May 04, 2010
Oil Spill Brings Opportunity for Ethanol (Hoosier Ag Today)
One of the nation’s worst environmental disasters may provide an opportunity for ethanol. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has turned into an environmental disaster and an embarrassment to the Obama administration. But, with renewed calls to stop offshore drilling, the renewable fuels industry is touting its environmental benefits. Tom Buis, with Growth Energy, told HAT they are finding a opportunity to tell their story, “We have long known in the ethanol industry that the benefits of fuels made in America, by American workers, and on American farms are far better than oil.” He said Growth Energy, one of the leading advocates for ethanol, will continue to make that case.
Buis said environmentalists have often been some of the sharpest critics of ethanol, but now they may find it harder to dismiss its benefits. “It is just a fact that we are cleaner and greener fuel that is produced right here in America,” said Buis. He said the current concern over offshore drilling may lend support to policies that increase ethanol production.
The President has already suspended his plan for new offshore drilling pending the outcome of this case. The sight of birds and other wildlife covered in crude oil is unlikely to convince him to reverse that anytime soon. The TV pictures have led California Governor Schwarzenegger to withdraw his support for drilling off his state....
