In California, Communities for a Better Environment and the Center for Biological Diversity sued Contra Costa County on Tuesday over its rushed approval of two proposed biofuel refineries in the Bay Area using incomplete and misleading environmental reviews. The lawsuits challenge what they say are flawed environmental review processes for two giant oil refineries looking […]
In Belgium, last week European transport ministers adopted a common position on each of the three legislative proposals of the fit for 55 package that relate to the transport sector alternative fuels infrastructure (AFIR), FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelEU Aviation). This is an important step in the implementation of the fit for 55 legislative package, which […]
In India, The Times of India newspaper reports that the country has achieved its 10% ethanol blending target five months head of its October deadline. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister in celebration of World Environment Day, saying that the achievement has meant a savings of 2.7 million metric tons of carbon emissions, […]
In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set biofuel blending mandates for 2022 at 20.63 billion gallons and retroactive volume mandates for 2021 at 18.84 billion gallons and for 2020 at 17.13 billion gallons. It also denied oil refiners’ exemption petitions, but said it would allow extra time for small refiners to meet their […]
In Malaysia, Reuters reports that following pushback from the national biodiesel association, the commodities minister confirmed it will keep biodiesel blending levels where they are, a policy that is contrary to comments made by the palm oil board calling for lower biodiesel blending in response to tight vegetable oil markets, high fuel prices and the […]
In Washington, Reuters reports that although a final decision has not yet been made, sources believe the Biden Administration will choose to increase biofuel blending for 2021 above the 13.32 billion gallons first proposed in December. Ethanol blending for last year was already well above that level at about 13.94 billion gallons. A meeting was […]
In Washington, Energy Wire reports Bracewell launched the Capture Action Project last month to lobby for support of large-scale carbon capture projects while the government prepares to invest $8.2 billion in the growing sector. Previously the firm opposed CCS on behalf of its utility clients but has since made an about face on the issue […]
In France, Strategie Grains has reduced its estimate for European biodiesel consumption this year on the back of biodiesel blending mandate cuts in Czech Republic and Latvia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Germany’s cap of 2.5% blending of first-generation biofuels are also expected to reduce demand, along with falling diesel demand in […]
In Japan, President Joseph Biden met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and welcomed Japan’s commitment to reduce dependence on imported petroleum by 2030 through doubling demand for bioethanol, including sustainable aviation fuel and on-road fuel. The U.S. Grains Council thanks U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel for his continued support in expanding the potential for ethanol use […]
In the Philippines, the Manila Bulletin newspaper reports that the Department of Energy believes that by boosting coconut biodiesel blending to 5% from the current 2%, fuel prices will increase by 1.5 cents per liter at the pump. Those calculations were done in January/February, however, before Russia invaded Ukraine and sent oil prices soaring around […]
