As New Hampshire’s state legislature moves forward a proposal to study biodiesel production, distribution, and promotion in the state, the first commercial biodiesel plant is proposed. According to an AP story posted on the WHDH-TV (Boston, MA) web site, freshman lawmaker Rep. David Borden’s bill to establish a biodiesel committee has passed the state House and now goes to the …
Thune Hosts Ethanol Hearing
Senator John Thune this week hosted a hearing in his state on the growing need for ethanol research and availability. The Senate Agriculture Committee’s energy subcommittee field hearing on “The Next Frontier of Biofuels Production: Cellulosic Ethanol and the 2007 Farm Bill” included testimony from representatives of VeraSun Energy, Poet (the company formally known as Broin), South Dakota Corn Growers, …
Eleven States Considering Biodiesel Requirement
We’ve been trying to document all the different pieces of state legislation out there that have impacts on the biodiesel industry. This blog entry posted by John Gartner on Autopia – Wired News, I think, kind of sums up what the effects might be if the 11 states… Florida, Connecticut, Missouri, California, Oregon, Mississippi, Arkansas, Nebraska, Montana, Tennessee and New …
Iowa Forms State Biodiesel Board, Moves Key Legislation
The Iowa Soybean Association has formed a board to coordinate biodiesel activities in the state, along with activities with the National Biodiesel Board. Wallaces Farmer reports that the ISA hired Randy Olson to serve as the new Iowa Biodiesel Board’s executive director, as well as a senior marketing manger for the association: “I’m very excited to join ISA and support …
Lincoln, Coleman Look to Extend Biodiesel Tax Incentive
In a bi-partisan move, Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Democrat from Arkansas, and Norm Coleman, Republican from Minnesota, have introduced legislation today to extend the federal biodiesel tax credit. The legislation would extend the federal excise tax credit and income tax credit for biodiesel to 2017. Lincoln originally introduced the credit and got it passed in 2004. In a press release, the …
NM Legislature Moves on Biodiesel
The New Mexico House has passed a measure that would require all diesel vehicles to use at least 5% biodiesel. Under Rep. John Heaton’s bill, all state agencies and public schools would be required to buy the 5% blend starting after in about three years. All diesel vehicles, public and private, would have the requirement after July 1st, 2012. The …
Arkansas Legislature Moves Forward on Alt Fuels Incentives
The Arkansas State Legislature’s Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development today approved a measure that will provide $20 million in incentives for alternative fuel development. The Pine Bluff (AR) Commercial reports in this story (about halfway down) that House Speaker Benny Petrus’ bill would split the money with $16 million going to companies to develop the fuels and …
Montana Latest to Move Forward on Biodiesel Mandate
The Montana State Senate today voted to give initial approval to a bill that would require all biodiesel sold in the state contain at least 5% biodiesel. This AP story in the Great Falls (MT) Tribune says Senate Bill 432 – a measure sponsored Sen. John Brueggeman (R-Polson) – passed 35-15: Brueggeman said biodiesel fuels can be made from oils …
Soybean Growers Call for Higher Subsidies to Help Biodiesel
The American Soybean Association is asking Congress to raise soybean subsidies and provide an incentive payment to encourage development of biodiesel. From the ASA web site: Marketing loan rates should be set at a minimum of 95 percent, and target prices at a minimum of 130 percent, of this price average. For soybeans, these percentages would establish a $5.01/bushel loan …
Michigan Gov Calls for $100 M for Alt Fuels
As predicted in the Detroit Free Press and reported here yesterday, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has called for $100 million dollars in public and private money to be put into alternative energy investments. From the speech posted on her website: This new industry, so critical to our economy, our national security, and our environment is already setting up shop …