Category: Policy

The Golden Landfill State: California Democrats continue to block use of waste for biofuels

[ 1 ] April 26, 2011 | admin

In California, Jim Stewart, Chairman of the Board, BioEnergy Producers Association reports: “Democrats on California’s environmental committees, for more than six years, have blocked corrective legislation that would enable the state to make constructive use of its organic wastes as a feedstock for the sustainable production of advanced non-food derived biofuels and electricity. During this time, the state has […]

USDA clarifies reporting on corn consumption for ethnaol

[ 2 ] April 25, 2011 | admin

In Washington, the USDA has changed a category in the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from “ethanol for fuel” to “ethanol and byproducts,” with an explanation that corn sent to biorefineries is used to produce ethanol, distillers grains, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal and corn oil. The report did not mention that the […]

Six biofuels trade groups to confer with USDA, following RFS unity pledge

[ 0 ] April 22, 2011 | admin

In Washington, the five biofuels trade groups that agreed on a “don’t mess with the RFS” through 2013 unified policy at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference this week have been asked to join a conference call this week led by USDA Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager. The call was arranged in part by USDA Senior Policy […]

Schwarzenegger says tariff on Brazilian ethanol must go

[ 4 ] April 20, 2011 | admin

In California, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is pushing for the tariff on imported Brazilian ethanol to be dropped, calling it a “crime” to not import the sugarcane-based fuel. Keeping the tariffs up is demonstrating a “lack of leadership in Washington,” he said. He is also pushing for building of new nuclear facilities in the state. […]

World Bank chief calls for relaxation of biofuels mandates to ease food price pressure

[ 0 ] April 19, 2011 | admin

In Washington, the World Bank is putting partial blame for food riots and unrest in North Africa on national policies that promote biofuel use—especially pointing the finger at US use of 1/3 of its corn crop for ethanol. World Bank head Robert Zoellick is calling for biofuel policies to be relaxed during times of food […]

It’s Time We Break Down the Blend Wall – For Good

[ 3 ] April 15, 2011 | admin

By Biofuels Digest columnist Tom Buis CEO, Growth Energy There is no greater hurdle to the expansion of the American biofuels industry than the artificial barriers to the market. Through flawed policy and outdated regulation, these barriers serve as a mandate for the American people that 90 percent of our fuel must be gasoline. It […]

USDA to make $103M in energy efficiency, blender pump grants, loan guarantees

[ 0 ] April 15, 2011 | admin

In Washington, the USDA announced that it will provide up to $61 million in guaranteed loans and $42 million in grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Funds are available to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements and conduct studies to determine the feasibility […]

Vilsack says biofuels critics engaged in the wrong debate

[ 0 ] April 14, 2011 | admin

In Washington, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack says that biofuel critics are engaging in the wrong debate by arguing whether or not biofuels should be produced, but instead they should be looking for ways to encourage farmers to grow fuels, ‘shortchanging’ agriculture instead of looking at its ‘enormous possibilities.’ More on the story.

Researchers say EPA Biofuels Review lacking industry or expert participation

[ 0 ] April 14, 2011 | admin

In Washington, researchers who testified at the EPA’s peer review meeting in March on its first triennial review for biofuels are concerned that the review lacks input from industry nor expertise in greenhouse gas emissions. The lack of comparison between biofuels and petroleum does a disservice to policymakers who may not be familiar with the […]

Lott, Dorgan, Jones, Reilly form Bipartisan Policy Center Energy Project

[ 1 ] April 13, 2011 | admin

In Washington, former Senators Trent Lott (R-MS) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND), former National Security Advisor General Jim Jones (Ret.) and former EPA Administrator William K. Reilly announced they will lead the new Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Energy Project with a focus on key national energy policy issues, including energy security, supply, reliability, cost and sustainability. […]

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