In Finland, new research from the University of Eastern Finland finds that “the EU biofuels regime is a good example of a mode of new governance suitable for governing complex regulatory challenges such as sustainable biofuels, but its regulatory architecture and the particular mechanisms of new governance it deploys endanger the achievement of the underlying […]
In Argentina, the government nearly tripled its export tax on biodiesel for April, shooting up to 13.2% compared to 5% in March. The industry celebrated the lower tax in March that was lower than the 8.9% in February, expecting low taxes to remain a trend to help support the fuel’s competition against falling fossil fuel […]
In Washington, the Surface Transportation Board will hold a public hearing on June 10, 2015, at its offices in Washington, DC, to further examine issues related to the accessibility of rate complaint procedures for grain shippers. In the comments, some shippers argued in favor of an expansive definition of “grain” that includes both grain and […]
In Australia, the “Alliance Against Ethanol Mandates” including many livestock producers from poultry to beef has called the arguments behind proposed ethanol policies such as energy security “spurious at best”, saying 5% is the maximum the country could produce and blend. The group wants the Queensland government to explain why it has proposed an unidentified […]
In Indonesia, the government’s palm oil export levy to finance the subsidies supporting a higher domestic blend is delayed, with implementation seen coming some time in August rather than by the end of May as previously expected. The policy should be ready in the next two weeks.
In Washington, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments today to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expressing support for a proposed legal agreement that sets specific deadlines for establishing Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume levels in 2014, 2015 and 2016. In addition, the RFA comments encourage EPA to abandon the unlawful “blend wall” methodology […]
In Illinois, the controversial bill that would apply E15 to about 100 gas stations across Chicago is still alive after a move earlier this week in the city council that saved it from being wiped off the slate as happens with all old legislation from a previous session. The bill’s main proponent who co-signed the […]
In the UK, the new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government says the Ensus biorefinery needs to stand on its own feet financially, while recognizing that the project is an important investment for the Humber region. He said it’s too soon to write off the facility that is currently mothballed as […]
In India, the government is implementing the policy framework to allow the use of E85 and ED95 ethanol blends. Rules for vehicles running on biogas are also being finalized following the trial of the Scania biogas bus in Nagpur. The country’s energy minister has become a significant proponent of renewable fuels since rising to office.
In Washington, the American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) has submitted a white paper to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), calling for clarification of the agency’s interpretation of feedstock material within the definition of facility under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) (see 40 CFR 80.1401). Specifically, the definition of facility requires the production of […]
