ethanol bill

[mike77]

i would like to urge all of you who do not want government to force (mandate) on us to contact your state senator to vove against the ethanol bill.

-ethanol will not make us less dependant on forien oil. we set less fuel milage in our cars so we will have to burn more oil.

-it takes energy to make the ethanol. you have to truck it to the ethanol plant. you have to make the ethanol. you then have to truck it to the tank farm where it will be blended with the gas.


-republicans are in on this too. one of the bills' sponcers- brother will be an owner of a new ehtanol plant.

if they want us to use ethanol then i should get an advantage from it like better milage. make cars get more mpg first- then i'll buy a car to suit.

please call your state senator. if you don't know the number, an easy way is to go to belling.com-click on the icon contact your state reps.- put your address in andclick. it already passed the assembly and is in the senate now. it's easy call the number- you will probably get an aid person on the phone tell them who you are and where you live and you views on the ethanol bill (or whatever you are calling about) and then thank them. emails probably don't work as well.
thanks mike

[AlumniClub]

Wisconsin needs to make sure it is part of this movement, "Wisconsin's developing ethanol industry is important to our rural economy.

The ethanol sector’s rapid ascent from a cottage industry to a robust source of renewable fuels has been called the greatest success story in modern agriculture. It’s easy to see why.

Ethanol is a significant market for U.S. corn, But ethanol’s value goes far beyond its role as a major use of corn. Ethanol plants have helped rejuvenate rural communities across the country by creating high-paying jobs, boosting local tax revenues and creating partnership opportunities for local businesses. Additionally, ethanol helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and displacing the harmful additive MTBE from reformulated gasoline.


NCGA will continue to work with ethanol and feed industry leaders, livestock nutritionists and others to ensure ethanol producers continue to have a market for this valuable coproduct.

Ethanol isn’t the only product manufactured by ethanol plants. A coproduct of the ethanol process is distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a high-protein, high-energy livestock feed. Though DDGS have long been fed to beef and dairy cattle, swine and poultry producers are beginning to see the value of including DDGS in their feed rations.

Eliminates the need and expense of adding a gas line antifreeze, since ethanol in gasoline absorbs more water than a small bottle of isopropyl.

Millions of Americans have driven billions of trouble-free miles using ethanol-blended gasoline over the past quarter century. The majority of this gasoline has been E-10 Unleaded, a blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent ordinary unleaded gasoline. However, E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent ordinary gasoline) is rapidly becoming an important part of the nation’s fuel supply.

It’s also important to note that energy from ethanol is not the only result of ethanol production. Coproducts such as distillers grains, gluten feed, carbon dioxide, and corn sweeteners are also created in ethanol production. That means that not all the energy used by an ethanol plant is directed at manufacturing ethanol, thus further improving the net energy balance of ethanol production.

Sugar cane grows in the extreme southern United States, but not in the cooler climates where corn is dominant. However, many regions that currently grow corn are also appropriate areas for growing other crops that can be used for energy production. These crops include corn stover, sugar beets, wheat straw, hybrid poplars, and dedicated herbaceous biomass feedstocks such as switchgrass or bermudagrass. Some studies indicate that using these sugar beets would be a much more efficient method for making ethanol in the U.S. than using corn. United States Department of Energy reports have shown that a minimum farmgate price, hybrid poplars and switchgrass would be economically advantageous over conventional crops in certain regions of the U.S.

Ethanol appears to be less of a fire hazard than gasoline; while methanol, being more volatile, is somewhat more prone to fire and explosions. However, since ethanol and methanol dissolve in water (rather than floating on it like gasoline) their fires can be extinguished with ordinary water hoses.

One of the problems with accidental combustion of pure ethanol is that it burns with a dim, blue flame, with invisible smoke. Methanol flames are dim enough to be considered invisible in daylight. Blending significant amounts of gasoline produces a highly visible flame; small quantities of dye can also produce this effect.

[mike77]

so it is good that the government forces us touse ethanol because they KNOW BETTER than us little folk

[AlumniClub]

FACT
Millions of Americans have driven billions of trouble-free miles using ethanol-blended gasoline over the past quarter century.
------------


If I would pick oil over other resources it would be for other resource no matter who wanted it, the Goverment or private corporation.
New technology always produces more products and more jobs.
I would rather my money invested in corn farmers in the USA than Oil corporation in other countrys.

Who do you want to depend on a oil soaked county not interested in your family values..
OR
A family farmer & private corperations working with other corporation to develop better resources and ways to use those resources.


No matter if the goverment has their hand in the farmers pocket as it has been for many years before I was born, we need to find better ways to use OUR resources in our country to benefit the USA.

I do not believe corn should be the only resource we should tap, other resource can be used besides corn.
Suger cane, corn stover, sugar beets, wheat straw, hybrid poplars, and dedicated herbaceous biomass feedstocks such as switchgrass or bermudagrass are also crops used in ethanol.
Think of where these crops come from.

We can do better than 100% virgin crude.

"I am not pro/con goverment or pro/con ethanol but I am thinking of people that will live on this earth after me." Earl Jorgensen

[AlumniClub]

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Biomass Program develops technology for conversion of biomass (plant-derived material) to valuable fuels, chemicals, materials and power, so as to reduce dependence on foreign oil and foster growth of biorefineries. Biomass is one of our most important energy resources. The largest U.S. renewable energy source every year since 2000, it also provides the only renewable alternative for liquid transportation fuel. Biomass use strengthens rural economies, decreases America's dependence on imported oil, avoids use of MTBE or other highly toxic fuel additives, reduces air and water pollution, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Today's biomass uses include ethanol, biodiesel, biomass power, and industrial process energy.

[Crys]

I found an interesting article on investing and ethanol at money.cnn.com:

http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/30/mark...tune/index.htm

One of the more interesting features of articles posted there is that there are links to research information on any company mentioned in the article.

Another article on the same site that talks more specifically about ethanol (and less about investing):

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortu...7959/index.htm

If I could stop using gas and oil entirely, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I still haven't figured out how to do so completely, but frankly, it's cheaper for companies to be irresponsible polluters and they can make more money by creating extreme scarcity (beyond the truth of the dwindling supply) than by being responsible for their actions and their part in the destruction of the planet and the financial problems of average citizens who can't afford to drive to work anymore and still make their rent and feed their children at the same time. The only way to force fuel corporations to offer us alternatives is going to end up being legislation of some kind.

I don't know anything about the particular bill in question (do you have a link to the text of it so I can read it?), but frankly I'm looking forward to fossil-fuel alternatives.

Mike: I fail to see where RedRaven said "the government knows better than us". In fact, the only reference to the govt. in his post was a reference to a DoE study on crops. How does the one lead to the other?

[AlumniClub]

Very neat links Crys.

I also found this link from your link and was blown away by this, but is it true?

Bush will push green fuel
State of the Union will include an ethanol plug. Will it matter?

http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/31/news...tune/index.htm



I will be watching this State of the Union address tonight.

Thanks for the info Crys!

[AlumniClub]

http://www.brownfieldnetwork.com

This is where I found the bill. I hope this is what Mike is talking about.
I looked in many Goverment sites to find out more info.
Please correct me if this is the wrong info.
I'll try to find the Senate link to this bill later tonight if no else does before me.

4.04p Updated info: www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-15.pdf


Quote from Brownfield's site-
“With each day that goes by, we gather more information that supports the benefit of ethanol for Wisconsin,” the president adds, citing new evidence from the University of California-Berkley that, "confirmed that producing ethanol from corn uses much less petroleum than producing gasoline, supporting studies done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the last ten years."

[mike77]

http://www.620wtmj.com/_content/talk...d=8&entry=6696
here is a link, i hope it worked that says how i feel about the government mandate on ethanol.
when i use ethanol i get less mpg so i have to spend more on fuel, which means i will spend less on other iems in the economy.
multiply this times everyone in wisconsin and it adds up to more spending on fuel including still being more dependant on foriegn oil.
first give me a car that gets good milage on ethanol then the market will demand more ethanol.
plantshttp://www.gmtoday.com/milwaukeetoday/editorials/belling/belling_01042006.asp

here is another link. thanks mike77[/url]

[AlumniClub]

Mike,
I do understand your points. I think in order to achieve a less economy dependent on foreign oil and protect our environment is is continue to look for better ways to use our government to our advantage.
If the government mandates ethanol, then we as Americans need to push our government to mandate auto manufactures to engineer engines which perform better with other fuels then oil. I think to get there, a mandate on ethanol will push the automaker industry to explore the idea of supply and demand.

Mike.
Be sure to check out this study on MPG with ethanol. It does point out your concerns.
http://www.ethanol.org/documents/ACE...onomyStudy.pdf

But, A vehicle that averages 30 MPG on the highway would average 29.4 MPG using ethanol-blended fuel, a small price to pay for a cleaner environment.
It’s also important to note that energy from ethanol is not the only result of ethanol production. Coproducts such as distillers grains, gluten feed, carbon dioxide, and corn sweeteners are also created in ethanol production. That means that not all the energy used by an ethanol plant is directed at manufacturing ethanol, thus further improving the net energy balance of ethanol production.

[AlumniClub]

Here is the link to to the Wisconsin State Senate.
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/senate.html

[AlumniClub]

Businesses See Ethanol Legislation as Key to Economic Development



MADISON – Support among Wisconsin’s businesses and employers continues to generate momentum for the passage of Assembly Bill 15. Known as the ethanol bill, AB 15 calls for the use of 10 percent ethanol in Wisconsin gasoline.



“More and more trade groups and organizations representing Wisconsin’s employers are supporting the passage of this legislation because of the potential it has to create jobs and place Wisconsin at the forefront of the bio-based economy in America,” said Bill Oemichen, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, a lead partner in the Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition.



“Passage of the ethanol bill will push Wisconsin past the tipping point and into the new economy, opening doors of opportunity for Wisconsin to continue to develop innovative industries to keep pace with developments in the renewable fuel industry,” Oemichen said.



A number of organizations representing Wisconsin’s important paper and pulp industry have joined the coalition. New members joining include: the Wisconsin Professional Loggers Association; the Timber Producers Association of Michigan and Wisconsin; Lake States Lumber Association; and Plum Creek Timber Company. Simply put, the passage of this legislation means jobs for Northern Wisconsin.



“This legislation opens the door for economic opportunities for Wisconsin companies to expand and create jobs. The support from Wisconsin’s timber industry is a telling sign of the economic impact this legislation will have on regions like Northern Wisconsin,” said Matt Jensen, President of the Wisconsin Professional Loggers Association. Jensen owns and operates Whitetail Logging in Crandon.



There are currently four ethanol plants on line in Wisconsin and two more under construction. For a list of additional supporters and to find out more about the ethanol industry, please visit www.wisconsinethanol.com.



The Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition is a diverse group of businesses, environmental groups, and statewide and local organizations that have come together to build both public and legislative awareness of ethanol issues in Wisconsin. The ethanol industry is proud to have the support of both Republican and Democratic legislators, as well as Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle.



Governor Doyle supports AB 15 and has pledged to sign it into law once it reaches his desk.

SOURCE: WisconsinEthanol.com e-newsletter 2-13-06

[AlumniClub]

Workers, Experts, Labor Leaders Agree:

Ethanol Means Good Jobs for Wisconsin



MADISON – Workers, labor leaders, experts, and biotech executives from around the state agree that expanding ethanol use will create new jobs and economic growth in Wisconsin.



"Ethanol means a lot to the working people in the Friesland area. The average wage at the United Wisconsin Grain Producers ethanol plant is approximately $43,000 each year, plus health insurance, retirement benefits, and a profit sharing plan," said John Haas, an employee at the Friesland ethanol plant. “These are the high wage jobs we want to grow in Wisconsin.”



President Bush was in Wisconsin Monday promoting clean energy and ethanol. The State Senate soon will consider Assembly Bill 15, which gives all Wisconsin drivers the choice of 10 percent ethanol in regular gasoline. AB 15 will spur new jobs, lower emissions, lower gas prices, and reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil, and Governor Doyle has pledged to sign it into law once it reaches his desk.



There are currently four ethanol plants on line in Wisconsin and two more under construction, and this legislation could lead to the construction of 10 new ethanol plants to meet demand.



“Ethanol will build an industry in our state that benefits multiple employment sectors,” said Terry Hayden, Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association executive board member. “The construction of one ethanol plant will create 100 jobs over four months for pipefitters alone. Our focus for Wisconsin must be to expand the economy and create family-supporting jobs; ethanol can do just that.”



That assessment comes from “Community Impact of Biodiesel and Bioethanol Plants,” software developed by UW’s Renk Agribusiness Institute based on an input-output analysis. A typical 40 million gallons per year plant that employs 32 people inside the plant will create 3.4 times that many jobs outside the plant for a total of 141 jobs. That plant would conservatively sell $60 million worth of ethanol each year and create total industry sales of $102 million.



“Ethanol plants have a major job and community impact,” said Professor T. Randall Fortenbery, Department of Ag and Applied Economics at University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Creating 10 new plants this size could create at least $1 billion in new economic activity and 1,410 new jobs.”



“Our company is working with ethanol producers to increase the efficiency of ethanol production by 10 percent using biotech enzymes to get more fuel out of our corn,” said John Biondi, Chief Operating Officer at Lucigen Corporation in Middleton. “This bill will help us promote solutions to use other crops like soybeans and switchgrass for fuel, and improve the quality of feed from ethanol plants.”



Wisconsin currently imports all of its oil from other states -- $6.5 billion worth last year – which accounts for a 130,000 job drain from the state.



A recent study from the Energy Foundation showed that Wisconsin could grow all of its own gasoline by 2050 with a major commitment to ethanol.



The Wisconsin Ethanol Coalition is a diverse group of businesses, environmental groups, and statewide and local organizations that have come together to build both public and legislative awareness of ethanol issues in Wisconsin. The ethanol industry is proud to have the support of both Republican and Democratic legislators, as well as Governor Doyle.



For more information, contact www.wisconsinethanol.com.

SOURCE: WisconsinEthanol.com e-newsletter 2-23-06

[Joshua]

i like corn, but concidering it doesn't desolve in my tummy (I can tell when I use the bathroom) we should use it in cars.

that's my scientific view of that. About as educatied as I get on that issue.