Back in 2006, the first time I worked for BBI International, ethanol was still the darling of most politicians. This was before the nonsense of food vs. fuel and indirect land use change. And it was before rising food prices were wrongly blamed on biofuels. (For more information, see the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance industry issues page.)

Then, in 2010, I returned to BBI and found a very different atmosphere. Construction of new corn-ethanol plants had halted, the reality of cellulosic ethanol was still a ways off and some companies were struggling to get out of bankruptcy. It wasn’t cool for politicians to show their support for ethanol anymore. Even if they did see the value of ethanol, most were very careful to use the word biofuels, not specifically ethanol. Because supporting the next-generation biofuels industry was one thing, but talking about the positives of corn-ethanol, well, that took some chutzpah.

The tide has changed, yet again. With positive margins, the ethanol industry has paid off debt, optimized its plants and many companies have added or are in the process of installing new technologies. There’s no more “five more years” for the cellulosic ethanol, commercialization of that industry is here today. And the first-generation industry is right in there, producing second-generation fuel right alongside grain-based alcohol.

On Aug. 26, Nebraska’s Gov. Dave Heineman declared the entire month of September to be Renewable Fuels Awareness month, intended to celebrate the industry’s positive contributions to the state and its citizens. One in ten of Nebraska motorists drives one of the more than 180,000 flex-fuel vehicles in the state, the press release said. The positive contribution of distillers grains, ethanol’s main coproduct, were also mentioned. “Nebraska is the Golden Triangle.  We grow the corn and soybeans, raise the livestock and produce the renewable fuels,” Heineman said. “Renewable fuels provide many benefits to our state including developing rural communities, creating jobs, providing a locally produced homegrown fuel for consumers, and more.”

Granted, politician’s serving Midwest states are typically more likely to understand the importance of renewable fuels. Still, it was nice to see the governor doing something to show his support and raise awareness. Happy Renewable Fuels Awareness month, Nebraska!

Another press release came out the same day, highlighting the names of Iowa legislators with good voting records in supporting renewable fuels. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Political Action Committee announced 16 recipients of its Champion of Renewable Fuels awards for state legislators. “These award winners have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the renewable fuels industry and have worked tirelessly to strengthen Iowa’s economy by improving opportunities for ethanol and biodiesel,” said Walt Wendland, President and CEO of Homeland Energy Solutions and IRFA PAC treasurer. 

If the senator or represenative serving your area doesn't see the value in biofuels, it's up to you to correct that. Call, write or stop by thier office. Invite them on a plant tour. (contact info can be found here and here.) And, if she or he doesn't catch on, show your displeasure at the polls.