According to the Washington Post, John McCain had only been in Iowa long enough Thursday to make one ethanol joke – “I have a glass of ethanol every morning for breakfast” — when word went out that he was already leaving. Turns out that the presidential candidate ended up staying after all, skipping a procedural vote in DC on the …
Aventine Branches into Biodiesel
Ethanol producer, marketer and distributor Aventine Renewable Energy has entered the biodiesel business. According to a company release, Aventine is setting up a marketing program for biodiesel similar to how it currently markets ethanol. Aventine president Ron Miller, who is also chairman of the Renewable Fuels Association, says “As the country continues to embrace other sources of renewable fuels in …
Global Warming Education
One of the goals of Will Steger’s Global Warming 101 expedition is to educate students about the impact of global climate change on the people living closest to the Arctic Circle. That’s why there are two educators on the expedition, which is currently traveling across Canada’s Baffin Island. One of them is Abby Fenton of Boston, Massachusetts. “Right now we …
Racing in the Sunshine
The 55th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring will be “Fresh From Florida” this year with a fresh new fuel. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with Sebring International Raceway to sponsor America’s oldest sports car endurance race, which will be held March 17. The winner of this year’s race will celebrate victory …
University of Florida Seeking Biofuels Research Funding
Florida legislators are being asked to help fund biofuels research in the Sunshine State. Dr. Jimmy Cheek, Senior Vice President for Agricultural and Natural Resources at the University of Florida, says they are working to convince the legislature to support an alternative fuel initiative that would provide funding to help build a pilot plant in Gainesville and support cellulosic ethanol …
Groundbreaking News
US BioEnergy “continues to bring ethanol production to where it belongs – the heartland of America.” The company will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for US Bio Dyersville Friday in Dyersville, Iowa. Meanwhile, out on the west coast, Pacific Ethanol has announced it will begin construction on a 50 million gallon per year ethanol facility at the Port of Stockton, …
Food Prices Only Expected to Increase Moderately
Despite a 100 percent increase in corn prices due to higher ethanol demand, the overall impact on food prices is expected to be minimal, according to an agriculture department economist. Ephraim Leibtag, USDA’s food price economist, says retail food prices are forecast to increase two to three percent this year. “That’s a little bit higher than what we’ve seen in …
Ethanol Pipeline Proposals
Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) have introduced legislation that would 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. The Ethanol Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2007 would look at creating a dedicated pipeline system could enable ethanol producers to deliver their products …
Push for E20
Senator John Thune (R-SD) is asking federal officials to approve the use of a 20 percent blend of ethanol in vehicles. Thune said in a press release, “Conditions are ripe for the next big step forward in bolstering America’s energy independence. After several years of success, it is time for the federal government to prepare for the production and use …
Illinois Eyes Cities’ Requirement on Hybrid, Alt-Fuel-Using Vehicles
An Illinois state lawmaker wants to see cities in his state use vehicles that run on more alternative fuels. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Rep. Mike Boland has introduced legislation that would require cities to buy vehicles that run on more ethanol and biodiesel: “We have an opportunity to really bring about an economic renaissance to rural Illinois by the …