Posted on July 19, 2019 by bbadm
Posted on July 12, 2019 by Lynn L BergesonBy Lynn L. Bergeson
On July 5, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Procurement and Property Management published a final rule that will amend the Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement (Guidelines) to add 30 sections designating the product categories within which biobased products would be afforded procurement preference by federal agencies and their contractors. These 30 product categories contain finished products that are made, in large part, from intermediate ingredients that have been designated for federal procurement preference. Additionally, USDA is amending the existing designated product categories of general purpose de-icers, firearm lubricants, laundry products, and water clarifying agents. The rule will be effective on August 5, 2019.
According to the final rule, when USDA designates by rulemaking a product category for preferred procurement under the BioPreferred Program, manufacturers of all products under the umbrella of that product category that meet the requirements to qualify for preferred procurement can claim that status for their products. To qualify for preferred procurement, a product must be within a designated product category and contain at least the minimum biobased content established for the designated product category. With the designation of these specific product categories, USDA invites manufacturers and vendors of qualifying products to provide information on the product, contacts, and performance testing for posting on its BioPreferred website. USDA states that procuring agencies will be able to use this website “as one tool to determine the availability of qualifying biobased products under a designated product category.”
For further information, see Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.’s memorandum on the final rule. In the memorandum, we link to the Biobased and Renewable Products Advocacy Group (BRAG®) and its interest in biobased products.
Posted on July 12, 2019 by Lynn L BergesonBy Lynn L. Bergeson
On June 27, 2019, the Government of Canada’s Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) opened the application process for a grant to develop next generation biobased foam insulation products. Called the Plastics Challenge, this funding opportunity seeks solutions that result in foam insulation products (either spray foam or rigid foam board) that:
- Are predominantly derived from Canadian forest residue;
- Have similar insulation values (within 20 percent) as currently available petroleum-based versions;
- Would have similar cost (within 20 percent) as currently available versions;
- Are less flammable;
- Are fully recyclable at end of life; and
- Would generate less GHG emissions during manufacturing.
Applications must be submitted prior to 2:00 p.m. (EDT), August 27, 2019.
Posted on July 12, 2019 by Lynn L Bergeson
Posted on June 07, 2019 by bbadm
- Phys.org, “Bio-based Fertilizers as a Solution for Phosphorus Sufficiency and Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions”
- EURACTIV, “With New Regulation Complete, What’s Next for EU Biofuels?”
- Ethanol Producer Magazine, “Nebraska Passes Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Bill”
- Colorado Public Radio, “Colorado’s ‘Bold’ Plan for Climate Action Moves Ahead with New State Laws”
- Sustainability Times, “Land, Air and Sea: Canada Funds Clean-Energy Transport R&D”
- GreenBiz, “With Infrastructure Reform, U.S. Could Build World’s Biggest, Greenest Carbon Sink”
- Renewable Energy Magazine, “Finland to Join Other Nordic Countries in Reducing Emissions in Aviation”
- The Philadelphia Inquirer, “New Biotech Mural Highlights Life Sciences Big Role in Philadelphia’s Economy”
Posted on May 31, 2019 by bbadm
Posted on May 24, 2019 by bbadm
- Interesting Engineering, “Reversible Plastic Developed That Can Be Repeatedly Recycled”
- Politico, “De Blasio Praises Biofuels, Promises More Recycling at First Iowa Stop”
- RFA, “New Study: Renewable Fuel Standard Saves Consumers 22 Cents on Every Gallon of Gas”
- Saigon Online, “Ministry Proposes Environmental Protection Tax Cut for Biofuel”
- UPI, “Japan’s Renewables-powered Olympics Could Spur Global Race for Clean Energy”
- Reuters, “Britain’s Genus Signs Deal to Bring Gene-edited Pigs to China”
- Ethanol Producer Magazine, “EU Repeals Anti-dumping Duties on US Ethanol”
- The Daily Caller, “Liz Warren Pushes Bill Imposing Green New Deal Climate Goals on the US Military”
- Reuters, “Brazil Seeks China’s OK for Genetically Modified Sugarcane”
- Fast Company, “These ‘Biosolar Panels’ Suck CO2 from the Air to Grow Edible Algae”
- Standard Digital, “Defining Moment as Kenyans Await Cabinet’s GMO Verdict”
Posted on May 17, 2019 by Lynn L BergesonBy Lynn L. Bergeson
On May 14, 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) announced that scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a new, plant-derived, stretchy material that outperforms the adhesiveness of the natural chemical that gives mussels the ability to stick to rocks and ships. Composed of lignin and epoxy, the biobased material has the ability to self-heal and elongate up to 2,000 percent. Researchers at ORNL developed a method to extract a specific form of lignin, which results in a molecular structure that is very sticky and elastic. The new biobased lignin shows promise of industrial use, including hydrogels, glues, and coatings.
Posted on May 17, 2019 by bbadm
- The Science Times, “Plant Sugars Used as Raw Material for Plastics Chemical”
- The Epoch Times, “Chile-based Designer Creates Alternative to Single-use Plastic – It’s from the Sea”
- WNAX, “Minnesota Biofuels Executive Pleased Congress Holding EPA Accountable on RFS Waivers”
- Business World, “US EPA Proposes Hike in Biofuel Mandate to 20.04 B Gallons in 2020”
- VN Express International, “Biofuel Fails to Make a Difference in Vietnam, Consumption Drops”
- American Greatness, “Deregulation Will Keep U.S. Biotech Out of China”
- Convenience Store Decisions, “Growth Energy CEO: New EPA Guidance Stifles Second-Generation Biofuels Innovation”
- NewScientist, “Greening the Chemical Industry Requires Massive Amount of Renewables”
- DAIRY Reporter, “BASF Signs Contract with Lactips”
Posted on May 10, 2019 by Lynn L BergesonBy Lynn L. Bergeson
From July 23-24, 2019, the Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) will be hosting the Introduction to Drug, Biologics, and Biosimilars Law and Regulation conference in Boston, MA. The conference will cover an overview of administrative agencies that impact these industries and how they interact with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will also include sessions on the development of drug and biological products, FDA’s review and approval of marketing applications, biosimilars and generic drugs, manufacturing issues, and case studies, among other topics.
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