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March 16, 2012
A weekly look at sustainable bioenergy, farm, and forest policy issues
Biomass Crops for Conservation, Energy Security and Jobs: A Briefing
On March 26, at an EESI briefing on Capitol Hill, a panel of agricultural experts and innovators will discuss the role that perennial biomass energy crops can play in addressing these challenges as part of multi-functional agricultural systems.
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The Future of Biopower Is Being Shaped in Many Venues
While the U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board continues its review of the EPA’s proposed carbon accounting framework for bioenergy facilities next week, a U.S. Department of Energy facility this week officially opened a new biomass cogeneration plant which it says will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100,000 tons per year. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom (UK), power producers are reported to be considering pulling the plug on two large biopower projects, as the UK government announced plans to reduce subsidies sooner.
Petroleum-Related Trade Deficit Soars – While Ethanol Surplus Sits in Storage
What's wrong with this picture? The U.S. trade deficit widened significantly in January, mainly due to the continuing increase in the price of imported petroleum. Yet, less expensive, job-creating, domestically-produced ethanol stocks remain near record levels, ethanol production is slowing, and developers of next generation cellulosic ethanol plants, with demonstrated technologies, are having a hard time raising capital to build commercial scale plants.
Federal Crop Insurance and Conservation Programs: Should They Be Linked?
Helping agricultural producers manage the risks of uncertain and volatile commodity markets, prices for inputs, weather, and other hazards is key to sustaining the nation’s capacity to produce ample food, feed, fiber, and biofuels. Conserving the nation’s soil, water, biological diversity, and wildlife habitats and restoring the nation’s water quality and fisheries are also urgent national priorities. Yet conservation success lags far behind the success of agricultural production. Can the next Farm Bill encourage better balance - more production and much more conservation?
Writer: Ned Stowe
Top-Rated Climate Nonprofit – 4-Star Charity