Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests - November 6, 2015 | Newsletter

Biomass, Geothermal & Hydropower Industries Ask for Seat at the Table in Paris

On November 2, the Biomass Power Association, the Geothermal Energy Association and the National Hydropower Association wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to support a “pan-renewable technologies approach at COP-21.” At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP-21) this December, negotiators will come together in hopes of finalizing a climate treaty that will aim to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. In the letter, the groups state the importance of these base-load renewable sources globally, and note that grid reliability remains critically important as nations reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

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USDA Blender Pump Grants Aimed at Increasing Availability of Mid-Level Blends

On October 28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced 21 states would be receiving funding through the agency’s competitive grant program, the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). BIP is providing $100 million in grant funding with a 1:1 match from states and private partners to install blender pumps at gas stations. Blender pumps draw fuels from two separate tanks and mix the fuels on-site. They are capable of dispensing a variety of biofuel blends greater than 10 percent (E10), such as E15 and E85. In total, USDA estimates that $210 million will be invested as a result of the program, increasing the number of blender pumps by 5,000 at over 1,400 gas stations.

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Headlines:

1) Members of Congressional Black Caucus Support Biofuels for Air Quality, Jobs, Price

2) Biofuel Needs $70 Oil to Compete, says DuPont

3) Biofuel Companies among 81 Signing American Businesses Act on Climate Pledge

4) World's Largest Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Officially Opens in Iowa

5) Analysis: Millions of ‘Zombie Trees’ in National Forests

Event:

1) Biomass Thermal DC Summit

November 18
8:30 AM - 5 PM Morning Summit Orientation & Captiol Hill Visits
5:30 PM - 7 PM Congressional Recception

EESI is a supporting organization

The Biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC) invites you to participate in the Biomass Thermal DC Summit. A coalition of rural, renewable energy, and natural resource interests from across the U.S. will gather for an education and outreach event. Summit participants will have the opportunity to meet with Senators and Representatives, policy makers, and other renewable energy-related groups regarding the substantial benefits of biomass thermal energy use: increased rural economic activity, energy independence, healthier forests, and effective tax policy.

Please RSVP to participate.

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

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