In December, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $600 million in Section 932 grants intended to support total investments in biorefinery projects of $1.3 billion. Seven federal grants and loan guarantees, amounting to $323 million and supporting overall project costs of $651 million, involved California-based companies. However, only 14% of that federal support and 9% of the total project costs will be spent in California.
In all, the DOE gave 19 grants to a wide range of emerging technologies, including $193 million for six thermal conversion projects--supporting a total investment of $410 million. None will be built in California.
To date, California-based advanced biofuels producers have located projects valued at $735 million, along with their related employment and economic stimulus, in other states. Its repressive statutory and regulatory environment is driving technology providers and investment capital away.
AB 222, which passed the Assembly during the 2009 session and is awaiting action in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, addresses the underlying issues motivating this outflow of technology and capital.
On January 12, Jim Stewart, Chairman of the Board of the BioEnergy Producers Association, addressed the Pacific West Biomass Conference in Sacramento, where he discussed key roadblocks that are inhibiting the production of advanced biofuels and renewable electricity in California and the nation. To read his remarks, CLICK HERE. To see Biomass Magazine coverage of his speech CLICK HERE.
