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ICCT suggests minor changes to Fed tax policy to cut higher investment risk of 2nd-gen biofuels and advance the industry

Green Car Congress

Some of the ICCT recommendations are mirrored in the recently released Baucus draft proposal for tax reform ( earlier post ), notes Dr. Chris Malins of the ICCT, one of the study’s co-authors. The study identified four specific changes to the US tax code that could help accelerate the commercialization of second-generation biofuels.

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Sandia Labs/GM Biofuels Systems Study Concludes Large-Scale Production of Advanced Biofuels is Achievable and Sustainable

Green Car Congress

The study, said Robert Carling, Director, Transportation Energy Center at Sandia, represents the first true value-chain approach to assessing the feasibility, implications, limitations, and enablers of large-scale production of biofuels in the United States. In the study, conversion technologies are linked with specific feedstocks.

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GAO Report Concludes Industry and Government Face Significant Challenges in Meeting RFS Target While Minimizing Unintended Adverse Effects; Suggests Federal Research Give Priority to Non-Ethanol Biofuels

Green Car Congress

GAO reviewed scientific studies, interviewed experts and agency officials, and visited five DOE and USDA laboratories. Among the principal findings of the study were: Biofuels production has had mixed effects on US agriculture, but the effects of expanded production are less certain. tax credit is. specifies this year.

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Global biofuels production up 17% in 2010 to hit all-time high of 105 billion liters

Green Car Congress

High oil prices, a global economic rebound, and new laws and mandates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, and the United States, among other countries, are all factors behind the surge in production, according to research conducted by the Worldwatch Institute’s Climate and Energy Program for the website Vital Signs Online.

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National Research Council report finds it unlikely the US will meet cellulosic biofuel mandates absent major innovation or a change in policies

Green Car Congress

As of 2010, biofuel production was contingent on subsidies, tax credits, the import tariff, loan guarantees, RFS2, and similar policies. Moreover, nutritional and other income assistance programs are often adjusted for changes in the general price level.

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Expert panel report finds achieving 1M plug-in vehicles in US by 2015 would require concentrated action to overcome barriers

Green Car Congress

A new study sponsored by Indiana University concludes that President Obama’s vision of one million plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) on US roads by 2015 will require concentrated efforts action from all stakeholders— the auto industry, federal government, the scientific community, and consumers—to be realized.

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Nissan’s Big Gamble

Revenge of the Electric Car

The best thing about the Nissan is the expected price range of $25K- $34K. This is before the $7,500 federal tax credit. It also plans an electric-vehicle plant for Europe and is studying a plant for China. Pricing isn’t set. Oil vs. electrons. Batteries are expensive.

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