Rumors of a climate deal are circulating around the G-8 summit; biodiesel from pine tree oil; and here’s one celebrity that’s actually stuck with green autos.

G8 reaches tentative climate change deal — sources: Despite low expectations, there are rumors of some sort of climate deal at the G-8 conference now underway in Japan. Canada’s National Post reports that negotiators have been working hard to craft something which might be agreeable to outgoing U.S. President George W. Bush. The United States is under enormous pressure to affirm the G-8 tentative goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions 50 percent by 2050. We’ll be watching for developments on this story later today. (National Post)

More Bang For Your Efficiency Buck: Forbes has a great overview of the move toward efficiency in the business world. It’s not all about saving the Earth: squeezing resources is having a welcome effect on cost management as world markets sputter. Singled out: UPS’ adoption of new route-planing technologies; trucking company Schneider National’s fleet speed limits; and more traditional energy saving measures, such as cool roofs, CFL lighting, and business energy audits. (Forbes)

Sweden’s Preem to make biodiesel from pine tree oil: Enthusiasm over biofuels has cooled dramatically in the face of rising fuel prices. Now Sweden’s Preem says they’ll become the world’s first manufacturer of biodiesel made from pine tree oil. Preem expects to ramp up to handle 140,000 tons of the lumber industry waste material by the end of 2009. The company is also experimenting with rapeseed ethanol production, but isn’t ready to bring their process to market (Green Car Congress adds that the Swedish companies Södra and Sveaskog are also part of this deal). (Reuters)

Ethanol Byproduct Can Help Control Weeds For Flower And Plant Growers: A byproduct of ethanol production may have application as an eco-friendly way to control weeds. Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) is usually dumped on the livestock feed market. But a new study shows that DDGS may be an effective weed control mechanism in ornamental plants. DDGS seems to work best as a surface application. More research is necessary before you’ll have a chance to pick up a bag of DDGS at you corner lawn and garden store. (Science Daily)

George Clooney still doing the Tango: It’s easy to fault the rogues gallery of celebrities who can’t wait to have their photos taken in the latest “it” green vehicle — and then climb into a private jet or hulking SUV. But one celeb who has stuck with it is George Clooney, a regular commuter in his diminutive Tango electric car. Clooney has been driving his Tango since 2005. And while he’s no poster child for the green lifestyle, Clooney says he’s convinced plug-in cars are the future. You may be able to pick up his Tango on eBay soon: there’s a Tesla on the way.

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