Category: Biotechnology/Synthetic Biology

May 13, 2016

DOE Announces Project Development For Pilot And Demonstration Scale Manufacturing Of Biofuels, Bio

On May 6, 2016, DOE announced the $90 million Project Development for Pilot and Demonstration Scale Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower. As previously reported by BRAG, this funding opportunity is intended to support the construction of bioenergy infrastructure that utilizes advanced pretreatment, process, and convergence technologies. "The domestic bio-industry could play an important part in the growing clean energy economy and in reducing American dependence on imported...
May 13, 2016

Biomass Research And Development Initiative Provides Seven Projects With Up To $10 Million In Fundi

On May 9, 2016, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the recipients of up to $10 million in funding through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI). BRDI is a joint program through DOE and USDA that helps develop sustainable sources of biomass and increase the availability of biobased fuels and products. DOE selected two of the grant winners to receive between $1 million...
April 22, 2016

DOE’s Biotechnology Office To Announce Funding Opportunity For Bio Manufacturing

On April 15, 2016, DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) announced a Notice of Intent (NOI) to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled "Project Definition for Pilot and Demonstration Scale Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower (PD2B3)." The FOA would be managed by the Bioenergy Technologies Office, and will support technology development plans for drop-in hydrocarbon biofuels, bioproducts, or biopower manufacturing. Applicants...
April 22, 2016

BRAG, B&C, and Industrial Biotechnology Host Bioeconomy Leaders Reception During BIO World Congress

Scientists, executives, investors, and media representatives gathered in San Diego, California on Monday evening for a fascinating and wide-ranging panel discussion on current issues facing bioeconomy leaders and innovators. The reception, hosted by the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®), Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®), and Industrial Biotechnology, included panelists Christophe Schilling, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Genomatica; Blake A. Simmons, Ph.D., Chief...
April 15, 2016

Weekly Roundup of Other Biobased News

? DOE, "Harnessing Biotechnology to Accelerate Advanced Biofuels Production" ? Resource, "French Carrier Bag Ban to Boost Bio-Based Products" ? News Lodi, "Reverse Photosynthesis: Degradation of Biomass by Sunlight" ? Resource, "Bio-Based Material of the Year Announced" ? Center for Biological Diversity, "United Nations Urged to Withdraw Misleading Biofuels Report: Error-filled Document Touts Shuttered Plants, Bankrupt Company" ? Tennessee Today,...
April 15, 2016

Don’t Miss The Upcoming 2016 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C®) is a proud sponsor of the 2016 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology. Make sure to visit our tabletop display to pick up content-driven articles about the current state of biotechnology regulations, with commentary by B&C and Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®) professionals. Richard E. Engler, Ph.D., Senior Chemist with B&C, will be attending the conference and will be pleased to discuss questions attendees may...
April 15, 2016

Six Biofuel Trade Associations Write Congress To Extend Advanced Biofuel Tax Credits

On April 5, 2016, the biofuel trade associations Advanced Biofuels Business Council, Algae Biomass Organization, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Growth Energy, National Biodiesel Board, and Renewable Fuels Association sent a letter to House and Senate Leaders asking for a multiyear extension of advanced biofuel tax credits. The six organizations are specifically asking that the Second Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit, the Special Depreciation Allowance for Second Generation...
April 7, 2016

NAS Releases Agenda for First Future Biotechnology Products and Regulatory System Committee Meeting

On April 5, 2016, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) posted the Agenda for the first open session of its committee on “Future Biotechnology Products and Opportunities to Enhance Capabilities of the Biotechnology Regulatory System.”  The Committee is beginning a study to provide an independent and objective examination of the future products of biotechnology, as commissioned pursuant to the White House Office of Science and Technology...
April 5, 2016

Lynn L. Bergeson, “TSCA Reform: Is It Still in Our Future?,” Industrial Biotechnology, April 5, 2016.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform has been a “work in progress” for years. House and Senate passage in 2015 of substantive TSCA reform measures considerably improved the odds that Congress would enact TSCA-reform legislation in 2016. Recent events suggest otherwise, however, and as of this writing in mid-March the fate of TSCA reform remains decidedly uncertain. Momentum has dissipated as a dithering House has been slow to engage with Senate counterparts to reconcile the different...
April 1, 2016

Weekly Roundup of Other Biobased News

? Biome Bioplastics, "Brands Must Turn To Bio-Based Innovation To Alleviate Disposable Coffee Cup Waste" ? Syngenta, "The Good Growth Plan: Progress Made Across All Commitments" ? PRWeb, "DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products And BioAmber Launch New Sampling Program at UTECH NA" ? University Of Tennessee Institute Of Agriculture, "UT Center Continues Quest For Low-Cost, High-Quality Bioenergy" ? BIO, "BIO Announces Plenary Session Speakers for the 2016...