Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is blasting those opposing a proposed mandate for biofuels in the country. This story from the Lloydminster (Alberta, Canada) Meridian Booster has more details: Ritz defended the plan in the House of Commons against criticism from the New Democratic Party, which once supported the use of biofuels but has switched its position. The bill would …
Steelman Calls Out Lawmakers for Biofuels Action
Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, who is also running for the Republican nomination in the state’s gubernatorial race, has labeled Missouri lawmakers “cowards” for changing a law that kept those same lawmakers and their family members from investing their own money in ethanol and biodiesel plants in the state. This AP story posted on the KY3 (Springfield, MO) web site …
Joint Venture Creates Cellulosic Ethanol Company
Two leading scientific and biotechnology companies have joined forces to create what they are calling a “world leading cellulosic ethanol company.” DuPont and Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, have formed DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC to develop and commercialize technology for low-cost production of cellulosic ethanol. The partners plan an initial three-year investment of $140 million, which will initially …
Team Ethanol Supports Youth Voting at Indy 500
In about a week, I’ll be heading to Indianapolis for the 92nd Indianapolis 500. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council will be spearheading all kinds of activities and events for members of Team Ethanol as usual. But, Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay will be involved in more than autograph signings, meet-and-greets and exciting Indy racing. Ryan will also join Indy …
Ethanol Impact is Sobering
Biofuels have become an essential component of the world’s motor fuel supply, according to a report released today by the International Energy Agency (IEA). IEA estimates that biofuels will account for nearly two-thirds of the non-OPEC oil supply growth this year, or more than 1.5 million gallons per day. “While it seems unlikely that biofuel targets will be reversed in …
Bill Would Give Tax Break for Flex Fuel Vehicles
Now would be a good time for legislation that would provide federal tax credits for purchases of flex-fuel vehicles, according to the head of the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC). Sen. John Thune (R-SD) plans to introduce a bill this week that would let buyers of cars or trucks capable of running on up to 85 percent ethanol enriched fuel …
Sweet Source for Ethanol
A sweet source for ethanol could be a smart choice for food and fuel that can grow almost anywhere. According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), sweet sorghum may be the perfect crop for ethanol production. It grows in dry conditions, tolerates heat, salt and waterlogging, and provides steady income for poor farmers. ICRISAT Director …
Ethanol Group Names Deputy Director
The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) has promoted Robert White to the new position of Deputy Director. White joined EPIC in 2006 as Director of Operations. He has played a major role in the expansion of E85 across the country. White also spearheaded the effort for a uniform labeling effort at the pump, which now has the EPIC “e” …
Iowa to Increase Ethanol and Biodiesel Infrastructure
A new state law will help expand ethanol and biodiesel availability in the state. Amid several bills signed by Iowa Governor Chet Culver on Monday was one that makes changes to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program created in 2006 to expand renewable fuel infrastructure and access to renewable fuels all across Iowa. Among the changes are enhanced grants for …
USDA Expects Enough Corn for Ethanol
The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast calls for enough corn and soybeans to meet both food and fuel needs. The May supply and demand report released on Friday based predictions for the 2008-09 marketing year on an expected corn crop of 12.1 billion bushels, down 7 percent from last year’s record crop. USDA is expecting total U.S. corn use …