The 20th annual American Coalition for Ethanol conference and trade show is underway in St. Paul, MN.
The event officially kicked off Tuesday after the golf tournament with a presentation by the CityHome O2 Diesel progran on how the ethanol industry can make positive headlines in our nation’s third largest city – Chicago.
After proven success in several communities, CityHome™ is focusing efforts on Chicago and the more than 2,000 buses that Chicago Public Schools rely on every day. Success in Chicago means great news for the ethanol industry because every bus will use about eight percent ethanol. This significantly reduces hazardous emissions and creates a better environment for children-and all members of the community. This cleaner burning fuel is even compatible with other clean air technologies and equipment.
More on the ACE Conference coming soon as Chuck is on his way there.
Usually, when you see the big wheel at the fairgrounds, it’s carrying people to dizzying heights with bright colored lights. But this year, the Iowa State Fair has another big wheel… this time, powering all those rides.
“The State Fair is traditionally a place where Iowans have come to see and learn about something for the first time,” says Allan Urlis, spokesman for MidAmerican. “Wind power is an important technology to the future of Iowa.” A temporary education center will stand next to the turbine during the 2007 fair. A more permanent structure is planned in the future.
Canadian Bioenergy becomes the first company in Canada to become BQ-9000 qualified… a voluntary fuel quality assurance program, adopted by the National Biodiesel Board and the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association.
Leland Tong, chairman of the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission (NBAC) that oversees BQ-9000, echoes those sentiments. “We’re constantly hearing that more and more consumers in both the U.S. and Canada are making it a priority to seek out biodiesel from BQ-9000-accredited companies,” he said. “By completing this process, Canadian Bioenergy sets the mark for other companies in Canada. We anticipate that it will be one of many Canadian companies to come.”
Expect some long lines at the pump Wednesday morning at the Kroger Store in Irving, Texas.
The $300 million project, which will be partly funded by a $72 million Department of Energy grant awarded 
When Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns spoke at the National Press Club on July 27, the inevitable question about ethanol was asked.
Electronics retailer Rex Stores Corp. has invested the final $10 million in an Iowa ethanol maker. The investment completes the retailer’s $20 million investment stake in Big River Resources, LLC.
This article on BizJournals.com says last October, Rex invested the first $5 million in the company:
Big River Resources is a holding company for several entities including Big River Resources West Burlington LLC, which runs an ethanol plant in West Burlington, Iowa. The ethanol plant starting operating in April 2004 as a 40 million gallon per year plant and expanded to a 52 million gallon plant in August last year. It plans to eventually ramp that production up to 80 million gallons per year. 
”The 1,251 E85 fueling stations operating today in 41 states across the nation pale in comparison to the number of sites needed to satisfy the demands of the motoring public and the nation’s automakers,” said Phil Lampert, NEVC Executive Director.
Fargo hosted the state’s official labeling kick-off event on Thursday at the Cenex Convenience Store. North Dakota Governor John Hoeven; 
“We’re increasing production of ethanol at a strong pace, and it’s important to increase public awareness of its benefits through our marketing efforts as well,” Hoeven, said. “Enhanced ethanol production is a win for our farmers and rural areas, and a win for our economy.”