You can have your opinion, but not your own facts
Lots of editorial boards have come out in support of and against ethanol. They are welcome to their opinions. What they are not welcome to is their own facts. In attacking ethanol as the Houston Chronicle did in its editorial “Food versus fuel: Rising grain costs show folly of continuing federal ethanol subsidies,” the editorial board propagated misinformation and, at some points, simply made up facts to support their predetermined opinion.
Posted in Ethanol, Environment, Exports, Fuel, Production, Research
September Ethanol Exports Shoot Past August
U.S. ethanol producers exported 38.8 million gallons of ethanol (denatured and undenatured, non-beverage) in September, up 31% from August, according to government data released today. This is the third highest monthly export total of the year, trailing only March and April. Year-to-date ethanol exports now stand at 251.1 million gallons, meaning the industry is on pace to export some 330 million gallons in 2010.
Posted in Ethanol, Exports, Production
Member Highlight: Secretary Vilsack Visits RFA Member First United Ethanol, LLC
Following Secretary Vilsack’s speech at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on October 21, he took a road trip down to the Southeastern region of the country to visit and tour RFA Member First United Ethanol, LLC or FUEL, located in Mitchell County, Georgia. On his October 25th meeting, Vilsack alongside U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop met with FUEL’s Board of Directors and employees to emphasize the need to stop our dependence on foreign oil.
Posted in Ethanol, Energy, Exports, Production, USDA
Member Highlight: Abengoa Bioenergy, Two New Production Facilities Open for Business
America’s ethanol industry continues to grow as evidenced by two new ethanol facilities officially opening for business this week. RFA Producer Member Abengoa Bioenergy, a global leader in ethanol production, opened new facilities in in Madison, Illinois and Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Each of these plants will contribute 90 million gallons of ethanol to the marketplace annually.
Posted in Ethanol, Exports, Production
August Ethanol Exports up 18% from July
U.S. biofuel producers exported 29.6 million gallons of ethanol (both denatured and undenatured, non-beverage alcohol) in August, up 18% from July, according to government data released today. Year-to-date ethanol exports stand at 212 million gallons, nearly double the amount of total exports in 2009. Total exports in August were the third highest of the year, trailing only March and April. The U.S. remains on pace to export more than 300 million gallons of ethanol in 2010, equivalent to roughly 2.5% of expected domestic production.
The American Spectator: Voice of Big Oil?
The August 27 blog post “Corny Capitalism” on the American Spectator website begs the question: When did The American Spectator stop fact checking? In fact, with the outdated information used in this story, one has to wonder how long it sat on the shelf waiting for a slow, sleepy week in summer to be dusted off and electronically published. And what is Matt Purple and The American Spectator’s answer to ending this country’s dangerous – both in terms of human life as well as the environment – addiction to foreign oil? It would appear that they would prefer to continue the status quo of sending billions and billions of dollars to hostile countries like Iraq and Venezuela.
Membership Spotlight: East Kansas Agri-Energy Turns Five!!
This October, RFA Member East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC (EKAE) will be celebrating their 5th year anniversary of ethanol production and helping fuel America. A short five years ago, EKAE accepted their first load of corn, produced and shipped their first gallon of ethanol and delivered their first shipment of distillers grains. Throughout these past five years, EKAE has exceeded expectations, now producing ethanol past nameplate capacity and receiving numerous safety awards and energy efficiency recognition.
Posted in Ethanol, Energy, Environment, Exports, Fuel, Production, Water
DDGs Feed Livestock and Our Economy- Export Exchange 2010
The United States is producing more dried distillers grains than ever. The ethanol co-product, commonly used in livestock feed for its high levels of protein and fiber is unfortunately hitting a domestic “feed wall” here in the U.S. and exports are becoming more important. Along with the U.S. Grains Council, the RFA will be co-sponsoring the Export Exchange 2010 to focus on educating and connecting international buyers of DDGs and coarse grains. Now it is more vital than ever to keep these relationships strong so we do not hit an international “feed wall” as well.
Ethanol Exports Update for May
Total ethanol exports for May fell 58% from April’s totals. Compared to March and April total exports of 48.3 million gallons and 40.8 million gallons, U.S. producers exported only 17.1 million gallons in the month of May. Still, May exports were well above the five-year monthly average. Further, through the first five months of 2010, the U.S. has exported 25% more product than in the entire 2009 calendar year.


















