BY Ron KotrbaBrazil's nationwide biodiesel mandate has increased from 8 to 10 percent on March 1, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The National Energy Policy Council approved the increase in December, one year ahead of schedule. READ MORE

BY Claire Benjamin, Steve Long Lab The U.S. DOE awarded the University of Illinois a $10.6 million, five-year grant to transform two of the most productive crops in America into sustainable sources of biodiesel and biojet fuel. The new research project, ROGUE, kicked off Feb. 25. READ MORE

BY The National Biodiesel Foundation Student scientists can quality for up to a $2,000 award through the new Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant. The National Biodiesel Foundation established the grant to help students interested in research and biodiesel sustainability. READ MORE

BY Erin Voegele The USDA Commodity Credit Corp. has withdrawn support for the Farm-to-Fleet biofuel production incentive, effective Feb 1. Payments will continue to be made, however, under existing commitments. The USDA said the incentive is no longer a priority. READ MORE

BY Ron KotrbaYoung scientists presented their ongoing biodiesel research projects during a panel at the National Biodiesel Conference in late January. Process and feedstock research like the work presented could provide an impetus the biodiesel industry needs. READ MORE

BY The National Biodiesel Board As the U.S. biodiesel industry celebrates 25 years at its yearly gathering, this year back in Fort Worth, the National Biodiesel Board's annual awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to biodiesel. READ MORE

BY The National Biodiesel Board The Discovery Channel’s documentary Hot Grease made its official debut this fall. Directors Sam Wainwright Douglas, Paul Lovelace and Jessica Wolfson are set to appear on the main stage at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in January. READ MORE

BY Ron KotrbaBiodiesel Magazine spotlights four companies—a respected producer, a service-oriented wholesaler, a 200-year old chemical firm, and a fuel conditioning company—that enable biodiesel's role as an effective change agent. READ MORE

BY PHYCO2 PHYCO2 will collaborate with Michigan State University under a $1 million U.S. DOE grant to develop technologies to transform the efficiency and operating costs to reduce power plant emissions of CO2 and create marketable chemicals. READ MORE

BY The University of Pennsylvania The lustrous cells on the surface of the clam scatter bright sunlight, efficiently converting it into fuel. Using what they learn from these giant clams, the University of Pennsylvania researchers hope to improve future production of biofuel. READ MORE

BY The Illinois Soybean Association The Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program is partnering with Tow Trucks for Tots to help bring toys to needy children, while educating tow truck drivers on the benefits of B20 biodiesel fuel. The annual event will take place Nov. 12. READ MORE

BY UFOP The recent EU committee vote concerning reforms in biofuel policy from 2020-'30 would completely phase out RME by 2030. UFOP now places high expectations on the industrial committee, which is responsible for the RED II biofuel policy reforms. READ MORE

BY Ron Kotrba Biodiesel Magazine profiles seven companies integral to boosting biodiesel markets through expert RIN management, proficient regulatory guidance, project consulting, customer-oriented maintenance and quality production. READ MORE

BY Niamh Boyle Prima Markets provides a comprehensive summary of the growing international demand for low carbon fuels, including U.S. policy drivers and waste feedstock consumption, along with a detailed overview of the international trade of low carbon feedstock. READ MORE

BY Ron KotrbaLongtime CEO of the American Soybean Association, Steve Censky, was confirmed by the Senate Oct. 3 as the new Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at USDA. Censky, who has led the ASA as CEO since 1996, was nominated by President Donald Trump in July. READ MORE