All Entries in the "Policy" Category
EPA extend RFS2 comment period to September
In Washington, the EPA announced that it is extending the comment period on the its proposed rule revising the national Renewable Fuel Standard program, commonly referred to as RFS2. The original comment period was to end on July 27, 2009 and will now end on September 25, 2009.
With the 60-day comment period extension, EPA said [...]
EPA oficials to visit Senator Grassley’s farm on September 3rd
From Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa. “Late yesterday, I received word that officials from EPA, that they accepted my invitation to travel to Iowa. Both Regina McCarthy and Margo Oge will be coming to Iowa on September 3rd. I appreciate the administration’s willingness to visit and see firsthand the impact their agency has on farmers [...]
EPA grants California emissions waiver, clears route for tougher auto standards
In Washington, reaction poured in over the decision of the EPA to grant an emissions waiver request from California, enabling the state to enforce its unique and tougher greenhouse gas emissions standards for new motor vehicles.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson: “This decision puts the law and science first. After review of the scientific findings, and another [...]
Group of US western Republican senators offer energy legislation as alt to climate bill
In Washington, a group of Western Republican Senators including Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett of Utah, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Mike Crapo of Idaho, David Vitter of Louisiana, Jim Risch of Idaho and Mike Enzi of Wyoming launched the “Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Energy (CARE) Act” as an alternative to climate legislation now heading to [...]
ASTM aviation fuel subcommittee OK’s synthetic Fischer-Tropsch jet fuel
The aviation fuels subcommittee of ASTM International OK’d the D-XXXX standard for synthetic jet fuel for commercial aviation use. The new jet fuel specification now moves to the full ASTM committee and, if no negative vote is received, the fuel could be certified as soon as this fall. The specification covers a 50/50 blend of [...]
US House of Representatives to vote today on climate change bill; issue in doubt; scramble for votes
In Washington, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote today on the climate change bill. The biofuels industry got behind the bill this week after winning concessions on the implementation of international indirect land use change until more scientific evidence is gathered one way or another, and the agricultural industry community is pleased [...]
USDA accepting comments on Syngenta petition to deregulate a genetically engineered corn seed
In Washington, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is in a comments period through July 6th on a petition from Syngenta to deregulate corn genetically engineered to produce a microbial enzyme that facilitates ethanol production. APHIS also has a draft environmental assessment for review and comment.
According to the USDA, “APHIS will make [...]
Peterson holds climate change bill in Ag committee, wrangling for farmer protection on biofuels, carbon
In Washington, chairman of the House Agriculture committee, Collin Peterson, is waging war with the House leadership that is seeking to move the climate change bill out of the Ag Committee. Peterson is seeking compensation for farmers for carbon sequestration, such as no-till farming practices, and is seeking to mitigate the impact of current indirect [...]
DOE Secretary Chu says “go with E15″ if the auto fleet can handle it
In Washington, DOE Secretary Steven Chu, referring to the proposal to make E15 the standard for non-flex fuel vehicles instead of E10, said “I don’t want to prejudge what they’re going to find, but if the existing automobile fleet can handle 15 percent, I would say let’s make that a target and go to 15 [...]
EPA releases guide for states, communities on best clean energy practices
In Washington, the EPA today released a guide to help states, cities and organizations save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adopting clean energy practices in their facilities, operations and vehicle fleets.
According to the EPA, a 2001 executive order in New York state saved $54.4 million in energy costs from energy efficiency improvements between [...]
