Thanks to strong lobbying from the biodiesel and detergent industries, the Senate has killed the $1 per gallon tax credit that would have provided Tyson Foods and ConocoPhillips with up to $175 million in tax credits. The two companies use beef tallow (fat) to make clean diesel using ConocoPhillips facilities.

Biodiesel manufacturers cite the credit as being unfair and the Soap and Detergent Association argued that prices for tallow would be driven even higher, having already doubled in the past two years.

Story from CNN

Consumer electronics manufacturers have long been an easy target of environmentalists for the industry’s harmful materials, lack of recycling, and marketing strategies that constantly encourage consumers to run out to buy the latest and greatest offering. The past couple of years have seen a dramatic shift in strategy from the manufacturers and Sony Ericsson is promoting its latest round of “green” efforts.

• Environmental Warranty: Consumers can take products to any designated Sony recycling drop-off center in the world for environmentally friendly disposal, regardless of where the product was originally purchased. Thus far, the company has rolled out 500 such centers with more on the way.
• GreenHeart Phones: A concept (not production) line that includes phones featuring bio plastic cases, recycled plastic keys, eco conscious packing, and online manuals.

Press release from Sony Ericsson

PETA is a master of gaining press coverage by making controversial statements and they have found success again with their latest stunt. The organization has sent the founders of Ben & Jerry’s a letter requesting that the company switch from cow’s milk to human milk in the production of its ice cream.

Unilever, the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s, politely denied the request and will continue producing ice cream the old fashioned way.

Useless Trivia: It takes 12 gallons of cow’s milk to produce one gallon of ice cream.

Story from AdAge

Situated atop Toyota’s parts center in southern California, the largest single roof solar installation in the U.S. covers 242,000 square feet and is going to provide 60% of the power for the facility. The installation will avoid 6.4 million pounds of emissions each year, approximately the same amount produced by 255 homes.

Press release from Toyota and SunPower (via redOrbit)

Honda has a waiting list of several months for the CNG (compressed natural gas) Civic that sells for a stout $25,000 and plans to double production for the next model year. This change in the market has caught Toyota’s attention and has promoted the company to revisit a market that it abandoned a decade ago.

Consumers will get their first look at the CNG Hybrid Camry at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.