering its 4th Practical Short Course on Biodiesel and Industrial Applications of Vegetable Oils, August 19-22, 2007. This interactive course is designed to meet some specific objectives: Train personnel in : • Methods Of Biodiesel Production • Analysis and Quality Control Assurance for Biodiesel • Synthesis of Oleochemicals …

Biodiesel