Category: Policy

USDA adds 1,500 bio-based products to BioPreferred progrm

USDA adds 1,500 bio-based products to BioPreferred progrm

April 13, 2012 |

In Washington, the USDA released its eighth round of new BioPreferred categories and their minimum biobased content. This regulatory action added more than 1,500 biobased products to the 8,900 biobased products already eligible for preferred Federal procurement. The new categories are Blast Media with 94% minimum biobased content, Floor Covererings (non-carpet) at 91%, Wood and […]

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Zimbabwe says no to ethanol blending; Green Fuel in peril

Zimbabwe says no to ethanol blending; Green Fuel in peril

April 11, 2012 |

In Zimbabwe, the government says that it has no immediate plans to introduce ethanol blending policies, so Green Fuel should export its product in order to get the maximum benefit. The energy minister says enacting a blending policy would be akin to creating policy to support an individual. He said that merely by giving the […]

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Bulgaria may drop biodiesel mandate as prices soar

Bulgaria may drop biodiesel mandate as prices soar

April 10, 2012 |

In Bulgaria, the government is considering dropping its biodiesel-blending requirement in an effort to reduce diesel prices. But eliminating biodiesel, fuel could be 3.3 cents cheaper per liter. The government already temporarily halted biodiesel last year in an attempt to reduce prices, but for this year it is also looking at other options including reducing […]

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Virginia Rep Randy Forbes criticizes Navy’s alternative energy program

Virginia Rep Randy Forbes criticizes Navy’s alternative energy program

April 9, 2012 |

In Virginia, Representative Randy Forbes, R-Va, has raised concerns regarding Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’ goals regarding alternative energy usage in the navy. Concerns revolved around the cost of biofuel, which was around $26 a gallon in December when the Navy purchased 450,000 gallons of an algae and cooking oil blend. Forbes was met by dissent […]

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Bi-partisan Domestic Fuels Act offers streamlined fuel regulations

Bi-partisan Domestic Fuels Act offers streamlined fuel regulations

April 6, 2012 |

In Washington, Senators John Hoeven, Roy Blunt, Amy Klobuchar, and Mike Crapo introduced bipartisan legislation, the Domestic Fuels Act of 2012.  Among numerous provisions, the act looks to streamline the process so that all fuels, both traditional and renewable, can be stored and dispensed with common equipment. The bill requires the EPA to develop streamlined […]

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NZ parliament rejects Sustainable Biofuel Bill

NZ parliament rejects Sustainable Biofuel Bill

April 5, 2012 |

In New Zealand, the Sustainable Biofuel Bill, which would have legislated conditions for the sustainable production and sale of biofuels, was defeated at its second reading in Parliament. The bill was voted down 69-51, with National, New Zealand First, Act and United Future parties opposing it. Opponents concluded that the legislation was “unnecessary and impractical” […]

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USDA, DOE, Navy to co-host roundtable

USDA, DOE, Navy to co-host roundtable

April 4, 2012 |

In Washington, U.S. Department of Agriculture – along with the Department of Energy, and the Department of Navy – will co-host an Advanced Biofuels Industry Roundtable in Washington D.C. on May 18, 2012 as the next step in the partnership with the private sector to produce advanced biofuels to power military and commercial transportation. Agriculture […]

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Indian producers shift to industrial ethanol as Indian gov’t delays fuel price rises

Indian producers shift to industrial ethanol as Indian gov’t delays fuel price rises

April 3, 2012 |

In India, sugar mills are diverting ethanol to ENA and industrial ethanol applications away from the fuel market because the government has yet to officially boost the price to 34 rupees from the current 27 rupees despite having already agreed to do so. About 2.4 billion liters of ENA can be produced from this year’s […]

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Vermont Senator supports sustainable energy policy

Vermont Senator supports sustainable energy policy

April 2, 2012 |

In Vermont, Senator Bernie Sanders voiced his support for a sustainable energy policy that would reduce the likelihood of further wars for oil. He also voiced his support for the actions of the Air Force and Navy in embracing biofuel: “It’s a huge breakthrough. Commercial airlines are looking into this, too — so the implications […]

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New USDA study highlights energy production opportunities at airports

New USDA study highlights energy production opportunities at airports

March 30, 2012 |

In Washington, the USDA announced a recent study conducted by researchers from APHIS, highlighting the potential for alternative energy production at airports. Researchers at the USDA-APHIS National Wildlife Research Center note that many airport properties are already managed to reduce wildlife abundance and habitat quality as part of efforts to avoid wildlife collisions with aircraft. […]

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