News

Pacific Ethanol held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony in Stockton to mark the opening of its newest ethanol plant. The company was joined by hundreds of community residents and leaders including Congressman Jerry McNerney and California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura, in celebrating the largest ethanol producing facility in California. more »

The Renewable Fuels Association has launched two new ads that use real people and real places to clearly tell the story of ethanol's importance in our quest for energy and economic security. more »

Despite earning record profits, oil and gas companies continue to benefit from billions in handouts courtesy of American taxpayers. Between tax incentives, royalty relief, research and development subsidies and accounting gimmicks, these companies will receive more than $32.9 billion from the federal government over the next five years. The companies are receiving additional subsidies from federally funded international institutions. more »

Like all good public relations campaigns, the message is simple: Corn is used for biofuels, and that means less corn for food products, thereby making them more expensive. It's an effective message. So good, in fact, that biofuels are now part of any conversation about food prices. Problem is, it's a message driven by corporate profit, not consumer concern. more »

Biofuels have been taking more than their fair share of criticism these days. But as facts have replaced hype, the realities of the global food network are proving more complicated than simplistic and misguided attempts to blame biofuels for rising food prices. more »

American households are saving between $100 and $510 a year at the pump thanks to the growing use of ethanol. A recent analysis calculated the savings based on reports from Merrill Lynch, Iowa State University, and the Energy Information Administration to determine the range. more »

May 13 (Bloomberg) -- Biofuels will account for 63 percent of oil supply growth from non-OPEC countries this year, taking global production of crop-based fuel to more than 1.5 million barrels a day, the International Energy Agency said today. more »

Rising food and fuel prices have led the biofuel industry to take a beating on Capitol Hill the past few weeks. But the pummeling hasn't been by chance - it's part of a concerted effort spearheaded by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Glover Park Group. more »

Add benzene to the long list of reasons the Oregon Legislature should move quickly to pass Gov. Ted Kulongoski's proposed renewable fuels legislation. Instead of waiting until 2015 for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new rules to reduce benzene emissions from gasoline to take effect ("A big sigh of relief for NW air," Feb. 10), the state can reduce benzene and other air quality concerns this year by requiring gasoline sold in the state to contain 10 percent ethanol. more »

Pacific Ethanol CEO Neil Koehler recently appeared on CNBC's Street Signs. Hear what he has to say. more »