Ethanol News Bits

Ethanol seems to be in the news almost daily now.  I can remember the time not too long ago when it was seldom mentioned.  It’s obvious by the amount of information being released each day that the ethanol industry is making large impacts on our daily life.

Apparently it’s even making an impact on the company that posted the record single year profits of $36.1 billion…Exxon Mobil.  Exxon Mobil’s chairman and chief executive says the U.S. government should end subsidies for ethanol production because it benefits domestic growers.  I’ll leave you to your own conclusions.

In other news, the Wisconsin senate is ready to vote on a bill requiring ethanol in all gasoline by 2007.  The state assembly had approved the measure in a vote last year.  The bill would require all regular unleaded fuel to contain 10% ethanol by October 2007.  Supporters say the measure would help reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil and help Wisconsin’s farm economy.

Both of the big automakers, GM and Ford, are making pushes to expand the use of E85 in the U.S.

GM announced yesterday a partnership with VeraSun Energy Corp to increase the number of stations that pump E85.  Currently only about 600 out of the nation’s 170,000 filling stations sell E85.  GM plans to build about 400,000 new flex fuel vehicles this coming year.  Flex fuel vehicles are those that can use fuel with blended-ethanol that contains up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

Ford is asking Congress to increase the availability of fuel pumps that dispense E85, a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.  Ford urged the committee to consider tax credits for research and development on ethanol production and vehicle technology. Tax incentives were also suggested, to encourage consumers and businesses to use renewable fuels.

So it would seem the 2 automakers are taking a stand that supports the countrys economy and health through the use of renewable energy sources like ethanol.  I think that’s great and applaud their efforts.  Lets all support them.

Farmers Union Oil of Southern Valley is a leader in our area in the renewable fuels industry.  E10 is available at all of our locations and E85 is available at our Wahpeton store.

John