In South Korea, the country’s biodiesel manufacturers are getting nervous because the government hasn’t followed through with its promised blending mandates. The mandate is currently at 2% which was supposed to rise to 3% this year and 5% later on, but the government now says it may only raise the blend in 2014. Local supplies […]
In Guatemala, the New York Times is slamming US and European biofuel policies for boosting demand for corn as well as for sugarcane as the leading causes of poverty and food scarcity in the country. The country’s corn-based diet has seen tortilla prices double in three years while former corn producers are switching to sugarcane […]
In Zimbabwe, Green Fuel re-started ethanol production on Monday thanks to the cabinet at long last adopting a 5% ethanol blending policy that will later rise to 10% and 15%. Until blending logistics are in place around the country, the cabinet decided E5 will be blended at Msasa and at oil companies’ outlets until nationwide […]
In Switzerland, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has released a press release expressing their concern regarding the extension of the biodiesel tax incentive. “This would be an irresponsible move at the best of times, but is scandalous when Americans are preoccupied with a ballooning budget deficit,” said Mark Halle, vice-president of IISD, a […]
In Washington, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar will be a Special Honored Guest at the Environmental & Clean Energy Inaugural Ball to be held later this month in Washington. Building on the success of 6 previous Inaugural Balls, a wide range of environmental and clean energy organizations are working together to host the event that will […]
In Canada, the federal government is considering amending its Renewable Fuels Regulations to permanently exempt home-heating fuel following complaints from industry. The current legislation requires at least two per cent renewable energy for home-heating fuel but higher renewable fuel costs have stressed suppliers and increased heating bills for consumers. The amendment would also give an […]
Three key tax credits extended for cellulosic biofuels, biodiesel and renewable diesel; playing field leveled for algae; Farm Bill provisions extended In Washington, the US House of Representatives passed, by a vote of 257-167, a bill to avert a set of automatic tax increases that would have, according to economist consensus, sent the US spiraling […]
In Washington State, in an effort to streamline legislative processes, the House Environment Committee will now address all energy-related issues, including renewable energy standards and production. As a national leader in the promotion of renewable energy technologies, the state looks to spur economic growth while protecting the environment. Most recently, the Legislature has taken on […]
In Brussels, the six-month Irish EU Presidency begins on January 1, 2013. The Irish presidency will be tasked with hosting several key energy meetings on whether or not the EU will set new deadlines for renewable energy by 2020, and on the sustainability of biomass. The Irish government will also likely be pressured to prevent […]
In Nevada, Sen. Byron Dorgan will give the keynote address at the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo in Las Vegas. The Senator has retired from public office, but has recently been discussed in the media as a prospect for the Secretary of Energy, should Secretary Chu step down. More on the story.
