Chevron follows the money, bats down climate bill

Chevron follows the money, bats down climate bill

In a not so surprising turn of events, Chevron’s CEO heir apparent, John Watson, spoke out against U.S. climate change legislation — offering the party line argument that increasing regulation will jack up energy prices and let the air out of our barely buoyant economy…. Continue Reading

Mascoma teams with Chevron to turn ethanol byproduct into diesel and jet fuel

Mascoma teams with Chevron to turn ethanol byproduct into diesel and jet fuel

Soon after announcing funding for Soane Energy — a company working to clean up its oil extraction projects — Chevron released news that it will partner (PDF) with biofuel maker Mascoma to turn lignin, a byproduct of ethanol production, into diesel and jet fuel.

If the… Continue Reading

Electric cars vs. biofuels: The presidential energy debate heats up

Electric cars vs. biofuels: The presidential energy debate heats up

Drawing a sharp contrast with his Democratic rival, John McCain today assailed government subsidies for ethanol production and unveiled a set of proposals aimed at encouraging the development and mass adoption of electric vehicle technologies.

McCain would provide a $5,000 tax credit to consumers who buy… Continue Reading

Big companies line up to invest in cellulosic — Mascoma is latest beneficiary, gets $81M

Big companies line up to invest in cellulosic — Mascoma is latest beneficiary, gets $81M

With oil past $120 a barrel and possibly headed to $200, cellulosic ethanol companies are looking like a smarter investment choice every day. Following the increase of Range Fuels’ second funding to $166 million, its competitor Mascoma has pulled the wraps off an $81 million… Continue Reading

It’s in the grass: Oklahoma set to plant first production-scale switchgrass field

It’s in the grass: Oklahoma set to plant first production-scale switchgrass field

No other energy crop has been as closely associated with second generation biofuels as switchgrass. The subject of much fawning coverage in the popular press — though it has yet to be successfully converted into cellulosic ethanol — switchgrass will soon have the chance to… Continue Reading

Mascoma takes on $50 million more for cellulosic ethanol

Mascoma takes on $50 million more for cellulosic ethanol

Mascoma, an East Coast biofuel startup with a multi-pronged approach to commercializing cellulosic ethanol, has just become one of the most heavily funded companies of its kind with a $50 million funding reported by peHUB.

Based in Cambridge, Mass., Mascoma is in the process of building… Continue Reading

Mascoma gets $14.8M to produce ethanol from biomass

Mascoma gets $14.8M to produce ethanol from biomass

Mascoma, a Cambridge, Mass. start-up that is trying to become the first commercial developer of cellulosic ethanol — something some environmentalists see as the most promising prospect for alternative, anti-global warming fuel — has won $14.8 million more in financing.

This comes after the company raised… Continue Reading

Mascoma gets $30M for cellulosic ethanol — in bid to replace gasoline

Mascoma gets $30M for cellulosic ethanol — in bid to replace gasoline

Mascoma, a start-up that is trying to become the first commercial developer of cellulosic ethanol — something some environmentalists see as the Shangri La of alternative fuel — will announce tomorrow it has raised $30 million more in venture funding.

Funding for the Cambridge, Mass. company… Continue Reading