In Malaysia, in an attempt to counter negative messaging from anti-palm oil critics, Malaysia and Indonesia are going to appoint a joint Palm Oil Ambassador whose mission it will be spread the word about palm oil’s benefits around the world. Non-tariff barriers such as “no palm oil” labels on foodstuffs are a growing concern for […]
In Washington, NATSO—representing the US’ truck stops and travel plazas—called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to work with private, exit-based businesses within the confines of the existing law that prohibits the sale of fuel and other commercial services at rest areas as it seeks to identify and establish stretches of the National Highway System […]
In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy are disappointed with the Aug. 26 decision by the European Commission to file an appeal with the EU General Court related to its June 2016 ruling invalidating certain ethanol duties. That ruling annulled the European Union’s 9.5 percent antidumping duty on ethanol imported from the United […]
In Washington, the US Department of Agriculture is offering a financial incentive to a specific group of biorefineries; those that were in existence on or before June 18, 2008. A payment of up to $1 million is available for qualifying facilities to reduce their carbon footprint by replacing fossil fuels used in their heat and/or […]
In Brazil, the government has decided to not renew PIS/Cofins tax breaks at the pump for ethanol following their expiry in December. The effect will be to encourage mills to produce more sugar because ethanol will be less attractive at the pump. The country’s lack of financial strength is the reason for ending the tax […]
In California, the Assembly approved a Senate bill seeking to extend the climate change laws by ensuring a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, compared to current legislation that requires achieving 1990 levels by 2020. The vote came following a hot debate and was only passed with a one-vote margin […]
In India, the prime minister continues to push for increased ethanol blending towards 10% despite the sugar industry’s lack of production capacity to achieve the goal. About 4% blending is expected for 2015/16 through September. The challenge is the $10 billion in investments expected for the oil and gas industry, but the prime minister recognizes […]
In Michigan, a local environmentalist has launched the website www.rethinkethanol.com in an attempt to convince people that the Renewable Fuel Standard is a farce that must be ended. Having made his fortune partly by selling the family business that was the state’s go to point for heavy machinery such as Caterpillar, he is personally funding […]
In Hawaii, the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance is seeking third party professionals to perform sustainability audits and is requesting CVs from qualified auditors. Recognizing the need for objective environmental and sustainability standards within the US Biodiesel Industry, the SBA has created an independent third-party certification process and branding system for the production, distribution and sale of […]
In Washington, a report from the Office of the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency says the agency, Congress and other stakeholders lack key information on biofuel impacts needed to make science-based decisions about Renewable Fuel Standard. In short, the EPA has not met certain statutory requirements to identify environmental impacts of the Renewable […]
