In This Edition
EESI Mourns the Loss of Advisory Board Member
- New Legislation
- USDA Announces Funding Opportunity for Rural Economic Development Projects
- DOE Funds Cellulosic Project to Utilize Wood from Trees Killed by Pine Beetles
- New Resources Available to Help Federal Agencies with Biobased Procurement
- GAO Testifies on DOE Budget for Energy Research and Development
- DOE Selects First Round of Small-scale Biorefinery Projects for Up to $114 Million in Federal Funding
- USDA and DOE Invest $18.4 Million in Support of Biomass Energy Research and Demonstration Projects
- Estimated 7,000 Attend Washington International Renewable Energy Conference
- USDA Accepting Grant Applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements (Sec. 9006)
- USDA Awards More than $4.1 Million for Woody Biomass Development
- Hawaii Partners with DOE to Increase Use of Renewables
- Florida “Farm to Fuel” Grant Recipients Announced
- Midwestern Governors Association Passes Biobased Procurement Resolution
- Iowa Legislation Would Eliminate Requirement to Label E10 at Gas Stations
Research and Technology Updates
- Northern Arizona University Publishes Woody Biomass Assessment with Support of Diverse Stakeholder Group
- Cellulosic Conversion Technology Means High Yields from Waste Materials
- Trade Agreement Could Enhance Biofuel Sustainability, Reduce Poverty
- DuPont Scientists Identify Maize Gene to Increase Oil Production
- First U.S. Commercial Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Begins Operations
- Virgin Atlantic Jumbo Jet Flies on Biofuel Blend
- Biodiesel Documentary Wins Sundance Film Festival Audience Award
- Biofuel Patents on the Rise
- UW Grad Students Collaborate with Tribes to Develop Local Biofuel Industry
- Oregon Poplar Producer Signs Letter of Intent with Cellulosic Ethanol Producer
- U.S. Biodiesel Exports Slow European Production
- Magellan Midstream Partners and Buckeye Partners Announce Dedicated Ethanol Pipeline Study
- Cereplast Introduces Freeze-Tolerant Biobased Resin
- Biobased Surfactants Can Improve Cleaning Solution Productivity, Reduce VOCs
- Armstrong Produces Corn-Based Commercial Floor Tiles
- Chinese Dairy Opens World’s Largest Anaerobic Digester
- Debate Continues on Indirect Emissions from Biofuels
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By Bill Holmberg, Biomass Coordinating Council (BCC), and Carol Werner, Executive Director, EESI
America lost a true hero when Milton R. Copulos died last week. His greatness was directly tied to his love and commitment to the United States, coupled with his understanding of the vital importance of the average American, and his ability to effectively represent their needs to the upper echelons of government. His work was recognized by Presidents Reagan and Bush, government officials and Members of Congress. The nation and its people are the primary beneficiaries.
Milt meritoriously served two tours in Vietnam as a Special Operations Army Sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star with combat V and other military honors. He was seriously damaged, which left him permanently disabled – a condition he quietly struggled with for the remainder of his life.
His experience in Vietnam with Special Operations (the Green Berets) convinced him that future battles in developing countries like Afghanistan and Iraq should include major commitments of Special Ops forces and nation-building from the bottom up. His voice in these areas helped lead to an increased focus on these methods of combat by the Provincial Reconstruction Teams in both Afghanistan and Iraq. They are proving their value.
Milt was a prolific writer and a superb analyst providing words and data that slowly helped convince Americans that their dependence on oil was an urgent matter of energy and national security. These contributions also brought essential support to the renewable energy industries, particularly biofuels, ethanol and biodiesel. The United States now leads the world in biofuels production.
In 2003, he published the report, America’s Achilles Heal, The Hidden Cost of Oil. He continued to update the data; his last report in December of 07, calculated the true cost of gasoline to the consumer, when all reasonable externalities were included, was $10.07 a gallon. It is now considerably higher with oil prices well over $100/barrel.
His latest commitment is his work with Dynamotive, a biorefinery producing biooil for the production of electricity and biochar as a soil amendment to boost biomass production, make better use of available water, improve soils, and aid in sequestering carbon dioxide.
As a result of these many contributions, Milt Copulos is recognized as a major contributor to biomass, and now stands with other notables in the field like Rudolf Diesel and Henry Ford.
Milt was an active member of EESI’s Advisory Board and a very dear friend. He not only was incredibly knowledgeable but he had a gifted way of looking at things – he truly saw all the connections and sought out workable solutions. He was a wonderful person to know – a terrific storyteller and a great lover of life with a dynamite sense of humor. He has been an inspiration to so many of us – the loss is great.
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S. 2546 – Colorado Forest Management Improvement Act of 2007
January 23, Senators Salazar (D-CO) and Allard (R-CO) introduced S. 2546 to reduce the risks to Colorado communities and water supplies from severe wildfires, especially in areas affected by insect infestations, to provide model legislation that may be applied to other States experiencing similar insect infestation or other forest-related problems, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
S. 2558 – To Amend the Clean Air Act to Modify a Definition
January 25, Senator Thune (R-SD) introduced S. 2558 to amend the Clean Air Act by modifying the definition of renewable biomass in the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to include post-commercial residues as well as pre-commercial residues harvested as byproducts of preventative treatments on federal forests. The bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
H.R. 5146 – Invest in Energy Security Act
January 28, Reps. Lampson (D-TX) and Edwards (D-TX) introduced H.R. 5146 to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of Energy to acquire petroleum in quantities sufficient to fill the available capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The bill also requires that proceeds from the sale of petroleum products in the reserve be deposited into an Energy Independence and Security Fund, established for that purpose. These funds will then be made available for programs relating to alternative energy and energy efficiency. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and, in addition, to the Committee on Science and Technology.
H.R. 5236 – Renewable Biomass Facilitation Act of 2008
February 6, Reps. Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), Walden (R-OR), DeFazio (D-OR), Stupak (D-MI), Ross (D-AZ), Pickering (R-MS), Emerson (R-MO), Goodlatte (R-VA), Bonner (R-AL), and Peterson (R-PA) introduced H.R. 5236 to modify the definition of renewable biomass in the renewable fuel standard (RFS) to promote the use of renewable materials harvested from public and private lands. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R. 5351 – Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008
February 12, Reps. Rangel (D-NY), Stark (D-CA), Levin (D-MI), McDermott (D-WA), Lewis (D-GA), Neal (D-MA), Becerra (D-CA), Doggett (D-TX), Pomeroy (D-ND), Jones (D-OH), Larson (D-CT), Emanuel (D-IL), Blumenauer (D-OR), Kind (D-WI), Pascrell (D-NJ), Crowley (D-NY), Van Hollen (D-MD), Schwartz (D-PA), Castor (D-FL), Cohen (D-TN), Ellison (D-MN), Giffords (D-AZ), Hall (D-NY), Hill (D-IN), Hodes (D-NH), Hirono (D-HI), Johnson (D-GA), Klein (D-FL), McNerney (D-CA), Sarbanes (D-MD), Sires (D-NJ), Tsongas (D-MA), and Welch (D-VT) introduced H.R. 5351 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of renewable energy and energy conservation. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. It has since passed committee, passed the House (236 – 182), and been introduced in the Senate, where it was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
H.R. 5401 – GREEN School Improvement Act
February 12, Reps. Loebsack (D-IA), Hare (D-IL), Hooley (D-OR), Payne (D-NJ), Van Hollen (D-MD), Boswell (D-IA), and Kagen (D-WI) introduced H.R. 5401 to authorize the Secretary of Education to make grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor.
S. 2642 – American Renewable Energy Act of 2008
February 14, Senators Klobuchar (D-MN), Snowe (R-ME), and Cantwell (D-WA) introduced S. 2642 to establish a national renewable energy standard, to extend and create renewable energy tax incentives, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance.
S. 2651 – To Amend the Clean Air Act to Make Technical Corrections to the Renewable Fuel Standard
February 14, Senator Inhofe (R-OK) introduced S. 2651 to amend the Clean Air Act to make technical corrections to the renewable fuel standard. The bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
H.R. 5437 – American-Made Energy Act of 2008
February 14, Reps. Ross (D-AR) and Nunes (R-CA) introduced H.R. 5437 to promote alternative and renewable fuels, domestic energy production, conservation, and efficiency, to increase American energy independence, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition, to the Committees on Science and Technology, Oversight and Government Reform, Armed Services, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Ways and Means.
H.RES. 987 – Whereas Economists Have Concluded that the Economy of the United States May Be Entering a Recession;
February 14, Reps. BAIRD (D-WA), Blumenauer (D-OR), Crowley (D-NY), DeGette (D-CO), Ehlers (R-MI), Etheridge (D-NC), Gordon (D-TN), Inslee (D-WA), Larson (D-WA), Maloney (D-NY), Murphy (D-CT), Murphy (D-PA), Schwartz (D-PA), Smith (D-WA), Udall (D-CO), Upton (R-MI), Van Hollen (D-MD), WALDEN (R-OR), and WAMP (R-TN) introduced H.RES. 987 to encourage Americans to join others across the country in using their rebate checks to invest in renewable energy and energy efficient products and services in order to save money, stimulate the economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
USDA Announces Funding Opportunity for Rural Economic Development Projects
On February 5, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service announced the availability of more than $2.6 million in competitively-awarded grants under the Rural Business Opportunity Grant program for fiscal year 2008. Public bodies, nonprofit corporations, federally recognized tribal groups, and cooperatives with primarily rural members are eligible to apply for funding for projects that promote sustainable economic development in rural communities. With the exception of multi-state projects that may receive up to $150,000, grants will not exceed $50,000. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
For more information, please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbog.htm. The application deadline is March 31, 2008.
DOE Funds Cellulosic Project to Utilize Wood from Trees Killed by Pine Beetles
Pennsylvania-based Lignol Innovations was awarded up to $30 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Colorado. The biorefinery should be completed by 2012 and will use lodgepole pines that have been killed by the mountain pine beetles, as well as other wood waste, as the feedstock for 2 million gallons of ethanol per year. "For this plant in particular, its use of beetle-kill was one of the factors considered during evaluation for federal investment," said Kevin Craig, a DOE project manager.
Lignol spokesman Bruce Wigle said the company has proven its cellulosic ethanol technology at its pilot facility in Canada. "The pilot plant in British Columbia has successfully tested various feedstocks, including stock from large areas in British Columbia that has been devastated by the beetle." The new market for wood residue in Colorado will make it more economically viable to thin the dead and dying trees; the state's beetle-kill epidemic threatens to kill all its mature logepoles within the next five years.
Sources: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/30/dead-trees-may-fuel-future/
http://www.energy.gov/news/5903.htm
New Resources Available to Help Federal Agencies with Biobased Procurement
In November 2007, the federal government amended the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add biobased procurement provisions. The new FAR requires federal agencies to consider the "maximum practicable use" of biobased products and services when developing or revising their specifications, product descriptions and standards, and sets procedures for contracting officers when purchasing biobased products.
The United Soybean Board also recently updated its Biobased Products Best Practices Guide to assist government purchasing decision makers. The resource is available at www.soybiobased.org and includes a list of products officially designated as biobased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, information on regulations, and sample language for government service contracts to encourage the use of biobased products.
Source: http://www.soybiobased.org/fall/1/?lk=5449554-5449554-0-30283-UMx0Bj-fYPYY5XkIGxPZK0m2MRtLcgE8
GAO Testifies on DOE Budget for Energy Research and Development
On March 5, Mark Gaffigan, Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), testified before the House Science and Technology Committee’s Energy and Environment Subcommittee about budget trends for the energy research and development (R&D) program of the Department of Energy (DOE). The GAO found that, when adjusted for inflation, the DOE’s budget authority for renewable, fossil and nuclear energy R&D fell 92 percent from $6 billion in fiscal year 1978 to $505 million in fiscal year 1998; it has since increased to $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2008. DOE’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2009 requests increases of 34 percent and 44 percent for fossil and nuclear energy R&D, respectively, and a decrease of 1 percent for renewable energy R&D. Within the renewable energy R&D category, DOE has requested $225 million for biomass and biorefinery systems, $156.1 million for solar, $52.5 million for wind, $30 million for geothermal, $3 million for water power and $66.9 million for hydrogen technology. DOE is also requesting $4.7 billion for research of physics, biology, and basic energy sciences under its Office of Science.
Mr. Gaffigan concluded his testimony by stating that “it is unlikely that DOE’s energy R&D funding alone will be sufficient to significantly diversify the nation’s energy portfolio” and that it will be important to coordinate energy R&D with other federal programs and policies. DOE has spent $57.5 billion on energy R&D over the last thirty years, and yet the nation’s energy portfolio is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels: In 1973, fossil fuels provided 93 percent of the country’s energy, while renewables provided 6 percent and nuclear 1 percent. In 2006, fossil energy still comprised 85 percent of the total, with renewable energy holding nearly steady at 7 percent and nuclear energy up to 8 percent.
Sources: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08556t.pdf (.pdf format)
http://science.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=2112
DOE Selects First Round of Small-scale Biorefinery Projects for Up to $114 Million in Federal Funding
On January 29, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced awards to four small-scale biorefinery projects for $114 million in funding over the next four years (FY 07 – FY10). Funds will be used to develop 10-percent commercial scale facilities using innovative processes and technologies to produce renewable fuels and other products from a diverse range of feedstocks. Data collected from these projects will be used to inform the process of developing cost-effective, full-scale commercial biorefineries. Award recipients include ICM Incorporated, Pacific Ethanol, Lignol Innovations, and Stora Enso. Due to the large number of applications received, DOE anticipates selecting a second round of small-scale projects later this spring. In total, DOE has announced more than $1 billion over the past year for multiple-year biofuels research and development projects.
Source: http://www.energy.gov/news/5903.htm
USDA and DOE Invest $18.4 Million in Support of Biomass Energy Research and Demonstration Projects
On March 4, 2008, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the winners of 21 awards for research and demonstration projects that aim to overcome key hurdles to cost-effective production of renewable fuels and products made from cellulosic biomass. Grant recipients are required to provide a minimum of 20 percent matching funds for R&D projects and 50 percent matching funds for demonstration projects. The awards total $18.4 million, to be distributed over three years. Of this, $13.2 million will come from USDA and $5.2 million will come from DOE. The award recipients are universities and private companies from across the country, including Rutgers University, the University of Florida, Ceres, the University of Colorado, Agrivida, Packer Engineering, and Cornell University. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this program, the administration requested no funding for it in the FY 2009 budget request.
Source: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/03/0067.xml
Estimated 7,000 Attend Washington International Renewable Energy Conference
The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008) drew nearly 7,000 participants to Washington, DC from 119 countries from March 4-6. WIREC 2008, hosted by the US Government, is the third global ministerial-level conference on renewable energy, following events in Beijing in 2005 and Bonn in 2004. The conference brought together government, civil society and private business leaders to address the benefits and costs of a major and rapid scale-up in the global deployment of renewable energy technology.
President George W. Bush addressed the conference and laid out a strategy for reducing oil use in the United States and discussed current initiatives to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use. Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, US Department of State, said, "One of the messages that really permeated the last day of WIREC was that renewables are a key element of our broader strategy to address the challenges of energy security and climate change. We see renewable energy as an integral part of our overall climate change policy." (Editor’s Note: However, the Administration cut DOE’s 2009 budget for energy efficiency and renewable energy by 27 percent below FY 2008 appropriations and has threatened to veto the House-passed energy tax bill which provides critical extension to tax incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy.) India will host the next International Renewable Energy Conference in 2010.
Sources: http://www.trucknews.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=81240&issue=03092008
http://www.americanrenewables.org
http://www.wirec2008.gov
http://www.eesi.org/publications/Press%20Releases/2008/DOE_EERE_FY09.pdf (.pdf format)
http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/26/news/economy/oil_veto/
From Climate Change News: http://www.eesi.org/publications/Newsletters/CCNews/3.14.08%20CCNews.htm
USDA Accepting Grant Applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements (Sec. 9006)
On March 6, 2008, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), published a notice in the Federal Register announcing that it will begin taking applications from agriculture producers and rural small businesses in eligible rural areas needing assistance for the purchase of renewable energy systems and improvements in energy efficiency (Sec. 9006). For FY 2008, a total of $220,841,560 has been made available for the grant and loan program: $15,888,000 for grants and $204, 953,560 for loan guarantees. In addition to stand-alone grants and loans, applicants may apply for combined grant and loan funding. Individual grants will range between $2,500 and $500,000 for renewable energy systems and between $1,500 and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. The maximum amount for a loan guarantee will be $10 million.
Grant applications will be accepted during two windows; the first round closes by April 15, 2008 and the second closes June 16, 2008. Applications for loan guarantees and combined grant-and-loan applications are due June 16, 2008.
Instructions for submission of applications can be found at http://www.Grants.gov.
Source: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-4305.pdf (.pdf format)
USDA Awards More Than $4.1 Million for Woody Biomass Development
On March 7, 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $4.1 million to 17 small businesses and community organizations producing innovative products and renewable energy from woody biomass coming from National Forests. The U.S. Forest Service, on behalf on USDA, selected 17 projects across the western states to receive grants intended to help create markets for small-diameter woody material, as well as damaged and other low-valued trees removed to reduce the risk of fire hazard, insect infestation or disease. Recipients include the Nevada Division of Forestry, the Coquille Tribe of Oregon, Northridge Forests Products (New Mexico), the Kootenai Business Park Industrial District (Montana), and others. Grants ranged from $170,000 to $250,000.
Source: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/03/0076.xml
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Hawaii Partners with DOE to Increase Use of Renewables
On January 28, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewble Energy Alexander Karsner to establish a long-term partnership called the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to supply 70% of Hawaii's energy needs from renewable resources by the year 2030. The production of both transportation fuel and electricity from local crops will be part of that renewable portfolio.
“This innovative, unprecedented partnership builds on the progress the state has made to increase energy independence by decreasing Hawaii’s reliance on imported oil,” said Governor Lingle. “Our islands’ abundant natural sources of energy, combined with the considerable capabilities of the Department of Energy will help Hawaii lead America in utilizing clean, renewable energy technologies.”
The MOU can be viewed here: http://www.eere.energy.gov/pdfs/hawaii_mou.pdf (.pdf format)
Source: http://hawaii.gov/gov/news/releases/hawaii-and-u.s.-department-of-energy-partner-to
Florida “Farm to Fuel” Grant Recipients Announced
On January 22, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson announced 12 renewable energy projects that will receive grants under Florida’s “Farm to Fuel” initiative. The state funding totals $25 million, which will be complemented by nearly $157 million in investments made by the grant recipients. “We believe that awards such as these are critical in triggering the development of a renewable energy industry in Florida,” Commissioner Bronson stated. “With the backing of and an investment from the state, we’re hopeful that these projects will yield positive results and serve as a catalyst for major commercial investment in this industry.”
The projects selected for funding represent a diverse selection of regionally available feedstocks. Liberty Industries was awarded $4 million for the construction and operation of a facility that will convert forest waste products into ethanol and electricity. Southeast Biofuels LLC was awarded a $500,000 demonstration grant to build a cellulosic ethanol plant using waste from the citrus industry as its feedstock. Sigara Inc. and the University of Central Florida both received funding for projects using animal waste for energy. Neptune Industries Inc. was awarded $158,270 to grow floating algae in quarry lakes for biodiesel production. All 12 research and commercialization projects should move Florida closer to its goal of producing 25% of the state’s energy needs from its local agriculture industry by the year 2025.
Sources: http://www.florida-agriculture.com/news/01-22-08.htm
Kumari, Kelly. “Citrus Peel in Fuel Tank? Ethanol’s Juicy New Twist” The Orlando Sentinel 29 January 2008.
Midwestern Governors Association Passes Biobased Procurement Resolution
As part of its Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform, the Midwestern Governors Association passed a resolution to jointly establish a Midwestern Biobased Product Procurement System to support the growth of the region's bioeconomy. The resolution calls for a regional task force to design and implement the system, which will use a list of biobased products consistent with the federal Biopreferred program. "By 2015, the region will have established efficient biobased product procurement systems for state governments," said Brendan Jordan, manager of the Next Generation Biomass Program at the Great Plains Institute. "Most states see biobased procurement as 'low hanging fruit' because the federal program is already in place and states can often easily adopt the federal program."
The Midwestern Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform was signed by the governors of Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, North Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri, as well as the Premier of the Canadian province of Manitoba. Other goals of the platform include increasing energy efficiency, increasing the number of retail filling stations offering E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), producing 50 percent of the transportation energy consumed in the region from biofuels or other low-carbon fuels by 2025, producing 30 percent of electricity consumed in the region from renewable resources by 2030, and making all coal plants capable of carbon capture and storage by 2050.
Source: http://www.soybiobased.org/fall/5/?lk=5449554-5449554-0-30283-UMx0Bj-fYPYY5XkIGxPZK0m2MRtLcgE8
http://www.midwesterngovernors.org/resolutions/Platform.pdf (pdf format)
Iowa Legislation Would Eliminate Requirement to Label E10 at Gas Stations
Iowa State Senator Jack Kibbie has introduced a bill that would allow gas stations to remove E10 labels from their pumps. Senator Kibbie's goal is to increase the sales of E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), which have flat lined at 73 percent of gasoline sales in Iowa over the last few years. "Sometimes, people driving through Iowa on the interstates, who don't know as much about ethanol as we do, see those stickers and say, 'I don't want any of that stuff!' So they put in high octane fuel that costs 10 cents a gallon more," said the Democrat from Emmetsburg, home of a 50 million gallon per year POET ethanol plant.
Most of the 1,500 members of the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa would choose to leave the labels on, according to that association's president Dawn Carlson. "People have a right to know what they are buying," she said. "For whatever reason, 25 percent of consumers are choosing not to buy ethanol, even if it means paying a dime more a gallon for 87 octane."
Source: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/NEWS/802150372
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Northern Arizona University Publishes Woody Biomass Assessment with Support of Diverse Stakeholder Group
On February 11, Northern Arizona University (NAU) released a report supported by a diverse group of stakeholders that identifies the potential volume of wood available for commercial use in the state’s forests. The stakeholder group, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Center for Biological Diversity, Grand Canyon Trust, Forest Energy/Future Forests, the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership and others, worked with NAU scientists to build consensus about the supply of ponderosa pine material that could be available from forest thinnings to promote healthy ecosystems and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
“It’s challenging to lead a contentious debate about important social issues while remaining true to the underlying science, but this group stepped up to the challenge, and I think they have articulated a sensible approach that will benefit the forest and those who care about and depend on it,” said Haydee Hampton, NAU research associate and leader of the project.
The 2.4 million acres of forests evaluated for the study included mostly national forest land, but also some private and state land. The group agreed that woody biomass resources were available from 41 percent of the total area, which would provide 850 million cubic feet in tree trunks plus 8 million green tons from branches and other tree crown biomass – an amount that exceeds current market demand. The group also unanimously agreed that 26 percent of the forests should not be thinned for commercial wood byproducts. The remaining 33 percent was under contention because of the stakeholders’ varying perspectives on thinning versus controlled-burning restoration treatments and uncertainty about issues such as road access and archaeological sites.
The entire Analysis of Small-Diameter Wood Supply in Northern Arizona report with appendices is available here: http://www.forestera.nau.edu/docs/WoodSupplyAnalysisFinalReportWithAppendices2008.pdf (pdf format)
Source: http://www.timberbuysell.com/Community/DisplayNews.asp?id=2263
DuPont Scientists Identify Maize Gene To Increase Oil Production
A paper published on February 17 in Nature Genetics says scientists have identified a gene that determines oil yield in maize. The gene lies on Chromosome 6 of the maize genome and encodes a catalizing enzyme called DGAT 1-2, which is responsible for part of the plant’s oil-making process. The gene also contains an amino acid variant that can raise the yield of oil by 41 percent and the yield of oleic acid – the edible fat in corn – by 107 percent. DGAT 1-2 is “a promising target for increasing oil and oleic-acid contents in other crops,” according to the paper’s authors from Iowa-based DuPont. Increased oil yields in certain crops could lead to higher production numbers in the biodiesel industry.
Sources: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gnD8YniaL1k6HTHPmtvPqx2VJy9A
Cellulosic Conversion Technology Means High Yields from Waste Materials
Washington State-based Syntec Biofuel Inc. has announced that its biofuel conversion process has achieved a yield of 105 gallons of alcohol per ton of biomass. The process gasifies waste materials such as sawdust, municipal solid waste, corn stover, and sugar cane bagasse to produce syngas. The syngas is passed through a fixed-bed reactor containing the Syntec catalysts, then purified into various alcohol fuels including ethanol, methanol, n-butanol, and n-propanol. “We are consistently seeing monthly improvements in our Biomass to Alcohols (B2A) Process,” said Syntec President Michael Jackson. “This level of achievement makes the B2A process profitable in relatively small scale facilities using a wide variety of waste biomass feedstocks in any combination.” For a 300 ton per day biomass processing facility, the new technology would allow for revenues exceeding $27 million per year.
Sources: “Syntec Biofuels Achieves Yield of 105 Gallons of Alcohol per Ton of Biomass” CNN Money 14 February 2008.
http://www.syntecbiofuel.com/technology.html
Trade Agreement Could Enhance Biofuel Sustainability, Reduce Poverty
A paper published in the journal Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining says that a biofuel trade agreement between rich and poor countries can help combat poverty and climate change, while increasing energy security in the developed world. The paper’s author, Dr. John Mathews of Australia’s Macquarie University, said that global trade of biofuels can be expanded in a sustainable manner: “Branding all biofuels from developing countries as unsustainable and blocking exports of these fuels to developed nations is ‘disguised protectionism’… A global Biopact could include measures to prevent clearing rainforest for biofuels production, for example. If markets in the North for responsibly produced biofuels are opened, then fuels grown irresponsibly can effectively be banned.”
Dr. Mathews also wrote that 2,000 biorefineries could be built in developing countries over a decade for about US$240 billion, but this investment will only be made if markets in developed countries are guaranteed. The International Energy Agency predicted US$470 billion to be invested in the oil and gas industries by 2010.
Sources: http://www.soci.org/SCI/pressoffice/2008/html/pr385.jsp
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/117913704/ABSTRACT
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First U.S. Commercial Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Begins Operations
South-Dakota based KL Process Design Group has announced the start of operations at its waste wood-to-ethanol plant located near Upton, Wyoming, the first commercial cellulosic plant in the country. The biorefinery's feedstocks include thinnings and slash from ponderosa pines on Eastern private and state land in Wyoming's Black Hills, and it uses a biochemical conversion process. “It is now possible to economically convert discarded wood into a clean burning, sustainable alternate motor fuel” said Randy Kramer, president of KL Process Design Group. KL Process Design Group collaborated with the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and received grants from the Wyoming Business council and the Wyoming Department of Forestry to develop the project.
Sources: http://www.klprocess.com/Press%20Releases/WBE_012908.html
http://www.klprocess.com/Projects/BiomassProcess.html
Virgin Atlantic Jumbo Jet Flies on Biofuel Blend
On February 24, Virgin Atlantic became the first commercial air carrier to use a biofuel blend, filling one of a Boeing 747’s four engines with a mix of 80% conventional jet fuel and 20% fuel derived from coconut and Brazilian babassu nut oil. The successful two hour flight from London to Amsterdam came after work with aircraft manufacturer Boeing, engine maker General Electric (GE), and Seattle-based biodiesel producer Imperium Renewables. Testing showed no negative impact on the unmodified GE engines, even using a blend of up to 40% biofuel. In addition, the biofuel will not freeze at temperatures as low as -47°C (-53°F), a necessity for high altitude flights. “Today’s biojet fuel offers higher-quality standards and a more sustainable fuel than traditional jet fuel,” commented John Plaza, president and CEO of Imperium Renewables.
Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, said that the nut feedstocks used for this biofuel blend were unlikely to meet the aviation industry’s demand for environmentally friendly fuels in the long-term: “This pioneering flight will enable those of us who are serious about reducing our carbon emissions to go on developing the fuels of the future, fuels which will power our aircraft in the years ahead through sustainable next-generation oils, such as algae.” Mr. Plaza agreed that algae, fast-growing plants with high oil content, have a lot of potential as a future feedstock for biobased jet fuel.
United States Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) praised the milestone achievement and its implications for reducing the environmental impact of the aviation industry. “Prior to this successful test flight of one of the world’s preeminent airliners, few people imagined that there was a better way to meet our air transportation needs,” Senator Lugar stated in a press release. “This flight demonstrates that the airline industry can be a leader in improving energy security and combating climate change. It is an important step in the development of reliable alternatives that will cut oil use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the bottom line of airlines that have been hit hard by rising fuel costs.”
Sources: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2451986620080225
http://www.imperiumrenewables.com/press-iri-vaa.pdf (pdf format)
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23291576-23349,00.html
http://lugar.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=293637&
Biodiesel Documentary Wins Sundance Film Festival Audience Award
A documentary about biodiesel and the country's need to reduce its dependence on foreign oil premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah and won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Film. Biodiesel expert and environmentalist Josh Tickell spent ten years developing "Fields of Fuel", which features appearances by energy experts and cultural icons. Mr. Tickell plans to take the documentary on a 50 city "Community Action" campaign this spring, and has been invited to show the film at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
Sources: http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=2076
http://www.fieldsoffuel.com/team
The number of biofuel patents published each year in the United States has increased dramatically recently. In 2007, 1,045 biofuel patents were published, up from 640 the previous year and 147 in 2002. Biofuel technologies also dominated renewable energy patents in general, with solar and wind power patents totaling 837 combined. Missouri and California were home to the highest number of U.S. biofuel patents. Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota rounded out the top five states.
Biofuel technologies are expected to continue developing at a rapid pace, thanks to various pieces of federal legislation. The new Renewable Fuel Standard, enacted as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, requires the production of 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuels, meaning fuels other than corn starch-based ethanol that reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum-based fuels, by the year 2022. A future carbon cap-and-trade bill such as the Lieberman-Warner “Climate Security Act”, which was reported favorably by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to the full Senate in December, may also influence the development of new low-carbon biofuel technologies.
Source: http://media.cleantech.com/2329/biofuel-patents-are-booming
UW Grad Students Collaborate with Tribes to Develop Local Biofuel Industry
The University of Washington (UW) has been awarded a $3 million grant by the National Science Foundation to develop a local biofuel industry based on nearby sources of forestry and agricultural waste. The Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) award funds six doctoral students to study technological challenges as well as the social and environmental impacts of using local forest thinnings, paper mill residues, and apple and wheat crop leftovers instead of imported corn or soy for biodiesel and ethanol production in Washington State. Additional funding from the university allowed a total of eight graduate students to participate in the program this year, beginning in January.
"We want to create a new generation of PhD graduates in sustainable energy, and develop local sources of renewable fuels," said Dr. Dan Schwartz, professor of chemical engineering. "These students will learn to consider not only economic benefit, but the environmental and social implications of their designs."
UW's BioEnergy IGERT program will place particular emphasis on collaborating with local Native American tribes to accomplish its objectives. Tribes such as the Yakama Nation in south-central Washington control a vast amount of biomass resources, and are themselves an under-represented human resource. This year's class, the first of five to receive funding from the IGERT grant, includes two Native American students.
Source: http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=57928
Oregon Poplar Producer Signs Letter of Intent with Cellulosic Ethanol Producer
GreenWood Resources has signed a non-binding letter of intent to supply hybrid poplar to cellulosic ethanol producer ZeaChem, Inc. ZeaChem plans to build a 1.5 million gallon per year biorefinery in Oregon, and plant engineering has already begun. GreenWood is the operator of a 17,000 acre tree farm, and may expand the farm as the cellulosic ethanol industry develops in the region. James Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem, described the benefits for both partners, “It allows GreenWood to benefit from the development of the growing market demand for cellulosic-based chemicals and ethanol, while providing ZeaChem with a dedicated long-term cellulosic feed stock source from the leader in intensively-managed hybrid poplar trees.”
Source: http://www.greenwoodresources.com/resources/2008-02-17.asp
U.S. Biodiesel Exports Slow European Production
In 2007, the growth of the European biodiesel industry slowed to its worst rate in the past ten years because of increased competition from U.S. biodiesel according to the European Biodiesel Board (EBB). "If we look at 2007 production, we expect an increase of not more than 10 percent compared to the previous year," reported EBB Secretary General Raffaello Garofalo. The EBB has criticized U.S. biodiesel subsidies as unfair, saying they threaten to put European producers out of business.
Source: http://www.enn.com/business/article/30844
Magellan Midstream Partners and Buckeye Partners Announce Dedicated Ethanol Pipeline Study
On February 19, fuel distributors Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and Buckeye Partners, L.P. announced the beginning of a joint study to determine the feasibility of constructing a dedicated ethanol pipeline between the Midwest and eastern states. The proposed pipeline system could transfer more than 10 million gallons of ethanol per day from the biorefineries in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and South Dakota to markets with high transportation fuel demand such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and the New York harbor.
“The most promising liquid fuel alternative to conventional gasoline today is ethanol. But without an efficient means to transport ethanol from the Midwest to other markets, its benefits are limited,” said U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). “Having a dedicated ethanol pipeline running from the Midwest to the eastern markets will help bridge the gap between the Midwest and the East, aiding America’s energy security. So I applaud these two companies’ efforts and I look forward to working in Congress to support the development of such pipelines.”
Pipelines are generally considered the safest, most cost-effective method of transporting liquid fuels. However, ethanol is currently shipped in railcars, trucks and barges due to concerns about water absorption and corrosion. Magellan and Buckeye’s feasibility study will assess technical as well as economic and regulatory issues, and should be complete later this year.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) commented, "Congress was considering putting millions of dollars into studying whether the federal government could build such a pipeline, but now, may let free enterprise lead the way." Senator Grassley also said that a pipeline “would probably be a greater boost to the production of ethanol than either the tax incentive or the mandate that we have in existing law."
Sources: http://www.magellanlp.com/news/2008/20080219_4.htm
http://www.wisconsinagconnection.com/story-national.php?Id=451&yr=2008
Cereplast Introduces Freeze-Tolerant Biobased Resin
Cereplast, Inc. has introduced the first freeze-tolerant biobased resin, known as CP-INJ-13. The new polylactic acid (PLA)-based resin maintains its structural integrity in temperatures as low as -35°C, making it useful in applications such as ice cream containers. “The new addition to our product lineup is a direct result of customer demand for freeze-capable bioplastic products,” said Cereplast Senior Vice President of Technology William Kelly. “We are constantly working with our customers to find solutions to their needs, and therefore expanding the applications of biodegradable, compostable plastic.” The Cereplast Compostables™ line of resins is made from corn, wheat, tapioca and potato starches.
Source: http://www.azom.com/news.asp?newsID=11104
Biobased Surfactants Can Improve Cleaning Solution Productivity, Reduce VOC’s
On January 29, Air Products introduced a series of biobased surfactants that give cleaning solution manufacturers an environmentally-friendly alternative to surfactants such as nonyl phenl ethoxylates (NPE), which have contain levels of volatile organic compounds. Natural Tomadol surfactants are made from palm or coconut oil and are less viscous than standard surfactants, increasing the productivity of cleaning solutions. “Whether you are seeking a natural source for your alcohol ethoxylates or are looking to replace NPEs, Air Products’ Tomadol surfactants offer its customers a true competitive advantage,” said Russ King, marketing manager for Air Products’ Performance Solutions.
Source: “Air Products Introduces Bio-based Tomadol Surfactants” CNN Money 29 January 2008
Armstrong Produces Corn-Based Commercial Floor Tiles
Armstrong Commercial Flooring has begun production of a corn-based tile that is five times more impact-resistant and 2.5 times more crack-resistant than standard tiles, which typically use petroleum-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The Migrations BioBased Tiles™ contain 13 percent biobased material by weight, as well as 10% pre-consumer recycled content. The company says a 20,000 square foot installation of the Migrations tiles, which are 30 percent more expensive than conventional tiles, save an amount of energy and resources equivalent to 72 gallons of petroleum.
Sources: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080212/BIZ/802120368/1005/biz
http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/biobased-polymer-press-release.html
Chinese Dairy Opens World’s Largest Anaerobic Digester
The world’s largest anaerobic digestion system began operations in China on January 21. The facility was built with a 45 million yuan (approximately 5.7 million U.S. dollar) investment from Mengniu Dairy, where the methane produced by the waste of 10,000 cows will be used to generate 30,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day as well as heat for the farm. Additionally, a valuable co-product will be created: 200,000 tons of organic fertilizers per year, an amount that would normally require 5,000 tons of coal to produce.
Although second to carbon dioxide in aggregate emissions impacts, methane is actually more than 20 times as potent in terms of global warming potential per unit. The anaerobic digester prevents the methane from entering the atmosphere directly, instead converting it to carbon dioxide in the energy generating process; at the same time, it displaces the use of carbon-intensive coal in the region. Mengniu could therefore sell carbon credits on the international market, and has reached a preliminary agreement with a Dutch carbon-trading company.
Source: http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5599
Debate Continues on Indirect Emissions from Biofuels
Since the publication of two controversial papers in the February 7 issue of Science, heated debate continues on the true effects of biofuels on global climate change. Both of the studies drew similar conclusions: that continued use of biofuels will increase global emissions of greenhouse gases when emissions from indirect land use change are taken into account. Indirect emissions are those emissions that are produced when forests and grasslands are cleared and converted to agriculture to replace crops diverted for use as biofuels elsewhere. This occurs as a direct consequence of relative inelasticity in the agricultural market – demand for foodstuffs is relatively constant, so reductions in supply in one part of the world result in increased production somewhere else. In the two Science studies, comprehensive modeling approaches elaborated on this basic causal chain, concluding that biofuels produced on agricultural land result in total greenhouse gas emissions considerably higher than those produced from the combustion of gasoline.
From the moment of their publication, these two papers received an enormous amount of press coverage – delighting detractors of biofuels and eliciting heated responses from biofuel supporters and industry representatives. In addition, scientists and energy experts are beginning to formulate responses. Last month, we highlighted a letter written by Michael Wang (Argonne National Laboratory) and Zia Haq (DOE Office of Biomass). Since then, a number of additional letters and responses have been drafted, including ones by Bruce Dale (Michigan State University) and David Morris (Institute for Local Self-Reliance). These responses highlight a number of problems with the initial papers, including methodology and conclusions. The most notable criticisms are that A) the algorithms used do not calculate actual emissions, but rather provide estimates on potential emissions under very specific scenarios, B) that agricultural emissions vary widely within a given location depending on local site factors and management practices, so that it is not possible to calculate meaningful emissions statistics across a broad geographic region, C) the models do not necessarily take into account the degree to which crop yields and production efficiency can be increased, and D) that indirect emissions from alternative sources are inappropriate and unfeasible in a strict life-cycle analysis (LCA), such as the one called for the renewable fuel standard (RFS) recently signed into law.
Timothy Searchinger (Princeton University), lead author of one of the original Science papers, has offered a counterpoint to many of these and other criticisms to his work. This response explains and reiterates many of the finer nuances of his work, particularly stressing the fact that his model calculates only those indirect emissions directly attributable to biofuel production. In other words, the study acknowledges that there are many causes contributing to ecological degradation around the world, and that baseline deforestation should not be confused with additional deforestation resulting from biofuel production. In addition, Searchinger reiterates the inclusion in his work of many of the variables that his detractors have highlighted as missing from the study, including provisions for increased crop yields and the use of distillers’ grains as a livestock supplement. In summary, Searchinger argues that his approach is ultimately a robust and straightforward calculation based on widely accepted agricultural and economic models. Although he considers many of the most common criticisms to be ‘off the mark’, he acknowledges inherent uncertainties and room for a number of improvements in his model.
Sources: http://www.eesi.org/publications/Newsletters/BCO/bco_45/bco_45.html#controversyover
http://www.newrules.org/de/Ethanol-and-Land-Use.pdf (.pdf format)
http://www.eesi.org/programs/agriculture/tsearchinger_iluc_response_022908.pdf (.pdf format)
http://www.eesi.org/programs/agriculture/iluc_thoughts_bdale_030808.doc
http://www.eesi.org/programs/agriculture/letterto_science_bdale_021608.pdf (.pdf format)
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USDA Holds Training and Showcase for Its BioPreferred Program
Biobased product vendors will have an opportunity to showcase their products and learn how to sell to the federal government through its BioPreferred Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s first BioPreferred Biobased Product Showcase and Training event. The event will be held in conjunction with the 2008 General Services Administration (GSA) Expo on April 21-24 in Anaheim, California. More information on federal biobased procurement, first required by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, is available at www.biopreferred.gov and information about the GSA Expo is available at www.expo.gsa.gov.
Source: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/02/0032.xm
Event |
Date |
Location |
Further Information |
Bioenergy North America 2008 |
March 27-28 |
Chicago, IL |
http://www.environmental-finance.com/conferences/2007/BioUS08/register.htm |
Biofuels Americas Conference & Expo |
April 2-4 |
Mexico City, Mexico |
|
Low Carbon Fuels 2008 |
April 14-15 |
Sacramento, CA |
|
7th Annual Southern BioProducts and Renewable Energy Conference |
April 14-15 |
Choctaw, MS |
|
BioCycle West Coast Conference 2008 |
April 14-16 |
San Diego, CA |
|
International Biomass ’08 Conference & Trade Show |
April 15-17 |
Minneapolis, MN |
|
Biomass 2008: Fueling Our Future |
April 17-18 |
Alexandria, VA |
|
2008 GSA Expo |
April 22-24 |
Anaheim, CA |
|
New World Biomass Conference |
April 22-24 |
Albuquerque, NM |
|
World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing |
April 27-30 |
Chicago, IL |
|
30th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals |
May 4-7 |
New Orleans, LA |
|
Advanced Biofuels |
May 7-8 |
San Francisco, CA |
|
Woody Biomass Heat: Making it Work for Communities |
May 1-2 |
Bend, OR |
|
Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference + Expo |
May 11-14 |
Las Vegas, NV |
|
Smallwood 2008 |
May 13-15 |
Madison, WI |
|
Forest Biomass Utilization |
May 13-14 |
Spokane, WA |
|
Second Generation Biofuels Development Summit |
May 13-16 |
Baltimore, MD |
|
Optimizing Ethanol Plants |
May 14-16 |
Minneapolis, MN |
|
World Bioenergy 2008 |
May 27-29 |
Jonkoping, Sweden |
|
International Conference on Renewable Resources and Biorefineries |
June 1-4 |
Rotterdam, The Netherlands |
|
Bioenergy Conference & Exhibition 2008 |
June 3-5 |
Prince George, Canada |
|
World Biofuels Forum 2008 |
June 10-11 |
Prague, Czech Republic |
|
International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo |
June 16-19 |
Nashville, TN |
|
Liquid Transportation Fuels from Biomass: Technology and Policy Considerations |
June 16-20 |
Cambridge, MA |
|
BIO International Convention |
June 17-20 |
San Diego, CA |
|
Biofuels 2010 |
June 23-24 |
Houston, TX |
|
Breaking the Chemical |
June 25-26 |
Washington, DC |
|
Short Rotation Crops International Conference |
August |
Bloomington, MN |
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Writers: Jetta L. Wong, Jesse Caputo, 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.
BCO is a free newsletter. EESI's 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 [at] eesi.org or (202) 662-1887.