A new video launched by the Renewable Fuels Association makes the point that other fuels have indirect effects, not only biofuels. The video, which shows images of burning oil wells, oil spill damage, oil contamination of natural habitat, and the destruction brought on by oil exploration and tar sands excavation, is meant to draw attention to the Environmental Protection Agency’s …
Report Finds Oil Subsidies Higher Than Ethanol
A new report from the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) finds that federal subsidies for fossil fuels are twice that of renewables. According to a summary on the ELI report store website: The largest U.S subsidies to fossil fuels are attributed to tax breaks that aid foreign oil production, according to research released by ELI. The study, which reviewed fossil fuel …
Ethanol to Be Made From Dates in Iraq
Prior to the US-led invasion of Iraq, the country produced more than 900,000 ton of dates per year. The country only used about 150,000 ton so the remaining was exported. However, since 2003 the market for Iraqi dates has dried up to the point where only about 350,000 ton of them are produced annually. Iraq’s excess dates end up rotting …
EPA, NHTSA Declare B20 Vehicles as Flex-Fuel
In what’s being characterized as an “historic national program” that would dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for new cars and trucks sold in the United States… vehicles that can run on B20, a 20 percent blend of biodiesel… will be considered flexible fuel vehicles. Biodiesel Magazine reports the 1,200 page proposal issued by the EPA and …
State of SD Adds 3 E85 Dispensers
The state fleet in South Dakota will soon be able to fuel up with E85 at three new dispensing units. The sites will be in Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Pierre to assist with the Department of Transportation. About 1,270 of the state’s fleet are E85 compatible and purchased about 32,640 gallons of the clean, alternative fuel at private facilities …
Wind Energy Gets Billion Dollar Boost from Congress
Wind turbines could become more efficient and reliable, with some help from a $1-billion program that has just passed the U.S. House. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) is the sponsor of the measure that the San Francisco Chronicle says aims to ensure that the biggest of the wind-generating turbines will be the most cost effective… important if wind energy is to …
Manitoba to Institute Canada’s First Biodiesel Mandate
Manitoba will become the first province in Canada to require biodiesel in all diesel fuel when it mandates the blending of 2 percent biodiesel by November 1, 2009. The news was welcomed by the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association: “Today is a good day for homegrown biofuels in Manitoba and Canada,” said Gordon Quaiattini, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. …
US Navy Using Camelina Biodiesel for Some Jets
They might be sailin’ the ocean blue, but some U.S. Navy pilots will soon be flying biodiesel green! This press release from camelina-based biodiesel maker Sustainable Oils says the company has gotten a contract from the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) for 40,000 gallons of camelina-based jet fuel: The fuel will be delivered to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) …
Ethanol Supporters Urged to Comment on RFS2
The clock is ticking down on the comment period for the expanded Renewable Fuels Standard, better known as RFS2. The Environmental Protection Agency will be taking comments until September 25th – just 18 days from now. Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging ethanol supporters to make their voices heard now on this important …
EPA Officials Visit Iowa Biofuels Plant
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) hosted officials from the Environmental Protection Agency last week for a tour of agriculture and biofuels in Iowa. Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, and Margo Oge, Director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality, represented EPA on the visit that included the BioCentury Research Farm in Boone, an Iowa …