In Brazil, the government has cut the PIS/Cofins – payroll and social security taxes – on ethanol and reduced interest rates on loans in an attempt to spur investment in the industry. UNICA says the measures will cost the government about $480 million in lost revenue this year, and is a “step in the right […]
In Brussels, the biofuel industry across Europe is struggling with the draft opinion presented by the European Parliament’s rappateur for ILUC, French MEP Corrine LePage. Her proposal suggests the introduction of ILUC factors which the entire industry has been against since ILUC negotiations began as well as a tighter cap on biodiesel production from oil […]
In India, the Tamil Nadu government wants to see the development of an ethanol distillery in Thanjavur, co-located at the Aringar Anna Sugar Mills. It has already ordered the development of a 450,000 liter ethanol distillery at Cheyyar Co-operative Sugar Mills. The government has boosted the sugarcane price for farmers in hopes of encouraging them […]
In Washington, Israeli academic and industrial biofuels research scientists and innovators are visiting Washington to explore opportunities for cooperation with the US for development of advanced biofuels. Following the meetings in Washington, they will travel to DOE labs in Oak Ridge Tennessee and in California to meet with more than 50 U.S. scientists and energy […]
In Florida, the Florida Legislature is considering HB4001, which, if adopted would repeal the Renewable Fuels Standard set in 2008. With a federal mandate for 10 percent ethanol in gasoline, this legislation will have no material impact on the makeup of gasoline in Florida. Just as our economy is starting to recover and just as […]
In New Mexico, the state’s Petroleum Marketers Association plans to seek a third waiver of the B5 blending mandate next week. The waiver would be on the books for six months following the current waiver that expires April 30. The Department of Agriculture can choose to suspend the mandate even if no one seeks it. […]
In Lithuania, the president and prime minister both agree on the need to rein in the biofuel monopolies. Draft resolutions are meant to be under development by the National Control Commission for Prices and Energy that would require heat producers who receive state support to buy biofuel at biofuel exchange. Currently those buying biofuels for […]
In Washington, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) indicated that the Senate Energy committee plans to spend “a lot of time” considering the renewable fuel mandate, claiming that he was “not convinced that the current requirements are achievable.” Wyden, a supporter of the ethanol mandate, said he would explore the topic at a hearing on gasoline prices […]
In Washington, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) recently submitted comments to the EPA on the proposed Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives in the 2013 Renewable Fuel Standards. BIO cautioned against setting volumes for cellulosic and advanced biofuels that would become a self-fulfilling prophecy, by discouraging biofuel developers from aiming higher. BIO also recommended that […]
Today on Twitter: greentech_blog E2B / In Depth articles / Crop-based biofuels: A complex issue ActionAidUSA: @SundellKristin sez #RFS reform shows global leadership in face of rising tide of biofuels in other nations ev_newscast President’s FY2014 Budget boosts DOE vehicle technology spending 75% to $575M; $282M for advanced biofuels gwlawenviro Carr–the renewable fuels standard is the most important […]
