President George W. Bush today signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and ushered in a new era in the way America produces and uses energy. Bush says the new law is “a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country …
Oil Prices Have Greatest Impact on Renewables
A survey conducted at the recent University of Minnesota’s E3 2007 Conference: The Midwest’s Premier Energy, Economic and Environmental Conference says attendees believe oil prices will be the primary driver of sustainable energy development and commercialization in the Midwest. The survey was conducted by Millenium Research, Inc. asking the opinions of the more than 400 experts, representing research, government, business, …
Energy in the Farm Bill
The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 passed by the Senate last week includes increased funding for alternative energy sources. “I’m particularly excited about the energy title,” said Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), ranking Republican on the Senate Ag Committee. “The energy title gives farmers in my part of the country an opportunity to participate in alternative energy, ethanol and …
Pioneer Joins Iowa Corn Indy
Pioneer Hi-Bred has teamed up with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Corn Growers Association to sponsor the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in 2008 and 2009. “We are excited about the opportunity to help showcase the advances being made in biofuels and the role they can play in the effort to reduce our nation’s reliance on petroleum,” said Paul Schickler, …
Ethanol on Ice
A new message accompanies the ice resurfacing machine at University of Minnesota hockey games. The new “E85 Zamboni” debuted this month during a game between the Gopher Men and the University of Alaska-Anchorage. “The message is as “black and white” as we can make it. We hope you agree,” said Tim Gerlach of the Minnesota E85 Team. “This consumer education …
Educating NC about FFVs
The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, along with General Motors, CleanFUEL Distribution and Clean Fuel Advanced Technology, traveled the state of North Carolina this month in an effort to educate retailers and marketers regarding the potential of E85 and flexible fuel vehicles. “The event allowed North Carolina gasoline marketers the chance to learn more about E85 and the use of alternative …
Corn Myths Exposed
As part of its campaign to educate consumers and the news media, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has developed a one-page document responding to the top 10 myths about corn production and ethanol production. The document addresses such myths as: Ethanol is bad for your car’s engine, ethanol is not energy efficient, corn and ethanol production waste water, increased …
Author Outlines “Energy Victory”
An aerospace engineer and author thinks the country needs a new direction in energy policy to “break the economic stranglehold that the OPEC oil cartel has on our country.” Robert Zubrin is president of Pioneer Astronautics, a private company that does research and development on innovative aerospace technologies, and author of several books including his most recent, “Energy Victory,” in …
Senate Passes Energy Bill
After stripping the bill of a $21 billion tax package, he U.S. Senate has passed an amended energy bill that includes an expansion of the Renewable Fuels Standard to 36 billion gallons of annual renewable fuel use by 2022. The bill now goes back to the House of Representatives for approval before it can be sent to the president for …
Pennsylvania Senate Passes Energy & Biodiesel Bills
Pennsylvania’s State Senate has passed several bills in the last couple of days that will help renewable energy efforts in the Keystone State. The Houston (TX) Chronicle reports a $650 million omnibus energy bill and two biodiesel measures received passage on the last day of business for Senate for the year: “This is a wonderful start and is a great …