There’s no question that there’s been a media barrage giving ethanol a bad rap. Just today, the Kansas City Star’s cover story focused on criticism of the alternative fuel. That story came just in time for today’s Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300. The entire IndyCar Series runs on nearly 100 percent ethanol fuel. And, leading representatives of the ethanol industry say there’s a reason why the IndyCar series backs ethanol. In fact, they say there are numerous reasons why. More importantly, they say there are a handful of reasons why consumers should support ethanol, despite the media’s recent ethanol scapegoating for rising food and fuel costs. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council hosted a panel discussion at the Kansas Speedway today to address the recent abundance of “misinformation” about ethanol.
The panel included EPIC’s new Executive Director Toni Nuernberg, CEO and President of ICM Dave Vander Griend, Mike Sobetski with LifeLine Foods, and Greg Krissek with ICM. They argue that ethanol has a negligible impact on food prices, specifically corn. They talk about new technology that proves there isn’t a debate about “food versus fuel” but a discussion about “food and fuel.” And, they say that, despite what critics in the media suggest, ethanol actually keeps gas prices lower.
You can listen to the entire panel discussion here:
[audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/kc-epic-08.mp3]
The Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 is officially underway and the ethanol flag once again signaled “green” for go. Ethanol has been the center of a lot of criticism in the media lately, but that couldn’t be further from the truth out here on the race track. In one of the media events earlier in the day, Team Ethanol Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay commented how he even loved the smell of burning ethanol.
It’s been a busy day with ethanol being the focus of a lot of debate. I’ll have interviews posted shortly. For now, tune into ESPN to catch the race live on tv. Ryan has already been putting on pressure against his components…
An Irish renewable energy and sustainable waste management company has made a significant investment into a St. Louis-based wind energy company.
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt says don’t blame ethanol for the rising cost of food for people… or animals for that matter.
Members of the European Biodiesel Board have asked the European Union to impose punitive tariffs on American biodiesel over complaints that U.S. subsidies on the green fuel are unfair. But their American counterparts at the National Biodiesel Board aren’t taking the threats lightly as they promise to hit back on what the NBB says are unfair trade barriers by the Europeans.
GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy Beth Lowery says the Lucerne, the first flex-fuel capable Buick passenger car, will be among more than 15 GM models with flex-fuel capability in 2009.
“The state of Georgia is quickly becoming a recognized leader in alternative energy and fuel,” said Governor Perdue. “Our goal is to develop a bioenergy industry that provides substantial economic benefit to Georgia and produces 15 percent of the state’s transportation fuels by 2020 from locally produced biofuels.”
NCGA points to a 
The