On Dec. 20, the U.S. EPA announced it will extend the public comment periods for its Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support proposed rule and its proposed denial to change the point of obligation under the renewable fuel standard (RFS).
A study from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources has found that switchgrass improves soil quality and can be grown on farms that have lost fertile topsoil.
Pacific Ethanol Inc. has entered an agreement with the Aurora Cooperative Elevator Co. under which it will acquire ownership of the grain elevator. The transaction was part of a larger financial announcement made by Pacific Ethanol.
The USDA recently published the December edition of its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, announcing no changes have been made to the 2016-'17 corn supply and use projections.
In early December, the U.S. Department of Energy announced plans to open two biofuel-related funding opportunities. One is focused on the optimization of integrated biorefineries, while the other is focused on algae-based fuels.
Leaf Resources recently announced a collaboration with Novozymes, the world's largest producer of industrial enzymes, to further increase the yields and efficiency associated with Leaf Resources' innovative biomass conversion technology.
On Dec. 6, the U.S. EPA held a hearing on its proposed Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support rule in Chicago. Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association were among the organizations that testified at the event.
UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, recently released a crop update for the second half of October, reporting ethanol production in the south-central region during the period reached 1.3 billion liters (343.42 million gallons).
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have conducted a detailed study of the reflectivity effects of converting land to grow biofuel crops.
On Nov. 16, U.S. EPA's proposed Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support rule was published in the Federal Register, officially opening a 60-day public comment period on the proposal. Comments are due Jan. 17.
ePURE was among a group of trade organizations that recently issued a letter to the European Commission strongly opposing any phase-out of European Union support for conventional biofuels produced in Europe from European-grown crops and feedstock.
The U.S. Grains Council recently reported that USDA export data for September, which is the first month of the 2016-'17 marketing year, showed a dramatic increase in exports of feed grains in all forms.
Biofuels operations under the right conditions can lead to improved household food security in developing countries, concludes a new study conducted by researchers in Ireland that reviews the limited development of biofuel production in Africa.
Twenty-three students from Sleepy Eye High School toured Minnesota-based Highwater Ethanol Nov. 8 to get a closer look at clean renewable energy production. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
The Renewable Fuels Association has released an independent analysis on the impact of ethanol on food prices showing the current collision of falling food prices and record ethanol production should end the contrived “food vs. fuel� debate for good.
The White House has published a mid-century strategy on decarbonization that addresses biofuels and bioenergy. On Nov. 16, the report was filed with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change under the Paris climate deal.
On Nov. 14, Gevo Inc. released third quarter financial results, reporting the company produced approximately 145,000 gallons of isobutanol during the quarter, with approximately 240,000 gallons produced during the first nine months of the year.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials has announced that its global members have voted to approve and publish revised principles and criteria, which will provide users with streamlined and easier to follow requirements.
USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini announced Nov. 10 that $1.5 million will be available in fiscal year 2017 under the Biomass Crop Assistance Program for farmers and foresters who harvest and deliver biomass for renewable energy.
Aemetis Inc. has reported improved gross profit for the third quarter of 2016. Looking ahead, the company expects the 2016 corn harvest to result in favorable pricing and believes that the ethanol business will perform well during the final quarter.
Brazil-based Cosan recently released third quarter financial results, reporting that its RaÃzen Energia segment crushed 25.7 million tons of sugarcane during the quarter and sold 1.18 million tons of sugar and 847,000 cubic meters of ethanol.
UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, recently published a crop update for the first half of October, reporting ethanol production reached 1.4 billion liters (369.84 million gallons) during the two-week period.
The USDA November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report projects that corn used for ethanol will be 5.3 billion bushels in the 2016-'17 marketing year, 25 million bushels more than the agency estimated in its October WASDE report.
Novozymes recently launched Fermax, an enzyme protease that prevents foam development during the sugarcane ethanol fermentation process, while delivering improved control and replacing chemicals.
The Andersons Inc. reported third quarter net income of $1.7 million, or 6 cents per diluted share, on revenues of $860. Pre-tax earnings were led by the ethanol group at $9.5 million, with the grain group earning $1.9 million.
On Nov. 2, Bunge Ltd. released third quarter financial results, reporting improved results for its sugar and bioenergy segment, driven primarily by its sugarcane milling operation, which benefitted from higher sugar and ethanol prices and volumes.
The USDA's most recently Crain Crushings and Co-Products Production report shows corn for fuel alcohol was at 435 million bushels in September, down 5 percent from August, but up 2 percent from September of the previous year.
After a challenging first half 2016, Archer Daniels Midland Co. had a stronger third quarter and is positioned to finish the year with a solid financial performance, said Juan Luciano, ADM chairman and CEO.
The U.S. EPA has announced plans to hold a public hearing on Dec. 6 in Chicago for its proposed Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support Rule. Those who wish to testify must contact the EPA by Nov. 22.
A study led by the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center has shown poplar trees and many other plants have evolved to naturally produce zip-lignin, which readily breaks down under simple chemical conditions.
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