USDA issues call for applications for REAP funding
On May 26, 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is accepting applications for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants and loan guarantees. REAP (Section 9007 of the 2008 Farm Bill) is the former Section 9006 under the 2002 Farm Bill and provides incentives for the development/construction of renewable energy projects, such [...]
Fertilization intensifies competition for light and endangers grassland diversity
When grasslands are fertilized their productivity is increased, but their plant diversity is diminished, according to Prof. Andrew Hector, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Zurich.
In the last 50 years, levels of plant-available nitrogen and phosphorous have doubled worldwide. This additional supply of plant nutrients is predicted to be one of the three most important causes [...]
Overview of The Food, Conservation & Energy Act of 2008
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246, the 2008 Farm Bill) extends and expands many of the renewable energy programs originally authorized in the 2002 farm bill.
The bill also continues the emphasis on the research and development of advanced and cellulosic bioenergy authorized in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (P.L. [...]
Wisconsin awarded federal grants for renewable energy work
RENEW Wisconsin and three post-secondary schools captured more than $1 million for projects to help the federal government address market and deployment challenges identified in a 2008 Department of Energy report.
RENEW Wisconsin will use part of the funds to develop a one-stop online source of information for wind developers, state and local policymakers and [...]
Soybean Checkoff supports clean towns and cities
ST. LOUIS (May 6, 2009) – To promote the availability and use of soy biodiesel, the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff will be enlisting some help this spring. The soybean checkoff will be working with selected U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) Clean Cities chapters to assist in promoting soy biodiesel and soy-based [...]
Food and crop waste: a valuable biomass feedstock
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), of Washington, D.C., just released a brief fact sheet about the potential availability of food and crop wastes as feedstocks for biofuels.
While the fact sheet wasn’t meant as a comprehensive assessment, the EESI suggests further research is needed to understand and quantify the full potential of unutilized agricultural [...]