Wisconsinites back biofuel development, but disagree on how it should be promoted
Posted on December 5, 2009
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Although almost two-thirds of Wisconsinites support the use and production of biofuels, less than half think the government should subsidize their development, according to a new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers. Read more. . .
South Carolina’s Energy Future: Minding its Efficiency Resources
Posted on November 22, 2009
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This November 2009 report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) examines the potential electricity and water efficiency savings that could be realized in South Carolina through the implementation of a suite of eleven electric and five water efficiency policies, and quantifies the growth in gross state product and employment that would result from these investments. Link to report: South Carolina’s Energy Future.
Builder chosen for Dane county’s 1st manure digester
Posted on November 22, 2009
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Dane County’s first community manure digester, the first cooperative project of its kind in Wisconsin, will be built and operated by a Milwaukee-based company that plans to finance most of the project itself. Story was published in Wisconsin State Journal, November 8, 2009. Writer: Matthew DeFour. Go to: Dane County, Wisconsin, manure digester.
U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations boosts Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding
Posted on July 19, 2009
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On July 7, 2009, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations voted to boost funding for farm energy programs that will create more clean energy and new income for rural Americans.
The committee voted to increase fiscal year 2010 funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) from $60 million to $128 million.
The REAP program helps farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses build their own clean energy projects. REAP provides grant and loan guarantee assistance for a broad range of clean energy technologies, including biomass, manure digesters, wind and solar power, and energy efficiency.
For more information about the REAP program, go to: REAPS
Webinar on Biomass Crop Assistance Program, June 25th
Posted on June 9, 2009
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The Minnesota Project, a nonprofit group focused on sustainability issues, is organizing a 90-minute webinar on June 25th, covering a variety of aspects in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. The webinar is scheduled for 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (CDT).
More details about the webinar’s topics, speakers and how to register are available at: Biomass Crop Assistance Program webinar
Ethanol: Where is the industry heading?
Posted on June 5, 2009
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What is the ethanol industry’s financial future? This question plus an overview about the current financial state of the ethanol industry will be covered by three of the most influential ethanol organizations in the United States during the 5th Annual Biofuels Financial Conference, which will be held in Minneapolis, Minn. on June 24 – 25, 2009.
The conference is being sponsored by Christianson & Associates, PLLP, certified public accountants and consultants for the biofuels industry.
The conference will focus on the financial challenges and opportunities for the biofuels industry. Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, Brian Jennings, Executive Director of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and Jim Redding, Vice President Industry Relations for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) will all take the stage and discuss how the current financial landscape is affecting the ethanol industry today and tomorrow.
Participants will also learn about commodity risk management, leadership best practices and hear technical and industry updates.
USDA issues call for applications for REAP funding
Posted on May 30, 2009
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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 as anaerobic digester projects.
REAP renewable energy grants can provide up to 25 percent of eligible project costs, up to $500,000. Loan guarantees or grant and loan guarantee combinations are capped at 75 percent of eligible project costs. More details are available in the Federal Register at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12178.pdf or on the USDA Web site http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/9006grant.htm.
Application materials may be obtained by contacting one of USDA Rural Development State Offices, which are listed at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html or by downloading at http://www.grants.gov. Applications are due on July 31, 2009.
This item was supplied by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AgSTAR program. For further information or questions about AgSTAR, visit the AgSTAR Web site.
Fertilization intensifies competition for light and endangers grassland diversity
Posted on May 11, 2009
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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 of biodiversity loss in this century, says Hector.
For the first time, the research, under the leadership of Professor Hector, shows the exact mechanisms that lead to the loss of biodiversity from grasslands following fertilization. Read more . . .
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