There are a few things I have learned over the last two years of reviewing books. First, no matter how much you “dislike”, or disagree with an author, you always learn something from him or her – always. Second, there are always two sides to every story and we all need to do a better job of learning more about …
Will Biogenic Emission Regulation Curb Biomass Growth?
According to the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), the inclusion of biomass emissions (biogenic carbon emissions) in the EPA’s Clean Air Act greenhouse gas permitting program hinders growth of renewable energy. However, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is countering their argument saying that there is public data on investments in biomass showing that it is in fact growing. The …
Book Review – The Impending World Energy Mess
With only two days left in 2010, I thought “The Impending World Energy Mess” was only fitting for review as we head into 2011. It is also fitting for another reason, it ties nicely into the story I brought you earlier this week, $5 Gas Prices on the Horizon. The authors, Dr. Robert L Hirsch, Dr. Roger H. Bezdek, and …
Agrisys Building Big Algae-to-Biofuels Facility
A Florida company is building the world’s first large-scale, vertically integrated algae-to-biofuels facility. This article from Florida Trend, which goes in depth on that state’s algae-biofuels industry, says Orlando businessman Nick VandenBrekel’s Agrisys will be growing algae to turn into jet fuel and biodiesel, as well as omega-3 “fish oil.” Scaled up, VandenBrekel envisions a host of 1,000-to-20,000-acre farms across …
DF Cast: OriginOil to Prove Algae-to-Fuel Process
The developer of technology that turns algae in to renewable fuel is going down under to do some long-term testing of its process. OriginOil recently announced the successful completion of the first phase of its commercial pilot program with Australian company, MBD Energy, OriginOil’s first customer and pilot partner. In this edition of the Domestic Fuel Cast, we talk to …
2011 Ethanol Symposium Kicks off New Year
Although January is just around the corner, it’s not too late to add an event to your calendar. The 2011 Ethanol Symposium: An Examination of Demand vs. Availability is scheduled for January 14 at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA. This free event is part of the Clean Transportation Education Project, a collaboration of the Clean Cities Coalition and the …
$5 Gas Prices On the Horizon
According to former president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister, Americans will be paying $5 per gallon for gas by 2012 due to growing demand for oil, tighter supplies and inadequate responses by the U.S. government. His remarks were made during his appearance on Platts Energy Week television. Not necessarily news Americans want to hear as gas prices have been on …
Oil Independence Act Introduced
Earlier this week, Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) introduced H.R. 6554, “Domestic Fuel for Enhancing National Security Act of 2010.” Now, he has introduced “Oil Independence for a Stronger America Act of 2010” along with Mike Castle (R-Del.). This proposed legislation would create or extend a diverse array of federal programs necessary to help advanced biofuel producers secure financing for construction of …
South Dakota Road Trip Set to Drive Off in 2011
When nearly 5,000 South Dakota fourth graders return to school after the holidays, they will be getting some new lesson plans. They will be learning about alternative energy including ethanol, wind and hydroelectricity as well as conservation and other green practices. The lessons have been added to the 2011 “South Dakota Road Trip,” a 13-week virtual tour of the state …
Court Ruling Positive for Biodiesel
The biodiesel industry got another early Christmas present when a district appeals court today denied a petition challenging the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2). The U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia set forth a unanimous decision to deny the petition by National Petrochemical Refiners Association (NPRA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) challenging the Renewable Fuels Standard …