Biofuels account for 17% of US renewables consumption in 2020

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The U.S. consumed a record 12 percent of renewable energy in 2020, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on June 16. Biofuels announced for approximately 17 percent of renewables.

According to the EIA, consumption of renewable energy in the U.S.  grew for the fifth consecutive year in 2020, reaching a record high of 11.6 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), or 12 percent of total U.S. energy consumption. Renewable energy was the only source of U.S. energy consumption that increased in 2020 from 2019; fossil fuel and nuclear consumption declined.

Nat gas trucks enjoying ‘great interest’ thanks mostly to renewable natural gas surge

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At a time when pressure is building for fleets to reduce emissions and lessen their carbon footprint, natural gas trucks are getting more attention thanks largely to renewable natural gas (RNG).

RNG comes from methane that’s been processed for vehicle use, and according to the California Air Resources Board, it has the lowest carbon intensity score among all transportation fuels, including electric.

That and the cheaper price tag over electric is attracting more fleets eager for a greener profile as the Biden administration aims hard at emissions and watchdog groups stand at the ready with carbon assessments that can shake investor confidence and chip away at valuation, particularly at larger fleets.

USDA to provide $700 million in COVID-19 relief for biofuels

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The USDA announced on June 15 it will provide $700 million in COVID-19 relief to biofuel producers as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. The agency said the programming is planned for implementation within 60 days and will focus on filling gaps in previous rounds of assistance and helping beginning, socially disadvantaged and small and medium sized producers that need support.

“USDA is honoring its commitment to get financial assistance to producers and critical agricultural businesses, especially those left out or underserved by previous COVID aid,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These investments through USDA Pandemic Assistance will help our food, agriculture and forestry sectors get back on track and plan for the future. Since January, USDA has provided more than $11 billion of assistance directly to producers and food and agriculture business.”

Why the future of long-haul heavy trucking probably includes lots of hydrogen

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The climate crisis requires that we decarbonize our global transportation systems. To meet this requirement, the purported solution for some time has been “electrify everything.”

When you drive a truck and you get caught driving too fast you might receive an sp30 conviction and the court may offer you a conditional fixed penalty.

Technical experts and the climate-concerned public alike have long pushed the idea that the future will be one of clean electricity that powers just about all aspects of our life. I bought in — at least for a time. It wasn’t until I began studying the details surrounding the challenges of putting a battery into a car, truck or container ship that I realized that things are much more complicated than ascribing to an aspirational motto.

For those who run a business and require the services of transportation, we should consider the Pennsylvania trucking companies and the best part is that it will be at a very affordable price.

To be clear, batteries probably will make great sense for certain elements of trucking. In fact, well-known companies in the electric vehicle space, such as Tesla, have a product on the horizon to address medium-haul, 300- to 500-mile operating ranges. However, specifically for long-haul routes, I argue there is a technology more suited to the task: the hydrogen fuel cell.

Fuel cell trucks use the same basic electric drivetrain as battery trucks (and even have a battery) but due to their on-board hydrogen storage, fuel cell trucks have a much longer range, require fewer stops on long routes, can be fueled much faster and have less risk of lost cargo capacity.

Electric cars can advance environmental justice — here’s how

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The global auto industry has begun a historic shift from gas- and diesel-fueled cars to electric vehicles. President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan seeks to speed up this transition by requesting billions of dollars to modernize the electric grid and build 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations.

Evidence shows that many Americans are eager to transition to EVs and participate in a clean energy economy. In a recent nationally representative consumer survey, 71 percent of drivers surveyed said they were interested in getting an electric car. But 48 percent said that lack of access to public charging infrastructure was holding them back, and 43 percent cited vehicle cost as a disincentive.

My research focuses on ways to make cities more sustainable, healthy and equitable places to live. In my view, making EVs and charging infrastructure accessible to all drivers is crucial for achieving clean transportation and energy justice.

Keeping the Biodiesel Industry Safer

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Sam Carbis founded the Aluminum Ladder Co. in 1930 with the idea of helping American workers and firefighters—the early pioneers of first response—stay safe and efficient on the job, whether it was building homes, repairing equipment, or saving lives. Today, Carbis’ mission carries on as his namesake company, Sam Carbis Solutions Group LLC, continues to offer fall protection and safety solutions to the world.

Carbis, a fourth-generation family-owned business headquartered in Florence, South Carolina, is today a global leader in customized bulk loading access equipment and turnkey systems for truck, rail, and marine applications across all industries. Carbis is the only company in North America that designs and manufactures both access equipment and loading arms, ensuring they work together without interference. The company fabricates its industrial equipment in its manufacturing facility in Darlington, South Carolina, just minutes from its headquarters and engineering hub.

With decades of engineering expertise and a commitment to quality, Carbis Solutions delivers innovative safety systems that meet the highest industry standards. Its comprehensive solutions include gangways, loading racks, fall prevention platforms, and specialized access equipment designed to improve efficiency and worker protection in industrial environments. Additionally, Carbis Solutions integrates industrial coating technology into its equipment, ensuring durability and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, extending product lifespan, and maintaining optimal safety performance.

Carbis Solutions serves a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, food and beverage, aerospace, and manufacturing. Its expert team collaborates closely with clients to develop tailored safety solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, ensuring compliance with OSHA, ANSI, and other regulatory requirements.

Beyond its advanced product offerings, Carbis Solutions is known for its exceptional customer service and commitment to long-term partnerships. The company provides on-site assessments, engineering support, and training to help businesses maintain the highest levels of safety and productivity.

As workplace safety regulations continue to evolve, Carbis Solutions remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering customized access solutions that protect workers and streamline operations. Whether ensuring secure access to tank trucks, railcars, or marine vessels, Carbis Solutions is dedicated to providing the highest level of protection for industries worldwide.

Propane Autogas Provides Energy Supply Resiliency

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If there’s one thing this last year has shown us, it’s that it doesn’t take much to disrupt a business. Between extreme weather events, supply chain shortages, and even cyberattacks, interruptions in energy source availability can lead to catastrophe.

For instance, earlier this year, a winter storm crippled Texas, causing a massive electricity generation failure that left 4.5 million homes without power. More recently, a gasoline pipeline cyberattack on the East Coast halted shipments of up to 2.5 million barrels per day. In some states like North Carolina, more than 65% of gas stations were without fuel, and consumers began to panic across the country.

For fleets that rely on a rigid energy source, these situations should serve as a stark warning that when disaster strikes, they may be less likely to successfully navigate its challenges. Energy resiliency, sustainability, and diversification are becoming required strategic approaches for fleet operations. Propane autogas is a portable, clean energy source that not only keeps fleet operating smoothly every day, but also during times of crisis.

Propane Autogas Provides Energy Supply Resiliency

Posted by & filed under National.

If there’s one thing this last year has shown us, it’s that it doesn’t take much to disrupt a business. Between extreme weather events, supply chain shortages, and even cyberattacks, interruptions in energy source availability can lead to catastrophe.

For instance, earlier this year, a winter storm crippled Texas, causing a massive electricity generation failure that left 4.5 million homes without power. More recently, a gasoline pipeline cyberattack on the East Coast halted shipments of up to 2.5 million barrels per day. In some states like North Carolina, more than 65% of gas stations were without fuel, and consumers began to panic across the country.

For fleets that rely on a rigid energy source, these situations should serve as a stark warning that when disaster strikes, they may be less likely to successfully navigate its challenges. Energy resiliency, sustainability, and diversification are becoming required strategic approaches for fleet operations. Propane autogas is a portable, clean energy source that not only keeps fleet operating smoothly every day, but also during times of crisis.

Driving Behaviors and Gallons

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Following and complementing its Prime the Pump initiative, Growth Energy is launching a consumer campaign to increase awareness of the environmental benefits of E15. The goal is to trigger more sales of E15 to consumers who want to make a small change for a big Earth impact. Ideally, they’ll fill up with E15 and also demand more access to it.

Growth Energy’s Emily Skor, CEO, and Elizabeth Funderburk, vice president of communications and public affairs, speak enthusiastically about their new endeavor, named Get Biofuel, and the goals they’re setting for it.

“What this campaign does is appeal to the emotion of wanting to do something in a small way that can benefit the environment,” Funderburk says.

“I’m really excited about it,” Skor adds. “The growth opportunity for the industry is going to be when E15 is the standard fuel offering nationwide. In order to get to that place, we’ve got a full throttle industry effort and you really have to pursue three different things.”

The urban, low-speed EV is having a moment

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When Tesla unveiled its original luxury electric sports car, the Roadster, back in 2006, the company upended the idea of what electric vehicles could be. Prior to the emergence of the sleek and powerful Roadster, EVs were dismissed as essentially slow, tiny electric golf carts.

It turns out the EV evolution is coming full circle, at least in some regions in the world, reports Bloomberg.

In China, a 10-foot-long minicar called the Wuling Hongguang Mini — made by General Motors and Chinese automakers SAIC and Guangxi Automobile — is topping 250,000 in total sales. That makes it the best-selling EV in the country, outperforming Tesla’s Model 3 and others.

Young families are buying the car because at around $5,000 it’s cheap, it’s easy to drive, park and charge, and it’s fun to personalize with a Crayola box of color options and stickers from the likes of Pokemon and Hello Kitty. The car is reportedly ubiquitous in the Chinese city of Liuzhou, which has chargers all over the place; the city offers free parking and charging to support the growing EV market.