Good Day BIO: This bill would replace banned oil with biofuels

A bipartisan bill would replace banned Russian oil with American biofuels—and the U.S. already has much of the capacity we need. And, it’s World Kidney Day, so we provide resources and explore the links between kidney disease and climate change. (738 words, 3 minutes, 41 seconds)

Bipartisan bill would replace banned Russian oil with biofuels

The Home Front Energy Independence Act, introduced yesterday, would “expand the availability and production of American biofuel, following President Biden’s ban on importing Russian oil,” said cosponsors U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA).

The context: On Tuesday, President Biden announced a ban on imports of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, and coal. Retail gas prices immediately surged “to an all-time record,” reports Reuters.

The solution? Biofuels,say bipartisan U.S. Senators behind the bill, which would also codify into law the restrictions on Russian oil.

Specifically, the Home Front Energy Independence Act would:

• Make E15 available year-round.
• Establish an E15 tax credit and extend the tax credit for biodiesel.
• Direct EPA to finalize their E15 labeling rule.
• Provide for biofuel infrastructure and compatibility with retailers.

What they’re saying: “It’s very clear that biofuels provide a quick and easy solution for lowering prices at the pump,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who also supports the bill. “It’s a clean energy solution that can immediately lower gas prices and bolster American energy independence.” 

More Agriculture and Environment News: 

The New York Times: Patient in groundbreaking heart transplant dies
“It is still considered a significant step forward, because the pig’s heart was not immediately rejected and continued to function for well over a month, passing a critical milestone for transplant patients.”

Is there a link between kidney disease and climate change?

It’s World Kidney Day (and World Kidney Month)—so we’re looking at the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and what we can do to address it.

By the numbers: More than 1 in 7 U.S. adults—around 15%, or 37 million—have chronic kidney disease, and 9 in 10 people with kidney disease are unaware they have it, according to the American Kidney Fund.

Like many diseases, climate change could make it worse. A recent study of patients in Brazil published in The Lancet found that “for every 1°C increase in daily mean temperature, the estimated risk of hospitalization for renal diseases over 0–7 days increased by 0.9% at the national level.” 

This percentage might sound low—“but it affects a large number of people when applied to the over 212 million people living in Brazil,” explains the World Economic Forum.

Biotech has a role in addressing kidney disease from all fronts—from developing new medicines to treat kidney disease and ensure successful transplants (and many trials are underway), to also, it seems, addressing carbon emissions and temperature rise with fossil-fuel alternatives.

Here’s how you can participate in World Kidney Day:

• Take the kidney quiz and learn about risks and prevention.
• Add your voice to the American Kidney Fund’s Advocacy Network.
• Learn more and share resources at kidneyfund.org/kidney-month.

More Health Care News:

Moderna: Moderna announces its global public health strategy
“Moderna is announcing a commitment to expand its global public health portfolio to 15 vaccine programs targeting priority pathogens that threaten global health, advancing these vaccines into clinical studies by 2025,” among other commitments.

More Company Statements on Ukraine:

• Bristol Myers Squibb is contributing to global relief efforts to help address the health and refugee crisis in Ukraine, including through donations by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation to Save the Children and International Rescue Committee (IRC) that have totaled $200,000 to date.
• Johnson & Johnson is donating $5 million to support the work of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide humanitarian support for refugees in the border countries, as well as providing product donations, launching an unlimited donation matching program for employees, and more—read their statement.

As many companies are responding to the crisis in Ukraine, we are regrettably unable to compile all company statements and might miss some. We will do our best to share all BIO member company statements that members share with us.

President Biden’s Thursday: Speaking with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey this morning about Russia and Ukraine, then participating in a bilateral meeting with President of Colombia Iván Duque Márquez. This evening, he’ll deliver remarks at the DNC Winter Meeting.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Last night, the House passed the $1.5 trillion spending bill yesterday; now, the Senate has until March 15. The deal no longer includes COVID-19 relief, explains Fierce Healthcare, but does include some funding for agriculture and rural communities, per Agri-Pulse.