As I told you yesterday, the European Union has decided to slap some tariffs on American biodiesel coming into the continent because of what the Europeans see as unfair subsidies the US gives to American biodiesel producers.
In response, the National Biodiesel Board’s Vice President of Federal Affairs, Manning Feraci, issued this statement yesterday:
“Today’s meeting is just one step in the ongoing legal process that will ultimately conclude later this year. As we have since these investigations were initiated in June of last year, the NBB will continue to use all legal options at its disposal to defend the interests of the U.S. biodiesel industry.
“Ultimately, before the case is finally resolved, the EC must determine whether U.S. competition is harming the European biodiesel industry before duties of any kind can be imposed. The facts in this case remain the same. The European industry is not being harmed by U.S. competition. In fact, the EC has before it data demonstrating that key European biodiesel companies are doing quite well. And for those companies that are faring poorly, it is factors not related to U.S competition – bad business models; high feedstock costs; and detrimental changes in EU member state policy – that are the cause. As the case proceeds, the NBB will continue to highlight this fundamental shortcoming in the European Biodiesel Board’s complaint.”
According to year-end figures released by the Energy Information Administration, American ethanol facilities produced more than 9.2 billion gallons of ethanol in 2008, up from some 6.5 billion gallons in 2007. On average, the U.S. ethanol industry produced 601,000 barrels per day (b/d), compared to 423,000 in 2007. 
There are several new alternative energy grants available for wind energy and biomass energy. The first grant, “20% Wind by 2030: Overcoming the Challenges” was posted on February 27, 2009 and closes on March 5, 2009. The government is posed to award up to 99 grants for a total of $8 million. You can get more information and apply online at 
The study was commissioned by 
As I told you 
Ethanol debuted on the fashion runway last year…as a pair of jeans. Yes, jeans. Fashion meets environment with these stylish jeans that are made from cotton grown with less pesticides and sold in recycled packaging.
about the clothing line nor the programs that are supported through the purchase of the jeans. I tried contacting the organization but as of press time, haven’t heard anything back.
Blodgett Oil Company recently entered a competition to see if their painted “E85 Tractor” entry could win as the “sexiest tractor” at a local Red Cross Tractor Races Fundraiser. 
About twenty tractors were entered in the competition. During the race, the tractors were moved along a board game like space in a large banquet room, with the attendee’s betting on who will win the race. Whoever had the most bets, won the race. Attendees also betted on the “Sexiest Tractor”. 
“2008 really was a banner year for the industry,” said Sloan. She anticipates that 2009 won’t be as big of a year due to the economic situation but does see a bright future going forward citing the provisions in the stimulus package. 
Manhattan, KS looked more like Manhattan, NY yesterday as cars were lined up to get E85 for just 85 cents a gallon and E10 for only a dollar, plus a free lunch at the Manhattan Farmers Cooperative Association.
“We were very happy with the event. Many students learned of the opportunity via Facebook and email, and this is exactly what this contest is about, educating students where they spend there time – online,” reported Robert White, Director of Market Development for the RFA.