The debate rages on between the Renewable Fuels Association and the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) over whose fuel is better for America. Ultimately, UNICA wants in and RFA wants them out. Earlier this week, UNICA planned a pump promotion in Washington D.C. at two gas stations where for a limited time, drivers would receive 54 cents off per gallon …
Clean Air Task Force Sues EPA Over RFS2
Earlier this year Big Oil sued the EPA over the biodiesel requirement in the RFS2. Today, the Clean Air Task Force, on behalf of environmental groups including Friends of the Earth, filed suit against the EPA claiming that RFS2 encourages the world to use more oil, which will cause more pollution, because America would be reducing its dependence through the …
Study Finds Wind Produces 10,000 Jobs in Texas
A new study shows that wind energy has produced 10,000 jobs in Texas… and new infrastructure to carry more power could add another 40,000+ jobs to the Lone Star State. North American Windpower reports that the Perryman Group economic study, which comes as the American Wind Energy Association gets ready to host Windpower 2010 in Dallas next week, shows the …
Western Wind & Solar Integration Study Released
Today, GE Energy has released “The Western Wind & Solar Integration Study,” which was prepared for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The purpose of the report was to investigate the operational impacts and economics of wind, photovoltaics and concentrating solar on the power system operated by the WestConnect group of utilities located mainly in the southwest. The study specifically …
Jobe Calls for Biodiesel Tax Credit Renewal at AFVI
The head of the nation’s biggest biodiesel lobbying group is renewing his call for Washington to retroactively reinstate the federal biodiesel tax incentive … and it’s unacceptable how long the industry and country has had to go with the credit. Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board told energy leaders at the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Institute national conference …
Biotechnology to Expand Use of Biomass In China
Novozymes continues to lead the way in biomass technologies with their new announcement that they are partnering with Dacheng Group, a major starch processing company based in China, to develop technologies designed to produce household cleaning products and plastics from agricultural waste. Both plastics and cleaning products typically have petroleum as one of their ingredients. As part of the partnership, …
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute Awards
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) recognized outstanding leadership in the alternative fuels and vehicles industry as part of the 16th Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Conference + Expo 2010 today in Las Vegas. Among this year’s honorees is Robert White, Director of Market Development for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), who was awarded the 24/7 Blend Award for “his leadership …
Biodiesel Plant Layoffs Prompt Renewed Call for Action
Another day, more jobs lost due to Congress’ inaction on renewing the $1-a-gallon federal biodiesel tax credit. This time, it’s the Maple River Energy biodiesel plant near Galva, Iowa. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says 12 of the facility’s 18 employees are being laid off until the biodiesel blenders credit is reinstated: Delayne Johnson, General Manager of Maple River Energy, …
Meat Producers Oppose Ethanol Tax Incentives
Major livestock and poultry trade associations sent a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee this week asking that they allow the blenders’ tax credit and associated tariff for ethanol to expire at the end of this year. The request was made in a letter signed by industry trade associations, including the American Meat Institute, the National Turkey Federation, …