Indy Racing League (IRL) driver Paul Dana's legacy as a biofuels advocate lives on through an award for other leaders in the biofuels industries. The Paul Dana Leadership in Biofuels Award was announced in May at the IRL 2006 Ethanol Summit, along with three recipients for 2006. Dana was killed in a IRL practice accident in March.

On Aug. 28, Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman held a ceremony at the Indiana State House, at which she officially recognized and honored the 2006 awardees: Mike Ladisch of Purdue University, Kellie Walsh of the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance and Jon Lantz of Countrymark Co-op.

"Paul Dana was a man who understood the incredible upside to the development and use of biofuels," said Skillman, who also serves as the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Governor Mitch Daniels and I would like to honor those who have shown great leadership in the biofuels industry, just as Paul did as he promoted ethanol use. … The three individuals we honor today are examples of the dedication and vision that marked Paul Dana's life and legacy."

Ladisch is a professor at Purdue, where he directs the Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering. According to a statement from the lieutenant governor, Ladisch received the award because of his research in cellulosic ethanol. His research focuses on the study of biocatalytic processes.

Walsh, Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance executive director, received the honor for her efforts to install E85 public pumps across Indiana. Since January 2005, 30 public E85 sites have been installed, and there are commitments for 19 more. Walsh was also recognized this year with the Coordinator's Choice award for best Clean Cities coordinator.

Lantz, is the vice president for supply and marketing at Countrymark Co-op, which works with biodiesel distribution. More than 80 percent of the biodiesel in Indiana moves through Countrymark.