On a press conference call today hosted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) leading experts in the field of lifecycle greenhouse gas analysis and agricultural land use discussed the climate impacts of ethanol production and use, compared to the impacts of petroleum and other energy alternatives. Speakers also addressed what they called flawed arguments made by ethanol opponents—including Timothy Searchinger …
Fuels America Launches “Obama” Climate Campaign
On a press conference call, top executives from Fuels America announced the launch of a new ad campaign targeting President Obama and urging him to lead the world on climate by getting the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) back on track as he heads into international climate talks. Speakers also discussed how the Administration’s decision on the RFS will be critical …
New ZimmCast Episode – The Elephant in the Corn Field
The latest ZimmCast episode features a cornfield, an elephant and DTN’s Chris Clayton. With the title, “The Elephant in the Cornfield,” Chris Clayton’s first book draws you in just to find out what it’s all about says ZimmCast host Chuck Zimmerman. Chris is the policy editor for DTN/The Progressive Farmer and an issue near and dear to his heart is …
Poll: African Americans Back Climate Action, Clean Energy
According to a new poll released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and GREEN FOR ALL, two-thirds of African Americans believe global warming is a serious problem and want more action to curb its effects. This group also supports the Clean Power Plan (CPP), finalized in August, as a tool to address the climate crisis while 83 percent …
California Affirms Biodiesel’s Low-Carbon Impact
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is very pleased with the decision last week by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to readopt the Low Carbon Fuels Standard and the increased role biodiesel will play in that standard. The new standard finds that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent and often by as much as 81 percent …
Clean Power Plan: What the People Say
Americans United for Change (AUFC) held a press conference this morning to release poll results from 8 battleground states showing voter concern about climate change and strong support for the Clean Power Plan. States surveyed included: Virginia, Florida, Ohio, New Hampshire, Colorado, Nevada, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Climate advocates will also call on Republican Attorney Generals preparing to sue the EPA …
WOTUS Final Rule Announced
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army finalized the Clean Water Rule that has become known as the Waters of the United States or WOTUS. According to EPA, the rule “ensures that waters protected under the Clean Water Act are more precisely defined and predictably determined, making permitting less costly, easier, and faster for businesses and industry.” EPA …
White House Climate Initiative Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and presidential advisor Brian Deese visited Michigan State University Thursday to announce a comprehensive national strategy to partner with farmers, ranchers and forest land owners to address the threat of climate change. The new initiative, “Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry”, will utilize voluntary, incentive-based conservation, forestry, and energy programs to reduce greenhouse gas …
Ditch the Rule at Missouri State Fair
Agriculture’s “Ditch the Rule” campaign against the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule was highlighted at the Missouri State Fair this week. Three Republican members of Missouri’s congressional delegation held a press conference at the fair, organized by the the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Farm Bureau. Senator Roy Blunt …
ABM Announces New Patent to Improve Plant Growth
Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) announces the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 8,716,001 for a Trichoderma strain that induces resistance to plant diseases and increases plant growth. The patent was issued to Cornell University and ABM has exclusive worldwide rights. The patent covers the technology that induces gene expression triggers for healthier and more productive plants. The Trichoderma works by first …
Deepwater Wind Announces Right Whale Protection
This morning the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and Deepwater Wind held a media teleconference to announce an agreement to implement additional protections for marine mammals, including the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Speakers included: Tricia K. Jedele, RI Advocacy Center Director, Conservation Law Foundation Jeffrey Grybowski, CEO, Deepwater Wind Michael Jasny, …
REPREVE RENEWABLES Deploys Biomass Crop System
REPREVE® RENEWABLES, LLC, is collaborating with farmers and landowners in the United States to grow giant miscanthus grass for renewable product solutions, combining an innovative business model with proprietary equipment technologies custom-built for rhizome-propagated crop production. This innovative approach provides an economic alternative for leveraging marginal and underutilized land. The need for alternative sources to fossil fuels and other bio-based …
Lucero Joins Eco Agro Resources
Eco Agro Resources is proud to announce the appointment of Luciano Lucero as the regional manager of South America. Luciano’s hiring is consistent with Eco Agro Resources’ overall strategy to support local markets and to provide greater value to customers. Luciano’s ability to introduce the South American market to innovative urease inhibitor N-Yield and to the developing product line is …
2013 CTIC Conservation in Action Tour
The 2013 Conservation In Action Tour was held July 9-10 in the Indian Creek Watershed in Livingston County, Ill. The event featured tours of farming operations and presentations from farmers, conservation partners, crop consultants, government agency representatives and others. Links on this page include the event photo album, stories posted on websites, and audio files. 2013 Conservation in Action Tour …
Study Shows Ethanol Reducing Carbon Footprint
Ethanol Report with Comments from Study Co-author Steffen Mueller and RFA CEO Bob Dinneen A new study indicates that ethanol production is continuing to reduce its energy and environmental footprint. The study, entitled “2012 Corn Ethanol: Emerging Plant Energy and Environmental Technologies”, found that recent innovations in corn ethanol production have resulted in increased yield per bushel even as less …