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Click here for print version IN THIS EDITION: COMMENTARY FEATURE
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What is the Sun Grant
Initiative? Today, land grant universities serve
agriculture by implementing research, extension, and educational
programs to benefit agricultural producers and consumers, to assist
rural families and communities, and to conserve the world’s
natural resources. Clearly,
agriculture will play an important role in providing power, fuels,
and biobased products for The Sun Grant Authorizations and Funding Centers of Excellence and a National Network These regional programs will embrace the multi-state, multi-function, multi-disciplinary integrated approach that is at the heart of the land grant method of addressing problems. The centers will interface their activities with DOE research laboratories at Oak Ridge, TN (ORNL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory) and Golden, CO (NREL, National Renewable Energy Laboratory). National Priorities
The transition to agriculturally-based
bio-industries will create economic opportunities for other sectors
of the Regional Priorities Relation to the Sun Grant Initiative to
Federal Agency Biomass Programs Biomass Monograph Project The result of this project is not expected to
be a roadmap. It is also not expected to include any specific
recommendations. Rather, it is designed to be a comprehensive
educational reference. Most of the contents of the monograph will
not be new research, rather a first-of-its-kind organization and
packaging of existing work. This work will complement existing
research efforts with minimal overlap, and fill a niche that will
benefit all of the agencies and organizations and individuals
contributing to the advancement of a feasible and valuable biobased
industry for 2005 Solar Decathlon: More than Solar On October 7-16, The winner of the competition was CU’s
biobased, solar-powered home, “BioS(h)IP.”
The name was derived from the team’s goal to create a home
composed of nearly 90 percent biobased products and CU’s
patent-pending structural insulated panel system (Bio-Sips), made
from wastepaper panels and soy insulation.
CU’s mission is "to integrate natural materials and
innovative technologies in an environmentally conscious, publicly
accessible, modular, solar home design.”
The team stressed, “If more residences were built and
operated using such techniques, overall According to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, a biobased product is determined by the USDA Secretary “to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed), that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials) or forestry materials. The CU home is a living demonstration of taking laboratory research and concepts and making it into a reality; in its efforts the University has been in close contact with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The Bio-Sips have been tested and approved by NREL, have passed certifiable performance standards including structure, flammability and compression, and meet the International Building Code. The CU home also will undergo an “Embodied Energy Report.” This test will analyze the amount of energy consumed by the production of the material and construction process for the BioS(h)ip as compared to an ordinary wood frame home. The University should have the results in a few months. When asked about cost and quality of the
products, CU’s team advisor, Julee Herdt, an associate professor
at the In addition to their Bio-Sips, CU’s solar home featured biobased furniture and wall panels made from recycled newsprint, sunflower, and soy. The team used Phenix “Environ Biocomposite” panels made from soy and newsprint in their interior windowsill material. The material is 1½ times harder than oak. The CU team also used particleboard made from recycled wheat straw and an alternative binder (or adhesive) board called WheatSheet. The binder they chose is called MDI Rubinate which replaces formaldehyde, creating an emission-free board (EFB). WheatSheet may be used for cabinets, shelving, countertops, closets, etc. There are other ways to use biobased products
in the home. As demonstrated by the CU home design, the BioS(h)IP
used blankets made from cornstarch fiber and manufactured by
Faribault Mills, and towels made from bamboo fibers, produced by
Metaefficient. The
cornstarch fiber is from After three years of designing, constructing,
testing and documenting their work, the CU solar team and their
BioS(h)IP have shown the American public and The sponsors for this event were: US Department
of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, American Institute of
Architects, National Association of Home Builders, BP, DIY Network,
and Sprint. These sponsors say they are not only investing in the
event but in these students and in Sources: FB4P
website: http://www.biobased.oce.usda.gov/public/about_us.cfm Fuel Security and Consumer Choice Act (S. 1994) On November 11, Senator Harkin
(D-IA), along with Senators Obama (D-IL) and Lugar (R-IN),
introduced the Fuel Security and Consumer Choice Act (S. 1994) which
was then referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation. This
bill requires that automobile manufactures produce flex-fuel
vehicles in increasing numbers after the enactment of the bill. A
timetable with target percentages of flex-fuel vehicles production
for each year is provided, increasing to 100 percent of vehicles
produced as flex-fuel vehicles within ten years. Furthermore,
the bill creates a credit program, whereby manufacture’s who
exceed their mandatory number of flex-fuel vehicles will receive a
credit which may be sold to other vehicle manufacture’s.
The Senate passed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (S. 1932) 51 to 50 calling for the Vice President’s vote as the tie breaker. Five Republican senators, including Senators Chafee (R-RI), Collins (R-ME), DeWine (R-OH), Smith (R-OR) and Snowe (R-ME) and Sen. Jeffords (I-VT) voted with Senate Democrats in opposition of the deficit bill. Through the efforts of Senate Democrats, the House will have to vote on the deficit bill again before it is signed by the President. Though passage of the bill is almost certain, the absence of House Members on account of the holiday break may allow room for change. Despite numerous efforts on the part of Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and other organizations across the country funding for both the Sec. 9006 Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Program and Sec. 6401 Value-Add Grant Program is in jeopardy. The original package passed by the House eliminated support for both of these popular programs. Had the House position been enacted, it would have significantly derailed both successful programs and eliminated their baseline going into the reauthorization of the farm bill in 2007. For
more information see: http://www.eesi.org/publications/Press%20Releases/2005/12.21.05_budget_reconciliation_senatevote.htm
In the Department of Energy’s (DOE) FY06 appropriations bill, the DOE biomass R&D program received a little over $91.6 million, however, this includes more than $52.3 million in earmarks, making more than 57 percent of the funds already pegged for ‘special’ projects as opposed to core program R&D. To
view the text of the bill, go to:
http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app06.html On November 17, Rep. Salazar (D-CO), Oberstar (D-MN), Hoekstra (R-MI), Evans (D-IL), Kennedy (R-MN), Kline (R-MN), McCollum (D-MN), Herseth (D-SD), Goode (R-VA), Weldon (R-FL), Tiahrt (R-KS), Terry (R-NE), Kingston (R-GA), Tancredo (R-CO), Wamp (R-TN), Gerlach (R-PA) and Kaptur (D-OH), under the leadership of Rep. Gutknecht (R-MN), introduced the ‘10 by 10’ Act (H.R.4357) which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. This bill would amend the Clean Air Act to require all gasoline sold for use in motor vehicles to contain 10 percent renewable fuel in the year 2010 and thereafter. To view the text
of the bill, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/
The Fuel Choices for American Security Act of
2005, (H.R.4409 S.2025), introduced by Rep. Kingston (R-GA) and
co-sponsored by more than 25 other Members of Congress was also
introduced on the Senate side by Senator Bayh (D-IN) and
co-sponsored by nine other Senators.
The purpose of the bill is “to promote the national
security and stability of the For more information see the Clean Bus Update: www.eesi.org
An amendment to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 ( P.L. 107-171) was introduced on November 15 by Rep. Peterson (D-MN) and co-sponsored by Representatives Costa (D-CA), Salazar (D-CO), Holden (D-PA), Butterfield (D-NC), Etheridge (D-NC), Herseth (D-SD), Baca (D-CA), Scott (D-GA), McIntrye (D-NC), Davis (D-TN), Pomeroy (D-ND), Melancon (D-LA), Cuellar (D-TX), Marshall (D-GA), Barrow (D-GA) and Boswell (D-IA). The bill was referred to the Agriculture Committee. If passed, this bill will extend all authorizations of appropriations and direct spending programs (except for peanut storage costs) until 2008. Furthermore, if the President submits to Congress implementing legislation with respect to the Doha Development Round of World Trade Organization negotiations by January 15, 2008, all authorizations of appropriations and direct spending programs (except for peanut storage costs) will be extended through 2009. To view the text of the bill, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/
The Health Care for Hybrids Act (H.R. 4370, S2045), introduced by Rep. Inslee (D-WA) on the House side and Senator Obama (D-IL) on the Senate side, will provide incentives to the auto industry to accelerate efforts to develop more energy-efficient vehicles to lessen US dependence on oil. A program will be created whereby the Federal government will cover health care cost of manufacture’s who are enrolled in the program on the condition that the manufacturer spend at least 50 percent of that health care original costs on commercialization of petroleum fuel reduction technologies, including alternative or flexible fuel vehicles, hybrids, and other state-of-the-art fuel saving technologies. To view the text of the bills, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/
New York Governor George Pataki has issued an
executive order requiring at least 5 percent of the fuel used to
heat state buildings to be biodiesel by 2012.
Additionally, Pataki directed state agencies to maximize the
use of vehicles that burn biofuels.
The executive order calls for a minimum of 2 percent of
biodiesel in the state’s motor fleet by 2007, with an increase to
at least 10 percent by 2012. The
governor claims that the development of “home-grown” biofuel
products will help the state rely less on foreign oil and revitalize
farmering. Incentives through Source: The Business Review: http://albany.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2005/11/21/daily1.html, http://albany.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2005/09/26/daily31.html
The petroleum minister of Source: Tribune News Service: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20051010/biz.htm#1
A new oilseed crop called cuphea has been in
development for 20 years and now has the potential to help reduce Research has led to interest and involvement of
certain companies, such as Procter & Gamble, in the development
of cuphea. These
companies feel that the direct connection between a producer and a
processor offers many benefits for everyone in the process.
Procter & Gamble would like to produce a
competitively-priced raw material grown here in the Cuphea is starting to be commercialized, even though only 100 acres have been cultivated this year. It is expected to be grown over thousands of acres in the near future. Technology Crops International, a company which is leading commercialization efforts for cuphea, is seeking qualified growers who are interested in taking on the commercialization of this crop at the farm level. This crop can be mechanically harvested and can serve as a rotational crop with corn. Dr. Terry Isbell, research leader in USDA’s
new crops and processing technology unit in Source: http://www.farmandranchguide.com/articles/2005/10/13/ag_news/regional_news/news11.txt
“The Rural Business- Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the availability of approximately $19.475 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2006 to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. Of this amount, $1.5 million is set aside for applicants requesting $25,000 or less. Awards may be made for planning activities or for working capital expenses, but not for both. The maximum grant amount for a planning grant is $100,000 and the maximum grant amount for a working capital grant is $300,000. You may submit completed applications for grants on paper or electronically according to the following deadlines: Paper copies must be postmarked and mailed, shipped, or sent overnight no later than March 31, 2006, to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Electronic copies must be received by March 31, 2006 to be eligible for FY 2006 grant funding. Late applications are not eligible for FY 2006 grant funding.” –Federal Register: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 You may obtain application guides and materials for a VAPG at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm
On October 14, the Department of Energy
announced as part of their Clean Cities Initiative that fueling
stations across the Source: http://www.sustainableportland.org/ Wal-Mart is adopting an environmentally friendly packaging strategy by switching from petroleum-based plastic packaging to corn-based plastic packaging. This transition will result in 100 million biobased plastic containers made per year. The corn-based products are not only competitively priced with petroleum-based products but are environmentally friendly because they can be composted and recycled. Wal-Mart’s first transition to biobased packaging is in the clear plastic containers that hold cut fruit, herbs, strawberries and brussels sprouts. Wal-Mart will then expand this packaging for use in cards, gifts and the windows in cake and doughnut boxes the latter of which will benefit from the corn-based plastics ability to breathe, allowing for no condensation on the inside of boxes. Wal-Mart has been working with NatureWorks LLC over the past year to test this packaging. The Environmental Protection Agency states that these products will reduce the 32 percent of municipal solid waste that currently comes from packaging materials every year. This seemingly small step toward corn-based packaging will “save the equivalent of 800,000 gallons of gasoline and reduce more than 11 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions,” says Matt Kistler, a Wal-Mart executive. Other large and small companies including Starbucks Coffee Co. are joining this campaign for more environmentally friendly and efficient packaging. This trend will only increase as industries realize the value of environmentally-friendly packaging materials and as they start paying the increasing cost of petroleum-based packaging. Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer, is pairing up with General Electric, the nation’s largest manufacturer, to become more energy and environmentally conscious by including goals and policies that are made visible to their shareholders and customers. These companies are trying to adopt environmentally conscious business practices, and encouraging those they deal with – over 60,000 suppliers – to adopt these practices as well. As part of Wal-Mart’s actions to secure energy sustainability, the company said it would invest $500 million in technologies that will reduce greenhouse gases from its stores and distribution centers by 20 percent over the next seven years. Its goal is to double this number within ten years and design a store within four years that is at least 25 percent more energy-efficient. A part of this initiative is to improve energy efficiency of its 1,876 supercenters. The public is waiting to see if Wal-Mart sticks to its initiatives; nonetheless, this is a positive step for such a powerful corporation. Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer: http://enn.com/biz.html?id=1170
On October 24, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB)
congratulated Mid-Atlantic Biofuels, LLC, on breaking ground for the
largest soy biodiesel plant in Joe Jobe, chief director officer of NBB, said
that “biodiesel is an American soybean farmer success story,”
and that the national effort started in Source: National Biodiesel board: http://www.biodiesel.org
It was more than four years ago when Electric
Utility Commonwealth Edison (unit of Chicago-based Exelon
Corporation) started to use soybean-based biodiesel fuel in its
utility vehicles. Bill
Pettit, director of fleet services at Exelon Co., stated they save
roughly $200,000 to $300,000 per year because of their transition to
biodiesel. Biodiesel was
priced in Part of the savings that ComEd calculated are due to the longevity of engines using biodiesel because B20 burns at a higher octane rate, resulting in fewer engine problems. In addition to financial benefits, ComEd recognizes the safety of the soybean blend which is less combustible than regular diesel. ComEd mentioned that biodiesel remains a cheaper alternative regardless of the tax exemptions because of the current high oil prices. ComEd consumed 6 percent of the nation’s biodiesel fuel last year and is looking to expand its use in the Northeast. Source: www.nwitimes.com
Earthcycle has produced a new line of
biodegradable and compostable palm fiber packaging that they
displayed at the PMA Fresh Summit 2005 (November 4-8). Other booths
including Oppenheimer Group, one of The palm fiber comes from agricultural residue
left over from the palm fruit. By using agricultural biomass waste
that would normally be incinerated or put in a landfill, the new
packaging will reduce waste and the negative impacts of burning and
landfilling. When the consumer is done with the package, it can be
put in the compost pile and, in 90 days, be returned to the earth
naturally. Earthcycle reminds everyone that “if the 9.3 billion
units of rigid pre-pack produce sold annually in the Source: http://enn.com/press.html?id=218 Bill Gates Invests In Ethanol Company Billionaire Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft
Corporation, is investing in a Most of the ethanol that Source: ENN, Environmental News Network, http://enn.com/biz_PF.html?id=1240
Sustainable Systems, LLC and Sheridan Electric
Cooperative signed a purchase agreement to acquire the oilseed crush
and refining plant formerly owned and operated by Montola Growers,
Inc. Sustainable
Systems has created a new division, Montola, while focusing on the
expansion of regional processing of oilseed crops into higher value
biofuels, lubricants, and culinary oils.
Many groups, including local investors, the state of Paul
Miller, president and managing member of Sustainable Systems, stated
that Montola will provide a “launch pad from upon which to expand
into the processing of biodiesel and other biofuels and biobased
products- a vital new industry to the citizens of the Source: Paul Miller, Sustainable Systems, LLC: www.sustainablesystemsllc.com Harvesting Clean Energy Conference ( Now in its sixth year, the Harvesting Clean Energy conference will feature experts and farmers with direct experience in successful clean energy projects. Speakers will walk through renewable energy feasibility and economic assessments, technical and financial resources, and finding markets. Harvesting Clean Energy attracts rural landowners and a variety of professionals from agriculture organizations, rural utilities, tribes, economic development agencies, lending institutions, energy developers and consultants, research institutions, and federal, state and local governments. Technologies covered at Harvesting Clean Energy include utility-scale wind power, biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel and associated bio-based products), biopower (including biogas digesters), geothermal resources, and farm-scale renewable power technologies to enhance profitability. Discussions focus on the practical steps to successful project development, financing and marketing. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, registration for the conference is remarkably affordable. Farmers, ranchers and other private individuals can register by February 6 for just $50, professionals for $100. Register on-line at www.harvestcleanenergy.org/conference, or call 360-943-4241 for more information.
The National Biodiesel Board expects the 2006
National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, Feb. 5-8 in The chief executive officer of NBB, Joe Jobe,
said “the exciting activities at the 2006 conference are testament
to the fact that the biodiesel industry is becoming a meaningful
part of the Source: National Biodiesel Board www.biodiesel.org
Writers: Jetta L. Wong and Amber Leasure Please distribute BCO to your colleagues or send us their e-mail addresses and we will add them to our distribution list. Article and commentary submissions are encouraged and should be sent via email. Environmental and Energy Study Institute Please visit us at http://www.eesi.org/ The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) is a non-profit organization that works at the nexus of policy and innovation to promote environmentally sustainable societies. EESI was founded in 1984 by a bipartisan group of Congressional Members dedicated to finding environmental and energy solutions. EESI provides credible, timely information and innovative policy ideas through coalition building, media outreach, publications, briefings, workshops and task forces on the issues of energy efficiency and renewable energy, transportation, smart growth, agriculture and global climate change. Carol Werner leads the EESI team as executive director. This
newsletter and EESI's other valuable work in energy, climate change,
agriculture, transportation and smart growth are made possible
through financial support from people like you. Please
donate now. Your
tax-deductible contribution will help EESI develop innovative policy
solutions for a cleaner, safer, healthier world. EIN:
52-1268030. For more information, visit www.eesi.org
or contact Ruth Lampi at rlampi@eesi.org or
202-662-1887.
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