Bioenergy Climate Protection and Oil Reduction/Issue29

In recent months there have been a number of new bills introduced to combat high energy costs. These bills include provisions to increase biofuels production, require the production of flex-fuel vehicles, extend the renewable energy tax credits and a variety of other initiatives. See the list below for a brief description of these important bills. To find out the specifics of each bill use the following link to search by each bill number. http://thomas.loc.gov/

S. 3698 – Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act

On July 20, Senators Jeffords (I-VT), Boxer (D-CA), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Kennedy (D-MA), Leahy (D-VT), Reed (D-RI), Akaka (D-HI), Dodd (D-CT), Sarbanes (D-MD) and Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, which amends the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. Among many requirements to achieve reductions there are a number of biomass-related amendments including the establishment of a Renewable Portfolio Standard and the establishment of standards for accrediting certified reductions in carbon dioxide emissions through biological sequestration activities.

H.R. 5856 – Amendment on Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credits

On July 20, Representatives DeLauro (D-CT), Boswell (D-IA), Kaptur (D-OH), Skelton (D-MO), Brown (D-OH), Grijalva (D-AZ) and McCollum (D-OH) introduced a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the allocation of the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit to patrons of agricultural cooperatives.

S. 3719 and H.R. 5904 – Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2006

On July 24, Senators Reid (D-NV), Ensign (R-NV), Salazar (D-CO), Allard (R-CO) and Craig (R-ID) introduced the Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2006, which amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow public school districts to receive no interest loans for the purchase of renewable energy systems. On July 26, Representatives Matheson (D-UT), Otter (R-ID), Salazar (D-CO) and Udall (D-CO) introduced their companion bill H.R. 5904 in the House.

H.R. 5534 – Amendment on the Expansion of Infrastructure for Alternative Fuels

On July 24, the House passed (335-9) H.R. 5534, a bill which provides grants from moneys collected from violations of the corporate average fuel economy program to be used to expand infrastructure necessary to increase the availability of alternative fuels. The bill then went to the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

H.R. 5890 – American-Made Energy Freedom Act of 2006

On July 26, a bipartisan group of 23 House Members, including Nunes (R-CA), Cardoza (D-CA) Shimkus (R-IL), Costa (D-CA), Pombo (R-CA), Rehberg (R-MT), Lewis (R-KY), Kingston (R-GA), English (R-PA), Pickering (R-MS), Hall (R-TX), Barton (R-TX), Whitfield (R-KY), Cuellar (D-TX), Davis (D-TN), Ross (D-AR), Cramer (D-AL), Boren (D-OK), Capito (R-WV), Melancon (D-LA), Boozman (R-AR), Peterson (D-MN), and Murphy (R-PA), introduced the American-Made Energy Freedom Act of 2006, which would increase the tax credits for cellulosic biomass ethanol, extend tax incentives for solar and fuel cell property, promote coal-to-liquid fuel activities, direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a competitive oil and gas leasing program for the Coastal Plain of Alaska, and for other purposes. Furthermore, on September 21, Senator Burr (R-NC) introduced the companion bill S.3917 in the Senate.

H.R. 5926 – Freedom through Renewable Energy Expansion (FREE) Act

On July 27, Rep. Berkley (D-NV) introduced the Freedom through Renewable Energy Expansion (FREE) Act, which increases Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), extends renewable electricity production, solar energy property, qualified fuel cell property, and geothermal property tax credits and authorizes geothermal research. This bill also establishes a Renewable Portfolio Standard.

H.R. 5927 – American Energy Independence Act

On July 27, Rep. Cardin (D-MD) introduced the American Energy Independence Act, which provides a number of incentives and mandates to encourage conservation, efficiency and the development of renewable energy. Provisions include the establishment of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, net metering rules, and an investment tax credit for the construction of new electricity transmission lines. The bill also includes authorizing language for loan guarantees for biorefineries and renewable energy production facilities and an increase in CAFE standards along with a number of other incentives.

H.R. 5950 – Family Farm Energy Relief Act of 2006

On July 27, Udall (D-NM) introduced the Family Farm Energy Relief Act of 2006, which repeals certain tax subsidies enacted by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for oil and gas. The bill also allows a credit against income tax for farm diesel expenses, and allows a credit for farmers who produce biodiesel and agri-biodiesel.

H.R. 5959 – To Encourage Alternatively Fueled Vehicle Manufacturing up for Energy Independence Act of 2006 or the `TEAM up for Energy Independence Act’

On July 28, Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the To Encourage Alternatively fueled vehicle Manufacturing up for Energy Independence Act of 2006' or the `TEAM up for Energy Independence Act, which if passed would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose an excise tax on automobiles sold in the United States that are not alternative fueled automobiles. Funds retained from this excise tax will be used to build alternative-fuel filling infrastructure.

H.R. 5965 – Program for Real Energy Security Act' or the `PROGRESS Act'

On July 28, Representatives Hoyer (D-MD), Dingell (D-MI), Skelton (D-MO), Oberstar (D-MN), Spratt (D-SC), Obey (D-WI), Frank (D-MA), Gordon (D-TN), Berman (D-CA), Udall (D-CO), Herseth (D-SD), Blumenauer (D-OR), Schiff (D-CA), Ackerman (D-NY), Bean (D-IL), Berkley (D-NV), Bishop (D-NY), Boucher (VA), Brown (D- FL), Cardin (D-MD), Case (D-HI), Cleaver (D-MO), Costa (D-CA), Cummings (D-MD), Davis (D-FL), DeLauro (D-CT), Etheridge (D-NC), Fattah (D-PA), Holt (D-NJ), Kildee (D-MI), Kind (D-WI), Kucinich (D-OH), Norton (D-DC), Price (D-NC), Reyes (D-TX), Sabo (D-MN), Schwartz (D-PA), Serrano (D-NY), Smith (D-WA), Tauscher (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Miller (D-NC), Ross (D-AR), DeGette (D-CO), Clay (D-MO), Gonzales (D-TX), Ruppersberger (D-MD), Davis (D-IL), Moran (D-VA), and Hinojosa (D-TX) introduced the Program for Real Energy Security Act or the ‘PROGRESS Act’, to strengthen national security and promote energy independence by reducing the Nation's reliance on foreign oil, improving vehicle technology and efficiency, increasing the distribution of alternative fuels, bolstering rail infrastructure, and expanding access to public transit.

H.R. 5985 – Empowering America Act of 2006

On July 28, Rep. Cardoz (D-CA) introduced the Empowering America Act of 2006, which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify conservation and energy efficiency tax incentives, extend the energy efficient appliance rebate program, and establish the Center for Advanced Solar Research among other purposes.

H. Res. 971 – Resolution on the Nation’s Dependence on Imported Oil

On July 28, Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should enact legislation to slow, stop, and reverse the growth of the Nation's dependence on imported oil in ways that provide cleaner air, reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, and enhance America 's competitiveness.

State Legislative Updates

New Michigan Legislation Creates Incentives for Alternative Fuel Utilization

On July 7^th Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D-MI) announced the signing of a package of legislation that will create incentives for consumers and service stations to increase the utilization of alternative fuels. For consumers, the incentives will make buying alternative fuel vehicles more attractive and beneficial. For service station owners, there will be incentives to make ethanol and biodiesel available for their customers.

Included in the package of legislation are bills which will reduce gas taxes by 36 percent and 20 percent for fuels containing ethanol and biodiesel blends, respectively. Another bill in the package allows for the creation of new agriculture renaissance zones which are meant to encourage the development of new ethanol and biodiesel plants.

Gov. Granholm stated that “the state that put the world on wheels will be the state that makes those wheels independent of foreign oil. As more E85 and flex-fuel vehicles are produced by the Big Three automakers, it is essential that we make biodiesel and ethanol products more widely available to encourage their use.”

Source: http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-23442-146879--,00.html

Governor Pataki Signs Law Making It Easier to Sell Alternative Fuels in NY

Gov. Pataki (R-NY) signed a law which makes an exclusivity provision void in New York . The exclusivity contracts, now void, prohibited retailers from selling ethanol unless their contracted oil company distributor provided the fuel. The exclusivity contracts normally were long-term between oil companies and retailers making it difficult to sell alternative fuels. The new law applies to E85, biodiesel fuel, hydrogen, and compressed natural gas.

Source: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--alternativefuel0731jul31,0,3886388.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

Massachusetts Announces Long-Term Energy Plan

On August 11, Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) announced his four-part long term energy plan for Massachusetts . The four steps of the plan include: becoming more energy efficient, diversifying and increasing energy supply; fixing inadequate energy infrastructure; and expanding technology and energy research while creating partnerships with businesses to speed the commercialization of any new technology. To achieve a portion of these goals, Romney proposes using more wood, a renewable resource, to increase energy supply and also utilizing biofuels for state vehicles and buildings, among other activities.

Calling on several State agencies to begin immediate implementation, Romney explains that “the choice is clear – we can sit back and watch costs continue to rise or we can put in place a plan that makes Massachusetts a model for energy usage.”

Sources: Renewable Energy Access Story and Gov. Romney Press Release

Recent Studies

World Resources Institute Makes Recommendations Concerning the RFS

WRI recently published a study, “Beyond the RFS: The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Increased Grain Ethanol Production in the U.S. ” The study identifies potential market and environmental impacts that increased corn ethanol production may have. WRI’s study indicates that an increased RFS will, in turn, increase the amount of corn ethanol production.

The study finds that, overall, an increase in ethanol production could reduce GHG emissions as well as increase aggregate farm income while reducing farmers’ reliance on farm support payments. The study warns, however, that these positive aspects may be tradeoffs for national environmental objectives, specifically soil and water health.

WRI makes three recommendations in response to their findings:

· Given ethanol’s potential as an alternative fuel, there is an urgent need for the evaluation of alternative production technologies and sources of ethanol feedstocks

· Increase funding for agricultural conservation programs, and

· Promote precision management of nitrogen fertilizer use and conservation tillage in corn production

Source: www.wri.org/policynotes/

New Research on Biomass Fuel Electricity Generation

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has begun research on electricity generation from biomass fuel sources. According to a release, EPRI intends for the project to identify key research needs in this area. Specifically, the project will focus on economic assessment, biomass crop and carbon accounting, as well as biomass combustion and gasification technology. Using biomass fuels to create electricity is EPRI’s latest endeavor into biomass since the inception of their research on this topic launched in the mid-1970s. Adam Diamant, the EPRI Project Manager, seems optimistic about its prospects. Diamant said that “biomass is a fuel for the future that can help electric companies to meet increasing electricity demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.”

Source: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45522

New Study Looks to Accelerate Energy Access in Rural Areas

Navigant Consulting, Inc. and Soluz, Inc. recently released a study, Innovation in Rural Energy Delivery, which analyzed the necessary elements needed to accelerate the provision of rural energy services through the private sector using distributed energy. The distributed clean energy technologies emphasized in the study are primarily small renewable energy systems. The study reviews the successes and failures from past experiences of innovative rural energy enterprises and programs which also used small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to increase rural energy access. Through this review process, taking into consideration the range and scale of possible future projects, the study suggests that four key elements drive the acceleration of rural energy access through SMEs:

· Enabling Environments

· Consumer Finance

· Enterprise Finance, and

· Innovation Funding

Sources: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45579

http://www.soluzusa.com/documents/NCI-Soluz-Innovation_in_Rural_Energy_Delivery_0720.pdf

http://www.soluzusa.com/innovation.html

Study Underway of Alternative Ethanol Fuel Sources

Kansas State University in cooperation with the Noble Foundation in Oklahoma has begun a study in expectation of finding alternative fuel sources for ethanol production. Kansas State University has received $700,000 from USDA to research various types of vegetation, including switchgrass, and their feasibility for efficient production of ethanol. This project is part of a larger $5.7 million dollar federal program which aims to learn more about alternative fuel sources for biofuel production.

Sources: http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=5273582
http://www.noble.org/Press_Release/ForageImprovement/Switchgrass/index.html

Three-Year Research Collaboration to Further Biology and Bioenergy Studies Announced

Sandia National Laboratories and Monsanto Company recently announced the beginning of a three-year research collaboration focusing on furthering both companies’ understanding of biology and bioenergy. The collaborative efforts will align both companies’ specialties – Sandia’s bioanalytical imaging and analysis with Monsanto’s research and development of new crop technologies. The research is expected to further current crop analytical technologies which could then be translated into improved crops to produce biofuels.

Sources: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45706
http://www.monsanto.com/monsanto/layout/media/06/08-09-06a.asp

Michigan State University Study to Explore Growing Crops on Brownfields for Biofuel Production

Michigan State University, in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler, NextEnergy and Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs), is beginning a three-year study to determine the feasibility of growing fuel for ethanol and biodiesel production on abandoned industrial sites, also known as brownfields. The study will determine whether brownfields will yield fuels that contain enough oil and also meet biofuel standards. Soybeans, sunflower, canola, corn, and switchgrass are some of the crops under investigation. A secondary objective of the study will be to determine whether growing these crops also contributes to bioremediation, a process which will remove contaminants from the soil.

Professor Kurt Thelen, head of the research project, states that “biofuel production is going to require a significant land base to meet future production expectations. Use of marginal lands or sites not preferable for food crops is a good idea. We’ll be looking at whether it is something that might offer multiple benefits.”

Source: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45740

Study Finds More Uses for Biodiesel Byproducts

Research conducted by the University of Arkansa ’s Division of Agriculture has found that glycerine, a byproduct of biodiesel production, can be utilized as a dietary supplement for growing broiler chickens. Further research is needed to evaluate any quality issues associated to glycerine use, but thus far no adverse effects on meat quality have been observed. As the number of biodiesel plants in the United States continues to grow, it is necessary to find further uses for byproducts of the biodiesel production to benefit other industries as well as the biodiesel industry.

Source: http://deltafarmpress.com/news/060822-biodiesel-byproducts/

India in the Biofuels Industry?

An Indian Biodiesel Industry Report concerning the future of biofuels in India has recently been released. With India being the world’s sixth largest consumer of energy with an energy demand growing at 4.8 percent annually, this report explores the challenges and opportunities for a new biofuels industry in India .

This report coincidentally accentuates the importance of Senator Lugar’s proposed “United States-India Energy Security Cooperation Act of 2006,” which was recently reported bill of committee. This bill calls for increased cooperation between the US and India in order to share energy technology, efficiency, and diversification. Alternative fuels, particularly biofuels, are emphasized as fuel sources to be researched, developed, and deployed.

Source: Research and Markets and S. 1950

News Briefs

Delaware Moves to Increase On-Farm Energy Management

Delaware ’s First State Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, Inc. is assisting farmers in making their on-farm energy management more efficient and environmentally sound. By 2007 the First State RC&D intends to sponsor an on-farm bio-digester demonstration. The gas produced by the digester will be utilized in engines to power electric generators. This will be their first effort to increase on-farm waste-to-energy processes.

The First State RC&D also plans on performing farm energy audits to further increase energy efficiency on farms. The audits will seek to further utilize waste-to-energy processes as well as alternative fuel sources available on farms.

Gary Smith, RC&D Council President, is enthusiastic about these projects. He emphasizes that “there are many opportunities for farmers and the agricultural community in the area of energy management and alternative energy usage.”

Source: Bell , William. “Get your on-farm energy management in order.” The Delmarva Farmer. July 11, 2006

Brazil Speeds Up Deadline for Obligatory 5 Percent Biodiesel Mix

The Brazilian government is exploring the feasibility of accelerating by three years the mandated 5 percent biodiesel fuel mix in all of Brazil ’s diesel fuel. This means that Brazilian biodiesel producers will need to deliver approximately 2.4 billion liters of biodiesel annually by 2010. There are mandated goals which need to be achieved before the proposed 2010 deadline. For example, by January 2008 Brazil is requiring a 2 percent biodiesel mix in all diesel fuel.

Many support this proposed increase in pace because it is estimated by Roberto Ardenghy, supply chief of the National Petroleum Agency, each percentage point of a biodiesel mix will save Brazil the equivalent of $140 million.

Source: http://www.grainnet.com/articles/Brazil_Government_Could_Move_Up_5__Biodiesel_Goal_to_2010-35778.html

A New Biotech Clothing Industry?

Genetically engineered corn is now being used by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) to produce a new fiber, dubbed Ingeo. Ingeo can be used in clothing and is expected to be increasingly found in the market in upcoming years in a variety of apparel. Biotechnology looks at Ingeo, which is used in the production of synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon as a response to consumers’ environmental concerns as well as to United State ’s reliance on foreign oil.

Although some environmental organizations are opposed to Ingeo because it is made from bioengineered corn, Ingeo has many environmental benefits. A key environmental improvement is that natural fabrics, such as Ingeo, are highly biodegradable. Some look to Ingeo, for example, to provide a more environmentally friendly diaper as opposed to the current disposable diapers which do not easily biodegrade.

Source: http://enn.com/today.html?id=10881

DuPont Reveals Plan for Future of Biofuels

At the third annual World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing Conference, DuPont’s Bio-Based Technologies Vice President John Pierce discussed Dupont’s three-part strategy for the future of the biofuels market. Dupont hopes to introduce new biofuel technologies in order to increase biofuel’s competitive edge against petroleum. The strategy includes:

· Improving existing ethanol production through differentiated agricultural seed products and crop protection chemicals

· Developing and supplying new technologies to allow conversion of cellulose to biofuels, and

· Developing and supplying next generation biofuels with improved performance.

Consistent with this strategy DuPont is partnering on separate projects with the US DOE and BP. The DOE project will develop technology to convert corn stover into ethanol. The BP project will develop biobutanol and other advanced biofuels.

Pierce said that “our strategy is designed to deliver the science needed to begin to transform global economies so we are less reliant on oil by enabling the adoption of efficient, high-performance, bio-based technologies.”

Source: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45485

Biofuels Transported Successfully Through Privately Owned Pipeline

The Countrymark Co-op successfully transported the United State ’s first tender of B5 soy biodiesel through their pipeline. The delivery of 210,000 gallons of B5 through the pipeline eliminated the need for three traditional transport truckloads of B100 by road. Samples from the tender were taken and found to be free of any contamination. This success is encouraging for those within the refining and distribution industry. Now it is clear that biofuels can be shipped in a protected, steady supply with no decline in quality of the biofuel,making it easier and more efficient to move biofuels throughout the country.

Source: http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=18873

EPA Uses Bioproducts in New Green Buildings

The EPA is now able to occupy its two new Green Buildings located in Arlington , Virginia . The new buildings have received LEED Gold Certification and include advanced technologies to conserve both energy and water. In addition to these conservation technologies, the EPA buildings are also utilizing biofabrics in the wall paneling. The fabric is corn-based and is more biodegradable than average fabrics and does not contain harmful chemicals that other synthetically produced materials do. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson proudly states that “at EPA, we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk.”

Source: http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/facilities/hq-nova.htm

U.S. Crop Markets Shift to Corn to Meet Ethanol Needs

The annual Breimyer Seminar at the University of Missouri fostered discussion on the topic of the shifting U.S. crop market towards corn. New Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) projections estimate an increase in acres planted with corn and a decrease in acres planted with soybeans and wheat. The shift, which is taking place to meet increasing demands for ethanol production, was considered by some at the seminar to be the “biggest change in U.S. agriculture since the introduction of the soybean.”

Speakers at the seminar estimate that corn prices will continue to rise even with increased production due to the demand from ethanol producers. However, they also concede that there may be risks for growers. Pat Westhoff, FAPRI agriculture economist, says that “increased demand [for corn] and lower carryover stocks could lead to greater volatility in corn prices. Risk management becomes a bigger issue.”

Source: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=45566

Earthrace Boat Attempts to Circumnavigate the Globe Using Only B99

In Spring 2007, Earthrace will attempt to circumnavigate the globe by boat in less than 65 days using only B99 biodiesel mixture, to beat the world record of 75 days. The Earthrace crew will be completing a North American Port Tour at the end of September and then will continue Port Tours to other parts of the globe. The Port Tours give Earthrace members the opportunity to promote the use of renewable energy and educate the public on the need for conservation of nonrenewable resources.

Source: www.earthrace.net

Manure Used to Power Ethanol Plant

To utilize more domestic fuel sources, Panda Ethanol has decided to fuel their Hereford , Texas Ethanol plant with manure from nearby cattle operations. The plant will be able to provide more than 90 percent of its own energy needs by using the methane which is released from heated-up manure. Not only does this process destroy the methane, a potent greenhouse gas, but it also rids the Hereford community of excess manure. Panda Ethanol expects the Hereford plant to be running by late 2007 and intends to use the same technology in a Kansas plant.

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=qw1154465824115B256&set_id=1&click_id=143&sf=

First Biodiesel Plant to be Near CO₂ Neutral to be Built

Green Star Products, Inc. plans to build the first near zero net CO₂biodiesel plant. Biodiesel plants normally utilize natural gas and electricity during production, both of which release CO₂, a greenhouse gas. The plant, which will be located in Glenns Ferry, Idaho , had to undergo design changes to accomplish the near CO₂ neutral emissions goal. Some of the changes include: running all the energy efficient electric generators and boilers on biodiesel produced in the plant; utilizing the waste heat from a nearby co-generation power plant for a heat source; and instead of using methanol during production, the plant will utilize ethanol provided from its own research facility.

Source: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060815/20060815005543.html?.v=1

Members Named to Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee

The Secretaries of the US Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy recently announced the appointment of 12 members to the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee. This Committee will assist the USDA and DOE in achieving national goals of a healthier rural economy and improved national energy security. Tasks for the new members include assisting the Secretaries on strategic planning, and encouraging closer collaboration among federal and state agencies, industry and growers. For a listing of new committee members please follow the link below.

Source: http://www.usda.gov/2006/08/0290.xml

Declaration of Energy Independence Signed in Indiana

At the grand opening of Integrity Biofuels in Morristown , Indiana a Declaration of Energy Independence was signed by 250 Indiana farmers. The Declaration reads: “We, the farmers of the great state of Indiana , formally declare our Independence from Imported Oil on this day, August 1, 2006 . We are committed to the production, distribution and use of cleaner-burning, American-made soy biodiesel. We, the undersigned, stand in full support of alternative energy solutions, and pledge to work tirelessly to ensure a renewable future for American generations to come.”

The signing of the document was greeted with much fanfare but Lt. Governor Becky Skillman warned those present that “our aggressive work on Indiana ’s biofuels industry will not be successful unless we have committed Hoosiers using these homegrown fuels.”

Source: http://www.indianasoybeanboard.com/energyIndependence.html

USDA & DOE Award $5.7 Million to Nine Grant Recipients to Research Plant Genomics

The US Departments of Energy and Agriculture jointly awarded nine grants totaling $5.7 million for biobased fuels research, specifically genomics which will allow biomass and plant feedstocks to be grown in large quantities to produce renewable fuels. Awards have been given to: Purdue University ; Texas A&M University ; North Carolina State University ; Kansas State University ; University of Georgia ; University of Wisconsin ; The Noble Foundation; Carnegie Institute of Washington; and Brookhaven National Laboratory. These grants are funded through the 2002 Farm bill Section 9008 Biomass Research and Development program.

Sources: http://www.energy.gov/news/3918.htm and http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm#id_10197

375 Recipients Receive $17.5 Million for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Projects

On Wednesday, August 30, United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the recipients of the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program, Sec. 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill (P.L. 107-171). Of the total 375 project awards, were efficiency projects and 122 were renewable energy projects. These awards are in addition to the 12 grant and guarantee loan recipients announced on August 8^th. This represents a significant increase in the number of grants awarded, but a decrease in the average size of the grant awards. There were 619 applications for the grants and guaranteed loans from 36 states, with 63 percent receiving funds. Projects include those that derive energy from a wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal source, or hydrogen derived from biomass or water using wind, solar, or geothermal energy sources.

Source: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/newsroom/2006/9006GrantRecipients.pdf
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2006/08/0282.xml
http://www.eere.energy.gov/news/enn.cfm#id_10198

Events

EESI Cellulosic Ethanol Briefing

On September 22 the Environmental and Energy Study Institute held a briefing entitled "Cellulosic Ethanol Technology: Is it Ready To Be Commercially Deployed Today?" With more than 155 attendees in the packed House hearing room and with an unknown number of listeners online industry leaders clearly identified that the loan guarantee program is the most significant policy that Congress and the Department of Energy can implement to get cellulosic ethanol produced. Leading companies described their plans for deployment, their technological approaches, as well as risks and challenges that the industry still faces.

For more information on this briefing see:
http://www.eesi.org/briefings/2006/Ag&Energy/9-22-06%20Cellulosic/9-22-06Cellulosic%20notice.htm

Calendar

Event	Date	Location	Further Information
Biofuels Finance & Investment Summit	Oct. 24-25	New York , NY	http://www.frallc.com/conference.aspx?ccode=sh133
Biogas Markets Conference	Oct. 30-31	Vienna , Austria	http://www.greenpowerconferences.com/
Cellulosic Ethanol – Commercial & Financial Viability & Prospects for Growth	Oct. 31- Nov. 1	Chicago , IL	http://www.platts.com/Events/pc637/
Cellulosic Ethanol Summit	Nov. 13-15	Washington , DC	http://www.infocastinc.com/cell06.html
Future Fuels USA	Nov. 27-29	Washington , DC	http://www.e85fuel.com/news/080406/future_fuels_2006.htm
Bioenergy World Americas	Nov. 28-29	Salavador , Brazil	www.bioenergy-world.com
Ethanol Summit 2006	Dec. 11-12