Getting More Washington Perspective

Chuck Zimmerman

Our Undersecretary for Rural Development, Tom Dorr, was first up on the program here this morning at the National Ethanol Conference to speak about the farm bill and focus on renewable fuel policies and provisions. He says the ethanol industry is going through some growing pains, or put another way, transitional challenges. He’s convinced these will be overcome. Like many …

Audio, Ethanol, Government, National Ethanol Conference, News

California Working on Biofuel Access

John Davis

While California leads the nation in alternative fuel stations, pumps offering E85 ethanol and biodiesel are still extremely rare. In fact, this Los Angeles Times story posted on Checkbiotech.org says that out of the 835 alternative fuel stations, 379 offer electricity, 215 pump liquefied petroleum gas, and 174 dispense compressed natural gas… with just a handful offering biodiesel or E85. …

Biodiesel, E85, Ethanol, News

London Biofuels Conference Set

John Davis

Government to Greenpeace will be taking part in the Biofuels Conference at the end of April in London, England. The one-day conference is scheduled for April 29th and is being billed as the “must attend” event of 2008: Moderated by Sarah Montague of Radio 4, this high quality debate will outline the challenges of biofuel production and highlight possible future …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Andy Karsner Speech

Chuck Zimmerman

Bob Dinneen, RFA President, isn’t the only one to preach a powerful sermon here at the National Ethanol Conference. I was very surprised and pleased to hear Andy Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, speak at today’s luncheon. He gave a very passionate speech that you would really enjoy listening to. That’s why …

Audio, Energy, Ethanol, Government, National Ethanol Conference, News

Ethanol Industry is Sound

Chuck Zimmerman

The Reverend of Renewable Fuels got up and preached a powerful sermon today on the state of the ethanol industry. Bob Dinneen, President of the Renewable Fuels Association, gave his annual state of the industry speech this morning. Speaking before more than 2,200 attendees at the 13th Annual National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Florida, he declared that the state of …

Audio, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, News

Midwest Governors Pick New Leaders

John Davis

The new leaders of the Midwest Governors Association (MGA) are committing their group to the advancement of the biofuels they see as the future for their region. South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds will serve as chair with Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm as vice-chair: Under its new leadership, the Midwestern Governors Association will focus on strengthening state and federal efforts …

Biodiesel, Ethanol, News

Outlook Puts Biofuels in Focus

Cindy Zimmerman

Biofuels had a seat on the plenary panel entitled, “Getting It Right: Responding to Market Forces” at USDA’s 2008 Outlook Forum last week. Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen noted that while ethanol is “not a silver bullet” for all of America’s energy, economic and environmental issues, but “biofuels are absolutely a part of addressing each of them to some …

Biodiesel, corn, Ethanol, News, RFA

Canadians Bemoan the Lack of Availability of Biofuels

John Davis

Canadians seem to be willing to use ethanol and biodiesel… if they can get the green fuels. This story in the Vancouver Sun says there are only TWO E85 ethanol pumps in the country, and biodiesel seems to be available mostly just for farmers and large fleets. But some groups are trying to change that: The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association …

Biodiesel, E85, Ethanol, News

Pennsylvania Gets First Ethanol Plant

Cindy Zimmerman

BioEnergy International was the first to break ground in Pennsylvania and construct an ethanol plant. Pennsylvania will be home to a new Bionol Clearfield biorefinery. BioEnergy International, LLC announces ground breaking for the Bionol Clearfield LLC, 100 mgpy corn ethanol biorefinery under construction in Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The corn and cellulosic pilot plants to be built in Clearfield are core to …

Ethanol, Facilities, News, RFA