Government Announces Biomass R&D Funding
The U.S. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA) today announced up to $25 million in funding for research and development of technologies and processes to produce biofuels, bioenergy, and high-value biobased products. “These projects will be among many Obama Administration investments that will help strengthen our economy and address the climate crisis. A robust biofuels industry – focused on …
Oregon Biodiesel Standard to Start in September
Oregon could become the latest state to mandate that every gallon of diesel sold in the state have a 2 percent biodiesel blend. As you might remember from my post last August 29, the state has a new five-million-gallon-a-year biodiesel plant run by Sequential Pacific Biodiesel, and five-million gallons is the threshold for Oregon’s mandate to kick in. This article …
President Promises Clean Energy Economy
Energy is one of the top priorities of the new administration, as outlined by President Obama in his first weekly address to the nation. Obama used the forum to explain how he believes his “American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan” will jump-start the economy. “This is not just a short-term program to boost employment,” he said. “It’s one that will invest …
Biodiesel Board, Others Welcome New EPA Chief
There’s a new person in charge of the federal agency in charge of keeping the environment clean, and thus, a friend to the clean, renewable energy field. The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved Pres. Barack Obama’s choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa Jackson. Jackson’s home-state newspaper, New Jersey’s Star-Ledger, reported praise for Jackson from Assembly Enivronment Committee chair …
NY Looks to Eliminate Alt Fuels Tax Credit, Reward Polluting Petroleum
New York’s governor wants to get rid of a tax credit for alternative fuels and fuel cells, while keeping a much more expensive credit for a very dirty form of diesel. Environmentalists are up in arms over Gov. David Paterson’s plan to cut the $5 million in credits, which he says are underutilized, at a time when companies are poised …
Biodiesel Board Congratulates Vilsack & Chu
The nation’s primary group representing the biodiesel industry is welcoming two of the newest members of President Obama Cabinet. The National Biodiesel Board has congratulated new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and new Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu, who both received unanimous confirmation from the U.S. Senate today: “Secretary Vilsack has been a consistent proponent of biofuels, and …