Wednesday, September 5, 2007

September is Renewable Fuels Awareness Month

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman has proclaimed September as Renewable Fuels Awareness Month.

The proclamation states that biofuel production is Nebraska’s fastest-growing industry and cites numerous economic development and environmental benefits resulting from the use of biobased fuels.

According to the governor, those benefits include “strengthening our agricultural sector by increasing the demand for corn and soybeans, improving net farm income, improving our rural economies, creating new renewable fuels industry-related jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, improving our energy security and reducing pollutants”.

Currently there are 17 ethanol plants operating in the state. By the end of 2008, that number could be between 25 and 30. Once that happens, ethanol production will be in the two billion gallon per year range, and corn demand for ethanol could reach 800 million bushels.

Recent figures provided by the Nebraska Public Power District show that the ethanol industry in Nebraska has created more than 700 permanent jobs at ethanol plants. An additional 1,500 have been indirectly created in related industries, and from increased economic activity created by the ethanol industry.

According to the Nebraska Corn Board, “Ethanol is a shining star in rural economic development, adding tax revenue and jobs, and adding value to the corn we produce. But this success story hasn’t happened overnight. Nebraska’s corn producers have been working for more than 30 years to develop the ethanol industry in this state. They have worked tirelessly to promote increased usage of ethanol. And they have helped finance the development of much of the ethanol industry in Nebraska.”

Source: Nebraska Corn Board

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