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The new biodiesel boom

Last year, about a third of the biodiesel plants in the country went idle and output fell by half. But now federal tax credits and renewable energy mandates mean that biodiesel is booming again and plants are opening back up.

Their hold on success is tenuous, though: it depends, the industry says, on Congress extending a tax credit that pushes fuel blenders to include biofuel. The current boom started when Congress restored that credit back in December. But that was only a one-year reboot. For the industry to revive completely, producers say they need a longer extension.

Food Studies: What does the history of baking powder have to do with punk rock cooking zines?

Explaining a what a Masters in gastronomy entails is hard enough; don't ask this cupcake-baker-turned-student what she's planning to do with her degree.

Small fry: The case for smaller fish portions

New science says smaller fillets are more sustainable -- but not just for the reasons you'd expect.

Critical List: Protesting a Chinese solar plant’s pollution; Solyndra will never go away

Solar power isn’t all rainbows and puppies. In China, protesters have spent the past few days outside a solar panel plant, which they say polluted a nearby river.

A U.S. wind turbine company is suing a Chinese company for paying an employee of American Superconducter more than $1 million to steal wind turbine technology.

China's also put $15 billion into Alberta's tar sands in the past year and a half.

We're going to keep hearing about Solyndra all next year.

Pedal pushers: Is Critical Mass bad for bikers?

Has the Critical Mass bike ride done more harm than good for the cycling movement?

Mommy greenest: 10 impressive eco-moms [SLIDESHOW]

Parenting website Babble is highlighting “100 moms who are changing the world” and inviting readers to “mominate” others. Meet the 10 moms featured in the “green” category.

Carbon taxes that don't work are a bad idea

There's a perspective that's gaining ground in the energy policy debate: emissions taxes may not be very effective in fighting global warming, but we should support them anyway.

America and oil: declining together?

Oil fueled the United States' rise as a global superpower. Now, as oil declines as a major source of energy, is it bringing the U.S. down with it?

Can smartphones serve as birth control? [VIDEO]

This amusing Indian ad suggests that smartphones can bring down birthrates. If you're having 3G fun, why bother with old-fashioned amorous pursuits?

Friday music blogging: Boy & Bear

Boy & Bear is an Australian indie band composed of five singer-songwriters who drifted over from various other bands. They formed in 2009, but their Nashville-recorded debut LP, Moonfire, just came out last month.