During a media conference call today, the American Petroleum Institute (API) called the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “unworkable” and stated that they would “like to see complete repeal of the RFS.” Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), refuted those statements: “The RFS is a proven success. It is a highly […]
In North Dakota, Gov. Jack Dalrymple has recommended $5.48 million to support renewable energy and energy conservation initiatives during the 2013-2015 budget from the Resource Trust Fund. Ethanol production has increased 300% in the state during the past decade.
In India, the state cooperation minister for Maharashtra has called for a consistent ethanol policy, musing the lack of one must be the reason why oil marketing companies aren’t favoring local ethanol production with a steady price compared to the oscillating prices of importing fossil fuel from abroad because otherwise it doesn’t make sense.
In the EU, EU officials are set to consider changes to energy taxes in favor of clean fuel, according to Reuters. While fuel is currently taxed based on volume, an internal European presidency note dated January 9 regarding minimum rates for energy products suggests that taxing fuels according to carbon dioxide emissions and energy content. […]
In Washington, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued a report highlighting USDA Rural Development’s fiscal year (FY) 2012 investments in job creation, businesses, infrastructure and housing for Americans living in rural communities across the nation. With an active portfolio of more than $176 billion in loans and loan guarantees, Rural Development has provided affordable housing, […]
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 […]
