Billionaire oilman and energy activist T. Boone Pickens says propane is an important part of the “Pickens Plan”, citing propane’s environmentally friendly profile and ample production in the United States. Pickens made that announcement at a recent propane industry event in Washington with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “America has the opportunity today to reduce its dependence on …
Growth Energy Adds New Staff
Two experienced Capitol Hill insiders have joined the staff of Growth Energy. Anne Steckel will be Director of Government Affairs for the ethanol organization and Ted Monoson has been named Director of Legislative Affairs. Steckel is a former aide to Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and most recently served as the Director of Congressional Relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation. …
Celebrate Energy Independence
As Americans celebrate Independence Day this weekend, it is a good time to reflect on our need to increase our energy independence. The good news is, we are becoming less dependent on foreign sources of oil for our transportation fuel needs. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), ethanol displaced almost 322 million barrels of oil in 2008. The Renewable …
Ethanol Industry Welcomes EPA Comment Extension
The Environmental Protection Agency today formally announced a 60 day extension of the comment period on the proposed rule revising the national Renewable Fuel Standard program, commonly referred to as RFS2. The original comment period was to end on July 27, 2009 and will now end on September 25, 2009. “With the 60-day comment period extension, EPA seeks to provide …
EPA Official Wrong on Ethanol and Biodiesel Yields
A YouTube video of EPA official Margo Oge testifying before a House panel in May reveals her providing radically incorrect information about the amount of corn and soybeans it takes to make biofuels. The blunder occurred when Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) asked Ms. Oge, who is responsible for regulating all emissions within the United States, about the indirect land use …
YouTube Videos Provide Ethanol Answers
Will corn crop meet demand of both food and fuel? Even before the USDA planted acreage report was released this week, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) had the answer to that question posted on YouTube. In one of three recent videos posted by the ethanol organization, RFA Vice President of Research Geoff Cooper says the 2009 corn crop is going …
More Corn Could Support Higher Ethanol Blend Rate
The combination of more corn planted this year than expected and more corn stocks could mean a better chance of the ethanol blend rate being increased. According to Terry Francl, senior economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, “For the 2009/2010, the greater availability of corn supplies makes it more likely that the EPA will increase the ethanol blend rate …
Obama Comments on Ethanol During Rural Tour Kickoff
The Obama administration embarked on a National Rural Tour this week that will include discussions about green jobs, a new energy economy, climate change and renewable energies. During an interview for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting with Michelle Rook of WNAX, Yankton, SD, Obama was asked about the role renewable fuels will play in the future for rural America. …
Growth Energy Recruiting eTeam Members
Growth Energy is building a team from the grassroots to speak up for the ethanol industry. CEO Tom Buis says they created the eTeam to be “an army of thousands of ethanol consumers and supporters who are willing to take action to spread the message that ethanol is a clean, green renewable fuel available today.” Buis says they already have …
Franken Says He’s Pro-Ethanol
The newest member of the U.S. Senate says he is pro-ethanol. In an interview with MinnPost.com today, Senator-elect Al Franken (D-MN) expressed his support for ethanol. “What we’re talking about here is the science of how ethanol affects our carbon footprint,” Franken said. “The science to me tells me it helps. I’ve looked at this a lot, and it seems …