Wis. Bio Industry Alliance: Representatives from seven Wisconsin ethanol facilities attend annual RFA Conference

Contact: Joshua Morby 414.791.9120

Twelve other state companies present; shows economic impact of fuel

Milwaukee, Wis. – Representatives from seven of Wisconsin’s ethanol facilities and twelve other companies with a presence in the state are in attendance early this week for the Renewable Fuels Association National Ethanol Conference.

The event, which runs from February 20-22 in Phoenix, Arizona, offers those invested in the ethanol industry an opportunity to learn about current development in biofuel policy and technology and the future of the fuel.

“The strong Wisconsin presence at the RFA conference shows the economic impact ethanol production has on our state,” said Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance, who is also in attendance. “That’s why it is so baffling that Rep. Sensenbrenner would try to block EPA approval of E15, which would provide a boost to Wisconsin’s economy.”

Legislation introduced last week by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner would stop the EPA from approving usage of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline in newer vehicles.

A study by North Dakota State University last year outlined the positive effects E15 would have on the nation’s economy, including creating 136,000 new jobs and generating an additional $24.4 billion in economic activity. The use of E15 would also displace nearly 7 billion gallons of gasoline from imported oil.

Multiple studies have also been done to examine the effects of E15 on engines. Among those studies is one conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy that concluded there were no significant changes in vehicle drivability when E15 was used instead of traditional gasoline. In fact, the fuel is so safe that NASCAR has begun using E15 in three of its national touring seasons events this year.

Wisconsin currently ranks eighth in the nation in ethanol production capacity at roughly 500 million gallons per year.

“E15 is economically beneficial for Wisconsin, better for the environment, and perfectly safe in most vehicles on the road,” Morby said. “Hopefully the number of Wisconsin companies in attendance this week will demonstrate the economic harm caused by blocking E15 approval, and hopefully Congress has the foresight to reject this proposed legislation.”

The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance 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 the Bio Industry in Wisconsin.

For more information about the Alliance, or to find out how to join, please visit our website: http://www.wisconsinbioindustry.com.