Happy new year! For many of us, the new year offers a symbolic fresh start, and we've decided it is the right time for EPM to welcome a new editor - Sue Retka Schill. Sue is no stranger to ethanol or agriculture. She's spent most of her life farming and covering ag-related industries as a writer and editor. She most recently served as assistant editor for EPM's sister publication, Biodiesel Magazine. Prior to that, she spent several years covering the ethanol industry as a writer for EPM. I can't think of a more capable person to leave the magazine with than her.

Having said that, turning over the ethanol reigns is bittersweet for me. In my relatively short time as editor of EPM, I've had the pleasure of working with many committed members of the industry. You've inspired me to work harder, learn more and speak louder to bring to light issues facing ethanol producers and achievements made by industry members.

I will be stepping away from EPM, but not from the ethanol industry. I'll continue to edit for BBI International, focusing on environmental issues. As Growth Energy pointed out in its comments to the U.S. EPA last week, ethanol stands to be directly impacted by proposed environmental rules and I am sure I'll be speaking with many of you as the year unfolds. I look forward to continuing to witness advancements made by the industry and covering the environmental benefits of ethanol production.

Here's to a productive and successful 2010!