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 Fuels Association (RFA) notes that is the equivalent of eliminating oil imports from Venezuela for 10 months, or looked at another way, it would mean that the U.S. would not have to import ANY oil for 33 days. It also saved American consumers and taxpayers $32 billion, an average of more than $87 million a day.
Despite well-publicized cases of economic troubles in the ethanol industry, the production and use of ethanol continues to increase. The latest EIA figures show that American ethanol facilities produced 640,000 barrels per day in April 2009, up by 78,000 barrels from last year. Ethanol demand, as calculated by the RFA, continued to strengthen heading into the summer driving season, with demand at 673,000, up 29,000 from March.
Jay Hakes, author of “A Declaration of Energy Independence,” says American Energy Independence means energy security, energy abundance and energy self-sufficiency.
Energy Independence is a civilization changing idea, like freedom, one that should be thought of much like we think of our national independence—our liberty, which is both an ideal and a physical reality. Energy Independence can and should be pursued with the same patriotic spirit that fought for, won and sustains American democracy and freedom.
The phrase “Energy Independence” is a slogan embodying an idea that resonates with the character of America—it is a call for return to economic balance and protection from vulnerability created by over-dependence on petroleum to fuel our cars, trucks and airplanes—it is a public outcry voiced by citizens demanding government leadership in energy production, distribution, security and fuel choice.
God Bless America.
In what’s being touted as a first of its kind for the country, a city in Georgia says it will use its wastewater to grow algae to make into biodiesel.
Update your passport and book your ticket for Green Power’s 5th 
The World Bank received a failing grade this week for its lack of support to developing countries trying to implement biofuels project. The “F” comes from the 
Tom Buis, CEO of 
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 issue. “It’s my understanding that the EPA’s Renewable Fuels Standard 2 methodology assumes that for every acre of soybean crop that is used to produce biofuel, an equal acre of ground is used in the Brazilian rainforest to replace that acreage, is that correct?” asked Schock.
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 to be another huge crop. “Probably the second or third largest crop in history,” Cooper says. “Which will be more than sufficient to meet very strong demand for livestock feed, for exports and what will likely be record demand for ethanol production. All of those demands will be met and there will still be a healthy surplus of corn left.”
Two Arizona State University researchers working on biodiesel projects have been nominated for the 2009 World Technology Award, which recognizes individuals and corporations from 20 technology-related sectors.
Scientists Qiang Hu and Milton Sommerfeld in the College of Technology and Innovation at ASU’s Polytechnic campus, have been selected as nominees for the award for their work with algal feedstocks and biodiesel fuel. In November 2008, TIME magazine selected the researchers’ work as one of the top 10 best innovations for 2008. 
According to Terry Francl, senior economist with the