Biomass conference focuses on cellulosic ethanol

Biomass Magazine
October 2008
By Ryan C. Christiansen
Web exclusive posted Oct. 1, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. CST

Approximately 120 agricultural researchers, economists, and industry professionals attended the Northern Plains Biomass Economy conference in Fargo, N.D., on Sept. 29 to discuss the incentives that are in place for developing a cellulosic ethanol industry in the United States and how biomass-producing states can take advantage of those incentives.

Cellulosic ethanol is “the most promising opportunity” for biomass-producing states in the Upper Midwest and the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, also known as the farm bill, along with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) provide a framework of incentives for developing the cellulosic ethanol industry in the United States, said Scott Stofferahn, a staff member for U.S. Senator Kent Conrad, D-N.D. The legislation was driven by concern over increased food and animal feed costs as they relate to increased production of corn-based ethanol, he said, and also concerns about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Read the full story