Ethanol Plant Proposed in California
In the wake of the MTBE in groundwater controversy in California, Boston-based BC International Corporation has plans underway to develop a biomass refinery that will convert about 75,000 tons of rice straw, 125,000 tons of orchard slash, and 40,000 tons of other agricultural residues into ethanol each year. This is an important opportunity for rice growers, who have been searching for markets for their rice straw, which they are not allowed to burn. The hope is to start construction next year near Oroville, California. The ethanol will be used to replace MTBE in California's gasoline supply.

Ethanol Offers Better Margins
Nebraska officials have begun a direct mail campaign encouraging state marketers and retailers to foster greater ethanol sales, saying that ethanol blends offer better margins for Nebraska?s fuel dealers. According to the Nebraska Ethanol Board, terminal prices for E10 were 3 cents per gallon lower than regular unleaded. Ethanol blends account for 21% of the motor fuel sales in the state - a number which could be boosted by making it more available in regular and premium grades.

ETBE a Good Alternative in California
ETBE (an octane enhancer and oxygenate containing ethanol) is being touted as an important alternative to MTBE, which is being phased-out in the California oxygenate market due to health and environmental concerns arising from its discovery in groundwater. Twenty-two per cent volume ETBE contains 10% ethanol produced from renewable resources.

ASTM Encourages Adoption of Biodiesel Standard
In an effort to boost the commercial trade of biodiesel, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), a national body that establishes standards for motor fuels in the U.S., recently approved a provisional specification for biodiesel. ASTM is encouraging state regulators to incorporate the new specifications into appropriate statutes, regulations and policies. The specifications will help assure consistent quality and performance.

Missouri Farmer's Cooperative Builds Ethanol Plant
Golden Triangle Energy Cooperative broke ground for a 15-million gallon ethanol facility in Craig, Missouri. There are now two new generation farmer-controlled cooperative ethanol plants under construction in that state.

Fuel Ethanol Workshop Comes to Canada
Mark your calendars for June 20-23, 2000 to attend the 16th International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show (FEW). FEW 2000 will be held at the Cleary Convention Centre in Windsor, Ontario - the first time in its history that it will be held outside of the United States. The conference focuses on the newest production technologies and market developments, and is the only tradeshow for the ethanol industry. For more information, please contact Bryan & Bryan Inc. at (719) 942-4353 or etoh@ris.net.
Plan also to attend the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association?s Annual Meeting and Convention, to be held in conjunction with FEW 2000.

Second World Ethanol Conference
F.O. Licht?s Second World Ethanol Conference will be held in London, England from November 8-9, 1999. It will feature expert panellists with worldwide knowledge and experience. Jim Johnson, President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association will be speaking on behalf of the Association in a presentation entitled "Canada: How Big a Market for Green Fuels". For more information on the conference, please contact (+44) 1892-511807 by phone or conferences@agra-europe.com by e-mail.