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AHB Newsletter – Volume 5, No. 4 [Winter 2016]

Editor’s Notes

Happy New Year! We have an exciting few months ahead of us, with demonstration site harvests on the horizon!

In this edition of AHB News, learn about the new proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule that would put poplar on the list of approved feedstocks for renewable fuels. The commenting period for the rule will be open until February 16th.

Ever wondered what Extension actually does for the AHB Project? You’re not alone! Read about Extension’s important role both in the AHB project and the wider world.

Get an update on what the researchers studying the environmental sustainability of poplar farms have been up to and learn about volatile organic chemicals, nutrient leaching, and more!

Meet Stephanie Pettro, an undergraduate student in OSU’s Bioenergy Minor who is working hard to get students interested in bioenergy.

And hear about what AHB team members are looking forward to in the next year!

As the newest member of the Extension team, it’s been a pleasure hearing about new developments and working with other Team members on this edition.

Enjoy!
Cat Gowan

E85 contains a large portion of ethanol, thereby helping refiners fulfill their RVO

Deciphering EPA’s Proposed Rule for Poplar-Based Biofuels

The EPA is proposing three changes to the RFS. One change is particularly important to AHB as it would add new cellulosic feedstocks, including poplar and willow, to the list of approved biomass.
Visit Deciphering EPA’s Proposed Rule for Poplar-Based Biofuels
An image showing a worker taking a soil sample at the Pilchuck Demonstration site.

Field and genetic research investigates poplar bioenergy farm sustainability

Over the past five years, AHB researchers have investigated soil and water impacts, wildlife presence and biodiversity, air quality concerns, and strategies for genetic containment of poplar bioenergy farms.
Visit Field and genetic research investigates poplar bioenergy farm sustainability
A group of students standing in front of the Jefferson Poplar trees with Brian Stanton from Greenwood Resources and Noelle Hart from WSU Extension.

What exactly is Extension, again?

Extension meets many needs and interests, reaching both rural and urban settings, and including diverse topics such as nutrition, forestry, and community development. Extension is important to AHB, but how can it be useful to you, personally?
Visit What exactly is Extension, again?
Stephanie Pettro

Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Stephanie Pettro

Stephanie Pettro is a senior in the Bioresource Research major at Oregon State University. Her work focuses on the utilization of board games as a bioenergy teaching tool for kindergarten through twelfth grade students.
Visit Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Stephanie Pettro
The AHB team at the 2016 annual meeting in Walla Walla, Washington

What are you looking forward to in 2017?

Members of the AHB Team answers questions about the future of AHB.
Visit What are you looking forward to in 2017?