Governor Jim Pillen delivered remarks and participated in panel discussions at the Alternative Fuels and Chemical Coalition (AFCC) Global Biobased Economy Conference in Washington D.C. He emphasized Nebraska's potential to contribute to the biobased economy through sustainable farming practices and innovative technologies. Governor Pillen expressed his commitment to expanding the biomanufacturing industry in Nebraska and encouraged manufacturers to consider the state for future projects. The expansion efforts are supported by Executive Order 14081, which aims to grow the U.S. bioeconomy. Governor Pillen also highlighted the transformative impact of President Bush's renewable fuels policies on Nebraska agriculture. He stated that Nebraska will lead the way in the new bioeconomy by enhancing the plant-based manufacturing industry with the state's grains and feedstocks.
Nebraska's potential in the biobased economy lies in its sustainable farming practices and innovative technologies. The state's commitment to expanding the biomanufacturing industry aligns with its goal of becoming a leader in the new bioeconomy. Governor Pillen encouraged manufacturers to consider Nebraska for future projects, highlighting the state's abundant grains and feedstocks that can enhance the plant-based manufacturing industry. The expansion efforts are supported by Executive Order 14081, which aims to grow the U.S. bioeconomy. Governor Pillen also emphasized the transformative impact of President Bush's renewable fuels policies on Nebraska agriculture.
The Alternative Fuels and Chemical Coalition (AFCC) Global Biobased Economy Conference provided a platform for Governor Pillen to advocate for Nebraska's role in the biobased economy. The conference took place from November 12-14 and focused on the development and adoption of alternative fuels and chemicals derived from renewable resources. Governor Pillen's participation in panel discussions and delivery of remarks highlighted Nebraska's potential to contribute to the biobased economy through sustainable farming practices and innovative technologies. He expressed his commitment to expanding the biomanufacturing industry in Nebraska and encouraged manufacturers to consider the state for future projects. The expansion efforts are supported by Executive Order 14081, which aims to grow the U.S. bioeconomy. Governor Pillen also emphasized the transformative impact of President Bush's renewable fuels policies on Nebraska agriculture. He stated that Nebraska will lead the way in the new bioeconomy by enhancing the plant-based manufacturing industry with the state's grains and feedstocks.
A report from the Environmental Integrity Project reveals that two biofuel plants in Nebraska, including the Cargill plant in Blair and the Archer Daniels Midland Dry and Wet Mill in Columbus, are among the biggest emitters of toxic pollutants in the United States. The report states that biofuel manufacturing facilities, including ethanol plants, release high levels of hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and hexane, often in violation of state and federal permits. The Cargill plant in Blair was the largest emitter of formaldehyde and acrolein among biofuel facilities in the US in 2022, while the Archer Daniels Midland plant in Columbus ranked eighth in 2022 for acetaldehyde emissions. The report also highlights that biofuel facilities release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, with the Archer Daniels Midland plant in Columbus ranking fourth among biofuel refineries in the amount of CO2 emissions in 2022. The report calls for stricter regulation, better monitoring and control of hazardous air pollutants, and a shift towards solar and wind energy production.
Despite concerns over the environmental impact of biofuel plants, Governor Pillen's advocacy for the biobased economy remains focused on the potential for sustainable farming practices and innovative technologies to contribute to Nebraska's economic growth. The report's findings regarding toxic pollutants emitted by biofuel plants highlight the need for stricter regulation and better monitoring of hazardous air pollutants in the industry. The call for a shift towards solar and wind energy production aligns with Governor Pillen's commitment to expanding the biomanufacturing industry in Nebraska and enhancing the state's role in the new bioeconomy. It remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed and whether they will impact the state's efforts to attract manufacturers and grow the biobased economy.
U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) have introduced the bipartisan Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act to open new markets for farmers in Ohio and across the country by encouraging the use of biofuels for ships and oceangoing vessels. The bill would expand markets for American-made biofuels by ensuring that renewable fuel used in ocean-going vessels would be eligible for a renewable fuel credit. The legislation preserves Renewable Identification Number credits (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard program for renewable fuel used in ocean-going vessels. The bill is supported by the Ohio Soybean Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, American Soybean Association, Cruise Lines International Association, American Waterways Operators, and North American Renderers Association. [d3d9281c]