Category: Policy

Fraudster convicted, faces up to 484 years in prison for fake renewable fuels scheme

Fraudster convicted, faces up to 484 years in prison for fake renewable fuels scheme

July 2, 2012 |

In Maryland, Rodney R. Hailey was convicted of wire fraud, money laundering and violating the Clean Air Act, in a biodiesel RIN fraud case, and faces up to 484 years in prison. The 33-year old was convicted of selling $9 million in fraudulent RINS, and faces sentencing on October 11th. RIN fraud cases have created […]

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Bad weather, crop failures, regulatory confusion, economy fears put the price squeeze on biofuels

Bad weather, crop failures, regulatory confusion, economy fears put the price squeeze on biofuels

June 29, 2012 |

Any way you look at it, this hasn’t been a good year for biofuel feedstocks. In the US rising crop costs have squeezed both farmers’ and producers’ margins, while in Brazil high sugar prices have made ethanol uncompetitive with subsidized gasoline, Europe is awash in biodiesel amid shrinking production and low demand, and in the […]

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South Africa motivates development of ethanol, biodiesel by setting new rules

South Africa motivates development of ethanol, biodiesel by setting new rules

June 28, 2012 |

In South Africa, the Department of Energy is expected to publish its final regulations on biofuel blending next month. Both ethanol and biodiesel blends will be set with rules on who gets paid what, from cane farmer to retailer including a financing mechanism that is meant to support the development of the industry. More on […]

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Business Confidence with the RFS Under Attack: the Bioenergy Business Outlook Survey

Business Confidence with the RFS Under Attack: the Bioenergy Business Outlook Survey

June 27, 2012 |

Business Confidence with the RFS Under Attack In Florida, Biofuels Digest and BIO have launched the latest Bioenergy Business Outlook Survey. What is your level of confidence in the industry, now that petroleum refiners have launched a multi-million dollar pr campaign against the biofuel industry? Has your confidence been shaken? Do you see opportunity beckoning […]

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Master Limited Partnerships bill for renewable energy introduced in US Senate

Master Limited Partnerships bill for renewable energy introduced in US Senate

June 27, 2012 |

In Washington, Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced a bill that would see Master Limited Partnerships expanded to allow MLPs to own and finance renewable energy and biofuel projects, a move which some say could substantially reduce the cost of financing renewables that currently rely on the participation of the tax equity market. More on the […]

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Washington state governor slams Congress for “short-sighted” military biofuels policy

Washington state governor slams Congress for “short-sighted” military biofuels policy

June 26, 2012 |

In Washington state, Governor Christine Gregoire claims that U.S. Congressional demands to block the federal government from buying biofuels for Department of Defense use threaten efforts by U.S. industry to build a leadership position in a key alternative fuel source for civil air transport. Governor Gregoire has criticized restrictions recommended by the House and Senate […]

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Coast Guard ship completes first biofuel-powered voyage in prep for Navy Great Green Fleet demo

Coast Guard ship completes first biofuel-powered voyage in prep for Navy Great Green Fleet demo

June 24, 2012 |

In Washington, a Coast Guard ship completed its first biofuel-powered voyage last week on a 50/50 diesel and algae oil blend. The Coast Guard has been partnering with the Navy as it prepares for its Great Green Fleet demo in the Rim of the Pacific beginning on June 29. The Navy, who provided the fuel […]

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US Senate passes Farm Bill with energy title intact

US Senate passes Farm Bill with energy title intact

June 22, 2012 |

In Washington, a bipartisan coalition of Senators rejected a series of amendments designed to reduce or eliminate the Farm Bill energy title, and passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “I am grateful for the Senate’s progress toward providing a reformed safety net for producers in times of […]

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Truman Project VP says “clean, domestic energy” key to US national security

Truman Project VP says “clean, domestic energy” key to US national security

June 20, 2012 |

In Washington, Mike Breen, Vice President of the Truman National Security Project, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations at their hearing entitled, “The Federal Green Jobs Agenda.” In his written testimony, Breen addressed the dangers of man-made climate change and the policy measures needed to secure America and strengthen […]

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“End fossil fuel subsidies” emerges as Rio+20 theme; PANGEA says focus on “best practices” for biofuels

“End fossil fuel subsidies” emerges as Rio+20 theme; PANGEA says focus on “best practices” for biofuels

June 19, 2012 |

In Brazil, “end fossil fuel subsidies” has emerged as a theme at the Rio+20 Summit is underway, where a flash mob of protesters, organized by Earth Day, 350.org and youth groups attending the summit protested $1 trillion per year in subsidies that they said posed a significant barrier to the adioption of clean energy. Also […]

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