Taking Stalk

Cellulosic deliveries

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:46:00 CDT

The news out of Denmark is that Inbicon has delivered its first consignment of 28,500 liters (7,500 gallons) of cellulosic ethanol out of an order of 5 million liters purchased by Statoil, the Norway-based oil company.

Diluting the message

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:24:00 CDT

I had a chance to drop in at the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association office in Ottawa this past week. I asked CRFA President Gordon Quaiattini the story behind the fantastic approval ratings biofuels have gotten from the Canadian public?numbers in the 70 percent bracket on several questions asking about support for the Canadian-wide ethanol and biodiesel mandates taking effect this fall and for biofuels in general.

Sweet sweet corn

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:04:00 CDT

EPM associate editor Kris Bevill writes about the record-breaking corn harvest in her guest blog.

Too many voices for ethanol in DC?

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 11:24:00 CDT

Policy developments are front and center in the September issue of EPM being put to bed this week. Fortunately, Holly Jessen was able to incorporate some candid comments made at last week?s conference of the American Coalition for Ethanol in Kansas City into her feature story. Her web news stories from the conference about the discussion appear in this week?s e-newletter as well.

Answering the critics

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 11:00:00 CDT

Certainly at the latest round of summer gatherings and family reunions, when I say where I?m working, most folks know little about ethanol and ask ?is it good or bad?? Giving people a friendly synopsis of positives, and answering their questions about any issues they raise in a non confrontational manner goes a long way.

Whither the blenders credit?

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:12:00 CDT

Right now, blenders credits as biofuels incentives are in serious trouble on the political front. Since the biodiesel credit lapsed Dec. 31, multiple efforts have been unsuccessful in attaching an extension to various bills. The latest vehicle was the jobs bill?but the energy provisions were stripped from the bill before it emerged from the Senate.

Vacation doesn?t stop the news

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:06:00 CDT

Nothing like a week?s vacation to give a person a refreshing break from the work routine, even if the ?vacation? included a lot of work on the homefront. There was no break in the news, though. While I was weeding the garden, my colleagues were busy following several news developments.

What people 'know' about ethanol

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:37:00 CDT

EPM associate editor Holly Jessen writes about misinformation about ethanol in her guest blog.

Are we seeing a new phase for environmental critiques?

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:06:00 CDT

The New York Times hasn?t exactly been a friend of ethanol in the past. A special report written by Erica Gies was published online June 24 titled: ?As Ethanol Booms, Critics Warn of Environmental Effect.?

Post FEW energy

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:03:00 CDT

Every person I talked to last week in St. Louis said the mood was definitely more upbeat than last year?s International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo. There were more producers in attendance and exhibitors were pleased with the show. The educational sessions were well-attended with good presenters and good questions.

ABW, FEW underway in St. Louis

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:22:00 CDT

The ABW is a one-day workshop dedicated to advanced biofuels with a program covering fuels such as renwable diesel, biobutanol and a bit on cellulosic ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol is a track of its own in the educational program for the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo which opens tonight.

A big July issue is coming your way

Mon, 7 Jun 2010 10:47:00 CDT

The July issue of Ethanol Producer Magazine was uploaded to the printer last week. It?s always a good feeling to get an issue closed and out the door, but this one especially so since it?s my largest to date as editor?seven features and four contributions and the usual columns and news section.

Consumers ready to reduce oil use

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:54:00 CDT

A recent survey shows strong support among U.S. consumers for reducing oil consumption and increasing fuel economy in vehicles. Conducted before the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, one wonders if it would be even stronger if conducted today.

Is corn ethanol number one?

Mon, 17 May 2010 12:53:00 CDT

People need to be reminded that ?the most efficient source of ethanol? is regionally specific. Corn makes sense in the Midwest, which is called the Corn Belt for a reason. The climate and soils provide an ideal environment for corn.

USDA to survey farmers on biofuels, renewable energy

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:41:00 CDT

It will be interesting for the renewable energy sector to see what the USDA learns from a new survey. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said last week the USDA will be survey the nation?s 20,000 farms and ranches to learn what they?re doing in renewable energy and biofuels.

Obama stops by Macon plant

Mon, 3 May 2010 11:32:00 CDT

I?m still struggling to come back to earth after my trip to Poet?s ethanol plant in Macon, Mo., last week. The fact that President Barack Obama visited an ethanol plant means a lot to the whole industry?and it means a lot to us here at Ethanol Producer Magazine too. It means ethanol, including corn ethanol, is on his radar.

Twinning due to DDGS?

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:03:00 CDT

Here?s a new sales pitch for distillers grains?it might increase the number of twins born to your herd.

Comment on rules for USDA renewable energy programs

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:18:00 CDT

The comment period was opened April 16 on another set of rules to administer renewable energy programs, this time by the USDA. While not quite in the same league as the renewable fuel standard, a close review of the proposed rules will be important. Making these programs useable by first and second generation ethanol producers is important?and sometimes, only those that want to use the programs can spot the fatal flaws and unintended consequences of some rules.

Prices soften as ethanol campaigns strengthen

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:33:00 CDT

It is good to see proactive action on several fronts at once. Let us hope that the efforts of all gain some traction, to put a positive face on ethanol to the American public.

U.S. ethanol still needs tax incentives

Mon, 5 Apr 2010 12:06:00 CDT

EPM associate editor Holly Jessen writes about the need to support domestic production of ethanol in her guest blog.

First step in the policy challenge 0f 2010

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:55:00 CDT

The policy story of the year officially launched this past week. Extending the ethanol tax credit has non partisan support from 27 cosponsors in a House bill introduced March 25. EPM associate editor Holly Jessen reported on developments in our lead news story of the week.

Bud opportunity

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:45:00 CDT

Fuel ethanol production is based on the knowledge of the centuries-old brewing and spirits industry. So it is most fitting that the Fuel Ethanol Workshop, June 14-17 in St. Louis will include a tour of the Anheuser-Busch brewery.

Map Changes Explained

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:45:00 CDT

The project of the week at EPM has been tracking down details for the spring Ethanol Plant Map, which is undergoing some changes this spring.

FEW panels chosen

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 14:42:00 CST

Last week we compiled the work of nearly 40 industry professionals who helped review the 250-some abstracts submitted for presentations at the 2010 Fuel Ethanol Workshop, organizing them into potential panels. Creating 30 panels with four speakers each that address the most important industry topics is no small task.

Abengoa in the NY Times

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 11:50:00 CST

Last week I was surprised to see a simple advertisement in the New York Times from Abengoa Bioenergy that linked to a presentation on their Web site where they?re taking on ethanol critics.

Nailing E85 legality question

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:44:00 CST

EPM associate editor Holly Jessen writes more about the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando in her guest blog.

Can biomass beat corn?

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:04:00 CST

The answer to the headlined question will be highly regional in its answer. Researchers at Michigan State University took a look at 10-year projections of economic returns on continuous corn versus various proposed biomass crops in their state. They included opportunity cost, which means it won?t be enough to just make a little money above expenses for a biomass crop to be successful. A successful new biomass crop will have to net close to a corn crop on the same land.

RFS final rule much improved

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:30:00 CST

Last week was a good one for biofuels. EPA?s final rule to administer the revised renewable fuels standard was much improved over the proposed rule. While international indirect land use is still part of the equation, the revised model incorporated nearly all countries into the equation and improved the modeling for Brazil, in particular. Of course, many in the ethanol industry contend that indirect land use doesn?t belong in the GHG accounting equations at all, but at least its impact dropped in half.

Farming Games and UFOs

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:00:00 CST

Just a couple of light topics today: one a game and the other a UFO sighting. If you have kids or a school connection, check out www.MyAmericanFarm.org.

GHG accounting spreads to consumer goods

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:44:00 CST

The life cycle analysis concept appears to be spreading. A report emerged this week that 60 corporations have volunteering to measure the full lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of consumer products from blue jeans to manufactured steel.

SWAG fun and infrastructure news

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:15:00 CST

This week a coworker got a most clever SWAG. An invitation to the grand opening luncheon for Blendstar?s biofuel terminal in Collins, Miss., came as a one-quart paint can, with the invitation as the label. Inside the can there are Legos. Blendstar?s grand opening is good news for the industry. Infrastructure developments continue to be announced.

Advice from Canadians

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:59:00 CST

Speakers at CRFS advise shifting to economic framework, dialoguing with opponents...

A new start

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 11:31:00 CST

Happy new year! For many of us, the new year offers a symbolic fresh start, and we?ve decided it is the right time for EPM to welcome a new editor - Sue Retka Schill.

Ringing in new reporting requirements

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:50:00 CST

The new greenhouse gas reporting requirements set by the U.S. EPA are scheduled to begin next week, but there appears to still be some confusion as to ethanol?s participation in the program. As late as last week, I received inquiries from ethanol-related companies concerning the specifics of the reporting rule.

Time to celebrate

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:38:00 CST

Is it just me, or has this year gone by too quickly? It seems that every conversation at this time of year will inevitably include a similar sentiment as people reflect on all that has happened throughout the course of the year. For many of us, the holiday season offers a chance to say ?goodbye, and good riddance? to 2009. It?s been a difficult year for everyone, but the good news is: we made it! And conditions are primed to improve in 2010.

?Next generation? is more than a fuel

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:32:00 CST

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I, with our two small children in tow, made the annual pilgrimage from our home in North Dakota to visit his family in Napa, Calif. For our travels, I took along the recently released book, ?Power Trip - From Oil Wells to Solar Cells?Our Ride to the Renewable Future? by Amanda Little. Written to provide an entertaining yet educational look at the power/fuel struggles facing the U.S., Little offers an historical perspective of oil use and how the U.S. came to become the world?s predominant oil-producing nation, followed by the Middle East?s overtaking of global oil production and the subsequent alternatives being explored by the U.S. to wean the nation off of oil. It?s a review for those of us in the renewable fuels industry, but entertaining nonetheless.

DOE sends mixed signals

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 12:08:00 CST

Last week was a big week for the ethanol industry. The federal government agencies charged with supporting and regulating the use of ethanol in the U.S., namely the U.S. DOE, the USDA and the U.S. EPA, made separate announcements which appear to be continuing their on-again, off-again relationship with ethanol, leaving producers to wonder what level of support they should anticipate in 2010.

Turkey leftovers in the fridge?and corn still in the field?

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:25:00 CST

My four-year-old son got to ride in a combine to harvest corn?two days before Thanksgiving. He was thrilled and spent the remainder of the day telling everyone that he is going to be a farmer when he grows up so that he can harvest corn on Thanksgiving. Cute, but let?s all hope this childhood fantasy never comes true. I?m sure that the farmers who have had to deal with the horrible planting and harvest conditions in 2009, particularly those located in southeastern North Dakota, hope this never becomes the norm.

Working for the greater good

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:37:00 CST

Denmark celebrated an ethanol milestone last week when Inbicon and its parent company, Dong Energy, celebrated the grand opening of its demonstration-scale, wheat straw-to-ethanol production facility in Kalundborg. The 1.4 MMgy facility will process 30,000 metric tons of straw annually, 110 tons per day, and will produce 11,100 tons of C5 molasses for animal feed and 10,500 tons of lignin fuel pellets as byproducts of the ethanol process.

Big Oil takes a hit

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:43:00 CST

Last week, the International Energy Agency released World Energy Outlook 2009, but not before The Guardian, the United Kingdom?s renowned newspaper, published comments it had received from an agency ?whistleblower? who stated that the IEA has inflated its reports of oil reserves for fear that the truth would shock world markets into a reactionary panic. According to the Guardian?s high-level IEA source, the agency?s prediction that global oil production can be raised from its current level of 83 million barrels per day to 105 million barrels per day is unrealistic. The source said many IEA officials believe even 90 million barrels per day is unreachable, but the agency will not lower its forecast because it fears panic could spread through financial markets and that U.S.? power over access to oil resources would be threatened.

Countdown to E15?

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:16:00 CST

The clock is ticking until the U.S. EPA?s decision on the E15 waiver request. The agency is scheduled to make its decision by Dec. 1. No matter what the decision, the industry implications will most likely be instant and enormous. Mum?s been the word from EPA officials so far, but the ethanol industry continues to speak out on the issue.

Got five minutes?

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:45:00 CST

If you haven?t already received an invitation from me, I?d like to personally invite you to participate in our 2010 U.S. ethanol plant salary survey. We launched the survey about a week ago and I?ve already been surprised by the preliminary data we?ve received. The results of the survey will be the focus of our Jan. 2010 issue and, as an added bonus, plant managers who participate and encourage their employees to do the same will receive the raw data after the January issue is released.

Here we go again

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:45:00 CDT

It seems Tim Searchinger has a real problem with biofuels, particularly corn-based ethanol. Judging from his most recent attack on biofuels, which was disguised as an article in Science Magazine, Searchinger is still not convinced that biofuels are better for the environment than petroleum. This is ludicrous, of course, but the ethanol industry?s representative groups must once again retaliate with truths about the environmental impact of ethanol production. Following are excerpts from some of the responses.

Rules of the playground

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:15:00 CDT

The ethanol industry needs to remain a united force to promote its message - we can produce clean, renewable fuel in our own country which will lessen our dependence on foreign oil and create jobs for thousands of our citizens. In-fighting and power matches will do nothing to help the industry; it will only hurt it. There are many opposing industries who watch the ethanol industry like hawks, just waiting to swoop in and expose its weaknesses in order to destroy it. A divided industry opens the door to attacks and lessens the effectiveness of its messengers.

Kansas on fire

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 17:44:00 CDT

Oct. 4-10 was fire prevention week, as named by the National Fire Protection Association. Perhaps not coincidentally, Kansas Ethanol LLC hosted what could be the largest-ever live ethanol burn in U.S. history on Oct. 9. The event, which has been planned since early this summer, drew over 300 attendees from Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Ohio and Virginia. Designed for training purposes for first responders, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, highway patrol officers and other law enforcement personnel, the highlight of the event was the chance to witness and respond to a live ethanol fire. Jennifer Dellar, Kansas Ethanol?s safety manager, told me she knows of several pan burn events that have been held in the past, but believes there has never been a planned ethanol burn of the scale that was planned for this event. The all-day event included safety equipment displays and seminars and was sponsored, in part, by Poet Ethanol Products, TransCAER and Emergency Fire Equipment Inc. I congratulate Kansas Ethanol for taking on such an important public service duty. I believe this event will be remembered as a community service project rather than an ethanol industry event because, as we all know, the potential hazards of ethanol production impact more than just the workers at each facility. I had the opportunity to attend a fire safety training course for local HazMat members a few months ago and every firefighter I spoke with said the most beneficial training they could receive would be the opportunity to experience an ethanol fire before having to respond to an actual incident. Ethanol fires are rare, thankfully, but that means that first responders are not that knowledgeable about how to put them out. Kansas Ethanol took a proactive approach to this issue and I hope that other facilities learn from their example.

Prepare for regulation

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 10:50:00 CDT

Is it just me, or does the U.S. EPA never fail to complicate things? As I?ve said before, I do not envy the EPA?s position. The people chosen to regulate the U.S. environment have a gargantuan task and I can?t imagine the difficulties they have to overcome on a daily basis. Still, it seems to me that there could, at times, be a better way to do things. I?ve been pondering this notion since late last week when the EPA unveiled its proposal to regulate industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the tail of its finalized rule to collect GHG emissions information from certain industries. Now, I am just a lowly magazine editor, but I have to ask: Wouldn?t it have made more sense to collect emissions information before proposing regulations for those industries?

RFS2 rule should include common sense

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:52:00 CDT

The opportunity to comment on the U.S. EPA?s proposed RFS2 rule ended last Friday, but not before the renewable fuels industry rallied to make its final case against indirect land use change (ILUC) and other issues addressed in the proposal. Thousands of comments were filed throughout the 120-day comment period, but many industry groups that had been commenting on single issues throughout the course of the comment period chose to file all-inclusive comments on Friday as a way to reiterate their opinions. Among them were the American Coalition for Ethanol, the Renewable Fuels Association and the National Biodiesel Board.

Ethanol in the Classroom? Why Not?

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:33:00 CDT

Last week, the Renewable Fuels Association announced a new program it has launched to provide high school students with information on renewable fuels industry careers. The curriculum will provide Future Farmers of America members with details of the renewable fuels industry.

Already, there have been grumbles from anti-ethanol groups, questioning whether this is type of information is appropriate. In response, I have one word for those dissenters: Absolutely.

Let Your Voices be Heard

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:54:00 CDT

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) recently hosted U.S. EPA officials to a tour of Iowa family farms and an information session by renewable fuels industry members. Grassley said he was driven to organize the event after learning that the EPA official in charge of determining the guidelines for indirect land use change in the second stage of the renewable fuel standard (RFS2) had never even been to a farm. This brings to light the significance of presenting the industry?s case to the EPA regarding implementation of the RFS2. From indirect land use change to the 2010 cellulosic biofuel mandates and RIN regulations - the proposal is loaded with items that could critically impact the future of the domestic fuel production. The fact that the industry?s livelihood is in the hands of Washingtonians who have no first-hand knowledge of either agriculture or renewable fuels is a reminder that members of the ethanol industry need to continue to educate the public as well as policymakers.

Calling all Feedstock Experts

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:52:00 CDT

EPM has decided to begin publishing a monthly column devoted to the most important ingredient in ethanol production ? feedstocks. Beginning with the October issue, feedstock experts will share updates, breakthroughs and ideas concerning the production and processing of corn, as well as small grains and cellulosic materials, in a column titled ?Taking Stalk.?

A new voice and a look at the ethanol industry around the globe

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:33:00 CDT

I come across many stories about what?s happening in the ethanol industry across our national borders. Most of the news is related to what?s happening in the sugarcane ethanol industry in Brazil, but there is plenty to go around. In fact, there is too much going on to be able to cover it in much depth. Here is a digest of what has been going on internationally.

FEW Plans Ramp Up

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:23:00 CDT

The 2009 FEW features some exciting new changes.

Getting Insured

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 10:21:00 CDT

Environmental risk protection is another insurance option for the ethanol industry.

Lending Perspective at the NEC

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 09:17:00 CST

RFA President Bob Dinneen provides another insightful industry address at the NEC.

NEC Opens in San Antonio

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:46:00 CST

The industry's leaders arrive in San Antonio for the opening of the National Ethanol Conference.

Assessing the Federal Stimulus Package

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:28:00 CST

The federal stimulus bill passes Congress and awaits the president's signature.

VeraSun?s Next Move?

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 09:10:00 CST

VeraSun finds interest from Valero

The Dreaded Bankruptcy

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:55:00 CST

The latest bankruptcy news raises questions about the ethanol industry.

Out of the Lab, Into the Field

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:07:00 CST

Lab researchers continue to improve the industry.

Outlining 2009

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:40:00 CST

The RFA outlines 2009.

Tracking Industry Information

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:31:00 CST

EPM staff ready for the 2009 Proposed Ethanol Plant List

Gas Tax Increase On the Way?

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 10:48:00 CST

As gas tax revenues dwindle, the government considers its options.

Policy Ahead of Science in Land Use Debate

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:14:00 CST

ILUC debate rages on

Happy Holidays

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:55:00 CST

EPM wishes the industry a happy holiday season.

Canada Continued

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:31:00 CST

Another province announces its renewable fuels plans.

Canadian Industry Marches On

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 10:25:00 CST

The Canadian ethanol industry recently met to discuss economic and political challenges.

A Thankful Time of Year

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 11:08:00 CST

Despite hardships, it's a time for thanks in the ethanol industry.

Pondering the Big Three bailout

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:14:00 CST

The Big Three automakers go to Washington. Will it provide results?

Start planning for San Antonio

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:33:00 CST

The National Ethanol Conference covers the industry from A-to-Z.

Obama?s energy goals wide-ranging

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:51:00 CST

A new President prompts a look at ethanol policies.

A new chapter for the industry

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 10:49:00 CST

VeraSun's bankruptcy filing is the latest in a string of financial challenges facing the ethanol industry.

Corn prices, the presidential race and an early winter

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:50:00 CDT

Corn price blame shifts away from ethanol.

Distillers Grains Takes the Stage

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:49:00 CDT

The International Distillers Grains Conference and Trade Show provides the industry with valuable information and international marketing opportunities.

What was your favorite ethanol-bashing moment?

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:27:00 CDT

Ethanol bashing takes a backseat for the time being.

Don't expect the new president to have much time for biofuels ... not right away

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 09:52:00 CDT

America's next president will likely be consumed with massive deficit and budget problems that will overshadow almost everything else. That, the war, and other pressing issues will leave little time for renewable energy. ?The in-box is already full,? so don?t expect sweeping new biofuels proposals to come from the White House in 2009.

No. 200 on the Horizon

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:10:00 CDT

It's taken only two years for the industry to move from 100 to 200 operating plants.

Predicting the Future

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:07:00 CDT

Ethanol industry leaders gave EPM their five-year outlook in 2004. Their predictions are impressively on-the-mark.

A Tale of Two Landmarks

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 10:28:00 CDT

Two landmarks in small town North Dakota signify the transition from past energy sources to the future.

North America?s cherished landfills threatened

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:32:00 CDT

Innovative ethanol producers may soon start depleting North America?s burgeoning garbage dumps. Experts say there may be no stopping them from pillaging trash depositories all over the world within the next decade. Keep a close eye on your local trash!

Expect more matchmaking at this year?s IDGC

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:53:00 CDT

Put the world?s biggest potential buyers of distillers grains in the same room with the major U.S. companies that produce and sell the product, and good things happen.

RFS waiver denial no surprise, right decision

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:52:00 CDT

It's official: Perry's request is rejected. Sensible minds prevail.

36 billion gallons: How are we going to get there?

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 11:53:00 CDT

How is the United States going to meet the Renewable Fuels Standard's production targets by 2022 ... or, more importantly, next year? The upcoming Advanced Biofuels Conference & Trade Show just might answer that question.

Brazil wants market on both sides of the pond

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:52:00 CDT

UNICA is now waging an information campaign on two fronts, pushing for the elimination or reduction of ethanol tariffs in the United States and Europe.

Will Pawlenty qualify ethanol support to fit VP bill?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:03:00 CDT

More support for cellulosic ethanol is a good thing, but not at he expense of selling corn ethanol down the river. Will Minnesota's ethanol-friendly governor turn away from corn ethanol in run up to the fall election?

Sometimes the media gets it right

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 10:21:00 CDT

Last week, two Texas newspapers broke a big story about the nation?s largest chicken producer giving the Republican Governor?s Association, a group chaired by Texas Gov. Rick Perry, $100,000 six days after a meeting that prompted Perry to request a national waiver from the federal renewable fuels standard.

I?ll be around

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:12:00 CDT

After seven years with Ethanol Producer Magazine, I'm leaving my post as editorial director this week and taking on a new position at BBI International. Same company, different role. But I'm leaving the magazine in good hands.

More on fractionation

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:49:00 CDT

More on fractionation: Various companies pushing frac tech at the FEW tout high ROI, payback within two years.

Drivers want more consistent E85 prices

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:32:00 CDT

E85 prices can vary by more than $1 a gallon in certain regions of the country. Why?

If done right, E10 labels can be a good thing

Wed, 28 May 2008 15:19:00 CDT

As Oklahoma state legislators approve the wording for the state?s new E10 labels, they should consider all the benefits drivers are getting at the pump becasue of ethanol, and turn that orange warning sticker into a blue and green seal of approval.

They really are out to get us

Mon, 19 May 2008 10:53:00 CDT

A few days after the GMA?s $300,000 ethanol smear campaign was exposed, the Worldwatch Institute shows it's hand, sending out a mass e-mail soliciting donations to fund an anti-ethanol propaganda operation of its own.

Read the RFS before calling for its demise

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:11:00 CDT

Sadly, it is clear that the editorial board of one of our nation?s most read and respected newspapers is too busy or too partial to really care about the RFS or the ethanol industry. If they would have bothered to take a quick look at the policy, they would have realized that the RFS does exactly what they are asking Congress to do.

Thinking Out Loud About Plug-In Electric FFVs

Mon, 5 May 2008 13:43:00 CDT

The Chevy Volt, a plug-in electric hybrid concept car that might be put into limited production in 2010 just might represent the future of American driving. Could the United States virtually end its dangerous dependence on foreign oil by aggressively pushing for the production and widespread acceptance of these game-changing cars and trucks?

Is Speculative Trading Driving Corn Prices Up?

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:11:00 CDT

A new study indicates that ethanol production only accounts for a 41-cent-per-bushel increase in corn prices, and that something other than ethanol ? something artificial ? something beyond the traditional supply/demand framework ? is driving up corn prices. Surprise, surprise ... speculative trading is suspected.

Small Engine Myths Germinate Every Spring

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:16:00 CDT

Virtually all major small engine and motorcycle manufacturers warranty or support E10. I know a handful of motorcycle owners ? some of them die-hard Harley guys ? and they all recommend avoiding ethanol blends. They?re wrong.

It's Foolish to Blame Ethanol for World Hunger

Mon, 5 May 2008 09:22:00 CDT

Welcome to "Taking Stalk," a new blog I will post each Monday afternoon with timely commentary on the multitude of complex challenges ethanol is now besieged with. From "land use change" and "food vs. fuel" to trade policy and water usage, I'll pin down one contentious topic at a time, often drawing on questionable weekend headlines from the mainstream media. There's been no shortage of those lately.