Industry News

Biofuels/Alternative Energy

USDA offers Bioenergy Market News Reports
Producers, consumers and distributors of bioenergy products can access crucial data through the Bioenergy Market News Reports published by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.

Advanced biofuel trade associations, companies ask for parity with in tax policy
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), Advanced BioFuels Association (ABFA), and the Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) today joined other trade organizations and advanced biofuel companies to ask leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee to extend the expiration of the cellulosic biofuels production tax credit, make algae and other advanced biofuels eligible, and create an optional, refundable investment tax credit in the next appropriate revenue vehicle considered by the House.

Renewable energy also needs to be sustainable energy
High Plains Journal (March 12, 2010) - The buzzword these days is sustainability. Every company with a product to sell is looking for ways to claim its share of the sustainability market. Research being conducted at the University of Kansas could have everyone chasing the biodiesel industry when it comes to sustainability.

EPA's new rule calls for more than 1 billion gallons of biodiesel this year
AgriMarketing (February 22, 2010) - The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final regulations for the expanded Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) requires 1.15 billion gallons of biodiesel be used domestically by the end of 2010.

Obama announces new Biomass Crop Assistance Program to spur renewable energy, job creation
AgProfessional (February 3, 2010) - As President Obama announced earlier today, the USDA today issued a proposed rule for the new Biomass Crop Assistance Program that intends to spur the expansion of dedicated non-food crops for renewable energy and biofuel production. A public comment period will continue for 60 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register.

EPA rules ethanol green enough for fuel mandates
Successful Farming via Agriculture Online (February 3, 2010) - The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday released its final rule for putting the 2007 energy law into effect. The EPA announcement, timed with a White House push for more energy independence, makes it clear that both corn ethanol and soy-based biodiesel will lower greenhouse gas emissions enough to be in the fuel mix as the nation ramps up to using 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022.

Study shows biodiesel producers more energy efficient than ever
AgriMarketing (February 4, 2010) - A peer-reviewed study released today adds a major volume to the library of research backing the environmental and energy benefits of biodiesel. The study further validates biodiesel's benefits over conventional fuel.

Biodiesel fuel requirement in Minnesota waived because of cold weather
Alexandria Echo Press (January 29, 2010) - Cold weather concerns of many Minnesotans have led the Minnesota Department of Commerce to temporarily suspend the requirement that some of its diesel fuels be blended with 5 percent biodiesel this winter, said state Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, one of the lawmakers who sought the waiver.

Grassley hopes for restoring biodiesel tax credit by mid-February
Successful Farming via Agriculture.com (January 29, 2010) - Senator Chuck Grassley said this week that he's working with the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus to get a biodiesel tax credit restored as quickly as possible, but that might not be until sometime next month.

Tier 4 technology takes off
Farm Journal (January 21, 2010) - New emissions regulations are coming down the road that will have a major impact on agriculture. As of Jan. 1, 2011, engines for off-road applications will have to meet the latest emissions regulation standards that of a 90% reduction in particulate matter and a 45% reduction in nitrogen oxide.