AgWeb.com Editors

Seeking to educate Capitol Hill staff, administration officials and members of the media about the realities of cellulosic ethanol production in the United States, the Renewable Fuels Association today will host an education seminar entitled “Cellulosic Ethanol: The Future is Now.”

Featuring Acting Secretary of Agriculture Charles Conner and RFA member companies who are at the forefront of developing cellulosic ethanol production, the seminar will drive home the commitment and determination of the U.S. ethanol industry to bring cellulosic ethanol technology to the market. Additionally, the event will demonstrate that such technology is on the verge of becoming a commercial reality.

Ahead of the seminar, RFA President Bob Dinneen underscored the importance of cellulosic ethanol production to the future of the industry and the role it will play as we move forward:

“Cellulosic ethanol production is the natural evolution of the grain-based ethanol industry we are familiar with today. This is not a case of having to choose one technology over another, grain over cellulose. The fact of the matter is we are going to need it all. We are faced with an energy crisis in this country that will require the continued use of grain as well as the increasing use of cellulose to produce low-carbon ethanol to meet our nation’s growing fuel demands.

“There is not an ethanol company associated with the RFA that isn’t aggressively researching cellulosic ethanol technology. Our industry is cognizant of the limits of grain-based ethanol given today’s technology. We fully understand that in order to satisfy the demand for a renewable alternative to oil and gasoline we must develop all kinds of biofuels. Ethanol production from grain, cellulose and other feedstocks is the only viable option today that can substantially move America toward a more stable and secure energy future.

“Critics of the ethanol industry are quick to point out what they perceive to be its flaws, failing to take into account the rapid development and adoption of new technologies. To criticize ethanol production today would be akin to scrapping the television because vacuum tubes didn’t provide a good enough picture. Like the HDTVs we have today, the future of the U.S. ethanol industry is very clear. Through the natural evolution of this industry, tomorrow’s ethanol producers will be using a plethora of feedstocks, including wood chips and grain, to meet the growing global energy demand.

“The future of the ethanol industry is exciting and cellulosic ethanol production holds tremendous potential to significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and begin to help mitigate the dangerous effects of global climate change. Together with the strong foundation built by today’s grain-based ethanol industry, America’s farmers and ethanol producers are ready to do their part to ensure a stronger energy, economic and environmental future for generations to come.”