biofuel
Newsletter
Credit: Yves Bernardi/Pixabay
EPA investigates biofuel fraud concerns
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is auditing renewable fuel producers for possible fraudulent use of unsustainable feedstocks in biodiesel production.
In short:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun auditing renewable fuel producers over concerns that some companies may be fraudulently using unsustainable feedstocks like virgin palm oil, which are labeled as used cooking oil to earn government subsidies.
- These audits were initiated after the EPA updated supply chain accounting requirements in July 2023, aimed at ensuring the authenticity of materials used in producing biodiesel, a process eligible for various state and federal incentives.
- U.S. senators have urged federal agencies to rigorously verify both domestic and imported feedstocks to maintain integrity in biofuel production and avoid undermining efforts to promote sustainable energy.
Key quote:
“EPA has conducted audits of renewable fuel producers since July 2023 which includes, among other things, an evaluation of the locations that used cooking oil used in renewable fuel production was collected.”
— Jeffrey Landis, EPA spokesperson.
Why this matters:
The integrity of biofuel production is crucial for achieving environmental goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Fraudulent practices could undermine the transition to sustainable energy sources and harm environmental and economic policies designed to support renewable fuels.
Related EHN coverage:
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Ethanol plants found to emit more toxic air pollutants than oil refineries
Biofuel refineries, touted as a greener alternative to oil, release significant levels of hazardous air pollutants in rural communities across the U.S., surpassing emissions from petroleum refineries.
In short:
- Biofuel refineries release 12.9 million pounds of hazardous pollutants annually, including high levels of carcinogenic chemicals.
- Research reveals biofuel plants are the largest source of acrolein, a toxic chemical causing severe health issues.
- Biofuel facilities often violate air pollution permits, with over 40% failing compliance tests between 2021 and 2024.
Key quote:
“The industry claims biofuels are a better alternative. But what we found is that biofuels are a pretty significant source of hazardous air pollutants.”
— Kira Dunham, a researcher with the Environmental Integrity Project
Why this matters:
Despite being promoted as an environmentally friendly option, biofuel production poses serious health risks due to toxic emissions. Increased regulatory oversight is crucial to address these environmental and public health concerns.
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Newsletter
Turning mushroom waste into a resource for sustainable farming
The mushroom industry explores the potential of spent substrate, a byproduct of mushroom cultivation, for various environmental and agricultural applications.
In short:
- Spent substrate, the leftover material from mushroom farming, holds potential for compost, soil decontamination, biofuel, and further mushroom cultivation.
- Small and large mushroom farms alike face the challenge of managing the increasing amounts of spent substrate, seeking innovative solutions for its disposal and reuse.
- The Central Texas Mycological Society has created a community network for free spent substrate pickup, supporting local farms and environmental projects.
Key quote:
"If you're gonna do it, awesome, but account for this waste stream you're producing and how you're gonna get it off of your property."
— Amanda Janney, founder of KM Mushrooms
Why this matters:
Incorporating spent substrate into farming practices supports the principles of circular economy by recycling waste products into valuable resources. This not only reduces waste but also minimizes the environmental impact of farming by decreasing the reliance on synthetic inputs.
The way we eat and grow food has to dramatically change if we're going to feed the world's increasing population by 2050 and protect the planet, according to a major report released in 2019 from the EAT-Lancet Commission.
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UNL students study former ethanol plant AltEn contamination
The massive study into the long-term effects wrought by AltEn, as well as financial assistance from the state, has provided unique research experiences for UNL students.
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Photo by Forest Simon on Unsplash
Using pig fat as green jet fuel will hurt planet, experts warn
The fat of dead pigs, cattle and chickens is being used to make greener jet fuel, but a new study warns it will end up being worse for the planet.
Bay Area plans to refine biofuels could derail climate goals, warn environmentalists
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s call for regulators to “accelerate refinery transitions away from petroleum to the production of clean fuels” was part of a larger effort to reduce climate pollution from California’s transportation sector, the largest source of emissions in the state.
Jersey's government switches vehicles to vegetable oil biodiesel
Jersey's government has switched more than 37% of its vehicles to run on vegetable oil-based fuel to reduce its carbon emissions, it has said.
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