Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests - April 8, 2016

EIA Reports Sales of High Octane Gas Increasing

On April 6, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that premium gasoline sales have risen from a low in 2008 of 7.8 percent to a recent high of 11.8 percent of fuel sales in September 2015. Historically, premium gasoline has been required only by luxury vehicles, and therefore has made up a small percentage of the overall gasoline market. However, higher grades of gasoline have higher octane volumes, which allow for the use of smaller, more powerful engines. According to EIA, increasing sales of newer, more efficient vehicles that require or recommend high octane fuel is driving the increased demand for higher octane gasoline.  This has implications for consumers in two main ways: increased use of premium gasoline means increased exposure to aromatics; and it also means increased costs as premium gasoline can run up to 50 cents higher per gallon than regular gasoline.

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Overlooked Renewable Tax Extenders Revived in FAA Reauthorization Bill

On April 6, the Senate voted to move to consider the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. The piece of must-pass legislation is viewed by Senate Democrats as the vehicle to carry a raft of renewable tax credits that were left out of the December omnibus, with Senate Commerce Committee Chair Thune (R-SD) commenting that it was expected that the Sec. 48C investment tax credits for biomass, geothermal and fuel cells are likely to be included in the FAA reauthorization bill.  Biofuels industry groups have also called on leadership to extend production tax credits for biofuels producers that were reinstated in 2015, but expire at the end of this year.

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Headlines

1. Growth Energy: More Than 150 Million Miles Driven on E15

2. Biofuel Producers With Poor Soil Should Consider Prairie Cordgrass

3. Roadmap For Pellet Stoves During Cheap Oil, Gas

4. Missouri Project ‘A New Level’ in Manure Biogas Production

5. Sen. Wyden Supports Additional FY 2017 Bioenergy Funding

 

 

EESI Briefing Re-Cap:

Solar Power and Resilient Design for Schools and Shelters
How Sustainable Public Buildings Can Enhance Their Communities

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing about a “solar secure” recreation center in Brooklyn and a “high performance” school in Kentucky that are benefiting their communities as well as those who use the buildings. This briefing showed how sustainable public buildings can collectively reduce emissions and clear the air, especially in disadvantaged communities where energy utilities are often sited. Case studies featured buildings—both in urban and in rural areas—that are improving public health and driving economic growth, while protecting and serving their communities and neighborhoods even during emergencies. Check the briefing summary for video, speaker powerpoints and event highlights. 

 

 

To Contact the Editor: Jessie Stolark at [email protected]

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