According to the Renewable Fuels Association, 45 ethanol biorefineries are now under construction in the United States, with the groundbreakings of Cardinal Ethanol in Indiana and the Broin Companies’ Summit Ethanol in Ohio.

Summit, located in Leipsic, Ohio, is a 60 million gallon plant. Cardinal will have a capacity of 100 million gallons per year in Randolph Couny, Indiana.

“Indiana is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic areas in the nation for ethanol production and use,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “It is also fitting that the Indianapolis 500 and all the Indy Racing League races in 2007 will be run on 100 percent ethanol.”

There are currently 106 ethanol biorefineries operating now in the US, with the addition of Pacific Ethanol opening last week in Madera, California.