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Plan for Cellulosic Ethanol Development Unveiled
SOUTH DAKOTA - In a roundtable discussion with ethanol, research and conservation leaders, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., highlighted his biomass crop assistance program, included in the recently passed farm bill, which will help to jumpstart the production of cellulosic ethanol by addressing the feedstock supply side of the equation, reports the Tri-State Neighbor.The new program would provide a cost-share payment and per-acre rental payment to producers who agree to growing energy-dedicated crops for a local biorefinery. This program would also provide a per-ton payment to farmers for collecting, storing and transporting biomass - such as cornstalks or cobs, or grain straw - to cellulosic ethanol plants. Payments may be made for up to two years and are capped at $45 per ton.
Thune noted that his goal in establishing the program was to address two major issues.
“This bill helps spur construction of biorefineries across the country and helps provide incentives to farmers in surrounding areas to grow energy-dedicated crops that can eventually supply these biorefineries in a cost-effective, environment-friendly way,” Thune said. “These incentives mean that the Midwest will have a huge impact on solving energy issues, and they will also help provide a necessary incentive for producers to provide help quickly.”
“These incentives will help provide a big step forward in the development of cellulosic ethanol,” said Jeff Broin, CEO of POET.
“This helps because now we know the feedstock will be there, and that will help us in the development of cellulosic ethanol,” said Don Endres, CEO of VeraSun Energy.
Conservation leaders also applauded the legislation, calling it a “win-win” for conservation, ag and energy.
“This now gives producers an option on leaving grounds for conservation instead of using it for crops,” said Jack Majeres of the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts.
View the Tri-State Neighbor story by clicking here.
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