(October 25, 2010) Washington – The Obama Administration will continue demonstrating its support for America’s biofuel industry as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visits Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) member First United Ethanol, LLC or FUEL in Mitchell County, Georgia. FUEL is a locally-owned ethanol producer and was the first ethanol plant to open in the Southeast.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to speak face to face with one of the most important policy makers in America. We look forward to discussing key issues that we as a company and the entire industry are facing,” said Murray Campbell, CEO of FUEL.

Secretary Vilsack’s visit to FUEL builds upon his announcement of USDA programs to install ethanol fueling infrastructure and address the issue of feedstock availability for cellulosic ethanol production. At the National Press Club on October 21, 2010, Secretary Vilsack announced a USDA goal of installing 10,000 new blender pumps across the nation in the next 5 years. The goal would be supported by existing USDA funds in a manner yet to be determined. Additionally, Secretary Vilsack unveiled final rules for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) designed to work with farmers to grow feedstocks for cellulosic and next generation ethanol production.

“Secretary Vilsack’s visit today underscores the Obama Administration’s commitment to ethanol,” said Bob Dinneen, RFA President and CEO. “It demonstrates an understanding that the benefits of ethanol are not limited to the Corn Belt but are applicable to all regions of the country. The Southeast holds great potential for ethanol production from both grain and cellulose, and First United Ethanol is a shining example. If the nation is going to create jobs and reduce oil imports, we must start by using renewable alternatives that are readily available. Today, that means ethanol.”

About First United Ethanol, LLC: First United Ethanol, LLC is a 100-million gallon per year ethanol facility located in Mitchell County, Georgia. It began production in October 2008. It is owned by over 860 investors with the majority living in rural Georgia and Florida.

Contact:
Alicia Shirah
First United Ethanol, LLC
229-522-2822