As a part of the national FFV Awareness Campaign, the “FlexFuel Vehicle/Motor Vehicle Administration” project will work with MVAs in six states on outreach opportunities such as developing an FFV owner database, vehicle registration and license renewals, safety inspection and emissions notices, and including information with the energy/emergency preparedness program, state websites, and at point of service. The six states are Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Maryland, Georgia, and Florida.

“Working together with MVAs and automakers we want to reach drivers of FFVs to make sure they are aware that their vehicles have the capability of using high-level ethanol blends,” said FFV Awareness Campaign Manager Burl Haigwood. “Educating drivers about fuel choice will result in proper refueling and protect ethanol’s stellar 30-year marketplace reputation.”

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers CEO Mitch Bainwol says they represent 12 companies of FFVs that see the need for consumer education. “FlexFuel Vehicles are a growing segment of the auto pool. We are pleased to help sponsor this project to increase the use of alternative fuels like E85 and in so doing, educate drivers to avoid the potential for misfueling.”

FFV Awareness Campaign supporters noted that reaching drivers in cooperation with the DMVs is essentially a no-to-low cost means to help states meet their goals to reduce petroleum use, support new biofuel technologies, and improve air quality. The Alliance now joins EPA, USDA, several Clean Cities Coalitions, and over 30 Ag/Energy/Environmental organizations that support the FFV Awareness Campaign.

The PV panels were donated by the SunPower Foundation and will be installed as part of the solar training course. Once installed, the four SunPower solar panels will generate energy for two Greenpeace Africa mobile solar showcase units. They will be on display during the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNGCCC) taking place in Durban November 28-December 9, 2011. Each unit will utilize solar-powered multi-media technology devices, including televisions, laptops and sound systems.

“With this donation, the SunPower Foundation remains true to its mission — to empower the world’s next generation of solar leaders,” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “We hope that the Greenpeace Solar Training course will inspire local youth to explore solar technology and create renewable solutions for energy needs in this part of the world and beyond.”

In addition to the donation of the four panels. SunPower Foundation has also announced its plans to solarize the Greenpeach Africa Johannesburg headquarters with a SunPower rooftop system later this year. Olivia Langhoff, campaigns director for Greenpeace Africa added, “This donation provides an impetus for investment and is a demonstration that renewable energy solutions are feasible.”

Slunecka told me that the training seminars came about by the request of the ethanol industry itself. This seminar was designed a little differently – it is set up so that after two days, an attendee can go back to his or her plant and immediately put the information learned to work. Also unique to the seminar is that class size is small and this fosters good interactions with the instructors and other attendees.

“One thing we’ve also held as a core of the Process Optimization Seminars is that the class sizes are small. So the one-to-one relationship between the trainer and those who’ve come to learn new technologies, is a very personal one,” explained Slunecka. “You’re right there, you’re with the instructor, you’re class is small with folks that are doing the same thing you are. So the flow of information back and forth is really refreshing.”

Listen to my interview with Tom Slunecka here: The 411 on the POS Seminars

He also stressed that the instructors make sure they are giving information that is usable, immediately, as soon as the operators get home to the plant. And this is important, he said, because training is paramount to how well a plant is going to run and how profitable that plant is running.

Success stories have come out of each of the five seminars to date and Slunecka said many plants have told him their ethanol yield per bushel has gone up. “Maybe only a point or two but that can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars for that plant.”

All indications are that this will be yet again another sold out show. Slunecka said they have been so overwhelmed with the response of the industry that every single one of these training seminars has been sold out. So hurry and register – there are only few slots left and the early bird registration date is nearing. To learn more and to register, visit www.processoptimizationseminar.com.

Hilliard discussed the market for plastics, fabrics, cleaners and other bio-based materials, all made from soybeans, which can be used in place of materials made from petroleum. Supporters of “The Clean, Green Minnesota Bean included the United Soybean Board, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition and the American Lung Association in Minnesota.

Using crops such as soybeans and corn to create products rather than using petroleum is not new. Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, used soy plastics back in 1935 and every vehicle that rolled off the assembly line contained nearly 60 lbs, or one bushel of beans in the form of gearshift knobs, horn buttons, window frames, accelerator pedals, and more.

It may have taken multiple decades, but Detroit is once again looking to soy plastics. The AURI and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association recently held a conference in Mankota, Minnesota to discuss the potential of bio-based plastics to grow jobs in the state.

The groups are splitting duties: NEB will focus on FFV awareness and the economic benefits ethanol provides to both local and state communities and the national economy. “Ethanol is a cleaner, more inexpensive, renewable alternative to gasoline. Drivers want fuel choice, and high ethanol blend fuels like E85 allows them to save money, support Nebraska’s economy, and reduce pollution,” said Todd Sneller, Administrator of NEB.

Next door, the Nebraska Corn Board will have a blender pump on display with jars of corn representing corn production from 1930, 2011 and the future, complimented with a video showing the faces of Nebraska farmers.“There are approximately 100,000 FFVs in Nebraska and nearly 90 percent of consumers don’t know they drive a flex fuel vehicle,” said Kim Clark, Ag Program Manager from the Nebraska Corn Board. “The Nebraska State Fair is a great opportunity to educate consumers from all parts of the state about flex fuel vehicles and ethanol.”

On Saturday, September 3, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, there will be a “Do You Flex Fuel?” presentation. On hand to answer questions will be an auto mechanic, fuel retailer, ethanol expert and automobile salesperson. Finally, to showcase ethanol in action, the groups will host an ethanol blended fuel promotion beginning Saturday, September 3rd through September 5th. FFV drivers will see discounts on mid-level ethanol blends include a 20 cent discount on E20, 30 cents on E30 and 85 cents on E85. Click here for details on the FFV fuel promotions.

“Thanks to generous donations from ROUSH CleanTech and Ferrellgas, hundreds of thousands of Californians will be able to learn about home energy efficiency, solar energy and the products and incentives available to them when visiting the mobile exhibit,” said Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director. “This is a perfect example of how multiple clean technologies can work together to demonstrate energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote more sustainable practices.”

The tour includes a trailer that is being towed by a Ford F-250 pickup converted to run on propane autogas. When the truck needs to fill up, it will roll on into one of Ferrellgas’s 200 propane stations to refuel. In addition to ROUSH and Ferrallgas, the tour is also funded with money from the Department of Energy’s BetterBuildings Neighborhood program along with two state programs: Energy Upgrade California and go Solar California!

“Ferrellgas is proud to partner with the California Center for Sustainable Energy and ROUSH CleanTech to educate Californians about ways to save money and the environment by implementing energy efficiency solutions in their homes and at their businesses,” said George Koloroutis, president of Ferrell North America and senior vice president of Ferrellgas. “As the nation’s leading propane retailer, we’ve been doing just that for more than 70 years.”

Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH said that this is a great way demonstrate that propane autogas is the most readily deployable and flexible alternative fuel that can immediately address air concerns.

The contest was created five years ago and is open to all high school seniors who attend school in Minnesota. The contest is sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the American Lung Association in Minnesota.

Nicole Schaub, a 2011 graduate of White Bear Lake High School took second place and was awarded a $500 scholarship. In her essay she wrote, “Not only is biodiesel better for the environment, but its widespread use can decrease our dependence of foreign oil. With gas prices rising and our economy coming out of a recession, the use of biodiesel is a win-win for everyone.”

Click here to read the winning essays.

“I’ve found that students are very curious about biodiesel, but they come in with misinformation,” said Jason Mosler, UTI instructor and technical team leader. “They think that it’s fryer grease, that you can make it in your backyard. When we can clear the air on those misconceptions and explain what commercial biodiesel really is, their eyes are opened.”

The success of the training program has spawned additional local level programs. Recently, the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) received a grant to conduct similar training sessions. Both NBB and the Iowa Soybean Association have supported the IBB program.

“People listen to their automotive technicians, and if there is an information gap there, techs are not likely to recommend biodiesel to their customers,” said Rachel Burton, who leads NBB’s Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians program. “By increasing awareness at that level, we grow biodiesel acceptance in general and will ultimately help biodiesel reach its full potential, with all its benefits.”

For more information on training opportunities for OEMs and dealers, visit www.biodieselautomotive.org.

“The Greater Indiana Clean Cities has worked with fleets, both public and private, for more than ten years to implement alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies,” said Kellie Walsh, executive director of the Greater Indiana Clean Cities. “As the use of these fuels and technologies expand across Indiana, ensuring our first responders are adequately prepared to respond to incidents involving these fuels is critical. We are pleased to partner with the Renewable Fuels Association to host this training session, focusing on ethanol safety, the third such event our Coalition has hosted in the past five years.”

The training is based on materials created by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) and certificates of participation will be given to those who complete the course. Areas of training include firefighting foam principles and ethanol, ethanol blended fuel emergencies and response tactics for tank farm and bulk storage emergencies.

Robert White, director of market development for RFA added, “This fuel [ethanol] is transported via rail and truck to numerous fueling and storage locations throughout the state and country. It is important first responders and plant safety personnel are prepared in case of an ethanol related emergency. We are happy to provide the information they need to respond efficiently and effectively to an incident.”

Click here to register.

“BioEnergy RD&D (Research, Development and Demonstration) is a complex interdisciplinary challenge,” said Marcus Gay, biofuels information consultant, Elsevier Biofuels. “As a former BioEnergy R&D manager I am acutely aware of the technical, economic and commercial challenges faced by professionals in the industry. Elsevier’s Biofuel Information Discovery Tool pulls together scientific and commercial information enabling researchers to have this critical binocular vision during every stage of the development process.”

Using keywords, users can drill down to needed data and information. They can also tap into the Elsevier Biofuel Tree Thesaurus where more than 900 journals, 800 books, and 5.8 million patent documents are available. The platform also allows users to compare high-quality data specific to the biofuels industry including: solve problems with existing scientific knowledge; research new, promising advanced technologies; compare applicable approved pathways and methodologies; and minimize waste in resources.

“Having tested the beta version of Elsevier Biofuels discovery tool thoroughly, it became immediately apparent how limiting the information returned from internet only search is, by comparison,” said Dr. Skye Thomas-Hall, Senior Scientist, Cellana LLC. “The combination of high quality journal, book and patent information in one location, is a huge advantage that increased my efficiency by at least 15-20%.”

The first ad is called, “Building Better Fuels Today and Tomorrow,” and opens with the statement, “There are those who speculate America’s day has passed…”

“This is an important opportunity for us to provide real world examples of advanced biofuels delivering ready to use fuels for cars on the road today as well as commercial airliners and our national defense structure,” McAdams added. “No waiting for the day when costly changes are made on car assembly lines or gas stations.”

“Vehicle emissions are the single largest source of air pollution in the state of Minnesota, but we are also a leader in cleaner alternative fuels and vehicles,” said Robert Moffitt, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association in Minnesota. “Unlike many other parts of the country, Minnesota drivers have choices they can make that can reduce air pollution and the harm it causes to our health. The purpose of this lecture is to explain what these choices are.”

Parking is free, and light refreshments will be served. To reserve a spot, call Courtney at (651) 262-5084 or email Courtney.Blankenheim@lungmn.org.

One field of study at the EcoTech Institute is its Solar Energy Technology Program designed to educate students about all things solar energy technology. The program has updated facilities, modern labs and small class sizes – all things the school considers ideal for learning. Since opening, more than 300 students have attended the Aurora, Colorado, based school.

The solar curriculum prepares students for various jobs after graduation including construction, installation and repair of solar energy systems as well as working with architect or engineers as they design and install solar projects. For more information about the open house or to learn more about Ecotech Institute programs, click here.

“Ethanol in our region is now as common as gasoline as it is blended with almost all the gasoline sold. It brings with it many benefits from decreased contaminates, greenhouse gas emissions and health concerns when compared to petroleum,” said Rick Wallace, Coordinator of the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition. “Ethanol also has unique properties that first responders need to be aware of so they are well prepared for ethanol related emergencies. This is the perfect chance to get up to speed and it’s the right price, Free!”

Those attending the seminar will gain full ethanol emergency response training that they can immediately use in the field as well as share with other first response teams. A majority of this training is based on the Complete Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response, a training package created by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC). Certificates of participation will be distributed to those who complete the full course. Firefighters will be able use the training class towards their annual maintenance requirements, and Portland Community College will be offering CEUs. The seminar will also qualify for one hour for continuing education credits under Miscellaneous EMS Educational Topics.

“With ethanol safety still fresh in the minds of many in Portland, this seminar will provide first responders, hazmat teams and emergency personnel with the critical information they need to quickly and effectively respond to potential incidents involving ethanol,” concluded Robert White, RFA Director of Market Development. “Safety is everyone’s top priority.”

The workshop is targeted to biodiesel enthusiasts, engaged consumers, private businesses, maintenance contractors, schools, hospitals, municipalities, utilities and public buildings. The state of New York recently passed legislation requiring a 2 percent blend biodiesel (B2) to be used in all heating oil, known as BIOHEAT but biodiesel blends can also be used effectively in diesel equipment such as generators. After the speaker presentations, there will be an audience question and answer session. Participants will also receive educational materials provided by BioGenset.

Space is limited so please RSVP to info@biogenset.com. You can also register online at www.biogenset.com. The workshop is partially funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and also supported by the New York City and Lower Hudson Valley Clean Cities Communities.

The participating stations include Freedom Valu station at 1535 Beam Avenue in Maplewood, Minn. and the Bob & Steve’s BP station at 101 Aspen Drive in Somerset, Wisc. Both will discount E85 by 85 cents per gallon during the two-hour “E85 Border Battle” promotion. Wisconsin won the first contest by a slim margin last year.

Last year even state mascots were involved with Goldy Gopher cheering on customers in Minnesota and “Alice in Dairyland” promoting E85 in Wisconsin. They are expected to renew the rivalry again this year.

There will be a 30 gallon limit per customer during the E85 Border Battle promotion and customers should know that E85 is only intended for use in flex-fuel vehicles. Not sure if you own an FFV? There will be ethanol enthusiasts on hand to answer this question and any others you may have.

The event is being organized by the American Lung Association chapters in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which recognizes cleaner-burning E85 as a “Clean Air Choice™” fuel. Other supporters include the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Bob & Steve’s BP Amoco Shops, Erickson Oil and the Minnesota and Wisconsin Clean Air Choice Teams. For more information, see www.CleanAirChoice.org.

“This partnership with the Da Vinci Science Center is a great way to teach visitors about the value of energy efficiency and give them information they can use in their daily lives,” said Thomas C. Stathos, director of Customer Programs and Services for PPL Electric Utilities. “Most of the center’s visitors are children, and this exhibit focuses on them. These youngsters can influence energy efficiency in their own homes right now. They are the tenants and homeowners of the future, so it’s important they become educated energy consumers.”

The E-power House, located on the center’s first floor, features a bathroom, bedroom, laundry room, kitchen, and living room. Features include rooftop solar panels, examples of attic insulation, a ceiling fan, and a computer.

“The E-power House is a first-rate addition to the Da Vinci Science Center experience,” said Troy A. Thrash, the center’s executive director and chief executive officer. “Electricity is vital to all we do, for our necessities and life’s conveniences. Using energy efficiently is vital as well and this exhibit shows visitors how they can be smart energy consumers.”

The E-power House is sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities. In addition, their parent PPL Corporation, has been a long-time supporter of the science center and sponsors the Watt’s Up” section of the center where the house is located.

“For the industry, reaching that next level of process optimization is really the key for ongoing success,” said Rogers. “And what we wanted to do for this seminar is put together some leading suppliers for the industry and really offer our knowledge and expertise and have the opportunity to interact with our customers to holistically look at the process and give some techniques, tips and training that will help our customers to optimize their plants and become more profitable.”

In terms of the biofuels industry, Novozymes has been a leader for many years in developing enzymes to help optimize the production process for both first generation and next generation biofuels. Rogers said Novozymes has been able to innovate and bring out a lot of new products that have been able to really advance the process. For example, their most recent enzyme launched last year increases the conversion of the starch. By being more efficient in the conversion of starch to sugars, you see a much more efficient process than what was previously possible. As a result, the plants are getting better yields and at the end of the day, this means better profits.

Rogers notes that not only do you need a great product, but also process support and the understanding of how to apply the product or process. “Understanding how to use it optimally, is really the key to gaining those small extra percents of improvement,” said Rogers. “Even half a percent of improvement can be hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in additional profit for a plant.”

This is just one example of the products and technologies that will be discussed and how to integrate them most effectively into your process for higher efficiency and higher profits.

Learn more about the Process Optimization Seminar in my interview with Jack Rogers: Jack Rogers Discusses Process Optimization

Registration is limited and the early bird registration deadline is April 15th. Visit the Process Optimization Seminar website for more information and for online registration.

The program was designed by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension in partnership with KidWind. The experiment is set up in a way that will demonstrate how implementing alternatives to traditional energy production can have a positive impact on ecosystems and communities. The 4-H youth who participate in the program will enhance their engineering skills by designing, building and testing two different wind turbine models. Wired for Wind will also help youth relate their scientific experiences back to their own lives as they determine the best location for a wind farm in their state or local area by calculating wind power and studying wind data and maps.

“4-H National Youth Science Day is a great opportunity for young people across the country to have a hands-on experience about a current science topic. Introducing science and technology innovation to youth is why 4-H started more than 100 years ago,” said Lisa Lauxman, director of 4-H National Headquarters. “In the Wired for Wind experiment, youth will explore the science and engineering of wind energy technology, which may be the spark that encourages them to learn more about wind and other alternative energy sources and discuss the implications for the communities where they live.”

Now in it’s fourth year, the National Youth Science Day is a way for students to have hands-on scientific experience. Each year, Cooperative Extension System faculty and staff from the nation’s 109 land-grant colleges and universities are invited to submit proposals outlining and detailing an innovative experiment for youth to conduct during 4 H National Youth Science Day.

“We created this year’s experiment to help young people understand the important link between energy, the environment and their community,” said F. John Hay, Associate Extension Educator in Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension, who developed the National Science Experiment. “Ultimately, we hope that this experiment will inspire young people to continue their interest in science and engineering throughout their secondary education, into college and on into career opportunities.”

Steve Rust, the Marketing Director for Fremont Industries, has been involved in these seminars since their inception four years ago. While Rust explains they have been wildly successful, after receiving feedback from the participants, the team decided to move away from the Midwest and head to Houston where plant managers, general managers and operations managers can get an even more hands on experience. The group will be visiting a refinery as well as visiting SGS labs.

Listen to my interview with Steve Rust here: Steve Rust Discusses Process Optimization

Rust said past seminars have been a series of 100/200 level classes designed for operations managers to understand why they do what they do. Following the seminars, attendees approached the instructors asking for more in-depth sessions. As a result, this seminar will focus less on operations and more on the financial aspects on how to manage plant operations but with a focus on high-level managers. The sessions will focus more on the expertise of the sponsor companies and how they can aid the plant in becoming more profitable.

Fremont Industries has an expertise in water treatment and today has over 40 ethanol plants that they work with. Rust said that where water treatment technologies can really benefit a plant is in keeping costs down because the plant is running at peak efficiency. Rust said there are exchangers and pre-treatment equipment that can help keep a plant’s costs down and these will be discussed during the event.

I asked Rust why this this event is so unique and so important for the industry. “What we really try to do is respect the time away from the plant because we know plants are busy,” said Rust. He said that they moved the event to Houston because they knew that they wanted to give the attendees some extra value and things like the tours coupled with the seminar sessions would give them tools they could take back to the plant, implement immediately, and see their profits increase.

Registration is limited and the early bird registration deadline is April 15th. Visit the Process Optimization Seminar website for more information and for online registration.

Tom Slunecka of Phibro says the seminars have been very popular with ethanol plant operators and managers. “There just can’t be enough education, there’s always things changing and new technologies available,” Slunecka said. “We keep the class sizes very small so about 60 people are invited each time.”

Slunecka says this seminar will be a little different than the previous four. “This seminar is going to give managers some really tactical advantages to advance small, incremental changes in their plant,” he said. “It’s going to give management at the plant some new ideas and new ways to help their team get the absolute maximum out of the plant’s fermentation.”

Listen to Tom talk about what this seminar has to offer here: Tom Slunecka Interview

Guest speakers at the Houston event include:

Randall Sigle – Renewable Fuels Ethanol Instructor, Northeast Community College, who will provide insight into people management.

Doug Durante – Executive Director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition, who will provide an overview of the issues the ethanol industry is facing in Washington, DC and discuss the opportunities that may be available through carbon credits.
Bill Roddy – Corporate Environmental Manager, ICM who will share insights on carbon modeling and life cycle assessments for shipments of ethanol to California.
Dave Vander Griend, CEO, ICM who will discuss insights on next generation plants and other insights on an ever evolving industry.

In addition to the eduational sessions, participants can also engage in a Valero refinery tour, a tour of the SGS labs that includes a reception and dinner, and a chance to see the Houston Astros play the St. Louis Cardinals on April 28th.

Space is extremely limited. Register by April 15 to receive the early registration rate of $200 and includes all sessions, tours, meals and entertainment. Click here to register.

Douglas A. Durante, Executive Director of the Clean Fuels Foundation, the organization spearheading the Campaign said, “With rising tension in the Middle East and gasoline prices to match, FFV owners are going to be the nation’s first line of defense during the next oil shortage and/or price spike. FFV owners will have the option to use up to 85% ethanol in their FFVs while also supporting Ohio’s #1 economic engine – agriculture. Ohio has a large population of FFVs, ethanol production, a strong agricultural sector, numerous federal fleets, and automakers making FFVs. If economic development does not get everyone’s interest, we hope the $1,000 in free fuel will. These are trying times for our nation and we think FFV owners will want to try some higher blends of ethanol.”

As part of the Campaign, Ohio FFV motorists have a chance to stop by the booth during the show and register to win $20 E85 ethanol gift cards. In addition, POET Biorefining is sponsoring the $500 and $1000 FFV Awareness FlexFuel Giveaway drawings. After the event, the Ohio FFV Awareness team will continue to work with FFV dealers, E85 retailers and other stakeholders to launch the $1,000 FlexFuel grand prize.

“Many people don’t even realize that they have the option to use cleaner, American-made ethanol within their FlexFuel vehicles (FFV’s),” Bishop said. “This campaign changes that. If given the opportunity, I know even more U.S. drivers will choose to support American jobs and renewable energy by fueling up their FFVs with ethanol,” said Mike Bishop, General Manager, POET Biorefining and Vice President of Ohio Ethanol Producers.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo are 5 of the 33 markets with the highest concentration of FFV owners in the United States.

Sam Spofforth, Executive Director of Clean Fuels Ohio, a Clean Cities Coalition, added, “There are about 650,000 FFVs owners in Ohio. However, according to industry observers about 90% of FFV drivers don’t know they have a vehicle that can use any combination of gasoline ethanol up to 85% — or know that’s what makes their car flexible. We look forward to being a part of the Ohio FFV Awareness Campaign team and coordinating the selection of the $1,000 fuel giveaway winner from the state FFV owner database on July 4, 2011.”

Today, the organization has expanded to other gaseous fuels, renewable fuels and advanced technology vehicles. Executive Director Al Ebron said that they have three key areas that they focus on: project management where they manage large projects in the renewable fuels and advanced technology vehicle areas, curricula development and subsequently turning that curriculum into training programs, and outreach and education.

With the support of key members comprised of national training centers (that are made up of community colleges, universities and private training institutions), and their associate members that include high schools, NAFTC goes around the country and conducts specialized training workshops. Ebron explained that when they do technical training, they focus on one fuel. However, there are some courses, for example when they do first responder safety training, where they focus on multiple fuels.

Today, NAFTC, a nonprofit organization, is doing a lot of work with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). They have several major initiatives including the Clean Cities Learning Program where they are developing first responder safety training programs and they are developing petroleum reduction technologies, manuals and training programs. In addition, they are working on the Advanced Electric Drive Education Program. This is a very large program focusing on electric drive vehicle programs and the first elements of this program will be launched in the coming months.

The majority of their training sessions are in the summer when more people have the flexibility to attend and for those interested, you can view a schedule on NAFTC’s website. You can also obtain more information about how to become involved in supporting various programs in which the consortium is currently engaged.

To learn more about all of the work of NAFTC, listen to my interview with Al here: Interview with Al Ebron

2011 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

As a part of the Alternative Fuels Trade Alliance, the RFA and CCCs are able to hold these Ethanol Safety Seminars through the $1.6 million grant received from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This grant has been used to raise public awareness and foster understanding of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies across the country. The goal of these seminars is for attendees to gain a full ethanol emergency response training experience that they can put to use immediately in the field, as well as pass along to other first response teams. A majority of this training is based on the Complete Training Guide to Ethanol Emergency Response, a training package created by the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) that has been distributed throughout the United States and to several countries worldwide.

“America is nearing a 100 percent saturation point with E10 in our nation’s fuel supply,” said RFA Market Development Director, Robert White. “As ethanol continues to flow across the country through railways and trucks into fuel retail stations, it is important for first responders in these areas to be well prepared and trained for ethanol related emergencies.”

The seminar has already been held in Harrisburg, PA and will be held at eight more locations in 2011 including Boston Metropolitan area, MA; Charlotte, NC; Houston and Beaumont, TX; Portland, OR; Stockton, CA; Indianapolis, IN and in Northeastern, OH. Since over half of the nation’s fire departments are volunteer based, each location will have a morning and afternoon session to accommodate schedules and reach as many participants as possible. Each safety seminar is conducted with the local Clean Cities Coordinator and is taught by a professional trainer with a background in firefighter/hazmat materials response. The RFA has been working diligently with the State Fire Academies to offer certificates of training or participation that can be used toward their local department’s training requirements.

For more information or to sign up for the Ethanol Safety Seminars, visit www.rfa.traincaster.com.

I spoke about supporting the foundation with John Hiesdorffer, Iowa Soybean Association, pictured center. He describes the purpose of the foundation and how you can support it even if you’re not at the conference.

You can listen to my interview with John here: Interview with John Hiesdorffer

“NASCAR is very proud to welcome as partners the hard-working family farmers all over the United States who grow the corn that will be used in our new Sunoco Green E15 fuel,” said Brian France, Chairman and CEO of NASCAR. “We are happy our sport can play a part in creating jobs and fostering energy independence by using a renewable fuel grown and produced in America.”

Last year NASCAR announced that it would be switching to Sunoco Green E15, a 15 percent ethanol blend made with corn grown in America. Shortly thereafter, the league announced its partnership with the American ethanol industry that includes Growth Energy and the NCGA.

During a press call this morning, I asked how much E15 would be used in all three series. Jim O’Connell, Chief Sales Officer for NASCAR said that since this was the first year to use the fuel, he was unsure of the total number of gallons that would be used. However, he stressed that he was “absolutely sure it would be American grown, American produced ethanol.”

Darrin Ihnen, NCGA’s Chairman and a corn farmer from Hurley, South Dakota, also said during the call that they are excited about this opportunity to educate motorists and NASCAR fans at race tracks around the country about the great work American corn growers are doing in feeding and fueling the world. He said that ethanol will be extremely visible as it races around the track and in addition they will support their on-track campaign with high-profile TV ads as well as a strong grassroots campaign that will include American farmers on the track answering consumer questions about the fuel. NCGA will work closely with Growth Energy on their educational and promotional activities.

“The goal is to bring ethanol’s positive messages from job creation to cleaner air to consumers. When people hear a message like ‘American Ethanol: Trusted By NASCAR,’ that carries a lot of weight and adds to ethanol’s credibility and reputation,” concluded Ihnen.

Listen to NCGA’s NASCAR Partnership Press Conference here: NCGA Partners With NASCAR

The workshop is being held to continue the steps towards advancing transportation choices and economic development in the region, targeting local government officials, business decision makers, fleets, media professionals, and interested citizens on the benefits and opportunities of flex fuel vehicles and ethanol. It will also connect key flex fuel vehicle fleets with ethanol fuel providers.

Topics covered at the workshop will include: Federal/ State/Private FlexFuel Vehicle fleet in Texas, E85 refueling locations, fuel ethanol production; Meeting the Energy Policy Act, National Renewable Fuel Standards, upcoming compliance issues; Refueling infrastructure funding opportunities, supply logistics, blending economics, future opportunities, 2nd generation ethanol in Texas; National public education and outreach campaign and assistance from national ethanol organizations; FFV fleet operators will share their experiences and provide their lessons learned to the group; and an open forum for fleet managers, fuel providers, and technical assistant support teams to exchange information.

Ethanol workbooks and program materials will also be handed out at this workshop.

The workshop is FREE and will include a lunch beginning at noon and concluding at 3 p.m. on February 10 at the Alamo Area Council of Governments in San Antonio. To RSVP for this workshop, contact Yliana Flores at nrtemp@aacog.com.

“We have long been aware of the benefits of ethanol production at the local level, and the case studies we provide clearly quantify that. This brief also makes it clear that jobs resulting from the ethanol industry, both direct and indirect, fuel the economy at all levels,” said Douglas A. Durante, the director of the Ethanol Across America Campaign.

According to the Brief, and citing a third party study, the ethanol industry added $2.9 billion of gross output to the U.S. economy in just 2009. It also highlights the reduction in Federal outlays for farm programs as well as the substantial energy costs savings. The Brief states that increasing the motor fuel pool with ethanol lowers the cost of gasoline to consumers and the potential for reducing oil imports could lower the U.S. oil bill by more than $60 billion dollars per year.

The report also calculates that full implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), which will largely be met with ethanol, could increase net farm receipts across the country by $13 billion per year. One case study illustrates that a 50 million gallon per year biomass ethanol plant in the Northeast would generate $170 – $200 million in income and create between 4,000 and 6,000 jobs during construction. Ethanol production from wood, agriculture residues, waste paper, and other cellulosic sources is being looked at in every state.

“Displacing imported oil, reducing health costs, creating jobs, reducing federal outlays– the list goes on,” said Durante. “With Congress and the Administration calling for a renewed commitment to producing domestic, clean energy, biofuels like ethanol make more sense than ever. With so many new members of Congress eager to look at these issues, we wanted to make this information available to them as they begin this new session.”

Holm said he had an idea to build an American made vehicle and accessorize it with American made parts. He explained that not only does this show patriotism, but also demonstrates the environmental impact of shipping products into America – it increases pollution and fossil fuel use while American made products reduces these issues. The truck features tires made from “clean” oil, faux leather from recycled plastics, the doors will be made from a corn product, and more. And the fuel that the truck will be powered with is E85 cellulosic ethanol produced from corn cobs and light stover provided by POET who is in the process of building the first commercial corn corn and stover cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa known as Project Liberty.

“We’re taking an American-made pickup truck, outfitting it with American-made accessories and powering it with American-made advanced cellulosic fuels in order to emphasize our ability to be gentler to the environment, while bolstering American’s economy, national security, and independence from foreign oil,” said Holm.

The tour will visit consumers, organizations, and politicians across the country during the next two months and along the way will stop and participate in preservation projects. In fact, today, the tour made a stop in Sacramento where they met with several environmental organizations to discuss renewable energy and along the way stopped at a Propel Fuels’ station for a quick consumer promotion.

“Propel, EcoTrek, and POET each represent critical pieces to reducing our dependence on petroleum; widespread consumer access, advanced vehicle technologies, and the next generation of renewable fuels,” said Matt Horton, CEO of Propel Fuels. “Today we’re getting a preview of ultra-low carbon fuels from non-food sources, representing the next level of sustainability for fuels that can run in our vehicles today.”

You can follow along the tour by visiting www.ecotrek.com. You can view photos from my flickr California Ethanol Symposium photo album here.

The five solar learning pavilions include:

• Pavilion 1: SAVING THE EARTH – An introduction with photos and graphs to the environmental problems the world faces, and the solutions that are available through solar power.
• Pavilion 2: MARVELS OF THE SUN – Watch a six minute video with music illustrating the history, makeup and secrets of the sun.
• Pavilion 3: PAINTING THE SUN – An exhibition of sun-related drawings by children from around the world.
• Pavilion 4: SOLAR POWER BY KYOCERA – Features diagrams explaining how solar energy is converted into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. Also, a history of Kyocera’s solar power business activities since 1975.
• Pavilion 5: OUR SOLUTION – An outline of the solutions the Kyocera Group is working towards. Along with an introduction to the environmental and social responsibility activities of the Group.

The Kyocera Corporation was founded more than half a century ago, and has been involved in the solar power business for more than 35 years. The company  has been proactive in research, development and the promotion of solar power along with its other environmental activities. With the Solar Power Expo, Kyocera hopes to help increase awareness about environmental issues and the amazing capabilities of solar power as a clean energy source.