Today in Biofuels: What the Energy Bill Means to You; ethanol on a comeback in the Midwest

Top Story:

Biofuels Digest has published a short report on the Energy Independence Act, titled “What the Energy Bill Means To You”

Producer News:

In Indiana, VeraSun Energy has indicated interest in renewing a development option on a site in Tipton County. The site was previously optioned by ASAlliances, which was acquired by VeraSun in August. The original ASAlliances plan projected a $170 million ethanol plant. VeraSun halted construction on a Reynolds, IN ethanol plant in October, citing financial conditions in the industry.

In California, Sutter County is targeting non-grain ethanol development following the signing of the Energy Independence Act last week. The county is focused on the potential for ethanol from rice straw, leftover from the county’s 93,000 acre, $106 million rice crop.

International News:

In the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum and Basic Energy signed an agreement for Basic to supply Shell with 19 Mgy of ethanol for blending.

Research News:

A study released by Environmental Defense reports on greenhouse gas emission and water consumption problems arising from ethanol production. The study’s authors suggest the use of milo, sorghum or switchgrass to produce ethanol with less water consumption. The authors cited advanced ethanol plants that use manure, as opposed to coal, or plants that recycle wastewater, as examples of positive developments.

Policy and Policymakers:

In New York, Council member James Gennaro was profiled in the documentary “Fields of Fuel”. Gennaro was interviewed about his biodiesel bill, which would require that all fuel in New York City must contain at least 20 percent biodiesel by 2013.

Consumer and Fleet News:

In Oregon, the city of Cottage Grove is converting its city vehicle fleet to biodiesel. The blend was not specified. The city is also implementing a voluntary program in which residents can purchase their energy from renewable resources.

Financial News:

The Biofuels Digest Indexâ„¢, a basket of public biofuels stocks, rose 1.42 percent today to close at a new 52-week high of 133.10. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) rose 1.69 percent to $45.75 to power the Index to its new high.

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