Vision Is Scary: Ethanol Production

Here is an idea of which I proposed in 1998. West Virginia, as a state commodity, be responsible for the origin’s, cultivation and promotion and sales of ethanol as a gasoline alternative. And, as of this writing, with gas prices skyrocketing, I am sure you would agree it is a needed process.

Present Day: 2006

The nation’s growing thirst for ethanol is leading to a mini boom in plant construction---so why can’t this process and development be utilized here in West Virginia?

Thirthy-three ethanol plants are under construction, and another eight of the 95 plants in operation are being expanded, the Renewable Fuels Association reports.
Ethanol is a plant-based alcohol fuel that’s seen as a way to lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Besides the energy bill signed by President Bush that encourages greater use of ethanol as an ecologically sound fuel additive, ethanol makers are getting a boost from Detroit, where automakers are promoting vehicles that can burn E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The more common gasohol is 10% ethanol.
Ethanol supplies are expected to more than double in the next decade, from 4 billion gallons produced last year to 9.8 billion by 2015. Current producers are at full speed. We, as a state, need to act now.

Builders say they have more wok than they can handle. Some of the expansion is from existing operators. Archer Daniels Midland, the largest producer, plans to increase from 1.1 billion gallons a year today to 1.5 billion by 2008. Last month ADM announced a plant will be built in Columbus, Nebraska. And from experience, I know West Virginian’s can out work and out think any state!

But some plants are planned outside the Corn Belt. Which are California, Arizona and Hawaii.
All of these plants are going to rely on corn shipped by rail and cattle feed as a byproduct.
I believe this could be accomplished here in West Virginia easily! With the growing amount of Government assistance available, and our great soil used to produce corn, then we have a big winner just sitting here waiting to be prodded into existence.

What a better way to help the nation and most importantly the farming and cattle producers of West Virginia. And all the while creating good paying jobs that helps out several well chosen counties. An added plus is that this process and usage is ecological in all aspects.

So, once again I will try to bring this idea to fruition.