Archives

June 7, 2019

Weekly Roundup of Other Biobased News

Phys.org, “Bio-based Fertilizers as a Solution for Phosphorus Sufficiency and Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions” EURACTIV, “With New Regulation Complete, What’s Next for EU Biofuels?” Ethanol Producer Magazine, “Nebraska Passes Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Bill” Colorado Public Radio, “Colorado’s ‘Bold’ Plan for Climate Action Moves Ahead with New State Laws” Sustainability Times, “Land, Air and Sea: Canada Funds...
June 7, 2019

Brazil Holds Auction For Projects In Sustainability

By Lynn L. Bergeson and Ligia Duarte Botelho, M.A. On May 31, 2019, the Brazilian government’s Ministry of Energy’s Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE — Energy Research Company) held an auction for the supply of sustainable energy and biofuel sources for the State of Roraima’s capital, Boa Vista, and its neighboring areas. A federal energy company, EPE provides the Ministry of Energy with R&D services designed for subsidies of the energy sector, covering...
June 7, 2019

IATA Approves CORSIA Resolution

By Lynn L. Bergeson On June 2, 2019, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the approval, by the IATA 75th Annual General Meeting (AGM), of the United Nations’ (UN) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) resolution, which calls governments to continue work on the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The first global carbon pricing instrument for an industry sector, CORSIA will cap carbon dioxide...
June 7, 2019

EPA Issues In Final Regulatory Changes Allowing E15 Sale Year-Round

By Lynn L. Bergeson On May 30, 2019, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released in final the regulatory changes allowing gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver that applies to E10 during the summer months. This means that E15 can now be sold year-round in the U.S. without additional RVP control rather than just eight months of the year. EPA also...
May 31, 2019

Weekly Roundup of Other Biobased News

Oil & Gas 360, “Pöyry Launches Plastics ToBio Concept Aiming to Solve the Global Plastics Problem and Replace Fossil Based Plastics with Bio-Based Raw Materials” Journal of Commerce, “Provincial Government Announces New Innovation Fund for Energy-efficient Buildings” ScienceNordic, “From Lethal Spider Toxins to Eco-friendly Pesticides” Forbes, “Ethanol Industry Suffers a Court Defeat” De zeen, “Aivan Grows Headphones from Fungus and...
May 31, 2019

Senator Wyden Introduces Bill To Amend CAA Definition Of Renewable Biomass

By Lynn L. Bergeson On May 22, 2019, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill (S. 1614) to amend the Clean Air Act (CAA) to modify the definition of “renewable biomass” under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  The CAA currently prohibits the use of biomass from federal lands in the making of renewable fuels as defined by the RFS.  The bill would allow the use of biomass from certain federal lands needing ecological restoration in...
May 24, 2019

CEC Awards Funding For Clean Energy Projects

By Lynn L. Bergeson On May 15, 2019, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved approximately $11 million for clean energy demonstration projects that include biofuels, renewable gas, and microgrids. Funded by CEC’s Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program, in support of clean transportation innovation, $2 million from the total funds have been approved for technology and investment solutions in hopes of demonstrating cost-effective and more sustainable processes...
May 17, 2019

Weekly Roundup of Other Biobased News

The Science Times, “Plant Sugars Used as Raw Material for Plastics Chemical” The Epoch Times, “Chile-based Designer Creates Alternative to Single-use Plastic – It’s from the Sea” WNAX, “Minnesota Biofuels Executive Pleased Congress Holding EPA Accountable on RFS Waivers” Business World, “US EPA Proposes Hike in Biofuel Mandate to 20.04 B Gallons in 2020” VN Express International, “Biofuel Fails to Make a Difference in Vietnam,...
May 17, 2019

DOE Announces Concept Papers’ Deadline For Funding Opportunity

By Lynn L. Bergeson On May 15, 2019, DOE EERE’s BETO announced the deadline for concept paper submissions for a $79 million funding opportunity for bioenergy research and development (R&D): June 3, 2019. This funding opportunity includes biopower, biofuels, and bioproducts, aiming to reduce the price of drop-in biofuels, lower the cost of biopower, and enable high-value products from waste or biomass resources. The opportunity includes ten topic areas: Cultivation Intensification...
May 10, 2019

DOE Announces Funding For Bioenergy R&D

By Lynn L. Bergeson On May 3, 2019, DOE announced over $79 million in funding for bioenergy R&D, which includes biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower. Under Secretary of Energy, Mark W. Menezes, stated that the FOA will contribute to ensure the nation’s competitive advantage in the bioeconomy and offer more energy choices. The FOA’s objectives are to reduce the price of drop-in biofuels, lower the cost of biopower, and enable high-value products from waste or biomass...