At last week’s Ethanol Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway I got to meet Danica Patrick, one of the drivers for Rahal-Letterman Racing. Team Ethanol is a big sponsor of the team and Jeff Simmons drives the ethanol-wrapped car. But I wanted to find out what his teammates think of this new fuel they’re putting in their cars this year.
Can You Say Ethanol Champion?
Being a farmer today has its challenges. Being a farmer and a funny car driver simply magnifies those challenges. Mark Thomas is up to the challenge though. He is also one of the biggest proponents of ethanol you’re going to find anywhere.
Ethanol Gets Energized
Well I’m here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on “Ethanol Day.” Amazingly the rain cleared up before the Secretary of Energy, Samuel Bodman arrived. It started to rain again after he left. He even took a couple laps in a 2-seater car with driver Davey Hamilton. As you can see the Sec. looks relaxed. This was before they did their laps.
Ethanol Day In Indy
I’m getting ready to leave one alternative fuel event for another one. The Clean Cities Congress is over but tomorrow’s “Ethanol Day” in Indianapolis. I’ll be attending all the events and collecting audio and pictures to share with you. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council folks are working hard on getting the event organized. I look forward to seeing them there. There were several people here in Phoenix that said they’ll be there. Should be interesting.
Energy Bill Roundtable
At the Clean Cities Congress today we had an energy bill roundtable. The panel consisted of (l-r) Phil Lampert, NEVC, Scott Gerke, American Honda, Rich Kolodziej, NGVA, Joe Jobe, NBB and Brian Feehan, PERC.
Perspective On Fuel Prices
I was very impressed today by the presentation here at the Clean Cities Congress given by J.J. Brown, Legislative Aide for Utah Senator Orrin Hatch. We’re hearing a lot of whining and complaining in the media about gas prices and lately a lot is being said about oil company profits. After hearing Senator McCain yesterday mention ADM and his lack of support for what he calls ethanol subsidies I think it’s time to put things into perspective.
No To Ethanol Subsidies
Senator McCain just finished speaking here at the Clean Cities Congress. I caught up to him backstage on the way out. During his speech will I’ll post in it’s entirety on Domestic Fuel he mentioned being against government subsidies for farmers in relation to ethanol.
Learn About Clean Cities Coordinators
At the start of the Clean Cities Congress the state coordinators get together. The first evening is social and then they have a full morning of training before the conference officially kicks off.
Students Helping Blog Clean Cities
The Clean Cities Congress & Expo is coming up starting this weekend in Phoenix, AZ. I’ll be blogging it on Domestic Fuel but not alone. I’ll have help! Once again – student bloggers. They will bring a fresh and interesting perspective to our coverage of the event. This is similar to my coverage of Commodity Classic with Margy & Mary. You see how a good idea catches on? I’m sure we’ll have some good content for AgWired too. So, let me introduce them to you.