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DOE Ethanol Workshop Series

Kentucky Ethanol Workshop
Ethanol in Kentucky - A Growing Opportunity

February 3, 2003
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
405 Wilkinson Boulevard
Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky sees Opportunities in Ethanol

It was the second time since 1999 that a legislator – in this case, Senator Joey Pendleton - took the center stage as Master of Ceremonies for an Ethanol Workshop that was part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ethanol Workshop Series. Approximately 75 people gathered in Frankfort on February 3rd to learn more about ethanol and what it can mean for Kentucky. Following the initial big picture on ethanol, the presentation narrowed down to be more Kentucky specific with a review of ethanol past and present in the state. One ethanol plant has been in production in Louisville since 1991 using waste liquids such as beer, orange juice and sodas as feedstock. It recycles the containers as part of the overall program. The newest ethanol player in Kentucky is Commonwealth Agri-Energy, LLC breaking ground on January 22nd in Hopkinsville in the western part of the state.

At lunch, two more legislators participated. Roger Thomas and Ernie Harris, Chairs of the House and Senate Ag committees respectively expressed their support for the benefits of ethanol. The keynote speaker at lunch was Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the ethanol industry’s trade organization, the Renewable Fuels Association, who provided insight on the energy bill and other factors that impact the growing ethanol industry nationwide. A Minnesota panel discussed case studies that helped demonstrate how experiences in a Corn Belt state relate to Kentucky as well as bringing significant environmental, community and statewide rewards.

Using all of the tremendous background information provided during the day, Todd Barlow, KY CGA, and Brian Alvey, KY Farm Bureau, led all of the participants through a brainstorming session identifying issues, possible solutions and action items to increase the development of the ethanol industry in the state. Some of the highlights of that discussion were:

• Develop a certified quality program that includes cattle + ethanol + mass marketing effort.
  
• Get refineries involved, including out-of-state refineries and also get to know your near-by terminal and encourage dedicated common storage.
  
• Seek the buy-in of various groups such as the beef industry by addressing the misunderstanding of ethanol being good for corn farmers and bad for feeders.
  
• Create methods for educating both legislators and consumers.
  
• Develop an in-state source for answers on ethanol.
  
• Consider an innovative type of incentive like an “off-road use” gasoline tax of ½-cent per gallon.
  
• Form an ethanol task force or work group to lead these efforts that meets on a regular basis and embraces all sectors.