Below is some more information on legislation, regulations and presidential memoranda pertaining to the Biomass Research and Development Initiative.
Summary of the 2019 White House Summit on America's Bioeconomy
The Agricultural Act of 2014 (Farm Bill)
- Reauthorizes and provides $880 million for energy programs established in the 2008 Farm Bill
- Expands the Biorefinery Assistance Program to include bio-based product and renewable chemical manufacturing
- Expands Biopreferred Program to include forestry products.
Presidential Memorandum on Biofuels (2009)
- Memorandum that, among other requirements, established a Biofuels Interagency Working Group to consider policy actions to accelerate and increase biofuels production, deployment, and use. The group is co-chaired by the secretaries of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) (2009)
- Provided funds for grants to accelerate commercialization of advanced biofuels research and development (R&D) and pilot-, demonstration-, and commercial-scale integrated biorefinery projects
- Provided funds to other U.S. Department of Energy programs for basic research and development, innovative research, tax credits, and other projects.
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill)
- Provided grants, loans, and loan guarantees for developing and building demonstration and commercial-scale biorefineries
- Established a $1.01 per gallon producer tax credit for cellulosic biofuels
- Established the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) to support the production of biomass crops
- Provided support for continuation of the Biomass Research and Development (BR&D) Initiative, the BR&D Board, and the BR&D Technical Advisory Committee.
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA)
- Supported the continued development and use of biofuels, including a significantly expanded Renewable Fuels Standard, requiring 36 billion gallons per year renewable fuels by 2022 with annual requirements for advanced biofuels, cellulosic biofuels, and bio-based diesel.
Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct)
- Renewed and strengthened federal policies fostering ethanol production, including incentives for the production and purchase of bio-based products. These diverse incentives range from authorization for demonstrations to tax credits and loan guarantees.