Today a diverse group of environmentalists, labor, agricultural and other leaders praised the opening of California's first large-scale ethanol plant and urged more production and use of ethanol in the state.
FRESNO, California — Today a diverse group of environmentalists, labor, agricultural and other leaders praised the opening of California's first large-scale ethanol plant and urged more production and use of ethanol in the state. The following comments were made from each leader:
--John Dunlap, Former Chair Air Resource Board, Wilson Administration stated: "The opening of California's first ethanol plant is exciting news for the environment, especially what it means for reducing CO2 air emissions. Plants such as these and the increased use of ethanol will help Governor Schwarzenegger meet his goals for CO2 reduction. California needs to build on this and encourage more development of these new bio refineries."
--Winston Hickox, Former CalEPA Secretary, Davis Administration stated: "California ethanol plants mean more jobs and more fuel supply for our state and most importantly it shows that we can tackle CO2 and spur investment at the same time. We need to be doing more of this."
--Fred Keeley, Former Speaker Pro Tem, Treasurer Santa Cruz County stated: "California's first large scale renewable fuels plant signals what we should be doing more of -- that is combining our need for CO2 reduction, with economic development. Ethanol makes sense for California and our state can be the leader nationally if we have the right policies to continue developing renewable fuels."
--Jack King, California Farm Bureau Federation stated: "It's a good day when we make our fuel from our land. The opening of an ethanol plant in California is very exciting and California farmers stand ready to help and contribute to building a renewable fuels industry here in California."
--Bob Balgenorth, President, State Building and Construction Trades Council stated: "Renewable fuels plants built by local skilled union labor make sense for California. We are committed to helping this renewable industry grow and are proud to be a partner in helping reduce CO2, create living wage jobs and providing a critical source of fuel."
--John Boesel, CALSTART stated: "This first large scale ethanol Biorefinery in California shows how ethanol can create jobs and greater energy security in California. We need to be agggressively pursuing all renewable transportation fuels in order to prevent global warming and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil."
--Jay McKeeman, California Independent Oil Marketers stated: "California's Independent Marketers are enthusiastic about the new local supply of clean fuel being created by the ethanol plant. Ethanol is an important supply element is California gasoline and the more we can produce here the better."
--Lee Stein, Member E2 stated: "If we were to ask two rehortical questions: 1) who should lead the world in adressing CO2, and 2) who should lead the United States in our national security interest of energy independence, the answer for both questions is: "California should lead the way." In the true spirit of California, Pacific Ethanol has taken the pioneering steps to enable us to assume that leadship role."
Source: PRNewswire, Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
