(January 23, 2012)  Washington – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack will be the headline speaker at the 17th Annual National Ethanol Conference of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) in Orlando, Florida.  Vilsack will address the crowd of some 1,400 attendees at 8:20 a.m. Eastern on February 24.

During his tenure, Secretary Vilsack has been a champion for all domestic renewable fuels, including ethanol. Secretary Vilsack has led the charge to modernize America’s fueling infrastructure through the installation of blender pumps.  Under his leadership, USDA is investing in new ethanol technologies that will turn abundant materials like grasses, wood wastes, ag residues, and municipal solid waste into ethanol.  And, Secretary Vilsack has been a steady voice in combating falsehoods about ethanol, including soundly refuting claims ethanol is the driving factor behind rising food prices. 

“Secretary Vilsack is an advocate without equal when it comes to the importance of domestic renewable fuels like ethanol and we are honored to welcome him to the National Ethanol Conference,” said Bob Dinneen, RFA President and CEO.  “America’s ethanol industry is embarking on a new era for renewable fuels in this country.  With the continued support of Secretary Vilsack and the Obama Administration, domestically produced ethanol will displace greater amounts of imported oil, expand the benefits of ethanol production beyond the traditional Corn Belt, and create tens of thousands of jobs all across America.  No one better appreciates the potential of domestic ethanol production than Secretary Vilsack and his remarks will be eagerly received by those attending the NEC.”

The National Ethanol Conference is the preeminent conference for delivering accurate, timely information on marketing, legislative and regulatory issues facing the ethanol industry.  More information on this year’s event, including registration opportunities and a complete agenda, can be found at www.NationalEthanolConference.com.