A new study released today concludes that increasing the blend of ethanol in the U.S. gasoline supply from 10 to 15 percent could boost job creation and economic growth.
The study was commissioned by Growth Energy and conducted by researchers from North Dakota State University (NDSU). Nancy Hodur, NDSU researcher with the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, says there would be substantial economic and employment impacts associated with the expansion of the ethanol industry if the blend rate were increased.
“We estimated that annual direct economic impacts would be $9.6 billion and the total direct and secondary impacts would be $24.4 billion and that level of economic activity would support 136,000 jobs,” said Hodur. Those impacts were based on the multiplier effect of adding another 60 ethanol plants nationwide.
Former Congressman and Growth Energy board member Jim Nussle says the study supports the economic need to increase the ethanol blend level, which he says was arbitrarily set 30 years ago at ten percent. “These figures really are dramatic and they prove that when we want we can create these desperately needed jobs,” said Nussle. “The federal government can act right now to increase the amount of ethanol blends in the nation’s fuel supply without having to dip into another stimulus package or create another bill.”
Nussle says the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to increase the blend level through the rule-making process and while it could theoretically be done quickly the former congressman refused to speculate on how long it might take EPA to take such an action.
Listen to the Growth Energy press conference announcing the study here: [audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/growth-energy/3-4-09-GE-presser.mp3]
As I told you 
Ethanol debuted on the fashion runway last year…as a pair of jeans. Yes, jeans. Fashion meets environment with these stylish jeans that are made from cotton grown with less pesticides and sold in recycled packaging.
about the clothing line nor the programs that are supported through the purchase of the jeans. I tried contacting the organization but as of press time, haven’t heard anything back.
Blodgett Oil Company recently entered a competition to see if their painted “E85 Tractor” entry could win as the “sexiest tractor” at a local Red Cross Tractor Races Fundraiser. 
About twenty tractors were entered in the competition. During the race, the tractors were moved along a board game like space in a large banquet room, with the attendee’s betting on who will win the race. Whoever had the most bets, won the race. Attendees also betted on the “Sexiest Tractor”. 
“2008 really was a banner year for the industry,” said Sloan. She anticipates that 2009 won’t be as big of a year due to the economic situation but does see a bright future going forward citing the provisions in the stimulus package. 
Manhattan, KS looked more like Manhattan, NY yesterday as cars were lined up to get E85 for just 85 cents a gallon and E10 for only a dollar, plus a free lunch at the Manhattan Farmers Cooperative Association.
“We were very happy with the event. Many students learned of the opportunity via Facebook and email, and this is exactly what this contest is about, educating students where they spend there time – online,” reported Robert White, Director of Market Development for the RFA.
Vice President Joe Biden might be known a bit for saying some crazy things, but his latest pronouncement… that some green jobs could pay as much as $50 an hour (see 
As you might remember from our multiple posts back in October and December , Farm Foundation has been hosting a series of meetings that add some important talk about the issues surrounding biofuels (just search “Farm Foundation” on this Web site to get an idea of some of the discussion). At the end of this month, the organization will be hosting another conference in that same vein.
“It is a real honor to have your colleagues pay tribute to you in that way,” said Brinkmann, who was surprised with the award at ASA’s banquet Friday night at the Commodity Classic in Grapevine, Texas. “Usually getting a new product to market takes longer than it has for biodiesel. During my time serving ASA on NBB’s board, there have been lots of challenges, lots of successes, and lots of fun.” The Commodity Classic is an annual agricultural trade show and convention.