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Press Releases

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Press Releases

WBIA Release Updated List of Wisconsin E85 stations

January 25, 2012 - MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance has released an updated list of retail stations that carry E85 in Wisconsin.
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End of Ethanol Tax Credit May Impact Gas Prices, Wisconsin's Economy

January 3, 2012 - MILWAUKEE – The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) program aimed at supporting domestic ethanol production ended on Dec, 31, 2011, possibly resulting in higher gas prices for consumers. The discontinuation of VEETC could have an impact on Wisconsin’s economy, home to nine ethanol production facilities, and countless corn growers.
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Ethanol Industry Not Fueling Cropland Expansio

December 22, 2011 - MILWAUKEE –  A major study of land-use patterns released this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture puts to rest a common misconception about ethanol and cropland expansion.
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Wisconsin Biofuel Producers Contribute to Energy Independence

December 21, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin’s ethanol producers contribute to our nation’s energy independence, increasing the security of our country and reducing our need to rely on foreign producers for fuel. Read Full Release

Scientists explore link between exhaust fumes and health issues
Cleaner burning fuel options a better public health choice

November 10, 2011 - Milwaukee, Wis. – Preliminary data from scientific studies are starting to uncover the detrimental effects of traffic fumes on public health, particularly on the human brain. Read Full Release

Northwestern Wisconsin biodiesel producer expands into Minnesota

November 8, 2011 -

 Milwaukee, Wis. – SunPower Biodiesel of Cumberland, Wis., recently opened its first biodiesel station in Minnesota, leading the way for other Wisconsin biofuel producers looking to enter into the retail market in both Wisconsin and other states.

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Report from USDA finds distiller's grain from ethanol plants feeding more animals than traditional feed

October 26, 2011 - Milwaukee, Wis. – The United States Department of Agriculture released a new report on the impact of dried distiller’s grains (DDGS) produced by ethanol plants in feeding US livestock and poultry. These new findings indicate DDGS have a much more significant impact on replacing traditional feed than originally thought, which will reshape discussions on the future of ethanol. Read Full Release

Sensenbrenner Legislation Would Delay Environmental, Economic Gains of E15

October 17, 2011 -

Milwaukee, Wis. – Legislation introduced today by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner would delay EPA approval of E15 usage in vehicle models 2001, harming Wisconsin’s economy and the environment, the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) said.

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Energy subsidies part of international fuel industry

October 5, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – With the level of scrutiny the biofuel industry receives regarding energy subsidies, the funding allocated in support of the fossil-fuel industry is substantially greater. Read Full Release

WBIA event showcases ethanol industry in Wisconsin
Didion Ethanol hosts opportunity for educating policy makers, regulators and guests

September 30, 2011 - CAMBRIA, Wis. – With Wisconsin ranked in the top 10 nationwide for both corn and ethanol production, the opportunity to actually see how the two converge was given to group of invited guests at the Didion Ethanol plant in Cambira, Wis., this week.
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New federal biofuels program good for producers
Wisconsin ethanol producers will benefit from new program

August 18, 2011 -

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A new $510 million, three-year joint investment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of the Navy will provide new opportunities for Wisconsin’s biofuel producers.

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Ethanol Eases Pain at the Pump

July 27, 2011 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. – One of the easiest ways to understand the benefit of ethanol is at the pump, where a new study released by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University shows the financial benefit to consumers was significant in 2010. Read Full Release

Statement on Senate Decision to End Ethanol Tax Credit for Bio Fuel Blenders

June 16, 2011 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Joshua Morby, executive director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) issued this statement following the Senate amendment vote to repeal the ethanol tax credit, known as the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), currently in place for ethanol producers. Read Full Release

Applauds Senate Decision to Continue Ethanol Tax Credit for Producers

June 14, 2011 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) will continue after the Senate rejected a measure to end the credit for ethanol blenders today.
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Ethanol Fuels the Competition at Road America’s Bucyrus 200 June 17-20

June 13, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – The NASCAR Nationwide cards at Road America in Elkhart Lake won’t look much different than they have in year’s past, but under the hood, those high-performance engines for the first time will be powered by Suncoco Green E15, a 15-percent ethanol blend produced from corn grown by American farmers.
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Wisconsin Producers Lead Nation in Biofuels Innovation

June 2, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin’s ethanol producers continue to lead the industry in biofuels innovation, resulting in greater efficiencies and decreased energy costs while keeping the impact on the environment in mind.
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Study Reaffirms Lack of Link Between Biofuels, Land Use Changes

May 24, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – A new study by the Michigan State University branch of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center – which is led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison – shows that biofuel production in the United States in recent years has likely not resulted in any indirect land use changes.
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Approval of Rothschild Biomass Plant Big Step Forward for Market
Job-creating project will provide 400 jobs in the Wausau area

May 9, 2011 - Milwaukee, Wis. – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance’s Bio Power Coalition commended the Wisconsin Public Service Commission for approving the We Energies/Domtar Paper Rothschild Biomass Plant.
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UW & Iowa St. Report: Ethanol Lowered Gas Prices $0.89 per Gallon in 2010

May 2, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – A report by the University of Wisconsin and Iowa State University found that ethanol production helped reduce gas prices at the pump by an average of $0.89 per gallon across the country in 2010.
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WBIA Releases Updated List of Wisconsin E85 Stations

April 21, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance has released an updated list of retail stations that carry E85 in Wisconsin.
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WBIA Meets with Congressional Delegation in Washington
Issues include education, expanding blender pumps

April 13, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – Founding members of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) were in Washington, DC early this week to meet with the Wisconsin Congressional delegation about issues related to ethanol.
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WBIA Joins ACE to Push Ethanol Issues in Washington
Members traveled to Washington, D.C. for ACE fly-in to meet with legislators

March 31, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) member Bob Schauf, a board member and farmer from Western Wisconsin, joined other national leaders in the ethanol industry in Washington, D.C. to educate legislators about ethanol issues this week.
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Wisconsin ethanol producers send letter to USDA on Food vs. Fuel

March 23, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – Six Wisconsin ethanol producers signed on to a letter this morning asking for support from the US Department of Agriculture to correct its monthly reporting on corn demand for ethanol to more accurately reflect the actual amount of corn that is used to produce the fuel.
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WBIA Pushes for Ethanol as Gas Prices Continue to Rise
Members traveling to Madison for Ag Day to meet with state legislators

March 9, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) is urging Wisconsin legislators to continue to push for expanded use of ethanol as gas prices continue to rise.
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E85 Continues to Provide Value as Gas Prices Rise

March 4, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance on Friday reminded consumers that as regular gas prices climb over to $3.50 a gallon in some parts of the state, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) continues to present a value at the pump and help the environment in Wisconsin.
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Flex Fuel Station Locator Now Available for Wisconsin E85 Users

February 22, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) on Tuesday announced that the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has released a new Flex-Fuel Station Locator application for iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch, which is available for free in the Apple App Store. Read Full Release

Representatives from Seven Wisconsin Ethanol Facilities Attend Annual RFA Conference
Twelve other state companies present; shows economic impact of fuel

February 21, 2011 - Milwaukee, Wis. – Representatives from seven of Wisconsin’s ethanol facilities and twelve other companies with a presence in the state are in attendance early this week for the Renewable Fuels Association National Ethanol Conference.
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Report from USDA Illustrates the Important Role of Ethanol in Growing Wisconsin’s Crop Value

February 18, 2011 - MILWAUKEE – A recent report issued by the United States Department of Agriculture says the total value of Wisconsin crops rose by more than $1 billion dollars last year to $4.8 billion, up from $3.5 billion in 2009.  More than half of the value came from the state's corn crop, which was valued at nearly $2.7 billion.
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Sensenbrenner Legislation Would Halt Environmental, Economic Gains of E15

February 17, 2011 - Milwaukee, Wis. – Legislation introduced Wednesday by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner would block EPA approval of E15 usage, harming Wisconsin’s economy and the environment, the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) said. 
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WBIA Applauds EPA’s Approval of E15 in 2001 and Newer Model Years

January 21, 2011 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has approved blends of up to 15 percent ethanol in 2001 to 2006 model year vehicles. The decision follows EPA approval of E15 in 2007 model year and newer vehicles last October.
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EPA Defers Rules on Biogenic Emissions
Move benefits ethanol, bio power facilities in Wisconsin

January 13, 2011 - MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) on Thursday applauded the US Environmental Protection Agency for deferring the greenhouse gas permitting requirements for biogenic emissions – emissions created by the combustion or decomposition of biomass.
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Statement on New DNR Appointment

December 30, 2010 - Governor-elect Scott Walker on Thursday announced that Cathy Stepp will be appointed as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Matt Moroney will serve as the Deputy Secretary, and Rep. Scott Gunderson will be the Executive Assistant.  Stepp has said that streamlining the environmental permitting process and reducing review times is one of the priorities for the new administration.  Bob Sather, President of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA), issued this statement today in response to the news.
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WBIA Highlights NASCAR's Switch to E15

December 2, 2010 - Green Bay, Wis. – As NASCAR debuts the use of E15 at three national touring series events during the 2011 season, the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) teamed up with Growth Energy to promote the change at Lambeau Field on Thursday.   Read Full Release

WBIA Calls on Congress to Extend Important Tax Credit for Wisconsin's Bio Industry

November 16, 2010 - As the U.S. Congress returns to Washington, D.C. for a lame duck session to act on unfinished business, the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance today called on lawmakers to extend an important tax credit for Wisconsin’s bio industry that is set to expire at the end of the year. Read Full Release

WBIA Calls on Congress to Extend Important Tax Credit for Wisconsin's Bio Industry

November 16, 2010 - As the U.S. Congress returns to Washington, D.C. for a lame duck session to act on unfinished business, the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance today called on lawmakers to extend an important tax credit for Wisconsin’s bio industry that is set to expire at the end of the year. Read Full Release

WBIA Applauds EPA's Expected Approval of E15 Use in 2007 and Newer Vehicles
Calls for EPA to Allow E15 in All Vehicles

October 15, 2010 - A decision expected today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the use of E15 in 2007 model year and newer cars paves the way for higher level ethanol blends to be used in vehicles nationwide.
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WBIA Members Re-elected to RFA National Board

September 30, 2010 - Three members of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) were re-elected this morning in Washington, D.C. to serve on the National Board of Directors for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). 
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New Report Shows No Adverse Effects of E15 Use

September 16, 2010 - A new report released this week demonstrates the feasibility of increasing the amount of ethanol blended with traditional gasoline to 15%. 
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New Members Join Bio Power Coalition

September 1, 2010 - Milwaukee, Wis. – The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance’s Bio Power Coalition announced today the addition of seven new organizations that have committed to a pledge to promote and support bio-based power generation in Wisconsin.
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Statement on Appointment of Randy Romanski as DATCP Secretary

August 30, 2010 - Milwaukee, Wis. – Robert Sather, President of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance, issued this statement following Governor Doyle’s appointment of Randy Romanski as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection:
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Ace Ethanol Receives Nearly $600,000 to Support Ethanol Production

August 27, 2010 - Ace Ethanol, LLC, a founding member of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA), is receiving $595,000 in funding to expand its operations in Stanley, Wis. Read Full Release

Wisconsin loses Biodiesel Producer
BEST Biodiesel closes doors, blames lack of tax credit

August 6, 2010 - This week, the BEST Biodiesel Plant in Cashton shut its doors and closed, one of the many biodiesel plants in the United States to have done so since the expiration of the $1-per-gallon federal tax credit for biodiesel production at the end of 2009. Read Full Release

Bio Power Group supports digester project
Dane County Digester will convert animal waste into clean fuel and energy

August 4, 2010 - Members of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance’s Bio Power Group expressed support for the efforts of Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk as she joined Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle to break ground on the Dane County Digester project in Waunakee. Read Full Release

Statement on Passing of Secretary Nilsestuen

July 22, 2010 - Robert Sather, President of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance, issued the following statement on the passing of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen. Read Full Release

Report from USDA Shows Important Role of Wisconsin in Securing Energy Independence

July 8, 2010 - A recent report issued by the United States Department of Agriculture highlights the significant role that Wisconsin and other states within the region continue to play in driving the country towards energy independence. Read Full Release

Bio Fuels Drive Wisconsin to Independence Day
WBIA Declares “Energy Independence Week”

June 28, 2010 - The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance is calling for the week of June 28 to July 4 to be celebrated as the third annual Energy Independence Week.   Read Full Release

WBIA Announces New Member
Pöyry Joins Bio Industry Group

June 21, 2010 - The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) on Monday announced that Pöyry (Appleton) LLC has joined the organization as a supporting member. Read Full Release

Western Wisconsin Energy Shows Off Ethanol-Powered Stunt Plane, Chopper at Regional Air Show

June 4, 2010 - Western Wisconsin Energy, a founder member of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) kicked off the Chippewa Valley Air Show in Eau Claire on Thursday by highlighting two ethanol-powered vehicles: a stunt plane flown by nationally-recognized stunt pilot Greg Poe and a chopper built by the famous Orange County Choppers shop in New York. Read Full Release

WBIA Executive Director Visits PA Cellulosic Ethanol Plant

June 2, 2010 - Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) visited the Coskata Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in Madison, Pennsylvania on Wednesday and learned about their advanced technologies for ethanol production.
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Governor Doyle Signs Senate Bill 279
Bill Helps Grow Wisconsin’s Bio Industry

May 18, 2010 - Governor Doyle signed into law Senate Bill 279, a bill aimed at promoting biofuels in Wisconsin. Read Full Release

WBIA Bio Power Initiative to Launch Statewide Media Campaign

May 11, 2010 - The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance’s (WBIA) Bio Power Initiative officially launched a new statewide media campaign this morning aimed at promoting the positive benefits of bio power in Wisconsin. The campaign includes editorial board visits, radio advertisements, media releases, and other educational materials.
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New report from Purdue shows reduction in emissions from ethanol production

May 5, 2010 - Purdue University recently released a study on indirect land use change, reporting that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ethanol production are 10 percent lower than had previously been reported. Read Full Release

WBIA Pushes for Extension of Ethanol Tax Credits
Members traveling to Washington to meet with Congressional Delegation

April 27, 2010 - On behalf of all of the state’s ethanol plants, the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) is urging Congress to pass H.R. 4940 and S. 3231, which will extend ethanol tax credits that will otherwise expire at the end of this year. Read Full Release

Loss of Ethanol Tariff Would Hurt State Economy
Study shows state would lose over 13,000 jobs, $2.4 billion within 3 years

April 15, 2010 - With a federal tariff on foreign-subsidized ethanol set to expire at the end of this year, a recent study by the University of Missouri shows that the economic impact for the state of Wisconsin would be devastating.   Read Full Release

WBIA Coordinating Support to Continue Federal Bio Fuel Incentives
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle also working to help industry

March 24, 2010 - The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) on Wednesday unveiled their plans to garner support for legislation that will extend a series of programs aimed at providing incentives to Wisconsin’s billion-dollar bio fuel industry. Read Full Release

WBIA Working to Increase Flex Fuel Pumps
GM says more pumps needed to match flex fuel vehicle output

February 17, 2010 - The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) on Wednesday highlighted its efforts to increase the number of flex fuel pumps in Wisconsin following a call from General Motors to increase the number of stations that offer E85 nationwide. Read Full Release

Industry Leaders from Wisconsin Attend National Ethanol Conference

February 16, 2010 - Industry leaders from Wisconsin have gathered in Orlando, Florida for the Renewable Fuels Association’s 15th Annual National Ethanol Conference. Read Full Release

Governor Doyle Renews Commitment to Production of Biofuels

January 27, 2010 - In last evening’s State of the State address, Governor Jim Doyle renewed his commitment to the expansion of renewable energy production in Wisconsin. Read Full Release

WBIA Meets with Administration Officials, Federal Legislators

July 16, 2009 - Founding members of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) met today with US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, as well as Wisconsin Senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl, to discuss developments in Wisconsin’s ethanol industry and ways to grow the industry in the future. Read Full Release

Ethanol Blender Pumps provide fuel choices for consumers in Wisconsin

July 1, 2009 - The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) hosted a media event today to discuss the importance of increasing the number of blender pumps in Wisconsin.
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Flex-Fuel Snowmobile Photo Wins People’s Choice Award

June 4, 2009 - A photo of a flex-fuel snowmobile, created by University of Wisconsin-Platteville students and sponsored by the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance, recently won the people’s choice award in the Renewable Fuels Association’s E-85 Flex-Fuel Challenge contest.
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Bio Fuels Guide Now Available
Energy Independence Guide Will Help Grow Wisconsin’s Bio Industry

May 2, 2007 - The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) is proud to be a partner with Wisconsin’s Office of Energy Independence as they unveiled the first edition of the Wisconsin Guide to Building Biofuels Facilities.
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WBIA Announces New Members
Wisconsin Pipe Trades, Oscar J. Boldt Construction Join Growing Group

May 2, 2007 - “The WBIA has been growing rapidly over the past several months to include members from every aspect of the Bio Industry,” said Alexander Samardzich, Chairman of the WBIA Executive Committee. “Quality contractors like Boldt and highly-trained labor unions like the Wisconsin Pipe Trades are critical partners in the creation of any bio fuels plant, and the WBIA is very proud to have the support of both organizations.” Read Full Release

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