Ethanol Industry Sets Production Record

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has announced the U.S. ethanol industry set a monthly production record for July of 128,000 barrels per day (b/d), according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). July’s record was 14 percent higher than the previous July record of 112,000 b/d set in 2001.

Washington, D.C. – August 23, 2002 [SolarAccess.com] “At a time of increasing tension in the Middle East resulting in high crude oil prices, the ethanol industry stands ready to supply more of America’s gasoline demand,” said Bob Dinneen, RFA president. “America should not be dependent upon Saddam Hussein for energy. Congress must pass an energy bill that addresses our energy dependence. Ethanol production capacity has increased by more than 1 billion gallons over the past few years. Blending greater amounts of ethanol can and should displace our current imports of Iraqi oil.” The ethanol industry is expected to produce an annual record of more than 2 billion gallons in 2002. Currently, 66 existing plants can produce more than 2.55 billion gallons per year. Eleven plants are under construction.