GoodFuels

RFA CEO in Argus Leader

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, wrote an op-ed that appeared in Saturday’s edition of The Argus Leader out of Sioux Falls, SD.

The focus of this column was higher ethanol blends. Dinneen points out the benefits of E10:

E10 is everywhere - in the gas tanks of cars, trucks, delivery vans, motor boats, lawnmowers, weed whackers, chain saws and portable generators - providing the power and performance that owners expect.

Ethanol blends also can offer consumers savings at the pump. It is common across the nation, particularly in South Dakota and other Midwestern states, for E10 blends to provide significant savings of 10 cents or more per gallon compared to plain gasoline, further increasing the incentive to buy this clean, American-made fuel.

With the use of ethanol growing, ethanol blends above 10 percent are rapidly becoming needed. Higher blends, such as E85 (85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline), are readily available in many parts of South Dakota and increasingly available across the country.

Dinneen goes on to discuss the merits of a higher ethanol blend, including the fact that they are safe for use in current vehicles:

The ethanol industry wants to increase the amount of ethanol (currently capped at 10 percent) blended in gasoline. Preliminary data and further scientific research demonstrate that higher levels, perhaps 15 percent or 20 percent, are effective and safe for use in standard vehicle engines.

The column wraps up with encouragement to all drivers - ethanol definitely trumps reliance on foreign oil.

Well said.

Click here to read Bob Dinneen’s entire column.

Photo by sun dazed.

Thune supports biofuels

Senator John Thune of South Dakota has written an op-ed for the inside-the-beltway publication The Politico entitled “Biofuels are a long-term renewable solution” that appeared today in the print edition of the paper.

Sen. Thune talks about ethanol and biofuels, and how they are an alternative to foreign oil available now:

As Congress, the administration and the private sector look for ways to reduce our consumption of imported oil, we should not overlook the most readily available domestic alternative to imported oil: biofuels. The development of the biofuels industry has created jobs across the nation and given agricultural producers new, reliable crop markets, while decreasing our demand for fossil fuels.

After discussing how important biofuels are, Sen. Thune talks about barriers that may slow the industry’s development:

I find it unacceptable that after several years of crafting a national energy policy that promotes renewable fuels, the greatest threats to the renewable fuels industry are arbitrary and misguided government regulations. The United States will not achieve energy independence if Congress both promotes renewable fuels and enacts laws that limit the future growth of our biofuels industry.

Sen. Thune has been a biofuels supporter for quite some time and makes some interesting points. Click here to read this op-ed.

Image from Senator Thune’s website.

New ethanol site launched

The Renewable Fuels Association launched their newest online venture today - Choose Ethanol.

The new website features a section dedicated exclusively to E85, plus a news center and quick facts. You can sign up to stay informed about the ethanol discussion as well as follow RFA on twitter, facebook, youtube and flickr.

This is a great place to point not only those who have basic questions about ethanol as a motor fuel, but also those who wish to delve deeper into what ethanol can do for the country, like how ethanol can improve national security.

Be sure to spread the word about this site. It’s great resource that will surely develop as the go-to place for up to the minute information on ethanol.

Click here to visit Choose Ethanol.

photo by whatknot.

New study: ethanol not threat to environment

Radio Iowa had this story late last week:

A new study published by the “Ethanol Across America” group says that production and use of ethanol is not causing the deforestation of rainforests. The study suggests that deforestation is more likely the result of cattle production.

Sneller (head of Ethanol Board in Nebraska) says it’s evident there’s very little deforestation taking place and what little tree-cutting is happening is typically related to the use of grassland and forests for cattle production and to a limited extent, for soybeans. In Brazil, for example, that deforestation is done mostly for human uses of the land, rather than fuels.

Sneller continues to say that ethanol production is improving and that the fuel is much better for the environment than petroleum.

He says, “The new report is one that reaffirms what we’ve heard from the University of Nebraska and others that ethanol, particularly made in today’s plants with the newest technology, makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gas reductions, particularly relative to refined gasoline products.” Supporters say ethanol is becoming more efficient and economical to produce, while oil will become more expensive and continue to do environmental damage.

Land-use change is a complex issue and will continue to be studied for years to come. Studies like this bring us closer to the truth.

Photo by crustmania.

Liberty from Foreign Oil

As the Statue of Liberty’s crown reopens to the public this Independence Day for the first time since September 11, 2001, it’s a good time to consider what true liberty and independence means. To paraphrase the famous quote from one of our founding fathers, Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty or give me foreign oil.”

Jay Hakes, author of “A Declaration of Energy Independence,” says September 11, 2001 was a preview of America’s future — one possible future.

On September 12, 2001 the United States awakened from a nightmare, finding itself standing at a crossroad, facing a choice between two very different futures: One choice would lead the country to increased dependence on foreign oil and a future dominated by terrorism and war. The other choice would lead to American energy independence and a world economy that is no longer desperate for oil.

On the main page of Hakes’ website “American Energy Independence,” there are photos of two paintings by artist Michael D’Antuono.

“The first painting titled “Dependence” depicts a burqa-clad Statue of Liberty encircled by vultures in an apocalyptic environment clinging to a barrel of oil instead of a book and a gasoline nozzle raised above her head in place of her torch.

The second piece titled “Independence”, offers an optimistic alternative to the first with our Miss Liberty this time embracing a solar panel and wind turbine as eagles and doves glide through an idyllic blue sky.”

Hakes has a great way of thinking about Energy Independence we should all consider as we fill up our cars and prepare to watch the fireworks bursting in air this holiday:

Energy Independence is a civilization changing idea, like freedom, one that should be thought of much like we think of our national independence—our liberty, which is both an ideal and a physical reality. Energy Independence can and should be pursued with the same patriotic spirit that fought for, won and sustains American democracy and freedom.

The phrase “Energy Independence” is a slogan embodying an idea that resonates with the character of America—it is a call for return to economic balance and protection from vulnerability created by over-dependence on petroleum to fuel our cars, trucks and airplanes—it is a public outcry voiced by citizens demanding government leadership in energy production, distribution, security and fuel choice.

God Bless America!