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Colorado Coalition Plans for Biofuel Stations Across Colorado

The Colorado Biofuels Coalition was established in late 2005 by the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO). The GEO formed a coalition of interest groups to support E85 production in-state and to provide funding and support for biofuel fueling stations throughout the state. The Coalition now plans to open 40 new E85 fueling stations to support the 300,000 flex-fuel vehicles registered in the state. Around $1 million in funding is allocated for facility construction and owner-education programs.

Source: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy07osti/41722.pdf

Oregon Requires Biofuel Blends in Gasoline

A new Oregon law, signed into effect on July 3rd, mandates that gasoline sold in the state must be blended with 10 percent ethanol and all diesel fuel sold in the state to be blended with 2 percent biodiesel. These requirements take effect when ethanol and diesel fuel production in the state hit 40 million gallons per year and 5 million gallons per year respectively. The bill mandating biofuel blends also requires increasing biofuel content as production of diesel and gasoline increase; a B5 mix will be required once biodiesel production reaches 15 million gallons annually. The law also provides tax incentives for feedstock producers and biofuel consumers.

Source: http://www.eere.energy.gov/states/state_news_detail.cfm/news_id=11096/state=OR

Tennessee Governor’s Biofuel Initiative is Success

July 5, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen launched the "BioTENN" campaign to move consumers toward biofuels. The initiative is working—Tennessee currently has 32 ethanol and biodeisel fueling stations, al though the Governor hopes to eventually convert all stations throughout the state into biofuel stations. Additionally, Tennessee-based Oak Ridge National Laboratories is receiving a multi-million dollar grant to develop switchgrass and corn-based fuels in the state, making Tennessee a leader in alternative fuel development. 

Source: http://dnj.midsouthnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/OPINION01/707050320/1016 [as of July 5, 2007]

Oregon Governor Signs Alternative Fuel Legislation

On July 3rd, Oregon Governor, Ted Kulongoski signed legislation that requires E10 and B2 blends of fuels once in-state annual ethanol production reaches 40 million gallons. The legislation also includes tax incentives for feedstock producers and retailers. "These bills will not only create financial opportunities for Oregon's agricultural sectors, but it will help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while creating thousands of jobs in rural Oregon," said Gov. Kulongoski.

Source: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070704/STATE/707040440/1042

Ohio Funds Biofuels in State Budget

July 12th, Ohio allocated $4.5 million to alternative fuel programs in its biennial (fiscal years 2008 and 2009) state budget. This funding is expected to make E85 and biodiesel more widely available to consumers. Ohio already has 43 E85 and 51biodeisel refueling stations. Ohio will offer tax credit eligibility for E85 Ethanol or B20 soy biodiesel of 15 cents per gallon in 2008 and 13 cents per gallon in 2009 to support existing and new stations. The budget program also funds a number of grants to alternative fuel distributors and producers. These efforts are combined with federal support initiatives including a 30 percent tax credit for infrastructure needs for alternative fueling stations. "It is exciting to see the high level of confidence our state leadership has put into this alternative fuel," said Ohio Soybean Council Chairman Dan Corcoran.

Source: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/07/12/ddn071207fuel.html

Hawaii Pledges to Reduce GHG Emissions by 2010

On June 30th, in a bill acknowledging the threat of global warming and climate change, the Hawaiian state government enacted legislation to limit greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. HB226 mandates an update of a state GHG emissions inventory and the creation of a task force to plan emissions reduction regulation. The government has until December 31, 2008 to complete a survey of GHG emissions sources in the state and until January 1, 2010 to set up a regulatory scheme for emissions reduction and reporting.  The government must also review the regulatory scheme every five years to maintain maximally feasible reductions.

Source: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/Bills/GM1005_.pdf

Utah Supports Alternative Fuels to Reduce GHG Emissions

July 21st, A poll of Utah citizens revealed that an overwhelming majority support the use of alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change; 85 percent of citizens viewed using alternative fuels as positive. A breakdown of energy alternatives showed that energy conservation received the most support, with solar energy running a close second. Ethanol and biofuels to power vehicles was approved by 74 percent.

Source: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/1%2C1249%2C695193920%2C00.html

Innovation in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Ames Lab Leads to Plant Screening for Ethanol

Ames Laboratory chemist Emily Smith devised a new method of detecting the lignin content in plant stocks. Lignin content in plants is indicative of their potential for ethanol use; lignin interferes with the production of ethanol so a high content means low viability. The testing method used does not interfere with plant growth so it can be used to detect optimal or changing lignin levels during a plant’s life cycle. These levels may correspond to optimal crop harvest times for ethanol production.

Source: http://www.ornl.gov/info/news/pulse/pulse_v237_07.htm

Research Suggests Glycerin Byproduct of Biodiesel May Be Used for Ethanol Production

Studies conducted by Rice University revealed a possible solution to the growing buildup of glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production. Researchers have discovered a metabolic process that, under anaerobic conditions, allows a strain of E. coli to convert glycerin into ethanol, another useful biofuel. Ramon Gonzalez, the William Akers Assistant Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University, said, "it's also very efficient, we estimate the operational costs to be about 40 percent less than those of producing ethanol from corn.” The biological conversion process is also said to be more environmentally friendly than many chemical processes.

Source: http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=9707

California Fuel Station Receives Grant to Build Alternative Fuel Stations

Pearson Fuels is the first company to receive a grant from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to construct E-85 fueling stations across the state. The construction method entails using existing gas tanks and dispensers at little to no cost. It is currently difficult to build alternative fueling stations in California because of costs and permitting barriers. Pearson Fuels’ grant will allow them to contract with gas station owners and allow the owners to move through the permitting process smoothly.  Pearson does not profit directly from the construction, rather, “In exchange for Pearson installing the dispenser and tanks to the existing station, the owner signs a fuel supply contract with Pearson for the delivery of the E-85 fuel,” said Pearson station manager Mike Lewis. Pearson hopes to bring more alternative fuel stations to California with this arrangement.

Source: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/news_detail.html?news_id=11074

NCAT Shows How Farms Can Save

NCAT recently conducted an energy audit for the Cherry Farms dairy operation in North Carolina. The farmers were interested in cutting energy costs and saving money on electricity and propane use. After reviewing the farm’s operations, NCAT suggested a number of changes, six of which were implemented immediately. Many of the changes focused around the dairy operation, as it uses half of the energy resources of the farm. Additionally, many energy saving plans, such as using milk to warm wash water, are easily implemented. Cost saving measures such as biofuel use and anaerobic digestions are being studied as energy alternatives. If all suggested measures are adopted, the farm could save over $6,000 annually. 

Source: http://www.ncat.org/news.html#save

McDonald’s to Recycle Cooking Oil for Alternative Fuel

In the United Kingdom, McDonald’s company plans to run 155 delivery trucks on cooking oil from its restaurants by the end of the year. The fast-food chain will collect oil from 900 of its 1,200 UK outlets each week, take it to a separation tank in East Anglia, where food particles will be removed, and then on to a biodiesel conversion plant in Milton Keynes in central England. The company says it will save 1,675 tons of carbon per year using a fuel blend of 85 percent biodiesel and 15 percent rapeseed oil.

Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKL0240836220070702?src=070207_1217_FEATURES_environment&pageNumber=1

Barbeque Lobbying Groups Promotes Environmentally Conscious Grilling

The Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association (HPBA) is a lobbying group that represents manufacturers and retailers of grill and hearth products. The organization has teamed up with the EPA to provide incentives for members of communities with particularly poor air quality to switch to grilling with more environmentally friendly fuels. The two groups instituted a “changeout” project in which wood-burning stoves can be traded for more eco-friendly versions. The most successful changeout project was conducted in Libby, Montanta where 1,200 stoves were traded. HPBA lobbying on Capitol Hill paid off as well. The Renewable Energy Security Provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides a consumer rebate of 25 percent for up to $3,000 for the purchase of renewable energy products.

Source: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0707/4761.html

Research Outlines Challenges for Switchgrass

Many scientific initiatives have been devoted to determining the best feedstocks for biofuels. Switchgrass is pinpointed as a promising feedstock for ethanol production. Unfortunately, there are many unknowns when it comes to using switchgrass as a fuel. The problems mostly circle around the lack of processing plants for switchgrass --farmers have few markets in which to sell their product, which means fewer incentives for growth. Scientists are also currently working on solving issues such as how to best manage switchgrass growth and breakdown for maximum energy yield.

Source: http://www.ornl.gov/info/ornlreview/v40_1_07/article08.shtml

UOP to Develop Biofuels for Military Jets

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, plans to develop renewable energy technology to convert vegetable and algal oils to military jet fuels. This research is a part of a larger project to develop and commercialize a process to produce Jet Propellant 8 (JP-8) used by U.S. and NATO militaries. The research is funded by $6.7 million from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the Department of Defense. The project aims to develop fuels that will achieve 90 percent energy efficiency and is scheduled to be completed by 2008.

“We are confident that we have assembled a strong team of experts that will be successful in proving the viability of biofeedstock technologies for JP-8 and other jet fuels, while offering the U.S. military another option for sustainable liquid fuels critical to their programs,” said Jennifer Holmgren, director of UOP’s Renewable Energy and Chemicals business unit.

Source: http://www.uop.com/pr/releases/PR.DARPABiofuel.pdf

First Closed-Loop Biofuel Plant Opens

E3 BioFuels launched its high-efficiency Genesis Plant on June 28 in Mead, Nebraska. The plant uses a patented closed-loop feed system which runs on clean biogas. The Genesis Plant combines manure with a cellulosic byproduct of ethanol in an anaerobic digester.  The leftover grain is fed to cattle which provide the manure for the system. Dennis Langley, President and CEO of E3 BioFuels, said, "The E3 BioFuels system lets America get its automotive fuel from the croplands of the Midwest instead of the oilfields of the Mideast. By successfully demonstrating this technology, the Genesis Plant has made a major contribution to U.S. energy independence and farm waste management, and offers a solution to global warming, as well.”

Source: http://www.e3biofuels.com/press/june-launch.php

Indiana Company Receives Bond to Construct Ethanol Plant

Wabash AgriProducts, Inc., an Indiana-based company seeking to develop an 88-milion gallon ethanol facility, received a $39.9 million Volume Cap allocation from the Indiana Finance Authority. The tax-exempt bond is a valuable incentive for construction of the alternative fuel production facility. The facility is expected to create 40-50 jobs with average wages of approximately $45,000 per year. Wabash County is a major manufacturing center, and state officials hope the bond will provide the support necessary development. Said Bill Konyah, President and CEO of the Economic Development Group (EDG) of Wabash County, “the long range plan is to create a true 'life-cycle' park with complimentary business uses."

Source: http://www.wabashplaindealer.com/articles/2007/07/07/local_news/local3.txt

Company Seeks Investor for Ethanol Plant

Liberty Renewable Fuels LLC is looking for investors to help fund the completion of its $185.6 million ethanol plant near Lansing, Michigan. The plant would produce 121 million gallons of ethanol a year from 48 million bushels of corn. It also would produce about 354,000 bushels of distillers’ grain. Officials expect the plant to be operational by fall 2008.

Source: http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070708/NEWS01/707080325

Salt-Tolerant Plant May be Biofuel Source

University of Delaware researcher John Gallagher is testing the viability of seashore mallow, a salt-tolerant perennial, as a biofuel feedstock. The plant has an oil content similar to that of the cottonseed or soybean; however, seashore mallow does not require valuable farmland to grow, but can grow on marginal lands instead. The meal left over after oil is extracted from mallow seeds has enough protein to be used for animal feed, while the stems have potential for use in cellulosic ethanol, Gallagher said.

Source: http://earth911.org/blog/2007/07/10/university-of-delaware-researcher-says-seeds-from-salt-tolerant-plant-a-promising-source-of-biodiesel/

Mushroom May Help Biofuel Production

Researchers in the United Kingdom are working to map the genome of the Agaricus bisporus, a widely cultivated mushroom that can help decompose plant material. This mushroom efficiently decomposes plant material too hard for other organisms. The utility of the mushroom lies in its ability to process lignin, a tough plant material that is very difficult to process. Once researchers understand the genetic factors contributing to the mushroom’s decomposition abilities, they can maximize the decomposition rates of plants for biofuels.

Source: http://www.biofuelreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1095&Itemid=99999999

Energy Needs Boost Wyoming Economy

The rise in world energy needs has meant big bucks for the state of Wyoming. Wyoming's economy performed second best in the nation last year due to increases in employment opportunities and vigorous natural-gas production. Reportedly, deposits to the state's General Fund have exceeded $967 million for the fiscal year that started last July. However, growth has been slightly slowed due to decreases in coalbed methane drilling and lack of qualified workers. Despite this slowdown “we're seeing monumental growth,” said Wenlin Liu, senior economist with Wyoming's Economic Analysis Division. The state is now moving to accommodate this growth with housing and infrastructure projects.

Sources: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/07/22/news/wyoming/32-economy.txt
http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2007/07/21/local_news_updates/19local_07-21-07.txt

Indonesian Peatlands Seen Playing Key Climate Role

Tropical peatlands in Indonesia are undergoing accelerated degradation as a result of increased acreage being put into agricultural production, primarily palm oil plantations established in anticipation of the emerging global demand for biodiesel.  As peat is drained, it begins to decompose on contact with oxygen, releasing carbon dioxide – up to 30 times as much as from an equal area of tropical forest. The situation is often exacerbated by extensive, prolonged fires in the drying peatlands, often ignited as part of land clearing activities. “This renders it [palm oil production] unsuitable as a biofuel”, according to Marcel Silvius, Senior Program Manager at the Dutch Research Institute, “as biofuels should by international standards at least be carbon neutral.”

Although degraded peatlands in Southeast Asia cover less than 0.1 percent of the earth service, they are the source of about 2 million tons of carbon dioxide a year, or close to 8 percent of global emissions. In fact, peat degradation in Indonesia is responsible for some 85 percent of total carbon emissions in Southeast Asia.  Indonesia currently has about 5 million hectares planted with oil palm; the government aims to develop an additional 2-3 million hectares by 2010.

Sources: http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSB66560520070828
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSJAK2342920070712    

Writers: Jetta L. Wong, Jesse Caputo, Toby Dachman, and Laura Parsons
Editor: Carol Werner

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.

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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.