A new report from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) shows just how much energy costs have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the report, household energy expenditures (home heating and gasoline) have nearly doubled in just the last five years, and are now 50 percent more than health care expenditures and 23 percent more than spending on food. CFA …
Driving an E85 Market in Kansas City
There’s a growing market for E85 fuel blends in Kansas City and the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council wants to make sure local producers, ethanol retailers and flex-fuel vehicle car dealers are equipped with the infrastructure, knowledge and marketing tools they need to sell an E85 product. EPIC is sponsoring two educational forums about the high-grade alternative fuel today at …
Biofuels Research at Arizona State
The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University is launching a Renewable Biofuel Research Initiative. Science Foundation Arizona and energy company BP are funding the initiative meant to propel the development of a renewable source of biofuel. The research effort focuses on using a specially optimized photosynthetic bacterium to produce biodiesel, a sustainable high-energy fuel that can be used in conventional …
Georgia Considers Ethanol Blend Changes
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is holding a couple of town hall meetings later this month to listen to comments regarding updating Georgia’s fuel standards for ethanol blends. A recent article in Florida Today noted that state officials in Georgia and other Southeastern states, including Florida, are moving to alter fuel-quality standards that have discouraged refiners from adding ethanol …
Ag Secretary Nominee Has Biofuels Credentials
In his nomination of former North Dakota governor Ed Schafer as Secretary of Agriculture on Wednesday, President Bush noted his support of domestic fuel. “Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this post. He was a leader on agricultural issues during his eight years as the governor of North Dakota,” Bush said. “He oversaw the development of the state’s …
Combining Corn Cobs
Ethanol producer POET is working with several leading agricultural equipment manufactures to refine methods for harvesting, storing and transporting corn cobs for commercial cellulosic ethanol production. Among them is John Deere, according to public relations manager Barry Nelson, pictured here with POET CEO Jeff Broin. “On behalf of John Deere, we’re very interested in the new technologies that will be …
Dinneen Discusses New Poll and New Coalition
Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen is pleased with new poll results that show Americans want renewable fuels and he’s excited about a new coalition that is working to make that happen. Dinneen says the poll affirms what many in the industry have known for a long time “that Americans absolutely believe we need to be maximizing the use of …
Ethanol Demand Continues to Exceed Production
Ethanol production continued to grow in July, averaging 434,000 barrels per day according to the Energy Information Administration. Ethanol demand, as calculated by the Renewable Fuels Association, also increased to 464,000 barrels per day. To date, RFA says the U.S. is averaging 402,000 barrels per day production with average demand exceeding production at nearly 429,000 barrels per day.
Executive Director Leaves EPIC on Solid Ground
It seems ethanol is on the lips of just about every politician both nationwide and at the state level. The fuel has broken into two major motorsports arenas. Environmentalists are touting ethanol as a major player in the development of renewable fuels. Much of the credit for the industrial, political and consumer awareness of ethanol belongs to the Ethanol Promotion …
Corn Powered Museum Exhibit
The Indiana State Museum will have a new exhibit in 2009 titled, “Corn: Powering the World.” The exhibit will showcase all things corn — demonstrating how this versatile crop feeds and fuels the world’s population. Opening at the Indianapolis museum in August 2009, the exhibit will continue through January 2010 before traveling to other venues nationwide. Visitors will be able …