Federal Spending Bill Fuels Biofuels Northwest Research Efforts

Research into diverse uses for regional oilseed crops received a boost under the recent omnibus appropriations bill. University of Idaho will receive $1.2 million to continue canola research activities, and Oregon State University’s meadowfoam project will have $262,000 to support their efforts to increase the supply of renewable industrial oils.

One of the region’s most extensive programs, Montana State University’s Institute for Biobased Products & Food Science http://www.montana.edu/biobased/ was allocated $567,000, much of it support ongoing biofuels research into:

• Biodiesel: Eight crops at six locations are being evaluated to determine the most cost-effective feedstock for biodiesel production. Research into Camelina, an under-exploited oilseed crop native to Europe, has revealed a production cost half that of canola-based biodiesel.

• Ethanol: Ongoing research into ethanol from annual grasses is expected to half production costs of ethanol made from grain. Researchers are also looking into manufacture of long chain alcohols as a byproduct of biodiesel production. The longer chain alcohols should overcome the relatively poor energy values of methanol and ethanol.

• Biolubricants: A wide variety of biobased lubricants are being developed from canola and safflower, including hydraulic, motor, two-cycle and bar-chain oils. Canola-based motor oils have shown durability comparable to conventional oils, a modest increase in horsepower, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions.

Ethanol On the Move in Idaho

Even though Simplot has now closed the last of their ethanol plants due to changes in the potato processing industry, the future of ethanol production in the Gem State is looking up. In September, the Idaho Farm Bureau co-sponsored a tour of Minnesota ethanol plants and wind farms for five state legislators and several county commissioners. They heard local elected officials and farmers speak at length about the benefits of clean energy development, and the importance of that state’s 10% ethanol fuel standard. A subsequent seminar in Twin Falls brought together US Rep. Mike Simpson, agricultural groups, and other business and civic leaders. Simpson noted ethanol production could provide local dairies with high protein feed while loading manure into anaerobic digesters to produce methane to power the ethanol plant.

Following up on their extensive legwork, the Farm Bureau is now advocating for Idaho to become the third state in the nation with an ethanol requirement, a 10% fuel standard by 2010. A legislative panel studying public transportation and air quality issues supported the Farm Bureau’s plan, but the Idaho Statesman’s voiced strong concerns about proponents claims. Jim Glancey of Wyoming Ethanol offered this response to their concerns.

Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has signalled his support by filling up his new flex-fuel SUV at the state’s first E85 pump in Boise. The pump is one of several “Treasure the Valley’s Air” programs promoted by public and private interests, including the Idaho Farm Bureau and Idaho Grain Producers Association, to improve air quality in the Treasure Valley region. At one time, 17% of all gas sold in Idaho was ethanol. The level is now down to less than 5%.

New Montana Governor Signals Support for Clean Energy
Within days of his November election, Gov.-elect Brian Schweitzer declared his support for clean energy development. While announcing http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041105/NEWS01/411050302/1002 his transition team, Schweitzer took time to point out he’ll be pushing a bill to encourage ethanol production as a central part of his economic development plans. “And you can count on more ideas on value-added agriculture,” he told reporters. Key sponsorship for a 10% ethanol requirement is expected from State Sen. Jerry Black, who drafted a similar bill in 2003.

Schweitzer’s interest in clean energy can also be seen in his agency appointments. Montana agricultural groups are praising the selection of Nancy Peterson as the next state Department of Agriculture director. According to Chris Christiaens of the Montana Farmers Union, “My understanding is Nancy is interested in pursuing … wind energy, biodiesel and ethanol.” Richard Owen of the Montana Grain Growers Association adds, “She has lots of experience in understanding grain issues, farm programs … we think Nancy’s a solid choice.” Schweitzer’s appointment of Richard Opper to head the Department of Environmental Quality has also excited clean energy advocates. Opper launched his career in Billings in the 1980s as an environmental consultant for several projects, including an effort to turn an idled sugar beet refinery in Hardin into an ethanol plant.

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