BP takes a $90 million shortcut to cellulosic ethanol production; Congress is set to take up e-waste in 2009; and Mitsubishi quadruples battery production. 

BP Invests $90 Million in Verenium’s Cellulosic Ethanol Technology: Even petroleum giant BP sees the potential the cellulosic ethanol conversion. BP is investing some $90 million into Verenium, a biofuel company that’s been working hard on ethanol produced from non-food stocks. The stake in Verenium gives BP quick access to cutting-edge cellulosic ethanol technology, which produces the biofuel from leaf cuttings, tree bark, and other inexpensive, readily available plant materials. (Gas 2.0)

EPA to announce ethanol mandate decision: Speaking of ethanol, today should be the day that the Environmental Protection Agency rules on Texas’ request to slash national targets on biofuel production. Texas says the emphasis on ethanol is driving up animal feed prices, damaging the state’s cattle industry. Texas governor Rick Perry has asked that the EPA reduce its mandates by 50 percent. (Reuters)

Mitsubishi, Yuasa quintuple lithium ion production before it even starts: The writing is finally on the wall for the automotive industry: build hybrids and electric cars. Mitsubishi is among the companies which have gotten the message. They’re quadrupling their new lithium ion battery production venture with Yuasa before it even gets started. The $36.94 million dollar venture is expected to produce enough batteries for about 10,000 electric vehicles once in production. But that capacity is expected to at least double by 2012. (Autoblog Green)

Congress, Greenpeace move on e-waste: It would appear that e-waste is on its way to becoming a political issue. What becomes of our discarded — and often highly toxic — consumer electronics is set to go before the next Congress. The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), has filed a measure which would make it illegal to dump e-waste on foreign markets. A positive response to Green’s proposal may set the stage for even broader action in 2009, depending on how the November elections break. (CNET)

Over Half Of Consumers Factor Green Record Into Buying Decisions: Who is paying attention to green issues at the cash register? To a degree, almost everyone. That’s according to a new consumer study released by the AMP Agency. A whopping 90 percent of study respondents revealed they find environmental issues to be important. Just over half — about 53 percent — said they factor a company’s environmental track record into their purchase decision. (Environmental Leader)

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