PO Box 1146
Salida, CO USA  81201
(719) 539-0300
Fax: (719) 539-0301
info@bbibiofuels.com  

Posted on  

January 15, 2001

Idaho Ethanol Workshop: Proclamation, Awards & Determination

Paul Mann (left) receives award on behalf of J.R. Simplot for their contributions to advancement of ethanol

“Ethanol and Idaho: Partners for the Future” was the theme of an Ethanol Workshop held Thursday, January 11 in Boise, Idaho. More than 100 people attended the workshop at which a proclamation by Governor Dirk Kempthorne was read that proclaimed January “Ethanol Awareness Month.” Idaho has been successfully producing and using ethanol for 15 years. The J. R. Simplot Company makes ethanol from potato waste and groups in several areas of the state are interested in building plants. The attendees concurred that ethanol production is a means of bolstering rural economy and allowing farmers to be involved in the processing of their own crops. Idaho is first in potato production, second in sugar beets and barley, and has an abundance of forest residues. Also, air quality is a concern in the beautiful state of Idaho, which is the fourth fastest growing region in the Northwest and the ratio of vehicles is growing even more rapidly. “It’s time to get a handle on what’s going out the tailpipe,” said Karin Hendrickson of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

Four awards were presented for outstanding efforts in the advancement of ethanol in the state. Jim Glancey of Wyoming Ethanol has its marketing office in Boise. Jim has been a nationally recognized promoter ethanol since the early 80’s. Paul Mann accepted the award on behalf of the J. R. Simplot Company at which he has been the ethanol spokesperson, educating and promoting since the plant began production. Kent Johnson, president of Fearless Farris Stinker Stations, was presented an award because the independent marketer chain is a leader in selling ethanol blends. The last recipient was Mark Cherry, whose company has developed a product called aquanol, a unique fuel composed of 70% ethanol and 30% water.

Because the participants felt there was so much to be gained by a larger ethanol industry, an ethanol-working group will be formed that will be charged with the responsibility of creating a pathway to greater ethanol production in the state.

“Ethanol Awareness Month” also features an exciting promotional and educational campaign in which $25,000 of ethanol blended gasoline will be given to consumers. $5.00 coupons will be honored at specified locations and dates throughout the month. Experts will visit with people as they fill their tanks and literature will be handed out.

The Idaho Workshop is a part of the Ethanol Workshop Series (EWS) sponsored by the U.s. Department of Enterer and the Regional Biomass Energy Program. For more details on the Idaho workshop and other participating states, go to www.bbiethanol.com and click on DOE Workshops.