Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests - June 2, 2017

With Summer Driving Season Upon Us, Ethanol Groups Push E15 Waiver

June 1st marks the beginning of the summer driving season, a time when many regions switch to summer gasoline blends to comply with smog restrictions. But, as fuel retailers have sought to increase the offering of higher ethanol blends, including E15, they have run into a heretofore little known fuel regulation – Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP).  For a refresh on why RVP is regulated in the summer, check out EESI’s article on the issue.  Essentially, without a RVP waiver for E15, retailers in most regions are unable to sell the blends year round. 

 

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Headlines

1. Resetting US Climate Debate

2. Statement of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on President Trump’s Paris Accord Announcement

3. Proposals Could Make It Easier for Farmers to Profit from Manure Bioenergy

4. Film about the Farm Crisis of the '80s Sets the Stage for What’s to Come 

5. Pioneering Iowa Sustainable Agriculture Research Center Hangs On, Barely

 

 

 

Event Summary 

Powering Businesses, Homes and Vehicles with Waste
How to Grow the Economy & Jobs with Biogas & Renewable Natural Gas

The American Biogas Council (ABC), the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (CRNG) and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing about the untapped energy in domestic wastes. Waste streams—including manure, agricultural waste, waste water, food scraps and landfill gases—can be converted to biogas and upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG) for electricity, pipeline injection, or vehicle use, while also providing valuable products such as fertilizer and compost. Using these products provides local jobs, improves air and water quality, assists in meeting multi-agency nutrient management strategies and helps to meet multiple policy goals espoused in both the Farm Bill and the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

 

Upcoming Events: 

The National Security Implications of Climate Change

Monday, June 5
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Room 334, Cannon House Office Building
Independence Avenue SE and 1st Street, SE

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Center for Climate and Security (CCS) invite you to a briefing discussing the role of climate change as a "threat multiplier" in the geopolitical landscape and the implications that has for U.S. national security. The briefing will explore the risk management and planning considerations facing the Department of Defense (DOD) as it seeks to maintain force readiness and bolster infrastructure resilience. The panel will also discuss the need for investments in preventive measures today to prepare for future needs concerning disaster assistance, the Arctic, and the displacement of vulnerable populations due to climate change.

 

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

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