“e” Trippin’ 2007 - Day 1

As is the case for employees of the Renewable Fuels Association, August provides us a chance to travel outside the Beltway and reconnect with people and the places that we represent to the best of our abilities.  It’s a chance to witness firsthand the excitement that renewable fuels production stirs in rural communities across the country.

 This August, I am traveling across Nebraska, into Wyoming, down the front range in Colorado, to the heart of North Dakota, and then ultimately back to my old stomping grounds in Northern Iowa.  My hope is to provide an interesting tale from each day’s journey here on the Ethanol Report.

 Today, I had the opportunity to visit the closed-loop system at E3 Biofuels in Mead, Nebraska.  This is truly revolutionary technology that is a shining example of the kind of ingenuity and innovation that is becoming the norm in the U.S. ethanol industry.

Many people are aware that this facility is the first to produce ethanol using cattle manure as its predominant power source.  But more importantly, the plant is efficiently using other resources important in ethanol production.  Through its waste water treatment process, E3 actually is able to use the treated water to irrigate the surrounding fields of corn, which then ultimately becomes the corn that feeds the ethanol plant.  No doubt that throws a wrinkle into the arguments of those who claim ethanol production uses too much water.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention that the corn crop looks good.  Much needed remain throughout South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa fell over the weekend.  Farmers I have spoken to are as optimistic as farmers can be, and I say that with much affection as my Dad is still a farmer in Iowa.

Tomorrow, I am off to KAAPA Ethanol and then through the Sand Hills of Nebraska, past Chimney Rock and then to Renova Energy on Wednesday.

All I have to say is thankfully the State of Nebraska has realized that speed is essential when crossing their state and have set the speed limits accordingly.

Until tomorrow…