News and Notes - Nov. 14, 2008

Feature Article

Biofuels and Commodity Turbulence
http://www.climatechangecentral.com/publications/c3-views/october-2008/biofuels-and-commodity-turbulence

Agriculture, food prices, and ethanol.....

US News

If a Tree Falls in the Forest, Are Biofuels To Blame? It's Not Easy Being Green
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122636711059015989.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Ethanol start-up Mascoma sheds staffers (inc. Its President)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10097227-54.html

Reaping a new harvest (POET)
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20081113/NEWS/811130311/1001

Are alternative fuels reliving the 1980s?
http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2008/11/06/are-alternative-fuels-reliving-the-1980s/

EPA Must Propose a Science-Based Fuel Rule That Advances Innovation and Protects the Environment, Groups Say
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/EPA-Must-Propose-a-Science/story.aspx?guid=%7BC27A23AD-CAB3-4ED6-A73E-23D0918BFD63%7D

David C. Aldous to Join Range Fuels as CEO
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/David-C-Aldous-Join-Range/story.aspx?guid=%7BC4DD5E2C-9E09-4426-BDD3-7388976B3C36%7D

Canola still a bit player in U.S. Biodiesel
http://www.country-guide.ca/west/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=92295&issue=11142008&story_id=&PC=FBC

Company introduces dual-auger grain cart for moving corn, cobs or mix for cellulosic ethanol
http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/1226594666017.xml

Obama likely to tackle energy early on
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/energy/6102884.html

Obama's Energy Department
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/energywire/2008/11/obamas_energy_department.html#more

Is Ethanol Dead? Not So Fast
http://seekingalpha.com/article/104940-is-ethanol-dead-not-so-fast

Getting the Blend Truth: Does Ethanol Hurt Your Car's Performance?
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews+articleid_2781105.html

Forget Corn: Mushrooms May Hold Key to Energy Crisis
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601202&sid=aIyXpm.N6zW4&refer=healthcare

Understanding land use change and U.S. ethanol expansion: A Report
http://www.ethanolrfa.org/objects/documents/2041/final_land_use_1110_w_execsumm.pdf

Pacific Ethanol Q3 loss reaches $54.9M, shares tumble 16 percent
http://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2008/11/10/daily11.html

(Algae) Biodiesel plant with Binghamton roots rejects $1M Pennsylvania grant (Could not meet production goals)
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20081110/BUSINESS/811100413

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. Announces First Grind at Ethanol Plant Near Obion, Tennessee
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Green-Plains-Renewable-Energy-Inc/story.aspx?guid=%7B091F405E-A465-460C-9685-CD27DCA5BF0F%7D

Long Corn? Former Iowa Governor In Lead For Agriculture Secretary
http://clusterstock.alleyinsider.com/2008/11/long-corn-former-iowa-governor-in-lead-for-agriculture-secretary-

The search for alternative aviation fuels: understanding the challenge
http://www.greenaironline.com/news.php?viewStory=308

Ethanol makers push U.S. to boost fuel blend rate
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE4AA7IW20081111

The Behind-the-Scenes Struggle Over Ethanol
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/11/11/the-behind-the-scenes-struggle-over-ethanol.html

USDA Crops Harvest Estimates
http://www.forbes.com/markets/2008/11/10/usda-corn-soybeans-markets-commodities-cx_mp_1110markets33.html

Predicting U.S.-Brazil Ethanol Policy
http://www.as-coa.org/article.php?id=1335

Researchers push butanol as biofuel answer
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D94CU6V80.htm

Winn Ranger District uses wood for electricity
http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20081107/NEWS01/811070337

$40M going into ethanol project (Kinder Morgan pipeline project)
http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2008/11/10/story6.html?b=1226293200%5E1728900

VeraSun forecasts drastically higher 3Q loss
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/13/business/NA-US-VeraSun-Outlook.php

World Ethanol Market to Reach 27.7 Billion Gallons by 2012, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts
http://www.prweb.com/releases/ethanol/fuel/prweb1584644.htm

Raven Biofuels and Price BioStock Target Mississippi Site for Cellulosic Ethanol Biorefinery
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Raven-Biofuels-Price-BioStock-Target/story.aspx?guid=%7B17727342-414C-4AEF-887B-28CF88CC602C%7D

Raven Biofuels Signs MOU With Kamloops Indian Band for Feedstock and Biorefinery Development
http://www.ravenbiofuels.com/investors/release.asp?numb=270

Purdue: More Research Needed To Make Good On Biofuel Promise
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Content.asp?ContentID=268428

IEA Says Fading Oil Production Threatens Supply
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122653421496622523.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Noble Foundation receives funds to study switchgrass
http://www.ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=5056

Pickens sees government move on his energy plan soon
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081112/ts_nm/us_pickens_1

Oil Majors Await Obama's Plan
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122601818295907041.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Poet’s first commercial corn cob harvest set for 2009
http://www.ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=5051

 Firefighters learn how to strike ethanol fires
http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_314215113.html

The Future of Midlevel Blends
http://www.ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=5009

Virent announces new board appointments and future CEO
http://www.virent.com/News/press/11-13-08_Virent_Announces_New_Board_Appointments_and_Future_CEO.pdf

UI economist predicts agricultural recession
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/11/13/3786569.htm

Ethanol producer Aventine Renewable Energy hangs on, hopes for a market turn
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=105377

International News

Air New Zealand to test biofuel on flight (Dec. 7)
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/12/content_10344419.htm

Eight nations warn EU over biofuel barriers
http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-36366820081106?sp=true

Creating an International Renewable Energy Agency
http://www.irena.org/

News and Notes - Nov. 6, 2008

Feature Article

National Biofuels Action Plan released
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/pdfs/nbap.pdf

The 2008 National Biofuels Action Plan was developed by the interagency Biomass Research and Development Board. The plan seeks to coordinate Federal agency involvement in biomass research and development, demonstrations and implementation.

US News

Critical Bio Mass: Memphis organizations focus on turning green business into greenbacks
http://businesstn.com/content/200810/critical-bio-mass

With the Grain (Ethanol Grain Producers in Obion County)
http://businesstn.com/content/200810/grain

Obama to Back Ailing Ethanol Makers, Follow Failed Bush Policy
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a2QOK2ttty_I&refer=us

U.S. biofuels sector sees ally in Obama
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N05312949.htm

How Will Renewables Fare in the New Political Environment?
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54014

Changes in Congress related to Ag and Biofuels
http://bioenergy.checkbiotech.org/news/2008-11-06/Mike_Johanns,_once_USDA_chief,_now_senator/

U.S. Biofuels Industry Ready to Take Off
http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/business/biofuels-6697.html

House farm chief backs higher bio-blend
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-BusinessofGreen/idUSTRE4A53VX20081106

Bioheat Fires Up Homes in New England
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54006

Fluctuating Food Commodity Prices: A Complex Issue With No Easy Answers
http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/November08/Features/FoodPrices.htm

The Biofuel Debate: Good, Bad or Too Soon to Tell?
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/the-biofuel-debate-good-bad-or-too-soon-to-tell/

Biofuels Debate: Point, Counterpoint
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/biofuels-debate-point-counterpoint/

BIO addresses EPA indirect land use proposal
http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=2923

VeraSun Energy halts 110 Mgy corn ethanol plant in Minnesota “indefinitely”, stock trading halted
http://biofuelsdigest.com/blog2/2008/11/06/verasun-energy-halts-110-mgy-corn-ethanol-plant-in-minnesota-indefinitely-stock-trading-halted/

J.D. Irving Gets $19.5M In Loans To Make 2 Mills Eco-Friendlier
http://www.timberbuysell.com/Community/DisplayNews.asp?id=3739

Pellet plant announced for Georgia
http://bioenergy.checkbiotech.org/news/2008-11-05/Pellet_plant_announced_for_Georgia/

Researchers turn biomass into energy
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2008/11/06/Researchers_turn_biomass_into_energy/UPI-60601225998334/

Fungal diesel could be new fuel source
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=15544&channel=0&title=Fungal+diesel+could+be+new+fuel+source

The Andersons, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results (Ohio Ethanol Plants)
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/The-Andersons-Inc-Reports-Third/story.aspx?guid=%7BF9E79882-B267-4294-8473-55DD4875C388%7D

$18 Million Biodiesel Manufacturing Plant May be Coming to Southwest Kentucky
http://mfrtech.com/articles/1483.html

First Ethanol Distribution Hub Built & Now Operating At Baltimore Facility
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Content.asp?ContentID=266150

International News

China Mobilizes Methanol While the U.S. Remains Mired in Oil (highlights Eastman Chemical in Tennessee)
http://www.thecuttingedgenews.com/index.php?article=881&pageid=21&pagename=Energy

Oxford University discovers new methanol process
http://www.biofuelreview.com/content/view/1770/1/

B.C. vitamin maker's ethanol plans on hold
http://www.country-guide.ca/West/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=91845&PC=FBC&issue=11052008

Viaspace Inc. to Commercially Farm Hybrid Grass in China for Animal Feed and Cellulosic Ethanol Production
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/Viaspace_Inc__to_Commercially_Farm_Hybrid_Grass_in_China_for_Animal_Feed_and_Cellulosic_Ethanol_Production-65777.html

News and Notes - Nov. 4, 2008

Feature Article

Sen. Grassley asks the Grocery Manufacturers Association to lower foods costs since corn prices have declined
http://grassley.senate.gov/private/upload/10312008.pdf

Finally! Someone seeks accountability from those who have accused ethanol of being the source of many problems! I am glad to see Sen. Grassley using the GMA’s own figures and quotes to beat them at their own game. I have a slide from a powerpoint presentation hanging in my office. In a typical 18-ounce box of Corn Flakes, there is approximately 12.9 ounces (1.44% of a bushel) of corn. At $3 a bushel, that corn cost 4.3 cents. At $6 a bushel, it costs 8.6 cents. Tell me, how does a box of corn flakes increase 21 cents (Fall 2007) and that entire increase be blamed on ethanol? Hmmm.....does it take oil to produce, harvest, ship, and process the corn?

US News

Presidential Candidate Energy Information – A Comprehensive Look
http://www.garbrook.com/welcome/presidentupdate08/index.html

From a strange brew, cheaper fuel (Mascoma)
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/11/03/from_a_strange_brew_cheaper_fuel/

The Death of Ethanol: One Thing Wall Street Saw Coming
http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2008/11/03/the-death-of-ethanol-one-thing-wall-street-saw-coming/

Don’t Put on the Black Dress The Patient Isn’t Dead
http://www.hoosieragtoday.com/wire/comments/00142_death_of_ethanol_192221.php

Self-Digesting Plants? - Potential Key to Biofuel Production from Plant Biomass
http://howplantswork.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/self-digesting-plants-potential-key-to-biofuel-production-from-plant-biomass/

VeraSun files for Chapter 11 protection
http://www.biofuelreview.com/content/view/1765/1/

Judge approves VeraSun's rare bankruptcy financing
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN0342766020081104

VeraSun Energy Corp. Receives Commitments For Up to $215 Million in Debtor-In-Possession Financing
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/VeraSun_Energy_Corp__Receives_Commitments_For_Up_to__215_Million_in_Debtor_In_Possession_Financing-65669.html

VeraSun Indefinitely Delays Startup of 110-MMGY Ethanol Plant in Janesville, MN
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/VeraSun_Indefinitely_Delays_Startup_of_110_MMGY_Ethanol_Plant_in_Janesville__MN_-65708.html

Avery Needs to Connect the Dots on Biotech’s Connection to Ethanol
http://www.ncga.com/news/OurView/2008/103108.asp

Money, research spur race for algae as fuel source
http://www.katu.com/news/tech/33729044.html

Florida’s My Dream Fuels aims to plant 900,000 jatropha trees
http://biofuelsdigest.com/blog2/2008/11/04/floridas-my-dream-fuels-aims-to-plant-900000-jatropha-trees/

RFA Comments on August Ethanol Production and Demand
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/RFA_Comments_on_August_Ethanol_Production_and_Demand-65684.html

Energy independence an old vow
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/11/02/20081102promises1102.html

Schwartznegger cancelled plans to call for Renewable Fuel Standard waiver at 11th hour
http://biofuelsdigest.com/blog2/2008/11/04/schwartznegger-cancelled-plans-to-call-for-renewable-fuel-standard-waiver-at-11th-hour/

Ethanol sourced carbon dioxide and the energy sector: a Biofuels Digest special report
http://biofuelsdigest.com/blog2/2008/11/03/ethanol-sourced-carbon-dioxide-and-the-energy-sector-a-biofuels-digest-special-report/

Fuel study also considers pheasants
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20081102/NEWS/811020338/1001

Cardinal Ethanol starts up (Indiana)
http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20081102/NEWS01/811020359

International News

Monsanto to buy Aly Participacoes for $290 million (Brazilian Ethanol Producer)
http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2008/11/03/daily6.html

ADM Forms Joint Venture With Grupo Cabrera to Construct Two Sugarcane Ethanol Processing Complexes
http://www.biofuelsjournal.com/articles/ADM_Forms_Joint_Venture_With_Grupo_Cabrera_to_Construct_Two_Sugarcane_Ethanol_Processing_Complexes-65704.html

Brazil Ethanol Mills Cancel 22% Of Equipment Orders
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Content.asp?ContentID=265593

Japanese shipping industry set up to handle biofuels sector
http://www.biofuelreview.com/content/view/1767/1/

Ethanol producers' unworthy heyday finally over
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081103.IBREGULY03/TPStory/Business

 Oil Creation Theory Challenged by Fuel-Making Fungus
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20081104/sc_livescience/oilcreationtheorychallengedbyfuelmakingfungus

Scientists discover Patagonian diesel that grows on trees
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/04/biofuel-plants-biochemistry-science

Mission NewEnergy Announces Bio-ethanol Breakthrough
http://www.missionbiofuels.com/uploads/Announcement-Ligno-cellulosic%20Ethanol-31108(final).pdf

PM refers bio-fuel policy to Pawar panel for a relook (India)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PM_refers_bio-fuel_policy_to_Pawar_panel_for_a_relook/articleshow/3666580.cms