U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced a total of $47 million to fund eight research and development projects that will support the production of biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products from a variety of biomass sources. “The projects that we are announcing today will spur innovation in bioenergy by developing renewable resources that …
Ethanol Report on Domestic Energy Bill
A bill was introduced today in the Senate that would modify the current ethanol blender’s tax credit set to expire at the end of this year. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says the bipartisan Domestic Energy Promotion Act of 2011 introduced by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) already has a number of co-sponsors. “Senators Conrad, Johanns, Klobuchar, Franken, …
Biodiesel Part of Army’s Sustainability Scorecard
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released its fiscal year 2010 scorecard on sustainability and energy performance, and biodiesel is part of the goals in this scorecard. This Army press release says the service is identifying the best ways to reduce pollution, improve efficiency, and cut costs, and testing the green fuel in the Corps’ floating plant fleet …
Ethanol Leaders on the Hill
Members of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are in Washington, DC this week for a board meeting and some face time with Congressional leaders to discuss key issues in the ethanol industry. RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen (L), together with RFA chairman Chuck Woodside (center) of KAAPA Ethanol in Nebraska, were among those who met with Senator Ben Nelson …
USDA Announces Funding for Ethanol Blender Pumps
During a press briefing, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a USDA program will provide funding for installation of ethanol blender pumps to provide Americans with flexible fuel vehicle with more choices when they fill up. “This announcement is going to help expand the national biofuels industry and create jobs across the country,” said Vilsack. USDA is issuing a rule …
Senate Hearing Focuses on Ethanol
In the face of increasing unrest in the Middle East and higher gas prices, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met this morning to review Department of Energy (DOE) biofuel programs and biofuel infrastructure issues. In testimony before the committee, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen stressed the importance of expanding the marketing for ethanol-blended fuels …
Energy Use Down, But Biofuels, Wind, Solar & Hydro Up
A new report from the feds says, due to the recession, overall energy consumption in the U.S. dropped in 2009. However, renewable energy … biodiesel, ethanol, wind, solar and hydro power … use during that same period actually increased. This report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that overall energy consumption in 2009 dropped by 4.8 percent, the second …
Kansas Ethanol Producers Visit DC
A delegation of six Kansas ethanol supporters are in Washington D.C. this week for a series of meetings with members of Congress. Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis welcomed the group’s visit. “Kansas is a crucial, steadfast ally for the American ethanol industry, and we are pleased that so many Kansans have made the trip to Washington to educate their members …
Biodiesel Board Backs Obama’s Backing of Biofuels
The National Biodiesel Board has joined the chorus of biofuel groups applauding President Obama’s call for boosting the production of domestic fuels: “The biodiesel industry is already poised for a record year in which we will displace nearly a billion gallons of petroleum with a renewable fuel produced right here in the United States,” said Manning Feraci, NBB’s Vice President …
Obama Sticks to His Guns on Biofuel Policy Support
President Obama is sticking to his guns in his support of biofuels, among other energy sources, as viable ways for America to reduce its dependence on foreign sources of oil. This morning, his administration released its plan for a comprehensive energy policy their report, “Blueprint For A Secure Energy Future.” As a result of the report, the biofuel and biotech …