It’s an issue we’ve talked about before … plenty of ethanol and biodiesel and vehicles that can burn the green fuels but not enough infrastructure to support those cars’ and trucks’ needs. But a little help from the government is changing that in one of the largest concentrations of privately-owned vehicles … and incidently, one of the largest concentrations of …
Republican Takeover Could Signal Change for Biofuels
If Republicans take control of Congress in the upcoming November election, we could see a shift back to making renewable energy a priority. In this Biofuels Digest article, Brent Erickson, executive vice president for the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) Industrial and Environmental Section, says he has been disappointed in President Obama’s and Democratic leadership in Congress’ lack of interest in …
RFA Wants Answers to DOE Loan Program Problems
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) wants some answers from the Department of Energy and Congress about why the Renewable Energy Loan Guarantee Program is not working. In a post on RFA’s The E-Xchange Blog today, RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen says the program “has been defined by inaction and obstruction and is largely seen as a complete failure to …
Biodiesel Incentive Shot Down Again; Dem Calls it “Stunt”
The federal $1-a-gallon biodiesel tax credit failed to move forward yet again today, as one of the top Democrats in the U.S. Senate dismissed the effort as a “stunt.” The Senate defeated Sen. Charles Grassley’s (R-IA, pictured on right) attempt to retroactively revive the credit as part of a small business bill by a vote of 41-58… far short of …
Renewable Fuels Awareness Month in Nebraska
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman visited Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island Wednesday to proclaim September as Renewable Fuels Awareness Month in Nebraska. Joined by representatives of the Nebraska Corn and Soybean Boards, Gov. Heineman said that renewable fuels are a critical component of energy independence and energy security, while providing economic growth and vitality in the state. “Nebraska is one …
Canada Invests $81 Million in Biodiesel, Wind Ventures
The Canadian government is putting about $81 million in a couple of wind and biodiesel ventures. This Reuters article says the money will be spent over the next decade in Quebec: The government announced a C$65 million injection over 10 years in two wind farms in the Gaspe region in Eastern Quebec. The two farms, Carleton and L’Anse-a-Valleau, are owned …
USDA to Fund Rural Renewable Energy Studies
The USDA is providing funding to look at the feasibility of renewable energy systems for agriculture producers and rural small businesses. Grants of up to $50,000 each for a total of $3 million will be made available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): “Renewable energy production represents a promising revenue source for America’s producers while meeting the nation’s …
Blue Dog Dem Unhappy with Obama’s Ethanol, Biodiesel Efforts
The leader of the Blue-Dog Democrats, the bloc of House Democratic centrists, says President Obama’s efforts on ethanol and biodiesel are dragging his overall grade for his first year and a half in office down to just average. The Hill reports that while Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin (D-S.D.), believes the President has done a good job on some economic issues, she’s …
Ethanol Industry Urges DOE to Fix Loan Program
Ethanol and other renewable energy industry groups are urging the Secretary of Energy to fix the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Loan Guarantee Program (LGP) and keep Congress from raiding it for other projects. Growth Energy, along with the Renewable Fuels Association and six other organizations, sent a letter to DOE Secretary Steven Chu urging him to restore billions in …
Federal Ag & Energy Depts. Team Up for Bioenergy
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy have teamed up to hand out some research awards to designed to improve and accelerate genetics in plants for bioenergy production. This USDA release says the announcement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Energy Secretary Steven Chu will make $8.9 million available: “Cost-effective, sustainable biofuels are crucial to building a clean energy economy,” …