Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance

Ethanol, a renewable fuel made right here in Wisconsin, helps reduce our dependence on expensive foreign oil. Here are some facts:

• U.S. ethanol production in 2008 replaced 321.4 million barrels of oil, the equivalent of what the U.S. imports from Venezuela in 10 months. [Source: http://www.ethanolrfa.org/resource/facts/energy/]

• Every barrel of ethanol produced displaces 1.2 barrels of petroleum that would have otherwise been imported.

• By 2010, producing ethanol in the U.S. may displace the equivalent of 311,000 barrels of crude oil per day. [Source: http://www.ethanolfacts.com/ETHL2007/quickfacts.html]

Biodiesel, an environmentally friendly alternative fuel produced right here in Wisconsin, is safe to use in all engines that run on petroleum diesel.  Here are some facts:

• Nearly all major U.S. engine manufacturers, such as John Deere and GM, support the use of biodiesel in their engines.

• Manufacturers such as Mercedes and Peugeot have approved certain models and engines to run on biodiesel blends ranging all the way from B30 to B100.

• The city of Milwaukee’s Public Works has been using B20 in its vehicle fleet since 2006.

There are currently 140,000 flex-fuel vehicles on Wisconsin roadways, and the technology exists for all new cars to be made to run on E85. Here are some facts:

• Steven Chu, US Energy Secretary and 1997 Noble Prize for Physics winner, has called for all new cars to be able to run on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, showing that the technology is currently available.

The ARRA (Recovery Act) Wisconsin Clean Diesel Grant Program is now available via WDNR!

Wisconsin-based public and private on-road, off-road and stationary diesel engine fleets can apply for up to $100,000 (excluding match) for a variety of strategies by August 3rd. Eligible strategies include:

- Exhaust retrofit controls (0% match)
- Idle reduction devices (50% match)
- Engine emission upgrades (0% match)
- Engine repowers on Tier 0 engines (25% match)
- Equipment replacements on Tier 0 equipment (75% match)

The grant guidelines and all application documents are posted on the website below.  Please make sure to review all requirements and terms of eligibility in the guidelines before applying.  Engine repowers and vehicle replacements have specific requirements, including that they are limited to unregulated and Tier 0 equipment and engines/equipment being replaced must be permanently disabled.  Also note that this is a competitive grant program and applicants will be notified whether or not they receive an award.  Any purchase/installation made before an Award Agreement is signed is not eligible for reimbursement.
http://dnr.wi.gov/air/mobile/CleanDieselGP.htm

Thank you for your interest and support of clean diesel efforts in Wisconsin.

Biodiesel, an environmentally friendly alternative fuel produced right here in Wisconsin, performs just as well as regular diesel.  Here are some facts:

• Most existing engines can run on blends up to 20 percent with no impact on operating performance.

• B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel, has fuel consumption, horsepower, torque and haulage rates similar to conventional diesel.

• A recent Purdue University study showed that big-truck engines perform as well when running on B20 biodiesel as with No.2 ultra-low-sulfur diesel.

Ethanol, a renewable fuel made right here in Wisconsin, plays an important role in boosting the U.S. economy.  Here are some facts:

• The average 40 million gallon ethanol plant creates 32 full-time jobs and provides an extra $1.2 million in tax revenue for a community. [Source: http://www.ethanolfacts.com/ETHL2007/quickfacts.html]

• Ethanol production has created more than 40,000 U.S. jobs, which equals more than $1.3 billion in household income.

• Directly and indirectly, ethanol production adds $6 billion to the American economy each year. [Source: http://www.communityservices.nd.gov/energy/renewable-energy/ethanol/ethanol-facts/mythbusters/default.asp?ID=480]

MILWAUKEE – New brochure maps detailing information on E85 stations in Wisconsin are making it easier than ever for motorists in Wisconsin to fill up with ethanol.

“These guides will make buying fuel much more convenient for the 140,000 vehicles on Wisconsin roadways with flex-fuel vehicles,” said Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance.

Printed by the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, the guides provide valuable information about E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.  The guides also include a map and listing of the 130 stations in Wisconsin that offer this important alternative fuel.

“E85 is an alternative fuel that helps grow Wisconsin’s economy, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve our environment. Providing consumers with the information included in these guides is important,” said Morby.

The new guides were produced by the Wisconsin Clean Air Choice Team, which includes the American Lung Association in Wisconsin, Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, General Motors Corporation, the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition and the US Department of Energy.

Copies of the brochure are can be downloaded as a PDF file online from the WBIA’s website at http://www.wisconsinbioindustry.com/E85StationMap.pdf.

Biodiesel, an environmentally friendly alternative fuel produced right here in Wisconsin, follows rigorous fuel quality standards, ensuring that it is a safe and reliable option for consumers.  Here are some facts:

• The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defined the voluntary standards for biodiesel in the U.S. that have been in place more than 15 years.

• To ensure a rigorous standard, a consensus vote is needed from a committee comprised of biodiesel producers, engine equipment manufacturers, users, government agencies and consultants.

• 32 biodiesel producers and 14 marketers across the nation have been certified under the National Biodiesel Board’s Quality Assurance Program, which guarantees that companies follow the ASTM standard.

With oil prices having doubled since December, ethanol is helping to keep gas prices in check.  Here are some facts:

• Flex fuel vehicle users in Wisconsin are able to save 61 cents per gallon by using E85 instead of gasoline, according to E85prices.com.

• Ethanol is blended into nearly every gallon of gas sold in the state.

• According to E85prices.com, ethanol costs nearly 25% less than regular gasoline, which means even consumers who can’t use E85 can benefit from lower gas prices.

Biodiesel, a renewable fuel right here in Wisconsin, has been tested time and again and has proven that it is a viable and dependable alternative to regular diesel. Here are some facts:

• Independent studies from the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture have repeatedly shown that biodiesel performs similar to petroleum diesel with great benefits to the environment and human health.

• A study from Southwest Research Institute shows that emissions of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas and contributing factor in formation of smog, is reduced by 50% when using biodiesel.

• Additional studies done by the Stanadyne Corporation and the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute have shown similar results.