A new study from Oregon State University says Oregon’s biofuels future remains pretty bright.
This story from the OSU web site says renewable energy, ethanol and biodiesel in particular, will become a $2.5 billion industry in the state over the next 20 years:
“We knew there was a lot of interest in this area and opportunities for growth, but it was very surprising to see how much is already going on,” said Kenneth Williamson, head of chemical engineering at Oregon State University, who coordinated the production of this report.
“It appears the most activity so far has been focused in corn-based ethanol and waste-oil biodiesel production, but we expect the field to broaden beyond that,” Williamson said. “Because electricity from hydroelectric production is so inexpensive in the Pacific Northwest, the production of liquid fuels may continue to be the most promising area, especially in areas like cellulosic ethanol where we have some advantages.”
The study found that if all the proposed bioenergy plants are built, the state would produce 400 million gallons a year of ethanol, 315 million gallons of biodiesel, between 40 and 60 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol, and 150 megawatts of biomass power. Researchers also say public outreach and education is necessary for all of this to come to fruition.
You can see the full results of the study by clicking here.
220.7 MPH is the new world record for a street car in the standing mile, achieved by 
The 1200 horsepower E85 Viper rocketed from a standstill to 220.7 MPH in one mile, taking 27.43 seconds at the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport in Oscoda, Mich. The previous standing mile record was 210.2 MPH held by a gasoline powered street car. The event was attended by members of the press and Michigan State Representative Joel Sheltrown.
In an effort to address low gasoline and diesel supplies caused by recent refinery outages, Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a proclamation to temporarily lift regulatory provisions that limit the number of hours gasoline and diesel truck drivers can be on the road, 
Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed three Executive Orders Friday initiating Florida’s energy policy. The signing ceremony concluded the Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change held in Miami this week. 
One of the largest building suppliers on the Northeast, Marjam, is converting 28 of its moving trucks to biodiesel fuel from regular diesel. If the pilot program proves successful, the company plans to convert its entire fleet of 500 trucks to the cleaner fuel, a spokesman said.