PILOT PLANT PLANT WILL TURN CROPS AND FOREST WASTE INTO ETHANOL FUEL

Washington, Oct 8, 2008 - Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) is participating in the dedication of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant on Friday, October 10th at 1:00 PM. The plant will produce ethanol fuel from plant biomass such as sugarcane residues, forestry and wood waste, and municipal waste. The ceremony will be held in Room 141 of the Frazier Rogers Hall at the University of Florida.

“American consumers used 7 billion gallons of ethanol last year, but they also consumed 140 billion gallons of gasoline,” explained Stearns. “Instead of relying on corn and other crops to produce ethanol, using other renewable agricultural crops and plant waste to produce ethanol offers a workable means to reduce our dependence on imported oil while reducing polluting emissions. Florida can be a leader in producing cellulosic ethanol, and I applaud the University for its commitment to meeting our nation’s energy challenges.”