Focus on Fuels

Cindy Zimmerman

Despite the government’s best efforts to be all-inclusive with the Advancing Renewable Energy Conference, it’s all too obvious that liquid fuels are the main attraction. That was evidenced by the attendance at the afternoon break-out sessions – one on heat and electricity and one on liquid fuels. The liquid fuels session was SRO, probably around 600-700 people, if not more. …

Energy, Government

Secretaries’ Day in St. Louis

Cindy Zimmerman

The US Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy are the hosts of the Advancing Renewable Energy Conference in St. Louis this week. Both addressed the crowd, estimated at upwards of 1500 people, showing the huge interest in renewable energy nationwide. Both Secretaries talked about the great need for cellulosic ethanol – in fact, just about every speaker today has at least …

Audio, Energy, Government

It’s Confirmed

Cindy Zimmerman

President Bush is now confirmed to be the grand finale for the Renewable Energy Conference this week in St. Louis. He will make the final address on Thursday to attendees at the event, who will be hearing from other top administration officials on Wednesday, including Secretary of Energy Sam Bodman and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns. Just about everybody who …

Biodiesel, Energy, EPIC, Ethanol, Government

Over 1000 Registrations for Renewable Renaissance

Cindy Zimmerman

Over 1,000 people are now registered to attend the big USDA/DOE event next week in St. Louis, Advancing Renewable Energy: An American Rural Renaissance. There are rumors that President Bush himself will be attending the conference, although he is still listed as “invited.” Chances are pretty good the boss will show up, considering the magnitude of this event and the …

Ethanol, Government

Putting Ethanol in the Pipeline

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, pictured here squeezing into an ethanol-powered funny car, is calling for a study into distributing ethanol by pipeline. Harkin and Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) introduced legislation on Friday to direct the U.S. Department of Energy to study “the feasibility of transporting ethanol by pipeline from the Midwest to the East and West coasts, where demand is …

Distribution, Ethanol, Government, Racing

Corn Cob Hot Rod

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Corn Growers Association, the Ohio Corn Growers Association, the Renewable Fuels Association and five-time International Hot Rod Association Funny Car champion Mark Thomas were on Capitol Hill Wednesday to promote ethanol’s success as America’s renewable fuel. Nearly 1000 people turned out to see the race car, which runs on 100 percent ethanol on the IHRA circuit. Pictured in …

Ethanol, Government, Racing

Bill Would Bring Ethanol To Big States

Cindy Zimmerman

New York lawmakers have introduced bills in Congress to provide tax credits for ethanol plants in four states which consume more than 2 percent of gasoline but make less than 2 percent of ethanol. The four states are New York, California, Florida and Texas. Small producers in these states would receive a credit of 20 cents per gallon of ethanol …

Ethanol, Government

Bush Stumps for Ethanol in Alabama

Cindy Zimmerman

President Bush made a stop in Hoover, Alabama on Thursday to recognize the city’s police department for using E85 fuel. “You know, the price of gasoline has been dropping, and that’s good news for the American consumer, it’s good news for the small business owners, it’s good news for the farmers. But it’s very important for us to remember that …

Ethanol, Government

Boise Biodiesel

Cindy Zimmerman

Boise, Idaho Mayor David Bieter has issued a directive to use biodiesel fuel in city vehicles as often as possible, with the goal of reducing petroleum consumption and cutting smog-causing emissions. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, the announcement was made Monday during a ceremony to mark Idaho Renewable Fuels Awareness Days during the month of September …

Biodiesel, Government