Feature Article
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Senator Harkin Proposes Changes to the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000
Definitions:
The Bill - The National Security Bioenergy Investment Act of 2005
The Act - The Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000
Introduction
This article highlights the major proposals of The National Security Bioenergy Investment Act of 2005 as well as specific changes proposed to the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000. The Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 has resulted in increased interagency collaboration and more focused research and development planning. The proposed changes, if implemented, could have even more significant impacts on the Biomass community.
The National Security Bioenergy Investment Act of 2005
The National Security Bioenergy Investment Act of 2005 [S.1210.IS] was introduced by Senator Harkin (D-IA) in the Senate June 9, 2005. This Bill proposes some important changes related to research and development on, and promotion of, biobased fuels and coproducts. It also specifically proposes key changes to the Biomass Initiative Research & Development Act of 2000.
Congressional Findings
The Bill outlines major Congressional findings which set the stage for the proposals in the Bill itself.
- The Governors' Ethanol Coalition found that United States' dependence on foreign sources of oil is a major national security risk, and that the least costly approach to solving this risk is to establish aggressive biofuels research goals. Significant investment is needed to achieve those goals.
- The Government Accountability Office found that implementation of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 has been limited and that greater priority by the USDA would promote biobased purchasing. It also found that Federal Government contractors are exempt from its biobased purchasing requirements and an expansion of those requirements needs to occur, especially to Federal contractors and the Architect of the Capitol (to showcase the Capitol Complex).
- The National Academy of Sciences, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the bipartisan National Commission on Energy Policy, the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Department of Defense, and USDA all have found that there is significant amount of biomass to achieve some important milestones, more clearly defined in Title II.
- Fuel derived from cellulosic biomass has near-zero net carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions, and substantially reduced carbon monoxide, particulate and toxic emissions relative to petroleum-based fuels.
- The bipartisan National Energy Commission on Energy Policy has predicted that with a dedicated Federal research, development, and demonstration effort, cellulosic ethanol could be less expensive to produce than gasoline by 2015.
Production Incentives
The Harkin Bill proposes to accelerate deployment and commercialization of cellulosic biofuels to deliver the first one billion gallons by 2015. There will be production incentives on a per gallon basis for cellulosic biofuels produced - direct payments of $0.75 per gallon until initiation of the first reverse auction. Not more than 25 percent of the funds to one project and not more than $1 billion in any one year or over the lifetime of the project.
Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Energy and Biobased Products
A new position, titled Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Energy and Biobased Products, within USDA is proposed by the Bill to be responsible for Energy programs established under Title IX of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, and all other programs and initiatives that the Secretary considers appropriate. Offices transferred to the Assistant Secretary are: the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses; the Global Change Program Office; the Council on Sustainable Development; and any other offices that the Secretary considers appropriate.
Federal Procurement of Biobased Products
Federal procurement of biobased products more clearly defines procurement, a procuring agency, and flexibility in the regulations. In particular this affects procurements made by all Federal Government facilities and contractors.
Biobased Capitol Complex
This section of the Bill proposes the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant of Arms of the Senate, and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives shall be considered procuring agencies. This broadens the scope of the Federal guidelines for procurement of biobased products in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Additionally it establishes the Capitol Complex as a showcase for the existence and benefits of biobased products.
Bioeconomy Development Grants
The sections under Certification Grants and Regional Bioeconomy Development Association Grants have been more clearly defined; this includes: definition of eligible entities, biobased product marketing and certification grant purposes, matching funds, amounts, administration, and authorizations of appropriations.
Tax Incentives to Build the Bioeconomy
The proposals in this section attempt to encourage investment in, and production and use of, biobased fuels and products through additional incentives; investment tax credits through construction or modification of facilities for the production of fuels from cellulose biomass; and progressive investment tax to manufacturers of biobased products to lower the capital costs.
Proposed Changes to the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000
The following are notable changes proposed by the Bill that will affect the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000 as well as to the Biomass Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee, Biomass Research and Development Board, and Biomass Initiative. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all proposed changes but ones most relevant to the readership of the Biomass Initiative Newsletter.
Defining Biomass
Terminology in the Act was more clearly defined such as coproducts, fuels, and biomass. Most notably the phrase, "production of biobased industrial products" was changed to "production of biobased fuels and coproducts". The term "biobased coproduct" means a commercial or industrial product (including chemicals, animal feed, and electric power) derived in connection with the conversion of biomass to fuel. The term "biobased fuel" means any transportation fuel produced from biomass.
An important clarification of the definition of biomass was made to exclude certain materials, specifically: incineration of municipal solid waste; recyclable post-consumer waste paper and paper products; painted, treated, or pressurized wood; wood contaminated with plastic or metals; and tires.
Finally the definition of biodiesel to ethanol was expanded to include animal wastes (poultry fats and poultry wastes), and MSW, sludges, and oils derived from wastewater and treatment of wastewater as feedstocks.
Objectives of the Initiative
The Bill proposes a revised set of objectives for the Initiative to: increase the energy security of the United States; create jobs, and enhance the economic development of the rural economy; enhance the environment and public health; and diversify markets for raw agriculture and forestry products.
Technical Areas for Research and Development Focus
The Bill proposes specific technical areas for future research and development focus, ranging from feedstock production through product diversification and analysis. Specific technical areas include:
- feedstock production through the development of crops and cropping systems relevant to production of raw materials for conversion to biobased fuels and coproducts;
- overcoming recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass through developing technologies for converting cellulosic biomass into reactive intermediates that can subsequently be converted into fuels, products, and power;
- product diversification through technologies relevant to production of a range of coproducts (including power, chemicals, and animal feeds) that eventually can increase the feasibility of fuel production in a biorefinery; and
- analysis that provides strategic guidance for the application of biomass technologies in accordance with realization off societal benefits in improved sustainability and environmental quality, cost effectiveness, security, and rural economic development, usually featuring system-wide approaches.
Funding
The Bill proposes that funds authorized for the Initiative be appropriated across the above technical areas as follows:
- 20 percent for feedstock production;
- 45 percent for overcoming recalcitrance of cellulosic biomass;
- 30 percent for product diversification; and
- 5 percent for strategic guidance.
The Bill goes on to make further clarification on the use of funds by stage of project development for each of the technical areas above:
- 15 percent of funds shall be used for applied fundamentals;
- 35 percent of funds shall be used for innovation; and
- 50 percent of funds shall be used for demonstration
The term "demonstration" was clarified to mean "demonstration of technology in a pilot plant of semi-works scale facility".
A section on matching funds also states that a minimum 20 percent funding match shall be required for demonstration projects.
The Bill also proposes to increase the funding from $54,000,000 (currently recommended in the Act) for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007; it proposes $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011, and such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.
Reporting
Reporting actions were changed so that not later that two years after the date of the enactment of this Bill, and every two years thereafter, the Administrator of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service and the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall submit to the committees of Congress with jurisdiction over the Initiative a report describing the activities conducted by the services under this subsection.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the National Security and Bioenergy Investment Act of 2005, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Energy and shall jointly submit to Congress a report that describes the status and progress of current research and development efforts in both the Federal Government and private sector in achieving the objectives, purposes, and considerations of the actions proposed in this Bill, specifically addressing each of the technical areas; describing the actions taken to implement the improvements directed; and outlining a strategic plan for achieving the objectives, purposes, and considerations. They would extend the activities of the Biomass Initiative, provide more specific focus, and create a basis for increased research and development on the development of bioenergy and biobased products.
Conclusion
If implemented, the changes in the Bill hope to "provide the research, development, demonstration, administrative support, and market mechanisms required for widespread deployment and commercialization of biobased fuels and products, and for other purposes."
For more detailed information you can find the Bill at www.thomas.gov and the Initiative at http://www.biomass.govtools.us/about/bio_act.asp.
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State Spotlight: Oklahoma
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In 2001, the state of Oklahoma consumed approximately 1,553 trillion Btu of energy. Petroleum and natural gas accounted for the majority of consumption at 38 and 35 percent respectively, while coal supplied 24 percent of the energy. Hydroelectric and biomass followed at roughly one percent each in the year 2001. Oklahoma does not obtain any of its energy from nuclear power.1
Oklahoma could potentially generate an estimated 18.5 billion kWh of electricity from biomass sources. That is 110 percent of the state's residential electricity needs, or enough to supply 1,847,000 average homes with electricity. The sources of biomass fuel available are varied, but most abundant are energy crops. These fast growing trees, shrubs, and grasses account for 8,084,000 dry tons of material annually available to generate energy. Agricultural residue is also a significant source available for energy production at 3,441,000 dry tons per year, followed by mill residues at 698,000 dry tons annually. Urban residues and forest residues available to generate energy account for 185,000 and 292,000 dry tons per year respectively.2
Renewable energy projects in Oklahoma are managed through the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce. While there are no new government run biomass projects underway, many private operations are using biomass technology. For example, one facility operating in Oklahoma is the Weyerhaeuser Pulp and Paper Company. Located in Valliant, the plant converts timber residues from mills and logging to produce 37,000 kW of energy.3 In Oklahoma City, General Motors announced in February 2005 that it will begin using methane gas from a landfill to help power an assembly plant and reduce operating costs.4
There are also financial incentives available in Oklahoma for biomass systems. Mainstay Energy is a private company that offers to buy renewable energy credits (REC) generated from various renewable energy technologies. Those interested in biomass can also take advantage of an Oklahoma law that allows owners of renewable energy systems to request a net metering capability. Then if these customers have an excess of electricity generation, they can require the utility to purchase the energy.5
1 Energy Information Administration. Table 7: Energy Consumption Estimates by Source, 1960-2001, Oklahoma. Available:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_use/total/use_tot_ok.html
2 Oklahoma Bioenergy Resources Available:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/state_energy/tech_biomass.cfm?state=OK
3 Current Renewable Energy Projects in Oklahoma. Available:
http://www.eere.energy.gov/state_energy/opfacbytech.cfm?state=OK
4 GMability Environmental News. "GM Oklahoma City Plant Becomes Seventh Operation to Use Landfill Gas." Available:
http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/environment/news_issues/news/ok_landfill_021005.html
5 DSIRE Oklahoma Incentives for Renewable Energy. Available:
http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map.cfm?State=ok&CurrentPageId=1
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On the Hill
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| Bill # |
Sponsor |
Summary |
Last Action |
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S.606
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Sen Thune, John[SD]
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Federal Reformulated Fuels Act of 2005 - Promoting the potential of renewable fuels as a replacement MTBE - resulting in a reduction of MTBE in the fuel supply. (amends the Clean Air Act)
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5/26/2005: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 116.
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H.R.6
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Rep Barton, Joe [TX-6]
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Energy Policy Act of 2005: To ensure jobs for our future with secure, affordable, and reliable energy. Focusing the Secretary of Energy to conduct programs addressing: energy efficiency, renewable energies and hydrogen.
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4/22/2005: Considered by Senate. (Consideration: CR S6980-7063)
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H.R.1608
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Rep Herseth, Stephanie [SD]
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To amend the Clean Air Act to increase production and use of renewable fuel and to increase the energy independence of the United States, and for other purposes.
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5/26/2005: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.
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H.R.1127
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Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2]
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Renewable Energy Production Incentive Reform and Reauthorization Act - to reauthorize the renewable energy production incentive by extending the eligibility window (section 1212c of the Energy Policy Act of 92) and Sunset (section 1212f) to 2016 and 2026 respectively.
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3/22/2005: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality
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S.1210
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Sen Harkin, Tom [IA]
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To enhance the national security of the United States by providing for the research, development, demonstration, administrative support, and market mechanisms for widespread deployment and commercialization of biobased fuels and biobased products, and for other purposes.
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6/9/2005: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
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S.1093
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Sen Salazar, Ken [CO]
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A bill to reauthorize and revise the Renewable Energy Production Incentive program, and for other purposes.
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5/20/2005: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
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H.R.1744
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Rep Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch [MD-2]
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To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles.
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4/20/2005: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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Grassroots
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Scientists Proclaim "Green Diesel" Breakthrough
Dubbing it "Green diesel", University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering (UWM) researchers have discovered a new way to make a diesel-like liquid fuel from carbohydrates commonly found in plants through a four-phase catalytic reactor in which corn and other biomass-derived carbohydrates can be converted to sulfur-free liquid alkanes resulting in an ideal additive for diesel transportation fuel. According to one of the graduate students involved in the research, George Huber, "The fuel produced contains 90 percent of the energy found in the carbohydrate and hydrogen feed. If you look at a carbohydrate source such as corn, our new process has the potential to create twice the energy as is created in using corn to make ethanol." Since, about 75 percent of the dry weight of herbaceous and woody biomass is composed of carbohydrates and the UWM proccess is compatible with a range carbohydrates, it will consume a broader range of biofeeds. "The current delivered cost of biomass is comparable or even cheaper than petroleum-based feedstock on an energy basis," Huber says.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=32853
Wisconsin Governor creates Biobased Consortium
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has created a Consortium on Biobased Industry with the purpose of building upon the work of his Energy Task Force. The 19 members Consortium is a civilian panel of farmers, foresters, ethanol manufacturers, energy experts, researchers and entrepreneurs. Governor Doyle's statements "My vision is to make Wisconsin a leader in the emerging bioeconomy," and "virtually everything that can be made from petrochemicals can be made from plants" reflect the task of his consortium which is to prepare a roadmap and recommend on how best to support the development of renewable fuels and energy and bio-based products in Wisconsin. The consortium convened on June 27, 2005 and will meet six times until May 2006, when their recommendations will be presented. The meetings will be open to the public.
http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail_print.asp?prid=1186
Federal Bill Addresses Bioenergy, Cellulosic Biofuels
U.S. Senators Norm Coleman (R-MN), Dick Lugar (R-IN), and Tom Harkin (D-IA) all teamed up to introduce the National Security and Bioenergy Investment Act of 2005 (S. 1210). The legislation will expand research and development of biomass energy through numerous measures like the position of Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Energy and Biobased Products at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a USDA program to assist small biobased businesses with marketing and a certification and performance testing of biobased products, and an innovative incentive program to deliver the first one billion gallons of annual cellulosic biofuels production by rewarding private investment to encourage more efficient production of renewable fuels. On a similar note, Senator Coleman also announced that he has cosponsored a bipartisan bill to extend the biodiesel tax credit he coauthored last Congress.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=33201
Ethanol Measure Moves Ahead
Missouri farmers could soon be "standing in tall cotton" due to an amendment to a federal energy bill passed by the Senate Energy Committee. The amendment is co-sponsored by Sen. Jim Talent, R-MO, and calls for an increase of corn-based ethanol in gasoline and increased use of other renewable fuels beginning next year. Talent spokesman Rich Chrismer said, "The bill sets the standard for the future use of fuel additives." While the bill is good news for Missouri farmers, the legislation does face some challenges. Pat Westhoff from Mizzou's Food and Agriculture Research Institute says that the influence of the oil lobby and the use of older fuel additives such as MTBE might erode support for the legislation. "The ethanol-specific question is: If there's going to be a mandate, how big should the mandate be?" Westhoff said.
http://columbiamissourian.com/news/story.php?ID=14086
Illinois Governor Pushes for Renewable Energy
Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich commended a new study by University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC, on Illinois' energy resources which supports the Governor's Renewable Energy Plan that he submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission in February. "The UIC study shows that not only would the Sustainable Energy Plan I proposed in February help clean up our air and reduce our reliance on imported energy sources, it would also provide an important boost for Illinois by creating nearly 8,000 new jobs and pumping billions of dollars into our economy," Gov. Blagojevich said. Under the "Plan", utilities would provide 2 percent of their power from renewable energy by the end of 2006, and increase 1 percent annually to 8 percent by 2012, and if this is met the state would gain 7,800 jobs, increase economic growth by $7 billion and state household and business income by $1.8 billion. According to the study, implementing the renewable energy goal would cut power plant emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides by the equivalent of four typical mid-size power plants operating today by year 2012.
http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=33119
Malaysia Biofuel Plan to go to Cabinet
Malaysia, the world's leading producer of palm oil, is in its final stages to spur national use of green fuel made by blending palm oil and conventional diesel. The plan was presented to cabinet for discussion on June 15, Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin said, "Maybe by next week, I will be able to table it at the cabinet," Minister Chin told Reuters, "We still have to get it through the hurdle of cabinet to see whether the legislation needs to be amended before it goes to parliament." Minister Chin did not mention what the proportions of Malaysia's green fuel mix would be, but he did say it would be a blend of methyl ester and conventional diesel. He also added, "Suffice it to say we can never have enough palm oil to produce all the diesel required in our country." According to some experts, biofuels are expensive and require vast areas of land to meet global energy demands.
http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_5730da37-cb73c03a-6279d000-3fa3ad1c
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Marketplace
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The Grain Prices graph shows the cost of the main
biodiesel feedstock, soybeans, and the main ethanol feedstock, corn.
The Fuel Spot Prices graph illustrates the current and historical prices of
ethanol as compared to MTBE and gasoline, the two products ethanol
may replace. The tables show actual grain prices, indicators which
may affect gasoline prices, and the
production of ethanol and MTBE. |
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| Grain
Prices
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June 2004 |
June 2005 |
% Change |
| Corn |
2.79 |
2.01
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-28% |
| Soybean |
9.05 |
6.72 |
-26% |
|
| Fuel
Supply |
June 2004 |
June 2005 |
% Change |
| Percent Refinery Utilization |
96.0 |
95.7 |
-0.36% |
| Products - Finished Motor Gasoline (Million Barrels) |
8708.8 |
8963.3 |
2.92% |
| Stocks - Finished Motor Gasoline (Million Barrels) |
137.8 |
141.6 |
2.79% |
| Imports - Total Motor Gasoline (Million Barrels) |
942.8 |
1013.0 |
7.45% |
|
| Oxygenate
Production |
April 2004 |
April 2005 |
% Change |
Ethanol Production
(Million Barrels) |
218 |
238 |
8.40% |
MTBE Production
(Million Barrels) |
123 |
142 |
13.38% |
|
|
Data Sources:
U.S. DOE-Energy Information
Administration, "Weekly Petroleum Status Report", "Monthly Oxygenate
Report"
USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service, "Agricultural Prices,"
"Grain Stocks"
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Events
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August1-6, 2005
Perth, Western Australia
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International Workshop: Multiple benefits from sustainable bioenergy systems
Contact: Jim Richardson Tel: +1-613-521-1995 Fax:+1-613-521-1997
Email: jrichardson@on.aibn.com
Brochure: IEA International Workshop.pdf
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August 4-6, 2005
Flagstaff, Arizona
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The Southwest Sustainability Expo
Website:http://www.sustainabilityexpo.com/
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August 14-17, 2005
Long Beach, California
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Energy 2005
Tel: (800) 608-7141
http://www.energy2005.ee.doe.gov/
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August 16-18, 2005
Omaha, Nebraska
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ACE Ethanol Conference & Trade Show
Organizer: American Coalition for Ethanol
Email: sgustafson@ethanol.org
Tel: 402-341-1500
Website: http://www.ethanol.org/
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August 29-30, 2005
Ames, Iowa
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2005 Biobased Industry Outlook ConferenceGrowing the Bioeconomy
Website: http://www.valuechains.org/bewg/Conf2005/
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September 12-15, 2005
Jyvaskyla Finland
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Bioenergy 2005 in Wood Industry: International Conference and Exhibition
Organizer: FINBIO
Contact: Ms. Mia Savolainen
E-mail: bioenergy2005@jsp.fi
Tel: +358-14-4451 117
Website: http://www.jklmessut.fi/puu2005/eng_press2.php
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September 13-15, 2005
Warsaw, Poland
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Eastern Biofuels Conference & Expo
Contact: Wendy Vincent
The Stratton Group, Inc.
Phone: +01.605.338.6829
E-mail: wendyv@thestrattongroup.com
Website: http://www.easternbiofuels.com/
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September 26-28, 2005
San Diego, California
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ISAF XV: The 15th International Symposium on Alcohol Fuels
Tel: 951-827-2525
E-mail: reginah@ucr.edu
Website: http://www.eri.ucr.edu/
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October 6-9, 2005
Lons le Saunier, France
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BOIS ENERGIE, World's First wood energy exhibition
Organizer: ITEBE
Contact: Céline Nehmé
Tel: +33 (0) 384 47 81 00
Fax: 03 84 47 81 19
Email: celinenehme@boisenergie.com
Website: http://www.itebe.fr
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October 17-21, 2005
Washington, DC
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Renewable Energy in America: Phase II 2005
Website: http://www.acore.org/
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October 17-21, 2005
Paris, France
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14th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition: Biomass for Energy, Industry and Climate Protection
Contact: Angela Grassi
E-mail: angela.grassi@etaflorence.it
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October 25-27, 2005
Trondheim, Norway
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Bioenergy 2005, Nordic Bioenergy Conference
Contact:Norwegian Bioenergy Association
Tel. +47 23 36 58 70
Fax. +47 22 60 41 89
Email: post@nobio.no
Website: www.bioenergy2005.no
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October 25-26, 2005
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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CatCon2005 Conference and Exhibition
Organizer: The Catalyst Group Resources
Contact: Jeanne Drahos
Tel: 215-628-4447
Email: jmd@catalystgrp.com
Website: http://www.catalystgrp.com/conferences.html
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November 2-4, 2005
Messe Frankfurt, Germany
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Eurolipids:
International Trade Fair for Fats & Oil
Organizer: Messe Frankfurt Ausstellungen GmbH
Contact: Mrs. Caroline Curik
Email: eurolipids@mfa.messefrankfurt.com
Tel: +49 (0)611-951 66-28
Website: http://www.mfa.de
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December 6, 2005
Philippines
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Asia Biofuels
Conference & Expo
Contact: Wendy Vincent
The Stratton Group, Inc.
Phone: +01.605.338.6829
Email: wendyv@thestrattongroup.com
Website: http://www.asiabiofuels.com/
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May 29 - June 2, 2006
Jönköping, Sweden
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2nd World Pellets Conference, Dense Biomass Fuels
Organizer: SVEBIO
Contact: Johan Vinterback
Tel.: +46 (0) 8 441 70 83
Fax: +46 (0) 8 441 70 89
Email: johan.vinterback@svebio.se
Website: http://www.svebio.se
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May 30 - June 1, 2006
Jönköping, Sweden
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World Bioenergy 2006
Tel.: +46 (0) 8 441 70 83
Fax: +46 (0) 8 441 70 89
Email: info@svebio.se
Website: http://www.svebio.se
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| Click here
for additional bio-related events. |
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Solicitations
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| Title: |
Continuing Solicitation for the Office of Science
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| Description:
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Seeking grant applications for support of basic energy science fundamental research in the natural sciences and engineering leading to new and improved energy technologies and to understanding and mitigating the environmental impacts of energy technologies. |
| Government Agency: |
Department of Energy's Office of Science |
| Schedule: |
Applications may be submitted at any time. |
| URL: |
http://www.science.doe.gov/grants/FAPN05-01.html
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|
| Title: |
SARE |
| Description: |
The program sponsors grants in research/education, professional development for agricultural educators and producer projects in sustainable agriculture |
| Government Agency: |
USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) |
| Schedule: |
Grant programs, funding amounts and funding cycles vary by region. |
| URL: |
http://www.sare.org/htdocs/sare/cfp.html |
|
| Title: |
TIFIA |
| Description: |
Provides credit assistance in the form of secured (direct) loans, lines of credit, and loan guarantees to public and private sponsors of eligible surface transportation projects. Highway, passenger rail, transit, and intermodal projects (including intelligent transportation systems) may receive credit assistance |
| Government Agency: |
U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Joint Program Office |
| Schedule: |
Letters of interest are required and are accepted at any time. |
| URL: |
http://tifia.fhwa.dot.gov |
|
| Title: |
Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) Program |
| Description: |
The EISG provides funding to small businesses, small non-profits, individuals and academic institutions for establishing the feasibility of new energy concepts. Qualifying entities outside of California are eligible. Projects must develop innovative and original energy concepts that address a clear market need, provide benefit for California electricity ratepayers and target one or more areas of interest: Industrial/agriculture/water end-use efficiency; building end-use efficiency; advanced generation; renewable generation; energy-related environmental research; strategic energy research. |
| Government Agency: |
California Energy Commission |
| Schedule: |
EISG has up to 4 cycles of grants a year |
| URL: |
http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/innovations/index.html |
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| Title: |
Energy Performance Contracting in State-Owned Facilities |
| Description: |
Funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) on electric transmission, this program offers energy efficiency, research and development, low-income and environmental disclosure funding and education to assist electric consumers as the regulated electricity market moves to more open competition. |
| Government Agency: |
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority |
| Schedule: |
Grant programs, funding amounts, and funding cycles vary |
| URL: |
http://www.nyserda.org/Funding/funding.asp?i=2 |
|
| Title: |
Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities |
| Description: |
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces the availability of $19.5 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities in which the average residential expenditure for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national average. Eligible facilities include on-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems and implementation of cost-effective demand side management and energy conservation programs that benefit eligible communities. |
| Government Agency: |
USDA |
| Schedule: |
Applications due July 25, 2005 |
| URL: |
http://www.usda.gov/rus/electric/hecgp/overview.htm |
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R&D Awards
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| Title: |
2.5 Million for Native American Tribes to Develop Renewable Energy Resources |
| Description: |
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it is making nearly $2.5 million available to 18 Native American tribes to advance the use of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies on tribal lands. "DOE is committed to helping Native American tribes develop their energy resources," said Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman. "Renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies can play a significant role in encouraging tribal self-sufficiency, creating jobs and improving environmental quality." |
| Recipients: |
There were 18 projects competitively selected to receive DOE funding for developing renewable energy technologies on their reservations |
| Award Total: |
$2.5 million |
| Sponsoring Office: |
DOE |
| URL: |
http://www.energy.gov |
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| The Biomass Initiative, formed as part of the Biomass
R&D Act of 2000, is a multi-agency effort to coordinate and
accelerate all Federal biobased products, biofuels, and bioenergy
research and development. The Biomass Initiative distributes an online
monthly newsletter to inform government institutions and the public,
including private companies, about the Biomass Initiative and
biomass-related activities. The newsletter’s contents include a feature
article highlighting important biomass-related stories of the month, as
well as grassroots information and a state spotlight recognizing
important local activities. In addition, the newsletter includes
biomass-related information on recent legislation, R&D awards,
solicitations, and market trends.
If you have any
questions or comments about the Biomass Initiative Newsletter, please
contact mmanella@bcs-hq.com. |
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