From sanschagrins at gmail.com Sun Dec 2 10:50:55 2007 From: sanschagrins at gmail.com (Andrew Simon) Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2007 10:50:55 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] mechanic for Magnolia Message-ID: Our current beloved home, a 1989 International school bus named Magnolia, needs some engine work. She has a 7.3 liter Navistar diesel engine, running strong, that likes to run on biodiesel but also seems to like to drip oil copiously. We are looking for a good mechanic familiar with these engines to look her over. Magnolia is currently in Carrboro, but could travel to find the right mechanic. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Andy From wrightmw at wfu.edu Mon Dec 3 09:34:55 2007 From: wrightmw at wfu.edu (Marcus Wright) Date: Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:34:55 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] 55 gallon black plactic drum In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4754140F.90502@wfu.edu> About 40 to 50 black plastic drums with bungs have come available again. These contained soap and just need rinsing out. Leave a message at 336-971-0933 for Nathan. These are $3/drum and located in Winston-Salem, NC. From wrenchwench at blast.com Mon Dec 3 18:02:29 2007 From: wrenchwench at blast.com (Rachel Burton) Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007 18:02:29 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Biodiesel born from holiday oil Message-ID: <65442273-365F-4CD5-9D9D-9084FC24B21A@blast.com> http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711220355 City sets up used holiday oil collection site at Riverside recycling location BY HALLIE WOODS HallieWoods at coloradoan.com In addition to making great soups and sandwiches, Thanksgiving leftovers will help power cars this year. A statewide holiday recycling event will collect leftover holiday cooking oil from frying turkeys and other foods and donate it to Rocky Mountain Sustainable Enterprises of Boulder, where it will be turned into biodiesel. Fort Collins will join other cities like Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Evergreen, Longmont and Loveland to provide a collection site. Local oil will be collected at 1702 Riverside Ave., the city's drop-off recycling site. "It's about waste diversion," said Susie Gordon, senior environmental planner for the city's natural resources department. "We really want to find a secondary use for any and all materials." Anyone can drop off cooking oil free of charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the site Saturday, keeping the gooey substance out of the landfill and the wastewater system. Cooking oil poured down the drain can cause household drain system clogs and even citywide sewer system backups. "The city has crews out continually checking the lines, and (they) look for those type of situations," said Ron Russell, technical services supervisor for the city's water reclamation division. "The grease will collect on the walls of the pipes and restrict the flow of the pipes, close sewer lines." Russell recommends putting solidified oil in the trash, where it will go to the landfill. But solid waste departments don't want to see the grease either. "Sometimes the liquid bursts in trash compacters and leaks all over the streets," said Bruce Philbrick, superintendent of solid waste in Loveland. "Liquid wastes aren't suitable for landfill anyway." For more than a year, the Loveland recycling site has offered a year- round cooking oil drop-off site, which is donated to Rocky Mountain Sustainable Enterprises. "We have been getting some months over 100 gallons of oil," Philbrick said. Gordon said if the day goes well, Fort Collins may start a conversation about creating a year-round drop-off site like Loveland. But because the current recycling drop-off center on Riverside behind Rivendell School is not staffed, it would make it difficult to set up liquid collection, she added. "We would have to think long and hard about how we would set it up," Gordon said. "Any time you are dealing with a liquid like this you have to have a cleanup and spill response plan." Philbrick said the barrels are kept in spill-proof areas at the supervised Loveland recycling drop-off center where spill plans are in place. From john.bonitz at gmail.com Mon Dec 3 21:31:03 2007 From: john.bonitz at gmail.com (John Bonitz) Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007 21:31:03 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] FOR SALE: 1987 Diesel Ford Escort, Carrboro, NC Message-ID: <84a57a420712031831ne136ebakaf154c06e878616d@mail.gmail.com> Friends, Here is another Diesel Escort for sale, in the central part of North Carolina. The owner lives in Carrboro, NC, near Chapel Hill. She's a good person, but has gotten too busy to find a diesel-mechanic who cares about her car. If interested, please contact her directly at the email listed below. thanks, John ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anjuli Munjal Date: Dec 2, 2007 8:50 PM Subject: 1987 Diesel Ford Escort To: John Bonitz Hi John, Here is the Craigs List link to the diesel Escort: http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/496688991.html 1987 Diesel Ford Escort 150,000 miles 5-Speed Silver $700 Does not start, was running the last time it started, passenger window was shattered, could be used for a project car for someone with diesel intuition or for parts, will tow up to 100 miles Anjuli From peterdavio at sprintmail.com Mon Dec 3 23:08:16 2007 From: peterdavio at sprintmail.com (Peter & Joan Davio) Date: Mon, 03 Dec 2007 23:08:16 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] filtered and heated? or 'cooked' Message-ID: <4754D2B0.5020101@sprintmail.com> My first post here, as I learn about this biodiesel thing. I am considering a F250 or F350 with the 7.3l powerstroke, in a longbed configuration so space is not an issue for me. do more people here use the goldenfuels type of setup, or do you prefer de-esterification for an application like this. as I understand, the de-esterified WVO can be used straight in the vehicle without a tank or line heater, and no dependence on dinosaur juice for startup or shut down? Thanks Pete From msuppan at gmail.com Tue Dec 4 10:24:09 2007 From: msuppan at gmail.com (Manfred Stanfield) Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:24:09 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] E85 for 85 cents! Message-ID: <47557140.2386460a.14bb.26f7@mx.google.com> To All that Drive Flexible Fuel Vehicles! Save big $ tomorrow! Cruizers Convenience store in Durham will be selling E85 for 85 cents this Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 AM. That's right... 85 cents a gallon! Cruizers is located at 1914 Sedwick at the corner of Sedwick and NC 55 in South Durham, about 1 mile south of I-40 and right on the edge of RTP. To find out if you have a flex fuel vehicle that can use E85, go to http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php. For those of you who can't make it out on Wednesday morning, take note that the regular price of E85 is about $2.67, about 40 cents less than regular unleaded. So if you have a flex fuel vehicle, make sure you stop by to fill up when you are in the area. Manfred Stanfield MCT, MCSE, MCP+I MSuppan at gmail.com I live the life I love, and I love the life I live. "The 4 R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Respect." - Manfred Stanfield From marc at carolinabiofuels.org Tue Dec 4 13:39:47 2007 From: marc at carolinabiofuels.org (Marc Dreyfors) Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:39:47 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] E85 for 85 cents! In-Reply-To: <47557140.2386460a.14bb.26f7@mx.google.com> References: <47557140.2386460a.14bb.26f7@mx.google.com> Message-ID: <47559EF3.2080300@carolinabiofuels.org> kind of relative isn't-- lower fuel costs, more consumption, more CO2, more sudsidized GMO corn made by giant agri-chemical companies. Hummmm.. Manfred Stanfield wrote: > To All that Drive Flexible Fuel Vehicles! > > Save big $ tomorrow! > > Cruizers Convenience store in Durham will be selling E85 for 85 cents > this Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 AM. That's right... 85 cents a gallon! > > Cruizers is located at 1914 Sedwick at the corner of Sedwick and NC 55 > in South Durham, about 1 mile south of I-40 and right on the edge of > RTP. > > To find out if you have a flex fuel vehicle that can use E85, go to > http://www.e85fuel.com/e85101/flexfuelvehicles.php. > > For those of you who can't make it out on Wednesday morning, take note > that the regular price of E85 is about $2.67, about 40 cents less than > regular unleaded. So if you have a flex fuel vehicle, make sure you > stop by to fill up when you are in the area. > > > > Manfred Stanfield > MCT, MCSE, MCP+I > MSuppan at gmail.com > > I live the life I love, and I love the life I live. > > "The 4 R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Respect." - Manfred Stanfield > > _______________________________________________ > Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list > Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net > http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group > > > From jdorff at gmail.com Tue Dec 4 14:32:06 2007 From: jdorff at gmail.com (Jimmy Dorff) Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:32:06 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] E85 for 85 cents! In-Reply-To: <47559EF3.2080300@carolinabiofuels.org> References: <47557140.2386460a.14bb.26f7@mx.google.com> <47559EF3.2080300@carolinabiofuels.org> Message-ID: <4755AB36.70300@gmail.com> Marc Dreyfors wrote: > kind of relative isn't-- lower fuel costs, more consumption, more CO2, > more sudsidized GMO corn made by giant agri-chemical companies. Hummmm.. I rather doubt a two hour sales promotion is going to alter anyones fuel consumption. But it will get some attention. This sort of thing has taken place in cities across America, often with celebrities pumping fuel as well as the low price. If this succeeds in informing some drivers that clean, domestic fuels are available from standard retailers in the triangle, then it's a good thing IMHO. -Jimmy From rachel at sustainable-biodiesel.org Tue Dec 4 23:05:01 2007 From: rachel at sustainable-biodiesel.org (Rachel Burton) Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 23:05:01 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Get ready for the 2008 Sustainable Biodiesel Summit! References: Message-ID: <584F4B34-F9A0-4C52-B862-0951ED30ADF4@sustainable-biodiesel.org> > Greetings from the SBS organizing team! > > This message is coming your way to remind you to make your plans > for this year's Sustainable Biodiesel Summit! > > 1. Registration is now open! > Early registration is open through January 1st. > http://sustainable-biodiesel.org/?page_id=8 > 2.Where will you stay during the SBS? > > The SBS has reserved a block of rooms at the Comfort Suites Hotel > in Kissimee, Florida. > The hotel is 1.5 miles from the Convention Center where both the > Sustainable Biodiesel Summit and the National Biodiesel Conference > will be located. The rooms reserved for the SBS will be $85.00 per > night plus taxes. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY JANUARY 1ST, 2008. > Please remember to tell them you are with the Sustainable Biodiesel > Summit to get the discount rate. > > > Comfort Suites > Maingate East > at Old Town > 2775 Florida Plaza > Boulevard > Kissimmee, FL 34746 > Look for Guide Marker #9 > Phone: (407) 397-7848 > Fax: (407) 396-7045 > > Make your reservations now! > > > 3. How can I contribute to this year's summit? > > YOU can tell your story! > > Call for Posters for the Sustainable Biodiesel Summit > > The purpose of the technical poster session is to exchange ideas on > best production and distribution practices. > We want full attendee participation to inspire each other to > improve our sustainability and create a > constructive dialogue around sustainability. > If you are looking to tell your story to the biodiesel community, > this is your chance! > Abstracts will still be reviewed for inclusion into the summit > program. > > E-mail your submission to: rachel at sustainable-biodiesel dot org > > You are invited to contribute a volunteer poster abstract > presentation in one of the following topic areas: > > ?Sustainable Practices > ?Glycerol > ?Feedstock Acquisition > ?Fuel Quality > ?New Production Technologies > ?Wastestream Management > ?General Topics > > We invite contributions to be as technical and yet user-friendly as > possible in communicating the information. > > Abstract Submission Specifications > > ? 150 word abstract or summary in English > ? No tables or figures may be included > ? Indicate topic area (see topics above) > ? Complete title > ? Complete names of all authors/presenters > ? Company/institutions for each author/presenter > ? Complete contact information, especially e-mail address, for the > corresponding author so we many contact you regarding your submission > > For more information on the SBS Poster Session see: http:// > sustainable-biodiesel.org/?page_id=25 > > 4. Who will be at this year's SBS? > > See what we have in store for our two day summit- Our tentative > schedule is posted here: > http://sustainable-biodiesel.org/?page_id=23 > > > Thanks and we will see soon In February in Orlando, Florida! > > The SBS Organizing Committee From shipyardphil at yahoo.com Wed Dec 5 00:31:14 2007 From: shipyardphil at yahoo.com (Phil Carter) Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 21:31:14 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Fw: filtered and heated? or 'cooked' Message-ID: <994803.14765.qm@web50810.mail.re2.yahoo.com> Hello: I am considering a SVO conversion to a 2005 sprinter. I have heard that biodiesel may cause turbo problems but SVO causes overall engine wear and power loss over time. After about 3,000 miles the Sprinter is still happy except a minor fuel line leak directly above the fuel pump to the engine. PS before I replace the line, any helpful precautions? or any words about an SVO conversion to a sprinter? Thanks, Phil ____________________________________________________________________________________ Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Wed Dec 5 13:37:03 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:37:03 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Red tape stalls efforts to sell ethanol In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Friends, If we can?t get a distribution infrastructure built, then the prospects for cellulosic ethanol are not very good. I look forward to hearing more about these developments, here in NC. Regards, ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/NRSTAFF/71204 039 Red tape stalls efforts to sell ethanol By Taft Wireback, Staff Writer Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007 3:00 am WINSTON-SALEM ? General Motors and clean-fuel advocates came to town Tuesday seeking dealers to sell E85, the blend of ethanol that supporters call the fastest way to boost America's energy independence. But they got an earful from fuel-industry professionals about state government's red tape and backward attitudes toward converting traditional fossil-fuel stations to ethanol. Restrictive rules on underground tanks and the equipment used to pump E85 make it hard for retailers to invest in the unproven market of alternative fuels, said Wayne Henderson of Pump and Tank Shop of Greensboro. If the state really wants to promote fuels, officials need to make it easier for service stations to retrofit existing equipment for E85, Henderson said. "If we could get the state to allow a waiver that would let people start out with (retrofits), then you would see more people willing to take a chance on it," said Henderson, whose company supplies and repairs fuel pumps. But good news did emerge from the seminar at state government's regional environmental headquarters: Greensboro should have a station selling E85 by next summer, erasing the Triad's dubious distinction as the state's largest metropolitan area without one. "I'm pretty excited about it," said Steve Walk of CleanFUEL Distribution, a company that helps set up and supply stores that sell E85. "We'll start construction in February or March and be open by June or July, if not sooner," Walk said he did not want to disclose more details about the project but described the Triad as potentially a "hot market." General Motors and Walk's company sponsored the program along with the N.C. Solar Center, a promoter of clean transportation affiliated with N.C. State. It was the first of three this week in North Carolina. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline that burns cleaner than traditional fuel. These days, it is made mostly from corn, but other sources are on the horizon that aren't food crops. READ MORE AT http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071205/NRSTAFF/71204 039 ------ End of Forwarded Message From mattr at biofuels.coop Thu Dec 6 08:21:41 2007 From: mattr at biofuels.coop (Matthew Rudolf) Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 08:21:41 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Balanced look at sustainability of biofuels Message-ID: <6A0AE57A-289B-45B9-BCDC-F3E67D2C2DCC@biofuels.coop> Biofuels are described by some as "absolutely catastrophic" because of their potential consequences, by others as "the driving force for development in some of the world's poorest regions". SciDev.Net picks a path between doomsayers and utopians, and looks at the reality of biofuels research and development in the developing world. http://www.scidev.net/biofuels From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Thu Dec 6 16:53:10 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:53:10 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] OFF-TOPIC: NYT on the energy bill In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Dear Friends, The Energy Bill has passed the House! It passed 235 to 181, and we got a great bill. Everything we wanted and some more. I'll send more specifics later tonight. For now, here is a great editorial from the New York Times. Also for now, please begin thinking about reaching out to our Senators. Over the next few business days, they really need to hear from us. We've got to get through to them the fact that we have more than enough resources here in the Southeast to meet a 15% Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). Contrary to what the electric utilities are mis-informing, we have no shortage of biomass. More later. Cheers! ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org Bringing an Energy Bill Home Published: December 4, 2007 Congress is now within reach of a breakthrough energy bill that would reduce both America?s dependence on foreign oil and its emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. House passage later this week is virtually certain. Senate approval depends on whether the majority leader, Harry Reid, and the minority leader, Mitch McConnell, can corral a half-dozen votes among moderate Republicans to resist a threatened filibuster. Success would earn them the gratitude of a country that badly needs a rational energy strategy. The bill?s centerpiece, negotiated over the weekend by House leaders, is the first meaningful increase in fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks, including S.U.V.?s, in more than 30 years. The provision would raise average fuel economy standards from 25 miles per gallon today to 35 miles per gallon in 2020. It would eventually save about 1.1 million barrels of oil per day, one-half of current imports from the Persian Gulf. A similar provision was approved by the Senate last summer. That the House has now accepted it is a tribute to the persistence of Ed Markey of Massachusetts, an unrelenting champion of fuel efficiency; the negotiating skills of Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker; and a statesmanlike willingness to compromise on the part of John Dingell, the powerful Michigan Democrat who realized that it was no longer plausible to defend all of Detroit?s demands in the face of $90 a barrel oil. The bill includes several other important provisions. One calls for a big increase in the production and distribution of advanced forms of ethanol from sources other than corn. With strong environmental safeguards, this provision could reduce both oil consumption and greenhouse gases. Another critical provision ? the renewable electricity standard ? would require utilities to generate 15 percent of their power by 2020 from a combination of improved efficiency and renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This is the most vulnerable part of the bill. Senator Pete Domenici, an influential Republican voice on energy issues, is vowing to fight it, even though he has voted for similar provisions before and his own state of New Mexico has embarked on an aggressive renewable electricity program. The White House is also opposed and has hinted that President Bush would veto the entire bill if the renewable electricity provision survives. Torpedoing this bill would make it harder to address the problem of global warming, while leaving this country ever more dependent on foreign oil. Mr. Bush and Mr. Domenici should not stand in the way. ------ End of Forwarded Message From matthew.scott at morningdewlandscapes.com Fri Dec 7 15:11:54 2007 From: matthew.scott at morningdewlandscapes.com (Matthew Scott) Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2007 15:11:54 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] fuel quality and co-ops Message-ID: Is fuel sold through a co-op "required" to be ASTM tested and EPA registered? What about fuel for home heating or offroad? Thanks, Matt From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Sat Dec 8 01:38:58 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Sat, 08 Dec 2007 01:38:58 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Farm Bill not dead yet! Message-ID: Friends, It's been a busy week and will be a busy weekend and next week too! Here's an update from our friends at the 25x25 Coalition, regarding the revival of the Farm Bill. More on this as it develops and evolves! 25x'25 e-News December 6, 2007 News from the 25x'25 Renewable Energy Campaign Leadership Agreement Sends Energy Bill to House Floor Virtually written off as dead before Thanksgiving, an energy bill now appears headed to the House floor today. Congressional leaders reached an agreement yesterday on biofuels, vehicle fuel efficiency, a renewable energy standard for utilities and energy efficiency. At press time, the measure was being considered by the House Rules Committee for floor action. The bill is expected to pass out of the House without amendments and head directly to the Senate. The outlook there remains uncertain, and the specter of a White House veto remains, though lawmakers say they have crafted the bill to address concerns raised by the Bush administration. A resolution establishing 25x'25 as the nation's energy goal is included in the final bill before the Rules Committee. Both the House and Senate adopted the resolution separately earlier this year, but including it in the energy bill that is now under consideration would make it a part of legislation that would formally go to the president to sign into law. Another provision contained in the legislation is an increase in fuel economy standard from 25 miles per gallon to 35 mpg by 2020 for new cars and trucks, which advocates say will net $22 billion in consumer savings in 2020 alone. The bill includes a renewable fuel standard of 36 billion gallons by the year 2022, including 21 billion gallons in "advanced biofuels." Of that latter amount, 16 billion gallons must be cellulosic fuel. For biodiesel, increasing minimums are established for each year, up to 1 billion gallons by 2012. The bill calls for a review of that biodiesel mandate after 2012, but dictates a minimum 1 billion gallons for subsequent years. The bill calls for a review of the renewable fuels standard in 2022 to consider its impact on the environment, the economy, water and wildlife habitats, and land use. The bill does provide waivers to the cellulosic and other advanced biofuel standards, and reviews will be conducted every five years to see if some of the numbers need to be adjusted. Furthermore, $500 million in grants would be made available for 2008 through 2015 for advanced biofuel projects that demonstrate a minimum 80-percent lifecycle reduction in emissions. And the bill provides assistance to foreign countries that use U.S.-made technology to undertake renewable and clean technology projects. Also included in the bill is a Renewable Energy Standard, which was contained in the energy measure passed by the House earlier this year and requires utilities to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources, including as wind energy, solar power, biomass and geothermal energy, but 2020. The RES would allow utilities to meet up to four percent of their target through energy efficiency. Tax and revenue provisions in the energy bill are from a package unveiled yesterday by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY). A modified version of the tax package adopted by the House earlier this year, the latest is a $21 billion energy tax package that Baucus and Rangel say will advance the development of electricity infrastructure, provide incentives to mitigate carbon emissions, promote the production of alternative energy and the security of our domestic fuel supply, support the use of alternative vehicles, and encourage energy savings and efficiency. Key provisions include long-term extensions of tax credits for renewable electricity; tax credits for production of biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol; tax credit bonds for renewable energy and conservation (including forestry conservation); and extensions of energy efficiency tax incentives. The package also includes revenue-raising provisions affecting the oil and gas industry. However, Baucus and Rangel say they have drafted the legislation to prevent any retroactive effect on the industry and to avoid negative impacts on production that may generate increased consumer prices. The main oil-and-gas-related provisions repeal the domestic manufacturing incentive for the top five integrated producers while freezing the deduction at six percent for all others in the sector. The measure also tightens rules governing the payment of taxes by oil and gas producers on foreign-earned income. The two chairmen say the newly crafted bill addresses concerns raised by the White House, which has threatened to veto the measure. Note: Special thanks to the 25x25 Coalition for this update! To learn more about this exciting coalition and their laudable goals, be sure to check out their website at http://www.25x25.org. Sincerely, ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org Southern Alliance for Clean Energy promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at http://www.cleanenergy.org. From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Sat Dec 8 02:30:46 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:30:46 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] OFF-TOPIC: Senate still working on an Energy Bill, calls urgently needed! Message-ID: Dear Friends, The wonderful Energy Bill passed Thursday night by the US House (H.R. 6) did not get the 60 votes needed for consideration on the Senate floor. So our Senators will not even get to vote on the bill as reported by the House. Over the next few days (Senators are working through the weekend, if that?s any consolation) the House Energy Bill will be gutted: The Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) will almost certainly either be removed or weakened; the tax package may go, too, to earn the votes of at least 7 more Senators. Then the Senate will officially vote on an amended version of the energy bill early next week (likely Tuesday). Then back it goes to the House for a final approval vote before being sent to the President. + GOOD NEWS: Getting 235 members of Congress on record supporting a bill full of efficiency and renewables (without any subsidies for nuclear or coal) was a huge accomplishment and a powerful precedent. Also, if the Senate removes the tax package and/or RES, the President is likely to sign. - BAD NEWS: Our southern Senators are among the main holdouts on this excellent bill. Also, without the tax package and RES, it's not such a great bill... (aside from the CAF? standards to improve vehicle efficiency). So, let's make some calls this weekend to urge Senate support! I'm enclosing, below, a brief press release to give you background. Also, here are a few numbers for both our Senators. Please call! Senator Burr: Winston-Salem Office: Ph: (336) 631-5125, Toll-Free: (800) 685-8916 Washington Office: Ph: (202) 224-3154 Senator Dole: Raleigh Office: Ph: (919) 856-4630, Toll-Free: (866) 420-6083 Washington Office: Ph: (202) 224-6342 If you are in another state, you may look-up your Senators here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm P.S. If you know folks in Florida or Tennessee, it's especially important that Mel Martinez, Lamar Alexander, & Bob Corker hear from southerners who own farmland, forestland, or are supporters of biopower. Pass the word! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2007 CONTACT: Edward McNally, Communications Director, 404-373-5832 Jennifer Rennicks, Federal Policy Coordinator, 828-275-0564 U.S. House Passes Comprehensive Energy Bill Legislation Promotes Clean Energy Sources and Mandates Improved Efficiency Atlanta, GA ? Today the United States House of Representatives passed the Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6): a comprehensive energy bill with provisions that promote renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, dramatically improve and modernize automotive fuel economy and boost the production of home-grown biofuels. ?As the cost of oil approaches $100 a barrel, we applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a strong energy bill that will move us toward a clean, energy-efficient future while reducing global warming pollution,? Stephen Smith, executive director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy stated. ?The Southeast will benefit tremendously from this legislation. We have abundant renewable energy potential but our region has lacked the incentives contained in this bill that encourage renewable energy production and facilitate job growth.? ?A very important measure in this bill is the 15% renewable electricity standard (RES) for utilities that will dramatically increase renewable sources of electricity,? Smith stated. ?We are pleased to see that the House has rejected the false assumptions that the Southeast does not have renewable energy potential, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy?s analysis shows that this standard will significantly boost clean energy production in our region.? Other highlights of the bill include provisions that: * require cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. to achieve a minimum fleetwide average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 (the first congressionally mandated increase in corporate average fuel economy standards, or CAFE, since 1975) * include a $21 billion tax package providing renewable energy incentives paid for by repealing oil and gas industry subsidies and extending production tax credits for research and development on cellulosic fuels and renewable energy sources including wind and solar energy * mandate that 36 billion gallons of ethanol and other biofuels be blended with gasoline by 2022 ?By passing this energy bill, Congress has sent a clear message that they support clean technologies and new energy opportunities, thus rejecting older, polluting technologies and the exorbitant profits of utilities and big oil,? Jennifer Rennicks, federal policy coordinator for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy stated. ?We applaud the leadership of Reps. Butterfield, Etheridge, Hayes, McIntyre, Miller, Price, Shuler and Watt for supporting this critical piece of legislation. We urge Senators Dole and Burr to support this bill and we urge the President to sign it and help ensure all Americans a cleaner energy future.? ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org Post-post Script: If you find my emails interesting, helpful, or valuable, please consider sharing your appreciation by joining Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization, and your membership and donations are tax deductible. Learn more at http://www.cleanenergy.org. From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Sat Dec 8 02:48:13 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:48:13 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Off-Topic: Farm Bill not dead yet! (whoops, enclosed the wrong update) Message-ID: Sorry, Friends, I enclosed the wrong update earlier. Here is the proper Farm Bill update from our friends at the 25x25 Coalition. More on this as it develops and evolves! 25x'25 e-News December 6, 2007 News from the 25x'25 Renewable Energy Campaign Senate Farm Bill Comes Back to Life After new farm legislation in the Senate stalled before the Thanksgiving holiday, indications at press time suggest a comprehensive farm bill may still see action before the Christmas recess. Earlier this week on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said, "I think we're at a point where we should be able to do a farm bill by unanimous consent" and move the process forward. Remaining at issue is an agreement on just what amendments will be allowed for floor debate. Staff members have spent the past several weeks winnowing down a list of potential amendments that numbered as high as 280. Reports last week that leadership had settled on a specific number for consideration - five or 10 amendments have been reported - were denied by majority staff this week. "We are working toward an agreement on the number of amendments and the subject matter of those amendments," a committee spokesman said. One of the amendments reportedly being given strong consideration is from Sens. Pete Domenici (R-NM) and John Thune (R-SD) that would include language from the Senate-passed energy bill setting a 36-billion renewable fuel standard. Another proposal, from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), would provide grants for biomass production. [NOTE: The Wyden-Harkin amendment addresses serious barriers to kick-starting a cellulosic ethanol industry, and strives for sustainability in production. SACE supports this amendment. Learn more here: http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:PCVi6FqSZhgJ:www.sustainableagriculture coalition.org/ActionCenter/AA_BCTAP_30Nov2007.doc+Wyden-Harkin+Amendment&hl= en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us ] The bill under consideration in the Senate and a farm measure approved by the House back in July each provide $3.4 billion in energy spending over five years. President Bush has issued veto threats against both versions. In the House, Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced legislation to extend the 2002 Farm Bill until September of next year. Special thanks to the 25x25 Coalition for this update! To learn more about this exciting coalition and their laudable goals, be sure to check out their website at http://www.25x25.org. Sincerely, ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org From rudolfdiesel at netzero.net Mon Dec 10 14:50:29 2007 From: rudolfdiesel at netzero.net (rudolfdiesel at netzero.net) Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:50:29 GMT Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Biodiesel & Hybrid Workshops @ Wake Tech Message-ID: <20071210.145029.16066.0@webmail08.dca.untd.com> This link will take you to the webpage. Click on "automotive" to receive a PDF course description & schedule: http://conted.waketech.edu/schedules/ Registration form (PDF) can also be downloaded from this site. Our evening Biodiesel course takes place Jan. 29, 20 & 31 Our daytime course follows one month later, Feb 26 & 27 We are presenting Hybrid-PHEV technologies evenings, Feb. 19 & 20 and a daytimer course March 11 & 12. Note the fees: $60 for Biodiesel, $55 for Hybrid. Can't beat it! -Rich Cregar _____________________________________________________________ Illuminate every part of your home with great lighting. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4uDWDZ6wyu5SMNtluG0t1607S88mtREq297JQ6LpHOxl7vO6/ From dentonconrad at netzero.net Tue Dec 11 09:37:20 2007 From: dentonconrad at netzero.net (Denton Conrad) Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:37:20 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Off Topic - 2007 Toyota Prius vs. VW Polo diesel Message-ID: <475EA0A0.9090407@netzero.net> January 2008 issue of Popular Mechanics has an article comparing the 2007 Toyota Prius gasoline hybrid versus the new 2007 VW Polo Bluemotion diesel. Prius - $20,950 base price 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder gas/electric hybrid 54 MPG 0.369 lb./mile CO2 emissions 2866 lb. weight VW Polo - $23,315 base price 1.4 liter, 3 cylinder turbodiesel 74.3 MPG 0.351 lb./mile CO2 emissions 2390 lb. weight From kcfoxie at gmail.com Tue Dec 11 09:42:51 2007 From: kcfoxie at gmail.com (Chris Browder) Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:42:51 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Off Topic - 2007 Toyota Prius vs. VW Polo diesel In-Reply-To: <475EA0A0.9090407@netzero.net> References: <475EA0A0.9090407@netzero.net> Message-ID: <1bb86e040712110642tac742a8iffac467cfdcc854b@mail.gmail.com> It seems a bit unfair. The Golf isn't even the exact same size as a Prius. A Polo is far smaller than a Golf. On 12/11/07, Denton Conrad wrote: > January 2008 issue of Popular Mechanics has an article comparing the > 2007 Toyota Prius gasoline hybrid versus the new 2007 VW Polo Bluemotion > diesel. > > Prius - > $20,950 base price > 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder gas/electric hybrid > 54 MPG > 0.369 lb./mile CO2 emissions > 2866 lb. weight > > VW Polo - > > $23,315 base price > 1.4 liter, 3 cylinder turbodiesel > 74.3 MPG > 0.351 lb./mile CO2 emissions > 2390 lb. weight > _______________________________________________ > Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list > Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net > http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group > From info at theforestfoundation.org Tue Dec 11 11:43:10 2007 From: info at theforestfoundation.org (Info -TFF) Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:43:10 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Off Topic - 2007 Toyota Prius vs. VW Polo diesel In-Reply-To: <1bb86e040712110642tac742a8iffac467cfdcc854b@mail.gmail.com> References: <475EA0A0.9090407@netzero.net> <1bb86e040712110642tac742a8iffac467cfdcc854b@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <475EBE1E.7020303@theforestfoundation.org> Running biofuel would make the numbers lean way in favor of the VW. VW's just surpassed Honda in resale as well. Should have ft3 interior for capacity. Chris Browder wrote: > It seems a bit unfair. The Golf isn't even the exact same size as a > Prius. A Polo is far smaller than a Golf. > > On 12/11/07, Denton Conrad wrote: > >> January 2008 issue of Popular Mechanics has an article comparing the >> 2007 Toyota Prius gasoline hybrid versus the new 2007 VW Polo Bluemotion >> diesel. >> >> Prius - >> $20,950 base price >> 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder gas/electric hybrid >> 54 MPG >> 0.369 lb./mile CO2 emissions >> 2866 lb. weight >> >> VW Polo - >> >> $23,315 base price >> 1.4 liter, 3 cylinder turbodiesel >> 74.3 MPG >> 0.351 lb./mile CO2 emissions >> 2390 lb. weight >> _______________________________________________ >> Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list >> Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net >> http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group >> >> > _______________________________________________ > Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list > Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net > http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group > > > From info at theforestfoundation.org Tue Dec 11 11:50:28 2007 From: info at theforestfoundation.org (Info -TFF) Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:50:28 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] OFF-TOPIC, Sort of[Fwd: [Cleanenergydurham-list] FW: 1Sky Calls You to Act on the Energy Bill] Message-ID: <475EBFD4.6050405@theforestfoundation.org> Ask your Senators to Keep the CAFE standards and end the subsidies to Petroleum. -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Cleanenergydurham-list] FW: 1Sky Calls You to Act on the Energy Bill Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:26:27 -0500 From: Darrell Edgley To: Please see the message below. I used the web forms to write to NC Senators Burr and Dole. Direct links: Senator Burr: http://burr.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home Senator Dole: http://dole.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactForm -- Regards Darrell ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *From:* Gillian Caldwell [mailto:info at 1Sky.org] *Sent:* Monday, December 10, 2007 11:17 AM *To:* darrell at nearto.us *Subject:* 1Sky Calls You to Act on the Energy Bill Dear Friends, Last Thursday the House of Representatives passed an energy bill that would reduce carbon emissions and begin to move our country in the right direction on energy policy. On Friday, the Senate voted down the House version of the bill; a majority supported it but not the 60 needed to prevent a Republican filibuster. In the words of the Washington Post, "the failure to close debate was a victory for the major oil companies, Southeastern utilities and coal-mining firms that had opposed the legislation." On Monday, Tuesday and all next week we need to bombard the U.S Senate with calls, faxes, emails and visits. We must let those who voted the wrong way know that at a minimum they must pass a bill that ensures an increase in fuel efficiency standards, supports renewable energy via a 15% by 2020 Renewable Electricity Standard for utilities, and extends an important Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit. The American people want clean energy; indeed, a recent Zogby poll found that 77% of Republicans want more of our energy to come from renewable sources. In the words of Anna Aurillo of Environment America, "Americans should not tolerate leaders who are defending the status quo on energy. At a time when oil prices are at more than $90/barrel, the public deserves a 21st century clean, green energy policy that will substantially reduce global warming pollution while saving consumers money." If you have a Republican Senator, you should contact them unless they are Senators Collins (Me), Snowe (Me), Coleman (Mn), Thune (SD) or Smith (Or). They all voted the right way on Friday. Democrats who voted the wrong way and need to be called are Bayh (In), Landrieu (La) and Byrd (WV). Republicans who are more likely to be responsive and most in need of contact are: Ensign (Nv), Grassley (Ia), Lugar (In), Brownback (Ks), Corker (Tn), Alexander (Tn), Stevens (Ak), Murkowski (Ak), Sununu (NH), Gregg (NH), Warner (Va) and Martinez (Fl). You can call any U.S. Senator at 202-224-3121 or you can find their direct phone number here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Finally, here's a sample script, although it's best if you put it in your own words: "Hello, I'm________, and I'm calling to urge that Senator___________ support a 15% by 2020 Renewable Electricity Standard for utilities, an extension of the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit, and inclusion of an increase in fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks. For the good of the economy, our pocketbooks and the environment, we want a good energy bill to be passed now." Let's work hard this week to get an energy bill that begins to move us in the right direction! In collaboration, The 1Sky Team www.1sky.org info at 1sky.org (ph) 301.920.1444 (fax) 301.270.6816 -- This email has been verified as Virus free Virus Protection and more available at http://www.plus.net ______________________________________________________________________ This email transmission and any documents, files or previous email messages attached to it may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering this transmission to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you must not read this transmission and that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution or use of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender by telephone or return email and delete the original transmission and its attachments without reading or saving in any manner. -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: file:///C:/DOCUME~1/ADMINI~1/LOCALS~1/TEMP/nsmail.txt Url: http://lists.emji.net/pipermail/biofuels_interest_group/attachments/20071211/ccec2cce/attachment.txt From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Tue Dec 11 15:44:25 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:44:25 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Beware the RFS in the Farm Bill Message-ID: Friends, I try not to issue information without offering suggestions for action. But this one is so hot, I just need to let everyone know. In the world of Renewable Fuel Standards, there are good RFS's and bad RFS's. This is the bad one. Proposed and backed by the fossil fuel lobby, it would be outside the Clean Air Act, with the President deciding which agency administers the program, bad lifecycle GHG definition, no GHG standard for advanced biofuels, and generally inadequate environmental safeguards. Their goal is to have the US Dept of Transportation administer the program, instead of EPA. Imagine that for a moment. Then read the following article. And in a moment, I'll send you the text of a letter from the "dinosaur lobby" that will knock your socks off. Sincerely, John ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org AGRICULTURE: Senate Dems consider biofuel mandate added to farm bill (12/11/2007) Allison Winter and Ben Geman, Greenwire reporters Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Democrats will likely accept Republican Pete Domenici's (N.M.) plan to add an expanded biofuels mandate to the farm bill. "I think probably we could agree to just take that," the Nevada Democrat said on the Senate floor. An expanded renewable fuels standard (RFS) -- reaching 36 billion gallons annually by 2022 -- is a pillar of energy legislation that lawmakers also want to complete this year. But Domenici and others who want to add the plan to the farm bill are concerned that the energy measure will remain stalled by controversy over several provisions. Domenici said yesterday he was offering the amendment because "it is clear that the energy bill has slowed down." If the energy bill does pass before work is completed on the farm bill, he said, conferees could jettison the biofuels plan from the farm bill. The acceptance of the RFS is a change in tactics for Democrats, who had opposed including the provision on the farm bill when Domenici first floated the idea last month. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) blamed it for contributing to the delay in the farm bill last month, saying "there was a game being played" to keep RFS off the farm measure to avoid damaging momentum on the energy bill. "This was all wrapped up in the energy bill before, but we are not certain the energy bill is going to go anywhere now," Harkin told reporters today. "There is broad support for the RFS in the Senate, so we're going to confront it." Harkin said he would accept the amendment unless Domenici asked for a vote. Reid said he remains hopeful that lawmakers will complete the energy bill this year. The House approved the bill last week, but it stalled in the Senate on Friday when Democrats could not overcome a filibuster. Reid may strip controversial renewable electricity provisions and alter the bill's tax package -- which raises taxes on oil producers -- to win more support. RFS issues The roughly five-fold increase in the biofuels mandate was originally part of the sweeping energy bill that the Senate approved in June. But Domenici is unhappy with House changes to the mandate and wants Congress to stick with the earlier Senate plan. Domenici said the House version wrongly gives U.S. EPA too much power to roll back the increase, claiming this will deter investment in biofuels production because producers will not have "market certainty." He has also criticized other aspects of the House-passed biofuels plan. The RFS proposal is one of 20 amendments Republicans have offered to the farm bill, including other proposals to limit local government's ability to use eminent domain, make commercial fishers eligible for some operating loans, limit non-farmers participation in conservation programs and add money to low-income energy assistance. Both Reid and Harkin said they hope the Senate can complete work on the farm bill within the next two weeks, but Harkin said extended debate on some amendments or opposition to the tax measures that fund the bill could pose a problem. "It's these side issues that come up that could derail it," Harkin told reporters today. From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Tue Dec 11 15:50:46 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:50:46 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Dinosaur lobby asks Senate to reverse Supreme Court decision Message-ID: Friday, an extraordinary letter about the energy bill was sent to the U.S. Senate by a coalition of business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, oil, gas, forestry, and mining lobbying groups. With brazen audacity, they are asking the Senate to reverse the Supreme Court's decision in Massachusetts v. EPA. http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2007/4/2/91112/94158 They say "the energy legislation must contain explicit language clarifying that nothing in this bill can be construed as triggering the regulation of CO2 or any other greenhouse gas under the Clean Air Act" and for good measure, "the legislation must address the potential for duplicating and conflicting regulatory requirements by clarifying that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases cannot be regulated under Title II of the Clean Air Act." Instead, they recommend giving exclusive regulatory authority over fuel standards to the US Dept. of Transportation, which is -- needless to say -- quite a bit more business-friendly than EPA. Here's the full letter: > December 7, 2007 > > TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE: > > The complexity and broad scope of the energy legislation now under > consideration raises several important issues with regard to overlapping > regulatory authorities under the Clean Air Act. These issues must be addressed > now in order to prevent the unintended triggering of an expansive and costly > stationary source control program. > > Any effort to establish a low-carbon fuel standard or to control carbon or any > other greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles or fuels under the Clean Air Act > could cause these substances to be regarded as pollutants subject to > regulation more broadly under the Act. Under the provisions of the Act, this > in turn would trigger a pre-construction permit program that will affect > hundreds of thousands of very small stationary sources that have hitherto not > been subject to requirements under the Act. Initial estimates suggest that the > majority of small, mid-sized, and large manufacturing businesses -- over > 300,000 facilities -- would potentially become regulated stationary sources. > In addition, hundreds of thousands of commercial buildings as well as over a > hundred thousand farm operations could be impacted. > > The expected transaction and administrative costs of the program for > individual sources, states, and the federal government would be unprecedented. > Thousands of determinations as to whether the Clean Air Act's regulatory > requirements are triggered would be required. Given the potential number of > permits and the resulting delay in permit issuance, the construction and > modification of plants would likely come to a standstill, causing significant > harm to the economy. Even the ability to produce renewable fuels could be > hampered through the imposition of lengthy pre-construction permitting > requirements. > > To address this problem and the broader problem of conflicting and overlapping > regulatory authorities, the energy bill now under consideration must do two > things. First, the energy legislation must contain explicit language > clarifying that nothing in this bill can be construed as triggering the > regulation of CO2 or any other greenhouse gas under the Clean Air Act. This > will prevent the unintended and costly regulatory program described above from > being triggered. > > Second, the legislation must address the potential for duplicating and > conflicting regulatory requirements by clarifying that carbon dioxide and > other greenhouse gases cannot be regulated under Title II of the Clean Air > Act. Title II of the Clean Air Act addresses emissions from fuels and vehicles > which are the same sources that are subject to requirements under the energy > bill. Directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to > establish new fuel economy standards could be undermined if those same sources > are required to achieve conflicting standards under the Clean Air Act. Given > the extraordinary challenge industry may be asked to address, it is only fair > that there be one regulatory body and one set of regulatory requirements. > Creating duplicative and potentially conflicting regulatory requirements would > almost certainly delay the very technology advances sought by the legislation. > The vehicle efficiency improvement standard and the alternative fuels > provisions in the President Bush's energy proposals and in the energy > legislation are preferred approaches to achieving substantial reductions in > greenhouse gas emissions while reducing U.S. reliance on foreign energy > sources. > > Sincerely, > > American Forest & Paper Association > American Gas Association > Association of American Railroads > National Association of Manufacturers > National Mining Association > National Petrochemical and Refiners Association > U.S. Chamber of Commerce ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org Southern Alliance for Clean Energy promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at http://www.cleanenergy.org. From wrenchwench at blast.com Tue Dec 11 19:06:08 2007 From: wrenchwench at blast.com (Rachel Burton) Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:06:08 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] North Carolina: Chapel Hill Goes Greener With Leaf Loaders Message-ID: <8CDC3C1B-C359-4243-AE0F-84105010B006@blast.com> http://www.nbc17.com/midatlantic/ncn/news.apx.-content-articles- NCN-2007-12-10-0034.html CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Five new biodiesel-powered leaf loaders are making this fall?s leaf collection a little greener in Chapel Hill. The leaf loaders are just the latest environmentally-friendly equipment purchased under the town's "Green Fleets" Policy. "The town of Chapel Hill has always tried to be progressive and proactive in reducing carbon emissions and our carbon footprint," said Barry Lowry, fleet program manager. From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Wed Dec 12 16:20:13 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:20:13 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Energy Bill compromised, going for vote Thursday Message-ID: GOP Fights Energy Bill By H. JOSEF HEBERT Associated Press Writer http://www.gopusa.com/news/2007/december/1212_energy_bill.shtml WASHINGTON (AP) -- Despite a threatened veto, Senate Democrats decided Tuesday to push ahead with billions of dollars in oil industry taxes as part of an energy bill, but abandoned a requirement for utilities to use wind and other renewable energy to produce electricity. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said he hoped a revised tax package, totaling $21 billion, will garner enough votes if necessary to overcome a threatened Republican filibuster. "We've been told by Democrats and Republicans that there's far more than 60 votes for that, but we will see," Reid told reporters. He said he hoped to have a vote on the tax proposals on Thursday, followed by a vote on the overall energy bill. From john.bonitz at gmail.com Wed Dec 12 16:27:13 2007 From: john.bonitz at gmail.com (John Bonitz) Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:27:13 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] This is it! Energy Bill up for a vote! Calls urgently needed! Message-ID: <84a57a420712121327l1a1c8780r2d7b194401e2370a@mail.gmail.com> Dear Friends of biofuels, This is it. The moment we have been waiting for - the energy bill is going to be voted on in the Senate TOMORROW. Yesterday, the Senate dropped one of the key provisions on a renewable electricity standard from the bill. The thinking is that this will reduce the number of "no" votes. Sen Reid has been quoted as saying he believes there are 60 votes to pass the weaker energy bill. I was disappointed in that decision but ultimately, we still want to push forward with the bill and make progress TODAY and build on the momentum of this victory to make even more progress next year. This bill needs your help - you've sent messages to Congress, recruited your friends to send their own messages, contributed to our campaign - can you take the final step and make one quick call today to your Senators and ask them to vote for the Energy Bill? WHO: Senator Burr at (202) 224-3154 Senator Dole at (202) 224-6342 WHEN: Wednesday, December 12th, and Thursday morning, Dec 13th WHAT TO SAY: Tell the legislative staffer who answers that: * As a constituent, I'm paying close attention to the progress of the energy bill in Congress and I urge you to vote for it. This is our chance to put America on the path to energy independence and a cleaner future. * I support including the fuel efficiency standards in the final Senate bill, which increases the average mileage of cars and trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. * Finally, the final energy bill must include the House provision that reduces tax breaks for Big Oil and establishes incentives for renewable energy. Many thanks, John -- John Bonitz Silk Hope, NC ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ P.S. Big thanks to the good folks at League of Conservation Voters for encouraging this alert. Please note that this one comes from my personal email account, and is in no way affiliated with my day-job. JB From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Wed Dec 12 16:31:00 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:31:00 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] FW: major victory on CA vehicle GHG law In-Reply-To: <8C8A4739-57A5-4668-AE52-753842004C8B@cleanenergy.org> Message-ID: Good news on vehicle emissions policy! JB ------ Forwarded Message FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Tony Kreindler 202-572-3378 FEDERAL COURT REBUKES AUTO INDUSTRY CHALLENGE TO CLEAN CAR PROGRAM AS "THE VERY DEFINITION OF FOLLY" (Washington -- December 12, 2007) Federal district court Judge Anthony Ishii issued a strong rebuke to the automobile industry's attempt to derail the California Clean Car program that would reduce global warming pollution from motor vehicles. The car companies claimed that the nation's fuel economy law preempted the regulation of global warming pollution by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Clean Air Act. LINK TO THE RULING: http://www.foe.org/pavley/12.12.07_Pavley_Ruling.pdf "This is a huge win for clean air and a cooler planet. Judge Ishii's opinion leaves no doubt that the EPA must act now to pave the way for the innovative clean car programs being advanced by California and 16 other states across the nation," said Vickie Patton, senior attorney with Environmental Defense, a defendant-intervenor in the case. "EPA Administrator Steve Johnson should immediately grant California's request to move ahead with this program. All similar California air pollution requests have been approved. Not one has been turned down in EPA history," said Environmental Defense President Fred Krupp. Judge Ishii wrote: "Given the level of impairment of human health and welfare that current climate science indicates may occur if human-generated greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, it would be the very definition of folly if EPA were precluded from action...." Judge Ishii sits in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California (in Fresno, California). In September 2007, a federal district court judge in Vermont similarly rejected automobile manufacturers' claims that the Clean Car program was preempted by federal law and claims that the program is not feasible - after an exhaustive 16 day trial. On April 2, 2007, the United States Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. EPA squarely affirmed EPA's power to regulate global warming pollution from motor vehicles and paved the way for state clean car programs nationwide. On December 21, 2005 California submitted to EPA a waiver request for the Clean Car program which has been pending before EPA for nearly two years. A final decision is imminent. Some 98,000 comments were submitted in response to EPA's request for comment on the waiver, conveying overwhelming public support; only one individual automobile manufacturer and some automobile trade associations submitted negative comments. EPA's waiver of federal preemption under the Clean Air Act is the last step for the Clean Car program to rev up in states across the nation. EPA has consistently granted such waiver requests some 53 times over the last 40 years. KEY FACTS ON CLEAN CARS 1. Cars and light trucks are one of America's largest sources of global warming pollution, and by far the fastest growing. Cars and light trucks account for 16% of U.S. global warming pollution. This pollution soared by 25% between 1990 and 2005. 2. Seventeen states led by both Republicans and Democrats are advancing clean car programs that would lower global warming pollution using available technology, save American families money at the pump, and strengthen energy security: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and Washington. 3. These 17 states reflect some 139 million people, nearly half the U.S. population. 4. Politically, these 17 states encompass 202 Congressional districts with 73 Republican and 129 Democratic representatives, 10 House Committee Chairmen, and 11 Senate Committee Chairmen. 5. The Clean Cars program would reduce global warming pollution an estimated 110 million metric tons annually by 2020. The program is implemented through a flexible fleetwide average that will cut global warming pollution about 30% in its second phase. ### Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. www.environmentaldefense.org -- Liz Veazey Regional Campus Coordinator Southern Energy Network, a project of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy www.climateaction.net liz at climateaction.net 919-619-5964 (c) | 865-637-6055 x17 (work) lizvz6 (AIM) | greenenergygirl (Skype) Campus Climate Challenge: www.climatechallenge.org Youth Energy/Climate Blog: www.itsgettinghotinhere.org Southern Alliance for Clean Energy : www.cleanenergy.org ------ End of Forwarded Message From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Wed Dec 12 16:35:03 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:35:03 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] OFF-TOPIC: SACE position on Warner-Lieberman Climate Security Act Message-ID: Southern Alliance for Clean Energy?s Position Statement on America?s Climate Security Act of 2007 (S. 2191) As Introduced by Senators Lieberman (I-CT) and Warner (R-VA) on October 18, 2007 and Amended by the Senate?s Environment & Public Works Committee on December 5, 2007 The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) believes the passage of America?s Climate Security Act (S. 2191) out of the Environment and Public Works Committee marks an important step in pursuing meaningful federal action to reduce global warming pollution. As this bill makes its way to the Senate floor for consideration by the entire Senate, we are eager to work with our allies in Congress to help make it even stronger, reflecting the priorities of our members and all Americans concerned about preventing the worst effects of global warming. SACE recognizes that the bill is continuing to evolve and improve: the Committee-passed version is significantly strengthened from earlier drafts and from the original legislation introduced in October 2007. We are confident that this process of improvement will continue. This historic vote reflects the building momentum and growing public support for reducing America's global warming pollution through a comprehensive, multi-sector, mandatory approach instead of ineffectual, voluntary approaches long-endorsed by the Bush Administration. The legislation approved by the EPW Committee represents an important shift in American climate policy. U.S. officials can point to this step forward while attending the United Nations Climate Talks in Bali to demonstrate that we are committed to finding long-term solutions to global warming pollution, despite the lack of leadership exhibited by the Bush Administration. And while Senator Alexander of Tennessee offered a constructive amendment establishing a Low Carbon Fuel standard to strengthen the bill, we are disappointed that he and his Southeastern colleague, Senator Isakson of Georgia, chose to vote against the underlying bill. We applaud the leadership of Senators Dole of North Carolina and Nelson of Florida in co-sponsoring this bill, which sends a message that federal action to address global warming both is necessary and supported by all regions of the country. As this legislation moves through the legislative process, SACE pledges to work with our allies to improve the bill, including an amendment to require a 100% auction of the pollution credits based on the financial resources at stake. The revenues generated from an auction process should then be directed to facilitate the development and implementation of clean, renewable sources of power in the Southeast (and throughout the country) such as agricultural sources of energy through biomass, as well as abundant sources of solar and wind energy. In addition, SACE will actively support amendments to strengthen the emission reduction levels to reflect the current scientific recommendations calling for a minimum of 80% global warming pollution reductions by 2050. Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. For more information, go to: www.cleanenergy.org ~ ~ ~ John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Tue Dec 18 19:40:32 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:40:32 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] FW: Response to article [Ethanol craze worsens Gulf 'dead zone'] In-Reply-To: <20071218172500699.00000002508@solar2> Message-ID: Forwarded for your information. John Bonitz, Farm Outreach & Policy Advocate Southern Alliance for Clean Energy PO Box 1833, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phone: 919-545-2920 Mobile: 919-360-2492 bonitz at cleanenergy.org ------ Forwarded Message From: Bryan Roy Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:25:00 -0500 To: "gary.hunt at ncmail.net" , "Brian.Rosa at ncmail.net" Cc: "ncmobilecare at lists.ncsu.edu" Subject: [ncmobilecare] Response to [Ethanol craze worsens Gulf 'dead zone'] In response to the article below?.. Let me start by saying that the Gulf of Mexico ?Dead Zone? is a concern and problem that the US needs to address. It is also true that significant corn production needs fertilizers and that corn fields are particularly susceptible to run-off. HOWEVER, THE RECENT ETHANOL PRODUCTION CAN NOT BE BLAMED FOR THIS ?DEAD ZONE? (or every single other problem that we face). As this article states, the Gulf ?Dead Zone? was discovered in 1985 and has grown fairly steadily since then. To associate this with corn production, the acreage of corn should increase, but that is not the case (http://www.ncga.com/production/main/index.asp), and in fact it has stayed fairly consistent until this past year. In 2007 it has increased (as farmers respond to the demand for corn use in part for Ethanol production) but how can a steady increase in the ?Dead Zone? since 1985 be blamed on an increase in corn acreage in 2007? The other component of this is fertilizer being used for corn, which according to the USDA (see attached excel file) has slightly decreased from the late 70?s and early 80?s. It is important to continue to support best management practices for our corn farmers and encourage them not to over-fertilize their plants, but the increase in the ?Dead Zone? can not be blamed on Ethanol. So what is causing the increased ?Dead Zone?? There are likely a number of causes and many people are devoting years to study this so I am far from an expert, but here is what I have found. Yes, fertilizer run-off does cause this effect and efforts should be taken to curb their use where feasible. However, ethanol has not been the cause of a steady increase in the ?Dead Zone? since 1985. Since that time a number of other factors have changed that are other contributing causes for this ?Dead Zone?. Increased Ocean Temperatures caused by global warming have facilitated the increase of the algae that feeds on nutrient run-off from the Mississippi river and deplete the oxygen levels causing this ?Dead Zone?. Increasing the length of time where water temperatures are favorable for algae growth could be the cause for the expanded effect. Using Ethanol instead of gasoline has been shown to reduce carbon dioxide in a life cycle analysis, so it would actually work to reduce global warming. Global warming has also caused changing weather patterns that have brought flooding to the Midwest which creates run-off. Increased rains in 1993 significantly increased the ?Dead Zone? problem in the Gulf because the rainfall overwhelmed the natural environment that would filter much of the fertilizers out. Current and past lack of regulations requiring vegetated buffers in the riparian areas adjacent to streams and wetlands has allowed development and agricultural activities to abut, and in some cases, replace these environmentally sensitive areas. Add to that more development and increased impermeable surfaces and the water is being forced to be run-off instead of being absorbed into the soil and nutrients such as nitrogen are not being filtered prior to reaching the streams and rivers. There has also been a significant decrease in the natural environment at the Mississippi Delta that would traditionally help to filter the run-off. Adjacent flood plains and wetlands have been filled at an alarming rate. These areas that would have traditionally protected the downstream areas from nutrient loading have disappeared, with no mitigation provided to replace those functions within the watersheds. Ironically, global warming is also credited with causing more storms and hurricanes, which are actually useful in breaking up the ?Dead Zone? because it churns the ocean so much mixing air and oxygen into the water. In some sense, we were blessed not to have a significant storm this past season, but that has also prevented the natural disruption of the ?Dead Zone? from occurring. Therefore, it was expected that this year it might cover a significant area, and may actually contribute to a larger area next year is this one is never broken up entirely this winter. Again, let me reiterate that I am not an expert on this and might not have all the facts surrounding this issue, but I am confident that the increased farmer corn acreage in 2007 for Ethanol production is not the cause of the ?Dead Zone? expanding over the last 20 years. It is rather disappointing (and also suspicious) that negative Ethanol articles continue to make the news. Unfortunately it has gotten to the point that none of these articles should be taken seriously. There are some issues that should be discussed and addressed with Ethanol use, but unconditionally condemning it is not productive. Bryan Roy (bryan_roy at ncsu.edu) Clean Transportation Technical Specialist Phone: 919-513-0852 Check out our new website at www.cleantransportation.org for the latest news and NC alt fuel & advanced transportation technology information! From: Chris Frazier Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2007 7:22 AM To: Industrial Assistance Section; CBAS Cc: Gary Hunt Subject: Ethanol craze worsens Gulf 'dead zone' Increased corn farming means more nitrogen is running off, starving sea animals of oxygen Henry C. Jackson, The Associated Press JEFFERSON, IOWA - Because of rising demand for ethanol, American farmers are growing more corn than at any time since World War II. And sea life in the Gulf of Mexico is paying the price. The nation's corn crop is fertilized with millions of pounds of nitrogen-based fertilizer. And when that nitrogen runs off fields in Corn Belt states, it makes its way to the Mississippi River and eventually pours into the Gulf, where it contributes to a growing "dead zone" -- a 7,900-square-mile patch so depleted of oxygen that fish, crabs and shrimp suffocate. The dead zone was discovered in 1985 and has grown fairly steadily since then, forcing fishermen to venture farther and farther out to sea to find their catch. For decades, fertilizer has been considered the prime cause of the lifeless spot. With demand for corn booming, some researchers fear the dead zone will expand rapidly, with devastating consequences. "We might be coming close to a tipping point," said Matt Rota, director of the water resources program for the New Orleans-based Gulf Restoration Network, an environmental group. "The ecosystem might change or collapse as opposed to being just impacted." Feeding corn demand Environmentalists had hoped to cut nitrogen runoff by encouraging farmers to apply less fertilizer and establish buffers along waterways. But the demand for the corn-based fuel additive ethanol has driven up the price for the crop, which is selling for about $4 per bushel, up from a little more than $2 in 2002. That enticed American farmers -- mostly in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota -- to plant more than 93 million acres of corn in 2007, the most since 1944. They substituted corn for other crops or made use of land not previously in cultivation. Corn is "leakier" than crops such as soybean and alfalfa -- that is, it absorbs less nitrogen per acre. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 210 million pounds of nitrogen fertilizer enter the Gulf of Mexico each year. Scientists had no immediate estimate for 2007 but said they expect the amount of fertilizer going into streams to increase with more acres of corn planted. "Corn agriculture practices release a lot of nitrogen," said Donald Scavia, a University of Michigan professor who has studied corn fertilizer's effect on the dead zone. "More corn equals more nitrogen pollution." Farmers realize the connection between their crop and problems downstream, but with the price of corn soaring, it doesn't make sense to grow anything else. And growing corn isn't profitable without nitrogen-based fertilizer. Ocean bottom worst The dead zone typically begins in the spring and persists into the summer. Its size and location vary each year because of currents, weather and other factors, but it is generally near the mouth of the Mississippi. Soil erosion, sewage and industrial pollution also contribute to the dead zone. Fertilizer causes explosive growth of algae, which then dies and sinks to the bottom, where it sucks up oxygen as it decays. This creates a deep layer of oxygen-depleted ocean where creatures must either escape or die. Bottom-dwelling species such as crabs and oysters are most at risk, said Michelle Perez, an analyst with the Washington-based Environmental Working Group. "They struggle to survive," Perez said. "They can't swim away." ------ End of Forwarded Message From john.bonitz at gmail.com Wed Dec 19 12:37:57 2007 From: john.bonitz at gmail.com (John Bonitz) Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:37:57 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Fwd: Locavore is 2007 word of the year In-Reply-To: <20071217233733.ORXN8365.ispmxaamta04-gx.windstream.net@MIS0444> References: <20071217233733.ORXN8365.ispmxaamta04-gx.windstream.net@MIS0444> Message-ID: <84a57a420712190937lbc1f808v9f606aa86da41615@mail.gmail.com> FYI - in case you haven't already heard. I wonder, does use of local feedstocks classify a fuelmaker as being a locavore? -- John Bonitz Silk Hope, NC ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ________________________________________ Locavore is 2007 word of the year The New Oxford American Dictionary chose locavore, a person who seeks out locally produced food, as its word of the year. The local foods movement is gaining momentum as people discover that the best-tasting and most sustainable choices are foods that are fresh, seasonal, and grown close to home. Some locavores draw inspiration from the 100-mile diet or from advocates of local eating like Barbara Kingsolver. Others just follow their taste buds to farmers' markets, community supported agriculture programs, and community gardens. Check out Local Harvest to find sustainably grown food near you, and make a New Year's Resolution to be a locavore in 2008! Source: Union ofConcerned ScientistsFEED ? Food & Environment Electronic Digest -December 2007 -- Freda Butner, RD LDN Nutrition Marketing Specialist N.C. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Marketing 1020 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1020 Phone: (919) 733-7887 ext. 262 Fax: (919) 715-5710 Web: www.ncagr.com From bonitz at cleanenergy.org Thu Dec 20 14:10:03 2007 From: bonitz at cleanenergy.org (John Bonitz) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:10:03 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Off-topic: Energy Bill updates Message-ID: Dear friends, I've gotten a couple inquiries about the status of the Energy Bill and the Farm Bill. I'm sorry I am unable to offer better summaries, but want to pass these along the following articles/radio summaries - for the moment. Huge thanks to everyone out there who called or wrote their Reps and Sens! Cheers, John Energy Law Targets Fuel Economy, Alternatives. The Energy Bill that President Bush signed into law Wednesday mandates an increase in automotive fuel efficiency for the first time in 32 years. Under the new law, cars, SUVs and small trucks must get at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020. [This is an audio file.] http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17415995 Energy Law Leaves Out Wind, Solar Tax Credits. While the new energy bill delivers good news to those in the ethanol business, it disappoints many in the business of cultivating alternative energy sources ? such as wind, solar and geothermal power. [This is an audio file.] http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17416001 From tavanas at gmail.com Thu Dec 20 15:22:20 2007 From: tavanas at gmail.com (t avanas) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:22:20 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues Message-ID: <476ACEFC.8010403@gmail.com> folks, on tuesday and wednesday mornings none of my cars running b100 from piedmont (chicken fat based) would run due to fuel jelling issues. i have added a couple of gals of dino diesel to each car to reduce jelling. my question is what is the best way to avoid this problem? thanks saeed From besbaldwin at earthlink.net Thu Dec 20 16:03:20 2007 From: besbaldwin at earthlink.net (Bes Baldwin) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:03:20 -0500 (GMT-05:00) Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Advice sought on Jeep diesels Message-ID: <17632354.1198184601161.JavaMail.root@elwamui-muscovy.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Greetings all, I am looking to purchase a diesel vehicle in the next several months and wanted your collective input on how the Jeep diesels run on biofuel. Thanks, Bes Baldwin Durham From wrenchwench at blast.com Thu Dec 20 18:52:30 2007 From: wrenchwench at blast.com (Rachel Burton) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:52:30 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Turning Carbon Dioxide into Fuel Message-ID: <7B8FD7FB-9481-4ABA-9AB7-6855BE02CC74@blast.com> Researchers are harnessing solar energy to convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, which can be used to make fuels. By Duncan Graham-Rowe Monday, December 17, 2007 Technology Review http://www.technologyreview.com/Biotech/19909/?nlid=755 Could concentrated solar energy be used to reverse combustion and convert carbon dioxide back into gasoline? That's what scientists at Sandia National Laboratories, in Albuquerque, NM, aim to find out by building a novel reactor that can chemically "reenergize" carbon dioxide. From wrenchwench at blast.com Thu Dec 20 18:53:43 2007 From: wrenchwench at blast.com (Rachel Burton) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:53:43 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Masada Resource Group Donates TVA Biomass Pilot Plant Facilities and Equipment to Auburn University Message-ID: Dec 13, 2007 - Masada Resource Group, LLC - http://biobased.org/list2.php?storyid=16215 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ - Masada Resource Group, LLC, a Birmingham, Alabama firm specializing in municipal solid waste-to- ethanol technology, announced today that it has donated biomass pilot plant facilities and equipment the company recently purchased from the Tennessee Valley Authority to Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Last March, Masada was chosen as the successful bidder to purchase TVA's biomass plant facilities and equipment in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Masada submitted its bid to TVA as the leader of a collaborative effort by Auburn University and PureVision Technology, Inc. of Ft. Lupton, Colorado. From wrenchwench at blast.com Thu Dec 20 18:54:10 2007 From: wrenchwench at blast.com (Rachel Burton) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:54:10 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Air Force testing renewable fuel for diesel vehicles Message-ID: <9AE3C2E9-AC0F-4FBA-97FA-DD5F4A5F030F@blast.com> First reported 12/14/2007 - Updated 12/14/2007 . Reported by Waste News http://www.silobreaker.com/DocumentClusterReader.aspx?Item=16_801322498 Dec. 14 -- The U.S. Air Force is in the final phase of testing renewable fuel for its nontactical military vehicles and other diesel- powered equipment.O2Diesel Corp. has developed an ethanol-diesel blend that the Air Force plans to complete its testing of in the summer. The next phase will test cold exposure at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. The Air Force already is using the fuel at its Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.The Department of Defense is the largest fuel consumer in the continental United States, purchasing more than $5.5 billion in 2006, said Eric Burgeson, an O2Diesel advisor and former Department of Energy chief of staff. Executive Order 13423 requires government fleets of more than 20 vehicles to reduce their petroleum consumption by 2 percent annually through fiscal year 2015 and increase non-petroleum fuel use. From ncbiodiesel at yahoo.com Thu Dec 20 21:14:15 2007 From: ncbiodiesel at yahoo.com (Rebo Sullivan) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:14:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues In-Reply-To: <476ACEFC.8010403@gmail.com> Message-ID: <156862.52529.qm@web56704.mail.re3.yahoo.com> My suggested solution is not to use the b100 made from chicken fat. My experience is that it presents problems no matter how much petro-diesel you mix into it. Suggested short-term solution for Piedmont Industrial on the $3.50/gal consumer product: A switch to soy-based biodiesel during the remaining winter months, even if it has to be "imported" from World Fuels (like last year), until feedstock supply chain and processing is ramped up and engineered to make WVO-based or some-other-veggie-oil-based feedstock cost effective. Rebo ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ folks, on tuesday and wednesday mornings none of my cars running b100 from piedmont (chicken fat based) would run due to fuel jelling issues. i have added a couple of gals of dino diesel to each car to reduce jelling. my question is what is the best way to avoid this problem? thanks saeed ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ From phil at causative.net Thu Dec 20 21:23:40 2007 From: phil at causative.net (Phil Olinger) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:23:40 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Researchers Investigate Supercritical Method of Converting Chicken Fat and Tall Oil into Biodiesel Message-ID: <476B23AC.8010108@causative.net> From the ever-useful Green Car Congress: http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/12/researchers-inv.html Surprisingly, it seems that this process actually uses less energy. --- Full Text Below --- Chemical engineering researchers at the University of Arkansas have investigated supercritical methanol as a method of converting chicken fat into biodiesel fuel. The new study also successfully converted tall oil fatty acid, a major by-product of the wood-pulping process, into biodiesel at a yield of greater than 90%, significantly advancing efforts to develop commercially viable fuel out of plentiful, accessible and low-cost feedstocks and other agricultural by-products. Supercritical methanol treatment dissolves and causes a reaction between components of a product?in this case, chicken fat and tall oil?by subjecting the product to high temperature and pressure. The simple, one-step process does not require a catalyst. Substances become supercritical when they are heated and pressurized to a critical point, the highest temperature and pressure at which the substance can exist in equilibrium as a vapor and liquid. Chicken fat and tall oil treated with supercritical methanol produced biodiesel yields in excess of 89% and 94%, respectively. With chicken fat, maximum yield was reached at 325?C and a 40-to-1 molar ratio. The process also produced a respectable yield of 80% at 300?C and the same amount of methanol. At 275?C and the same amount of methanol, the process was ineffective. Ideal results using tall oil fatty acid were achieved at 325?C and a 10-to-1 molar ratio. At 300?C and the same amount of methanol, the conversion produced a yield of almost 80%. Again, at 275?C, the process was ineffective. Previous efforts to make biodiesel out of low-cost feedstocks as opposed to refined oils have used one of two conventional methods, base-catalyzed or acid-catalyzed esterification. Although successful at producing biodiesel, these conventional methods struggle to be economically feasible due to long reaction times, excessive amounts of methanol required and/or undesired production of soaps during processing. /The supercritical method hit the free fatty-acid problem head on. Because it dissolves the feed material and eliminates the need for the base catalyst, we now do not have the problems with soap formation and loss of yield. The supercritical method actually prefers free fatty acid feedstocks. / ?R.E. Babcock, professor of chemical engineering, University of Arkansas A number of other researchers have also investigated the use of supercritical methanol in the production of biodiesel, using different feedstocks. Examples include: * Researchers at Kyoto University in Japan have applied a supercritical methanol process to the production of biodiesel from rapeseed oil. They obtained their best results at 350?C, 30 MPa and 240 sec with a molar ratio of 42-to-1. According to their calculations, a conventional transesterification process alone consumes 4.3 MJ/l, while the supercritical methanol method requires 3.3 MJ/l, or energy reduction of 1.0 MJ for each liter of biodiesel produced. The Saka Laboratory at Kyoto has gone on to develop a two-step supercritical process that allows more moderate reaction conditions than those of the one-step method. * Researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand used supercritical methanol to produce biodiesel from coconut oil and palm kernel oil. They obtained their best results at a reaction temperature of 350?C, molar ratio of 42-to-1, and space time of 400 s. The percentage methyl ester conversions were 95 and 96 wt% for coconut oil and palm kernel oil, respectively. * Researchers at Beijing University of Chemical Technology prepared biodiesel from soybean oil using supercritical methanol with CO_2 as a co-solvent. With CO_2 as co-solvent in the reaction system, there was a significant decrease in the severity of the conditions required for supercritical reaction. Optimal results produced a 98% yield of methyl esters, occuring at a reaction temperature of 280?C, methanol to oil ratio of 24 and CO_2 to methanol ratio of 0.1, reaction time of 10 minutes and a reaction pressure of 14.3 MPa. *Resources* * Biodiesel fuel for diesel fuel substitute prepared by a catalyst-free supercritical methanol (Kyoto University) * Kunchana Bunyakiat, Sukunya Makmee, Ruengwit Sawangkeaw, and Somkiat Ngamprasertsith. ?Continuous Production of Biodiesel via Transesterification from Vegetable Oils in Supercritical Methanol ? /Energy Fuels/, 20 (2), 812 -817, 2006. 10.1021/ef050329b * Weiliang Cao, Hengwen Han and Jingchang Zhang. ?Preparation of biodiesel from soybean oil using supercritical methanol and CO_2 as co-solvent ? /Process Biochemistry/ Volume 40, Issue 9, September 2005, Pages 3148-3151 From peter at prkbikes.com Fri Dec 21 21:21:24 2007 From: peter at prkbikes.com (Peter Koskinen) Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:21:24 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] FREE MB 300TD In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20071221021130.1F4EE1195D0@mail2.blast.com> Free to good home. 1 1984 Mercedes 300TD wagon parts car. You pick it up you can have it. Otherwise its going to the crusher. Peter 919-960-5871. From phil at causative.net Thu Dec 20 21:29:08 2007 From: phil at causative.net (Phil Olinger) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:29:08 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues In-Reply-To: <156862.52529.qm@web56704.mail.re3.yahoo.com> References: <156862.52529.qm@web56704.mail.re3.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <476B24F4.6080306@causative.net> Lets also be clear here - *no* B100 (that I know of) will avoid gelling at low-to-freezing temperatures without some form of additive. The fuel available at most of the pumps on the Community Biodiesel Trail recently is 50% chicken fat biodiesel, 50% petrodiesel. I have successfully run B80 with veggie-based B100 and also veggie B100 with Power Service diesel anti-gel additive in the past. I believe the Co-op pump in Moncure is filled with veggie-based B80. --Phil Olinger Rebo Sullivan wrote: > My suggested solution is not to use the b100 made from > chicken fat. My experience is that it presents > problems no matter how much petro-diesel you mix into > it. > From ncbiodiesel at yahoo.com Thu Dec 20 21:45:36 2007 From: ncbiodiesel at yahoo.com (Rebo Sullivan) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:45:36 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues In-Reply-To: <476B24F4.6080306@causative.net> Message-ID: <505838.39417.qm@web56715.mail.re3.yahoo.com> True, point taken. But again speaking only from my personal experience -- the veggie-diesel: no problems, thru two previous winters, never having to go lower than B75 ratio. The poultry-diesel: repeated problems, at 50%, as soon as the cold set in. No question come March I'll be feeling much happier puttering down the hiway on B100, but till then, I have to remove the "OPEC-Free" from my sig line. Don't currently have facilities, time or inclination to brew my own right now, and so I'm humbly on the consumer side of this discussion, reliant on the stuff coming out of the Raleigh pump. The car has to get me from point A to point B reliably, and so I've got to be confident in what I'm putting in the tank. --- Phil Olinger wrote: > Lets also be clear here - *no* B100 (that I know of) > will avoid gelling > at low-to-freezing temperatures without some form of > additive. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ From ChrisC at luckstone.com Thu Dec 20 21:55:46 2007 From: ChrisC at luckstone.com (Chris . Connor) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:55:46 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues Message-ID: <251B95786C295C48BD9C2E0D678D84B50EDDDF2E@5825-ml.luck.net> FWIW, I do know some production changes were made at Piedmont Biofuels to address the different properties of the chicken grease. Should help but still think B100 is a gamble this time of year. c2 -----Original Message----- From: biofuels_interest_group-bounces at lists.emji.net To: biofuels_interest_group at lists.emji.net Sent: Thu Dec 20 21:45:36 2007 Subject: Re: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues True, point taken. But again speaking only from my personal experience -- the veggie-diesel: no problems, thru two previous winters, never having to go lower than B75 ratio. The poultry-diesel: repeated problems, at 50%, as soon as the cold set in. No question come March I'll be feeling much happier puttering down the hiway on B100, but till then, I have to remove the "OPEC-Free" from my sig line. Don't currently have facilities, time or inclination to brew my own right now, and so I'm humbly on the consumer side of this discussion, reliant on the stuff coming out of the Raleigh pump. The car has to get me from point A to point B reliably, and so I've got to be confident in what I'm putting in the tank. --- Phil Olinger wrote: > Lets also be clear here - *no* B100 (that I know of) > will avoid gelling > at low-to-freezing temperatures without some form of > additive. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ _______________________________________________ Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group ______________________________________________________________________ This e-mail has been scanned by MCI Managed Email Content Service, using Skeptic(tm) technology powered by MessageLabs. For more information on MCI's Managed Email Content Service, visit http://www.mci.com. ______________________________________________________________________ From mattr at biofuels.coop Thu Dec 20 23:41:42 2007 From: mattr at biofuels.coop (Matthew Rudolf) Date: Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:41:42 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues In-Reply-To: <251B95786C295C48BD9C2E0D678D84B50EDDDF2E@5825-ml.luck.net> References: <251B95786C295C48BD9C2E0D678D84B50EDDDF2E@5825-ml.luck.net> Message-ID: <5DEDE388-A808-4288-B0A8-C6F733315178@biofuels.coop> Hey Guys, Yes, the stuff out on the trail currently is mostly a B50 blend of chicken fat-based biodiesel. Although we have done repeated testing to determine the optimal blend level for the winter, the best we have figured out is that B50 will usually work, but not always. In some cases we have had clogged filters this past winter on even very low blends such as B20 on poultry fat-based biodiesel. It is also true that we have implemented a cold filter stage to take out some of the solids that form at lower temperatures. We don't know for certain how much this is doing, although it does seem to have had some effect on cold filter plugging. We recognize this has been a problem this winter however we can't go to soy oil at the moment because it is too expensive. It may be too late to do much this winter, but we now know that poultry fat is not a viable feedstock for biodiesel in North Carolina winters. So our next solution is that we are working hard on expanding our waste oil collection. This is a very serious effort that we are putting considerable resources into. For the meantime all biodiesel sold at the Moncure pump (at the biodiesel cooperative) is made from waste vegetable oil, and has decent cold weather properties, so if you really want to play it safe, that is currently your best bet. Hopefully by next winter we will have all of the pump locations running on waste oil-based biodiesel. Thanks to those of you sticking with us despite the cold weather troubles. Matt On Dec 20, 2007, at 9:55 PM, Chris . Connor wrote: > FWIW, I do know some production changes were made at Piedmont > Biofuels to address the different properties of the chicken > grease. Should help but still think B100 is a gamble this time of > year. > c2 > > -----Original Message----- > From: biofuels_interest_group-bounces at lists.emji.net > > To: biofuels_interest_group at lists.emji.net > > Sent: Thu Dec 20 21:45:36 2007 > Subject: Re: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] b100 jelling issues > > True, point taken. But again speaking only from my > personal experience -- the veggie-diesel: no problems, > thru two previous winters, never having to go lower > than B75 ratio. The poultry-diesel: repeated > problems, at 50%, as soon as the cold set in. > > No question come March I'll be feeling much happier > puttering down the hiway on B100, but till then, I > have to remove the "OPEC-Free" from my sig line. > Don't currently have facilities, time or inclination > to brew my own right now, and so I'm humbly on the > consumer side of this discussion, reliant on the stuff > coming out of the Raleigh pump. The car has to get me > from point A to point B reliably, and so I've got to > be confident in what I'm putting in the tank. > > --- Phil Olinger wrote: > >> Lets also be clear here - *no* B100 (that I know of) >> will avoid gelling >> at low-to-freezing temperatures without some form of >> additive. > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > ______________ > Be a better friend, newshound, and > know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http:// > mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > > _______________________________________________ > Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list > Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net > http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group > > ______________________________________________________________________ > This e-mail has been scanned by MCI Managed Email Content Service, > using Skeptic(tm) technology powered by MessageLabs. For more > information on MCI's Managed Email Content Service, visit http:// > www.mci.com. > ______________________________________________________________________ > _______________________________________________ > Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list > Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net > http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group Matthew Rudolf Piedmont Biofuels www.biofuels.coop From rudolfdiesel at netzero.net Fri Dec 21 09:13:55 2007 From: rudolfdiesel at netzero.net (rudolfdiesel at netzero.net) Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:13:55 GMT Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Advice sought on Jeep diesels Message-ID: <20071221.091355.10530.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com> Hi Bes I have owned two Jeep Diesels. Bought a Liberty early in '05, put 30k miles on it and recently traded for a new GC Diesel, which I have already rolled over 4k miles since mid November! As to Biodiesel-- I never allowed my fuel concentration to exceed B-50. The Liberty was run often on B-20 and on occasion B-50. Most of the fuel was obtained commercially, but whenever I taught a class and made some home brew it went into the Liberty. I changed the fuel filter on the Liberty at 15k miles and cut it open for analysis. I found no indication of any deterioration or fouling of the filter. In other words, there was no indication of any filter degradation. The Liberty has, what is by today's standards, considered an obsolete fuel system. It is a Bosch common rail design with solenoid controlled injectors operating at about 25k PSI fuel pressure. This system is widely used and shows good tolerance to various fuel types and fuel quality. The GC, on the other hand, has Piezo injectors that operate at over 35k PSI.It also has exhaust aftertreatment systems that have a low tolerance for contaminants, especially inorganic compounds and water. The long term effects of Biodiesel on these systems and engines is not yet fully understood. The manufacturers (including Bosch) are still researching the effects of bio fuels on their new systems. Also remember that using B-100 violated the manufacturer's recommended fuel specification and may cause an increase in the emission of NOx. Now, having said all of that, I will give you Rich Cregar's rules for Biodiesel use: (If you want to know how I arrived at these, come take my class next month!) Rule 1: You can use ASTM spec fuel just like you use petro Diesel. Temperature concerns aside, real honest to god (or ASTM) Biodiesel is interchangeable with Petro. (As long as it is ASTM spec!) Observation pertaining to rule 1: There is allot of bio out there that does not meet ASTM spec. There is also bio that, while it did meet ASTM spec when it left the producer, has degraded in the transport/storage process. (Attend my class) Therefore, Rule 2: Don't use B-100! Blend to at least B-50. This will mitigate any fuel issues caused through Observation 1 (see above). Summary: I know many people do not like my rules and feel strongly about using B-100. So, if you want to use B-100 obtained in the real world we live in, buy the Liberty. The fuel system is more tolerant and will cost less to repair if something bad happens. Regards; Rich Cregar _____________________________________________________________ Best Commodity Trading Platforms. Click Now! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4tFCeElA8CuM8WUypYyx8YRtzgW3VNWjYV2aVhND1VR6StHe/ From biodiesel at yovo.info Fri Dec 21 09:55:53 2007 From: biodiesel at yovo.info (Jurgen Henn) Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:55:53 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Rule #2 (Re. Advice sought on Jeep diesels) In-Reply-To: <20071221.091355.10530.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com> References: <20071221.091355.10530.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com> Message-ID: <476BD3F9.3020501@yovo.info> Comment about rule #2: A B50 blend only compensates for quality issues in the biodiesel, if the dino-diesel is good quality. Not sure how you can verify that the dino you're pumping meets all quality standards. But for biodiesel you can do simple tests (3/27, phLip test) to get a pretty good idea re. fuel quality. cheers, Jurgen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J?rgen Henn 2002 Jetta TDI 1991 Mercedes 300D http://words.yovo.info/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > Now, having said all of that, I will give you Rich Cregar's rules for > Biodiesel use: (If you want to know how I arrived at these, come take > my class next month!) > > Rule 1: You can use ASTM spec fuel just like you use petro Diesel. > Temperature concerns aside, real honest to god (or ASTM) Biodiesel is > interchangeable with Petro. (As long as it is ASTM spec!) > > Observation pertaining to rule 1: There is allot of bio out there > that does not meet ASTM spec. There is also bio that, while it did > meet ASTM spec when it left the producer, has degraded in the > transport/storage process. (Attend my class) > > Therefore, Rule 2: Don't use B-100! Blend to at least B-50. This will > mitigate any fuel issues caused through Observation 1 (see above). > > Summary: I know many people do not like my rules and feel strongly > about using B-100. So, if you want to use B-100 obtained in the real > world we live in, buy the Liberty. The fuel system is more tolerant > and will cost less to repair if something bad happens. > > Regards; Rich Cregar From rudolfdiesel at netzero.net Fri Dec 21 17:52:49 2007 From: rudolfdiesel at netzero.net (rudolfdiesel at netzero.net) Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:52:49 GMT Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Rule #2 (Re. Advice sought on Jeep diesels) Message-ID: <20071221.175249.10120.0@webmail07.dca.untd.com> Hi Jurgen I agree with your statement. However, the production and distribution of petroleum products is a very mature industry that has worked most of the kinks out long ago. The renewable fuels industry--need I finish the statement? Can I get a bad tank of petro? Sure- but it is very unlikely. A bad tank of Bio is far more likely--today. It is getting better, It will get much better. But today I think a little caution is reasonable. Merry Christmas! Rich Cregar _____________________________________________________________ Discount Online Trading - Click Now! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4tFWsQaDRpy9trAjCYhIodBrFnq5pHQvqVL0X1zA3WELtMyn/ From fgregg at googlemail.com Sun Dec 23 09:52:51 2007 From: fgregg at googlemail.com (Forest Gregg) Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:52:51 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Advice sought on Jeep diesels In-Reply-To: <1dc3c92f0712230646w6a7de87fiad5592901f7bb61@mail.gmail.com> References: <20071221.091355.10530.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com> <1dc3c92f0712230640y2e5e954q471f8062dbc78f74@mail.gmail.com> <1dc3c92f0712230646w6a7de87fiad5592901f7bb61@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <1dc3c92f0712230652p5a82e10cv5a97dc8bf8f41786@mail.gmail.com> I would not get a Jeep Liberty diesel, but for reasons that have nothing to do with biofuels. The vehicles had a ton of problems from the factory, including an inability to reverse up a hill, and more significantly, it only had the diesel engine for two years. That means that when it falls out of warranty, you will have a very rare engine that few technicians know how to work on and for which parts are very difficult to acquire. In general, if you are looking for reliability and long-term value, this is a terrible time to be buying new diesel vehicles. Vehicle diesel technology is going through a period of rapid change, and it while this is exciting, it makes the purchase of a new vehicle risky. That said, the diesel Liberty's are fun to drive; I've converted one to straight vegetable oil and that part has done very well, the stock systems. If you are interested, the original owner might be looking to sell. Forest -- 931.210.3610 35 Ocala St. Asheville, NC 28801 From kcfoxie at gmail.com Sun Dec 23 11:58:30 2007 From: kcfoxie at gmail.com (Chris Browder) Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:58:30 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Advice sought on Jeep diesels In-Reply-To: <1dc3c92f0712230652p5a82e10cv5a97dc8bf8f41786@mail.gmail.com> References: <20071221.091355.10530.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com> <1dc3c92f0712230640y2e5e954q471f8062dbc78f74@mail.gmail.com> <1dc3c92f0712230646w6a7de87fiad5592901f7bb61@mail.gmail.com> <1dc3c92f0712230652p5a82e10cv5a97dc8bf8f41786@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <0ACF6864-9BEF-4CC3-833E-5C33C1F5DAC1@gmail.com> Forest, VW has the same kind of problems if you look at it. The MkV current body style of car has 2 engine codes: BEW and BRM. BRM is a 06 model engine. One year. It was not made for any other country, just the USA. I personally feel that comparing that Mercedes CRD (that I don't believe changed between the two years it was offered) makes it a better choice if you're thinking long term. Not to mention, have you seen a VW Automatic? The 01M is a timebomb, the Tiptronic is better, but only the last 2 or perhaps 3 years have the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automated manual dual-clutch transmission -- that will survive 250+ thousand miles like the manuals.... an 01M (98-03 or so) VW trans on a dieseling holding out beyond 150,000 is basically a miracle. But, I also am trying to talk my other half into the Jeep and they're on the mailing list :) Cheers, Chris PS: Resell, online, for any 05+ diesel regardless of miles is near sticker price for the model. Just watched my car's twin sell for $3k more than I have at auction, with 24k more miles! On Dec 23, 2007, at 9:52 AM, Forest Gregg wrote: > I would not get a Jeep Liberty diesel, but for reasons that have > nothing to do with biofuels. The vehicles had a ton of problems from > the factory, including an inability to reverse up a hill, and more > significantly, it only had the diesel engine for two years. That means > that when it falls out of warranty, you will have a very rare engine > that few technicians know how to work on and for which parts are very > difficult to acquire. > > In general, if you are looking for reliability and long-term value, > this is a terrible time to be buying new diesel vehicles. Vehicle > diesel technology is going through a period of rapid change, and it > while this is exciting, it makes the purchase of a new vehicle risky. > > That said, the diesel Liberty's are fun to drive; I've converted one > to straight vegetable oil and that part has done very well, the stock > systems. If you are interested, the original owner might be looking to > sell. > > Forest > > > > -- > 931.210.3610 > 35 Ocala St. > Asheville, NC 28801 > _______________________________________________ > Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list > Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net > http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group From rudolfdiesel at netzero.net Sun Dec 23 16:37:28 2007 From: rudolfdiesel at netzero.net (rudolfdiesel at netzero.net) Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:37:28 GMT Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Advice sought on Jeep diesels Message-ID: <20071223.163728.13635.0@webmail09.dca.untd.com> There was a campaign to rectify transmission/converter problems. If you haven't had the campaign, you should check with Jeep. I have often pulled a 5000+ pound trailer with my Liberty, and went uphill in reverse frequently. I never noted any problems. General Motors purchased VM Motori, maker of the Liberty engine, in August and will be introducing a variant in Cadillac and Saturn models by 2009. Jeep is also under legal obligation to provide emissions related components for 8 years or 80k miles. I wouldn't worry about being orphaned. Rich Cregar _____________________________________________________________ Click here to obtain free information on accredited degrees. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4s3m9irpDDKDOiTcBCdfQoheqLutagDqhKjz4sdCeg7STWqV/ From wrenchwench at blast.com Sun Dec 23 20:46:51 2007 From: wrenchwench at blast.com (Rachel Burton) Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 20:46:51 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] for sale- contact owner direct References: <47619BFA.3080309@biofuels.coop> Message-ID: <5D455758-FA3E-469C-95C7-6448282E2AD8@blast.com> Begin forwarded message: > For sale. Mercedes 300 SD, 1985. 30 + mpg. Owned for 21 years. > Garaged. Runs and looks brand new! 256,000 miles. Service > Records. Silver exterior and brown interior. $3900. Located in > Raleigh. Please call James (919) 787-9705 if your interested. From rkunst at humancomp.org Sun Dec 23 22:26:41 2007 From: rkunst at humancomp.org (Richard Kunst) Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:26:41 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Advice sought on Jeep diesels In-Reply-To: <0ACF6864-9BEF-4CC3-833E-5C33C1F5DAC1@gmail.com> References: <20071221.091355.10530.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com> <1dc3c92f0712230640y2e5e954q471f8062dbc78f74@mail.gmail.com> <1dc3c92f0712230646w6a7de87fiad5592901f7bb61@mail.gmail.com> <1dc3c92f0712230652p5a82e10cv5a97dc8bf8f41786@mail.gmail.com> <0ACF6864-9BEF-4CC3-833E-5C33C1F5DAC1@gmail.com> Message-ID: <06da01c845dc$cdcd3ac0$6967b040$@org> Regarding the 2005-2006 Jeep Liberty diesel engine: as Rich Cregar just noted, it was made not by Mercedes, as is the current 2008 Jeep Cherokee diesel, but by VM Motori (http://www.vmmotori.it/en/index.jsp) in Italy, which was at the time a division of Detroit Diesel. Wikipedia has an interesting and very up-to-date article on VM Motori (referring to the new GM financial stake), and since they make engines for a lot of different nameplates--even London taxis, apparently!--I have appended the Wikipedia article below FYI. Here is my experience with the Jeep Liberty, for what it's worth: I bought a used 2005 4WD diesel Liberty with 23K miles on it about 16 months ago. I started running it on B20 almost immediately. Around a year ago, I began running it on B100 homebrew from Piedmont Biofuels Coop, and until the cold days last week it ran on homebrew or $3.50/gal. bio and nothing else. My initial mileage on petrodiesel was around 23-24mpg, and it has been a fairly consistent 24mpg, both city and highway, running on biodiesel. Last week was the first time I had a minor problem with gelled bio in my lines and fuel filter (even with added Power Service additive), so I blended in a few gallons of dino. As far as maintenance is concerned, I had to replace the fuel filter at 30K miles, but it should have been replaced at 25K miles as regular maintenance anyway. There have been one or two other minor repairs and also the manufacturer-recall transmission modification Rich referred to (reducing the torque produced by the torque converter). Mileage just hit 36K, so it is now out of warranty and I am prepared for all kinds of problems to start happening! I haven't towed 5000 pounds, but it effortlessly hauls a 3800-lb. sailboat and trailer, while the Ford Explorer which I previously used to haul the boat showed the strain. Overall I'm delighted with the car. Rick Kunst On Dec 23, 2007 Chris Browder wrote: [snip] > I personally feel that comparing that Mercedes CRD (that I don't > believe changed between the two years it was offered) makes it a > better choice if you're thinking long term. [snip] > Chris > > PS: Resell, online, for any 05+ diesel regardless of miles is near > sticker price for the model. Just watched my car's twin sell for $3k > more than I have at auction, with 24k more miles! > > > On Dec 23, 2007, at 9:52 AM, Forest Gregg wrote: > > > I would not get a Jeep Liberty diesel, but for reasons that have > > nothing to do with biofuels. The vehicles had a ton of problems from > > the factory, including an inability to reverse up a hill, and more > > significantly, it only had the diesel engine for two years. That > means > > that when it falls out of warranty, you will have a very rare engine > > that few technicians know how to work on and for which parts are very > > difficult to acquire. > > > > In general, if you are looking for reliability and long-term value, > > this is a terrible time to be buying new diesel vehicles. Vehicle > > diesel technology is going through a period of rapid change, and it > > while this is exciting, it makes the purchase of a new vehicle risky. > > > > That said, the diesel Liberty's are fun to drive; I've converted one > > to straight vegetable oil and that part has done very well, the stock > > systems. If you are interested, the original owner might be looking > to > > sell. > > > > Forest > > -- > > 931.210.3610 > > 35 Ocala St. > > Asheville, NC 28801 ==================================================== VM Motori >From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia VM Motori S.p.A. is a diesel engine manufacturing company in Cento, Italy, which is the heart of Emilia Romagna and also home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati. Founded by two entrepreneurs, Vancini and Martelli (hence the "VM") in 1947, the company produced the first Italian air-cooled diesel engine with direct injection. In 1964 the company introduced entire new families of air-cooled diesel engines for fishing boats and the industrial machine markets. VM merged with Stabilimenti Meccanici Triestini in Trieste in 1971, and Finmeccanica took a majority stake in the combined company. 1974 saw the introduction of a new series of high-speed (4200 rpm) HR, pre-combustion chamber, water-cooled, turbocharged engines. The Alfa Romeo Alfetta, produced in Arese, rolled off the line with a VM Motori engine under the bonnet in 1979, signaling VM's move to the OEM automotive market. During the 1980s British Leyland chose VM engines as the smoothest, most petrol-like units available for diesel models of their Range Rover and Rover SD1; the choice continued with the later Rover 800. In 1989 Finmeccanica restructured, selling its stake in VM Motori to company managers and Midland Montague in a leveraged buyout, leaving the company with its single Cento plant. The after-cooled, electronic-combustion, "Turbotronic" engine was unveiled in 1990. It was supplied to Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, and Rover. Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) bought VM Motori in 1995, when OEM automotive sales accounted for 75% of income. A major deal with Chrysler saw agreements to supply engines for their Jeep Cherokee and Voyager models. 2000 saw change again with the purchase of DDC by DaimlerChrysler AG. In 2003 Penske Corporation purchased a 51% stake, and today the company is co-owned by Penske and DaimlerChrysler (which now has a 49% stake). The company still produces diesel engines for a variety of vehicle manufacturers. In 2007 Penske Corporation bought the remaining 49% of VM from DaimlerChrysler AG and subsequently sold 50% of it to General Motors.[1] Both deals are awaiting European regulatory approval; the value of the deal is still not known. The company is also selling its products to off-highway applications, such as marine and defense. MTU Friedrichshafen, a German diesel engine manufacturer, holds the exclusive sales rights for VM Motori off-highway engines outside of Italy. Recently, VM Motori's 2.8-litre common rail turbodiesel engine was chosen for the Jeep Liberty CRD. GM Daewoo has also licensed the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre common rail engine designs, and they are building a dedicated engine plant, aiming to start production in 2006. The latest vehicle to benefit from a 2.5 VM Motori diesel engine is the purpose-built LTI (London Taxis International) London style taxicab - the TX4 is the first of the TX range of taxis to include a VM Motori engine. From lpetrovick at co.wake.nc.us Mon Dec 24 01:01:46 2007 From: lpetrovick at co.wake.nc.us (lpetrovick at co.wake.nc.us) Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2007 01:01:46 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Larry M Petrovick/CDS/Wake County is out of the office. Message-ID: I will be out of the office starting 12/21/2007 and will not return until 01/02/2008. I will respond to your message when I return on 10/01/07 From wrenchwench at blast.com Mon Dec 24 13:00:27 2007 From: wrenchwench at blast.com (Rachel Burton) Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:00:27 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Hoke County, NC Board Approves Greenlight Biofuels Proposed Biodiesel Plant Message-ID: http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=280779 From dentonconrad at netzero.net Thu Dec 27 09:59:41 2007 From: dentonconrad at netzero.net (Denton Conrad) Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:59:41 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Biodiesel plans not universally applauded Message-ID: <4773BDDD.40205@netzero.net> *Biodiesel plans not universally applauded* http://www.newsobserver.com/print/thursday/city_state/story/848729.html From kcfoxie at gmail.com Thu Dec 27 10:30:33 2007 From: kcfoxie at gmail.com (Chris Browder) Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:30:33 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Biodiesel plans not universally applauded In-Reply-To: <4773BDDD.40205@netzero.net> References: <4773BDDD.40205@netzero.net> Message-ID: <1bb86e040712270730n3a4edb28u7bcc228f570ea055@mail.gmail.com> And yet Apex allowed a hazzardous waste treatment facility within its CITY/TOWN limits, a mere 2 miles from homes with children. I don't see the state granting the wishes of those filing the suit. On 12/27/07, Denton Conrad wrote: > > *Biodiesel plans not universally applauded* > > http://www.newsobserver.com/print/thursday/city_state/story/848729.html > _______________________________________________ > Biofuels_Interest_Group mailing list > Biofuels_Interest_Group at lists.emji.net > http://lists.emji.net/mailman/listinfo/biofuels_interest_group > From mattr at biofuels.coop Fri Dec 28 09:10:55 2007 From: mattr at biofuels.coop (Matthew Rudolf) Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:10:55 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Landfill gas may be put to use Message-ID: <3D9CB2A1-91A6-4CFA-AE4F-B5722A26CB30@biofuels.coop> Landfill gas may be put to use Published: Dec 12, 2007 12:30 AM Samuel Spies, Staff Writer CHAPEL HILL - The Orange County commissioners on Tuesday decided they want to see a draft agreement with UNC-Chapel Hill that eventually could lead to landfill gas powering part of the Carolina North development. They asked the county staff to talk further with university officials, who have said they want to use the methane gas, and bring a draft agreement back at a meeting in January. County Manager Laura Blackmon recommended last week that the county put out a request for proposals from private companies who have said they were interested in a gas project at the landfill. But university officials said they would not bid against private companies. The board decided to delay a decision until the county and university can meet again. "We want to make Carolina North carbon-neutral, period, not just in the first phase," Carolyn Elfland, UNC-CH associate vice chancellor for campus services, told the board Tuesday. "I'm a little skeptical that a Carolina North facility is going to open in 2009," said Commissioner Mike Nelson. The gas produced by the landfill is currently peaking, county solid waste officials said, meaning it will begin to drop in production as the landfill ages. Blackmon said the county wants a project to happen quickly. "We have a commodity that is dissipating," she said. Elfland told the board that the university has an immediate use for the methane at Carolina North and wants to be able to pipe it there to generate heat and electricity. Generating electricity and heat in the same place is most efficient, she said. samuel.spies at newsobserver.com or (919) 932-2014 From john.bonitz at gmail.com Mon Dec 31 11:12:21 2007 From: john.bonitz at gmail.com (John Bonitz) Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:12:21 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] FOR SALE: Diesel Ford Escort on Craigslist-Raleigh Message-ID: <84a57a420712310812x298fecd7vc9993b04ab805258@mail.gmail.com> FYI. Posted as courtesy. These diesel escorts get 45 to 50 mpg. They are quite hard to find. I started a "support group" for owners of these cars on Yahoo: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/DieselEscortOwners/ Please contact the seller directly with any questions. JB -- John Bonitz Silk Hope, NC ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1985 1/2 Ford Escort Diesel (mazda 2.0) 55 MPG !! - $1500 Reply to: sale-522723310 at craigslist.org Date: 2007-12-29, 3:21PM EST http://raleigh.craigslist.org/car/522723310.html (link to ad with photos) I have a 1985 1/2 Ford Escort diesel with 129,000 orig miles on it. (not running). It has a 5sp manual transmission, power steering/front disk brakes. I bought it as a project as the head was cracked originally. I have since purchased a new cylinder head & had it completely redone in a machine shop (valves, seals, adjustments, etc.) The cylinder head is not currently installed on the vehicle. This vehicle has always been a NC car and has virtually no rust on it, no cracks on the orig. dash, and no rips or tears in the orig. upholstery or headliner. This will be a great/super economical vehicle, better than a Toyota Prius !!!! I have also purchased the following: o complete set of ford original shop manuals o complete new head gasket set o new fuel filter o set of 4 nice Ford Focus alloy wheels o new battery o new set of timing belts o extra alternator, starter, fuel injection pump, power steering pump. o probably more parts I can't think of This is a project that I wish I had time to finish. I have everything that is needed to complete the project, just no time. If interested, please call Brian at 919-368-1753 From fgregg at googlemail.com Sun Dec 23 09:46:11 2007 From: fgregg at googlemail.com (Forest Gregg) Date: Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:46:11 -0500 Subject: [Biofuels_Interest_Group] Advice sought on Jeep diesels In-Reply-To: <1dc3c92f0712230640y2e5e954q471f8062dbc78f74@mail.gmail.com> References: <20071221.091355.10530.0@webmail06.dca.untd.com> <1dc3c92f0712230640y2e5e954q471f8062dbc78f74@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <1dc3c92f0712230646w6a7de87fiad5592901f7bb61@mail.gmail.com> I would not get a Jeep Liberty diesel, but for reasons that have nothing to do with biofuels. The vehicles had a ton of problems from the factory, including an inability to reverse up a hill, and more significantly, it only had the diesel engine for two years. That means that when it falls out of warranty, you will have a very rare engine that few technicians know how to work on and for which parts are very difficult to acquire. In general, if you are looking for reliability and long-term value, this is a terrible time to be buying new diesel vehicles. Vehicle diesel technology is going through a period of rapid change, and it while this is exciting, it makes the purchase of a new vehicle risky. That said, the diesel Liberty's are fun to drive; I've converted one to straight vegetable oil and that part has done very well, the stock systems. If you are interested, the original owner might be looking to sell. Forest -- 931.210.3610 35 Ocala St. Asheville, NC 28801