Getting to a Biofuels Future

Cindy Zimmerman

The Governors’ Ethanol Coalition has released a new report called Ethanol from Biomass: How to Get to a Biofuels Future. The report asks the President and members of Congress to adopt four recommendations: 1. Expand the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to include a short-term target of 12 billion gallons a year of ethanol and biodiesel utilization by 2010, and longer-term …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, Government, News

Wisconsin Soybean Growers Seek Biodiesel Incentives

Cindy Zimmerman

The Wisconsin Soybean Association is urging widespread support for their biodiesel policy initiative. The association is specifically asking the state legislature this year for help in four areas: 1. Expand the distribution network for biodiesel fuel throughout the state by instituting tax incentives for wholesale and retail distributors and bulk fuel users. 2. Encourage consumption of biodiesel fuel via incentives …

Biodiesel, Legislation

Chicken Fat For Fuel

Cindy Zimmerman

Chickens could provide a cheaper feedstock for biodiesel than soybeans. A new biodiesel plant being constructed in Southeast Missouri plans to refine chicken fat from a nearby Tyson plant into the fuel, according to an Associated Press report. Today, only a fraction of U.S. biodiesel is made from chicken fat, but that seems likely to change. The rising cost of …

Biodiesel

Biofuels Legislation Introduced

Cindy Zimmerman

First day of the new Congress and already biofuels legislation has been introduced. According to the American Coalition for Ethanol, U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) have introduced the Biofuels Security Act of 2007. Including many of the legislative priorities called for by the American Coalition for Ethanol, the bill places homegrown biofuels at the center of …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Clif Bar Promotes Cool Commute

Cindy Zimmerman

Clif Bar – a California-based environmental advocacy company that makes energy bars – is paying cash to employees who buy cars that run on biodiesel. According to a company release, Clif Bar is paying 5-thousand dollars to employees who switch to 100 percent biodiesel for their commutes. The company also offers the same incentive for hybrid vehicles and other incentives …

Biodiesel

Biofuels Info From John Deere

Cindy Zimmerman

John Deere is now featuring biofuels information for agricultural producers on its web site. The information includes a detailed biofuels reference report and 6.5-minute video that overviews John Deere’s position on the use of biodiesel. “John Deere has been an early advocate for biodiesel and continues to actively support its use,” says Don Borgman, director of agricultural industry relations for …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Michigan Marching Orders

Cindy Zimmerman

As part of a series on “Making it in Michgan” the Associated Press did a report on the state’s campaign to become the nation’s leader in alternative fuels. LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Gov. Jennifer Granholm laid it on the line for the members of the Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission. “We want to be the state that shows the nation how …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Biofuels Top Ag Stories For 2006

Cindy Zimmerman

The dramatic growth in biofuels made from crops is the runaway favorite for the year’s top stories in agriculture. “Emergence of biofuels as a factor in the farm economy really came out in 2006,” says USDA chief economist Keith Collins in a USDA Radio News report. “As that became realised in the second half of 2006 we saw commodity markets …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Idaho to Consider Biofuel Incentives

Cindy Zimmerman

The Idaho Legislature will be considering proposals in the coming new year to make ethanol and biodiesel more attractive to distributors in that state. Here’s the beginning of a very good article from Bonner County Daily Bee reporter Lucy Dukes about the biofuels climate in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. COEUR d’ALENE — Cindy James would consider using an ethanol-blended fuel if …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News