MN Gov Goes to Bat for E85 Conversion Kits

Cindy Zimmerman

MN Gov Gov. Tim Pawlenty is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to approve the testing of E-85 conversion kits in Minnesota. According to an EarthToys press release, Pawlenty sent a letter this week to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson to approve the FlexTek conversion kit (see previous post) which is already being used in Brazil.

The EPA currently prohibits a company or individual from converting a gasoline vehicle to E-85 operation.

However, conversions could result in emissions benefits and help reduce the nation’s addiction to fossil fuels, said Pawlenty.

Pawlenty said his staff would contact EPA officials to further discuss testing the equipment in Minnesota.

Flex Fuel Vehicles, Government

Pretty New Pumps

Cindy Zimmerman

E85 I wish everyone would send me press releases with nice pictures attached like this one from Dresser Wayne, “an industry pioneer for the retail fueling industry” whose motto is “Fueling the Future.”

They sent me a release about these pretty new E85 pumps just installed at 18 Kroger fuel stations in Dallas and Houston. The Dresser Wayne Vista 387 E85 dispenser contains components specifically designed to be tolerant to alcohol, making the dispenser more durable and resistant to corrosion. To bring the first industry-approved E85 retail fuel dispenser to the market, Dresser Wayne is partnering with CleanFUEL USA, recognized as a leader in the alternative fuels industry.

We might be seeing more of those pumps around. The U.S. House this week voted 355 to nine in favor of legislation to expand the infrastructure required for increased availability of alternative fuels at U.S. gas stations. The measure – HR 5534 – establishes a program for independent gas stations to apply for assistance to install infrastructure like E-85 pumps.

Ethanol

Peachy Bioenergy Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

Georgia A three-day conference in Tifton, Georgia next week will cover everything anyone would ever want to know about bioenergy – from research and production to marketing and legislation. The Georgia Bioenergy Conference is “not just about grain and beans,” as it focuses heavily on the use of alternative feed-stocks such as wood byproducts, grasses, and byproducts from peanut, cotton, and municipal wastes to generate energy.

The dates are August 1-3. More info is available on the website.

Biodiesel, Cellulosic, Energy, Ethanol

Plans Delayed for One Florida Ethanol Plant

Cindy Zimmerman

US EnviroFuels One of two ethanol plants being built by U.S. EnviroFuels has run into a snag due to a land issue. The company is planning facilities at both Port Manatee and the Port of Tampa, but according to the Bradenton Herald, the Manatee county site is on hold “until they can work out an agreement with Port Manatee tenant TransMontaigne Inc. to lease 16.5 acres of land.”

Meanwhile, the Tampa plant continues to moving forward and is close to groundbreaking, according to company officials.

Ethanol

Kansas Ethanol Plant Announced

Cindy Zimmerman

ICM ICM Inc. of Colwich, Kan., will design an ethanol plant in Rice County, KS between Lyons and Sterling. The plant will be capable of producing 55 million gallons per year and is being funded by an investment group that includes former Kansas Senate President Dave Kerr.

According to an article in the Hutchinson (KS) News, construction of the plant should begin in December. “We’ve worked very closely with ICM, and we’re extremely pleased to have been given a favorable start date,” Kerr said.

Ethanol

Getting to Know 25x’25

Cindy Zimmerman

25x25 logo The alliance known as 25X’25 is gaining more visibility with its goal to have 25 percent of the nation’s energy supply come from renewable resources by the year 2025. Major organizations, congressional leaders and companies are backing the coalition and the momentum is growing.

At the Ag Media Summit in Portland this week, Chuck sat down with Mike Bowman, one of the 25x’25 Steering Committee members, and talked about their goals and how they hope to attain them.
Listen to Chuck’s interview here Listen to MP3 25×25 Interview (8 min MP3)

Audio, Energy

Ethanol Prices Stabilizing

Cindy Zimmerman

All the complaining about high ethanol prices may soon come to an end. Reports are that ethanol prices appear to be leveling out and should start falling. An article in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier today quotes Tami Foster, an energy data analyst with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Foster said high ethanol demand on the east and west coasts has stabilized. At the same time more ethanol production capacity is coming on line in Iowa and elsewhere.

That means several months of rising ethanol prices may be at an end, Foster said. And she predicts in a week or so ethanol’s price at the pump will fall back below regular unleaded.

Miscellaneous

Team Ethanol at the Milwaukee Mile

Cindy Zimmerman

Indy Car Series Rahal Letterman Racing Team Ethanol car driver Jeff Simmons finished in the top ten again Sunday at the Milwaukee Mile, starting in his highest pole position at sixth and finishing ninth.

Simmons commented, “The Team Ethanol crew did a great job preparing the car this weekend. We had over best qualifying run of the year and we scored our third straight top ten despite the pit problem. I think we are working well together as a team and I feel will continue the improvement.”

Meanwhile, RLR team member Danica Patrick finished fourth in the race, amid rumors that she will bolt at the end of this season and join another team. Tony Kanaan won the race.

EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing

Maryland’s Commitment to Domestic Fuel

Cindy Zimmerman

Maryland The state of Maryland is not towing the “Old Line” when it comes to new fuels.

Last week, the first E85 station opened in Baltimore – although it’s only for state vehicles and non-profits, according to an article in the Examiner. State officials want motorists to start thinking about using alternative fuels, said Michael Li, chief of staff at the Maryland Energy Administration.

Last month, the first biodiesel plant opened in Berlin, MD, operated by Maryland Biodiesel and earlier this month Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., outlined his plans to increase Maryland’s access to renewable energy sources and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas.

The plan “will boost Maryland’s use of biofuels and biomass, such as animal manure and underutilized wood resources, and provide incentives for the use of renewable electricity, including solar and wind resources.”

Biodiesel, Energy, Ethanol, Government

Diversified in the Heart of Ethanol Country

Cindy Zimmerman

Diversified Diversified Ethanol is establishing corporate headquarters in the “heart of ethanol country: Iowa,” according to a Business Wire release.

“We needed to be right in the middle of the Midwest ethanol plants. As we work on ethanol mergers and acquisitions, it is a significant advantage to be established within the ethanol community. Being in Iowa, it will give us first hand knowledge and information about the key players and producers within the industry. Therefore we can prepare for future trends in the ethanol industry, even before the crop reports come out. The company anticipates this strategy will enhance the company’s competitiveness within the market,” stated Taylor Moffitt, CEO.

Diversified Ethanol is a division of Chicago-based of James Monroe Capital Corporation.

Ethanol