Thousand of Americans and ethanol industry groups may have to wait longer for a response from EPA on whether they will allow an increase in the blend of ethanol in gasoline from 10 to 15 percent (E10 to E15). On March 6, petitions were filed by industry groups and supporters of industry groups, that will allow for the increased blend. EPA has 270 days, or until December 1, to grant or deny the request. Rumors have recently circulated that EPA will not meet this deadline.
This week, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson told Reuters that the agency still has has work to do and may have to do this past the December 1 deadline. EPA must review tests on how E15 will affect engines and evaluate emissions.
“We are concerned about any delay in acting on the Growth Energy Green Jobs waiver to raise the blend wall from 10 to 15%,” said Growth Energy spokesman Chris Thorne. “Every day that EPA delays the decision is another day of preventing our nation from reducing our dependence on foreign oil, creating jobs here in America and delaying the development of next generation feedstocks like cellulose. The lack of a decision creates uncertainty, and without certainty of a market, investment in cellulose ethanol production is put on hold. Our nation has been held hostage to foreign oil for too long. It is time to move forward,” he continued. “We could wait forever for more tests, which will only prove what we have known for a long time – it is time to raise the blend wall,” Thorne added.
“We do believe the data will ultimately support the waiver. We also think EPA can act now to approve E12, based on existing authority and tolerances,” said Bob Dineen of the Renewable Fuels Association through a Twitter chat.
The future of algae-biodiesel could come in catfish ponds that have lost their fish. That’s the topic of discussion for the National Algae Association Mid-South Chapter’s workshop next week.
The biofuels industry will also ask government to set Canada’s first mandate for advanced biofuels, such as those made from algae, wood and grasses, which are not yet in commercial production, [Gordon Quaiattini, president of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association said.
The man who founded and served as the CEO of one of Denver’s first biodiesel firms is out.
One of the country’s premier foodservice distributors has converted another one of its delivery fleets to run on biodiesel.
A joint American-Malaysian effort has completed an important oil palm genome sequencing project that could unlock even more potential from this oil-rich feedstock for biodiesel.
The largest wind energy project in Utah has started operations, generating enough power to keep the lights on in 45,000 homes per year.
Eventually, the $400 million project will include 159 turbines across 40 square miles of public and private land.
Don’t forget, there’s a big sale on biodiesel equipment just around the corner.
Allison Guyton, director of operation for Maas Companies says this is a perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to pick up some brand new, still shrink-wrapped, palleted equipment that is ready for a plant expansion.
Guyton says sales like these seem to go in cycles with this being a phenomenal chance for someone to expand their operations while not expanding their expenses.
Ceres has been awarded
A new venture could provide up to $376 million for projects that will turn sweet sorghum into ethanol.