The EPA today proposed volume requirements that are lower than statutory targets for cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel, however they are increases from 2016 requirements. [node:read-more:link]

If you’re looking for a broadband connection, access to technology, or even a partnership for funding connectivity, your local library could be the place to check out. Changes have been happening within libraries nationwide that make them ideal partners in planning and funding broadband for individuals, businesses, and institution such as schools and hospitals. The people who drive the efforts to bring better broadband to their communities need to understand the potential role that libraries can offer. [node:read-more:link]

HB 515 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Anders Abstract: Removes the exemption from inspection applicable to the slaughter of animals. Present law provides that the requirement for the inspection of the slaughter of animals and the preparation of carcasses, parts thereof, meat and meat food products shall not apply when certain conditions are met. Proposed law modifies present law by removing the slaughter of animals from the exemption of inspection. [node:read-more:link]

World agricultural trade rules established more than 20 years ago need an overhaul, says an independent agricultural research organization.
  Agricultural trade is far different than it was when the World Trade Organization agreement was reached in 1994, said Al Mussell, research lead at Agri-Food Economic Systems in Guelph, Ont. and one of the co-authors of the paper Disciplines on Agri-Food Trade: Toward a Renewed Framework.
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Earthquakes triggered by human activity have been happening in Texas since at least 1925, and they have been widespread throughout the state ever since, according to a new historical review of the evidence. The earthquakes are caused by oil and gas operations, but the specific production techniques behind these quakes have differed over the decades, according to Cliff Frohlich, the study's lead author and senior research scientist and associate director at the Institute for Geophysics at the University of Texas at Austin. [node:read-more:link]

U.S. Foods Holding has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to price its planned initial public offering between $21 and $24 per share. The company intends to price its 44.44 million shares, with an overallotment option for an additional 6.67 million shares. At the maximum price, the entire offering is valued up to $1.23 billion. [node:read-more:link]

Senator Jerry Johnson, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Legislature, announced that he has contacted members of Congress, including the Chair and Ranking Member of a key House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee, urging Congress to intervene to require OSHA to commence formal rulemaking before implementing a significant and very costly change affecting farmer cooperatives and other anhydrous fertilizer retailers, and their customers, farmers. [node:read-more:link]

‘Fat-free,’ ‘non-dairy,’ ‘all-natural’, ‘sugar-free’, ‘gluten-free’ . . . are all in recent history’s hit parade of terms perceived by many consumers as a sign that that a product is somehow ‘better’ or ‘healthier.’  The most recent term to join this hit parade is ‘non-GMO.’ [node:read-more:link]

At the Cafe Gratitude restaurant chain in California, waiters serve plates of vegan rice bowls, vegetable pizzas and tempeh sandwiches with names such as "Gracious," ''Warm-Hearted" and "Magical."   The last two weeks, though, have been anything but kind. [node:read-more:link]