BioFuels Journal spoke with Brian Jennings, executive vice presidents of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) at the start of this year’s annual conference in Kansas City, MO, Aug. 3-5.
Highlights From the Podcast
• A lighter (about 350)crowd than previous years, which is a a function of the economy.
• The Environmental Protection Agency might approve E15 (in cars made only after 2007) after September or October of this year. There is no evidence that E15 won’t work in cars older than 2007.
• Every gallon of gasoline that can contain 10% ethanol in the United States does (blend wall). With additional flex-fuel vehicles or an increased market with E15 could challenge the existing ethanol industry.
• Blender's credit is due to expire in 2010. It is likely it won't be a five-year extension. If it goes away ethanol production will decline and jobs will be lost.
• Attacks on the industry continue. Food vs. fuel took on a life of its own but now people know food prices are insignificantly affected by ethanol. The plan now is to not just fight fire with fire, but talk about ethanol's job creation benefits, energy security benefits, environmental benefits, giving people reason to support ethanol.
Biography
Brian Jennings is the executive vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE).
He manages legislative, market development, public relations and grassroots advocacy strategies on behalf of the ethanol producers, farm and commodity groups, businesses, and individuals that comprise ACE’s 1500-member grassroots coalition of ethanol supporters.
Jennings has played a role in the U.S. agricultural and energy policy issues for more than 10 years, including service on Capital Hill as a legislative advisor to the U.S. Senator Tim Johnson and as a lobbyist with the South Dakota Farmers Union.
He has presented testimony to Congress, federal government agencies, and state legislatures, and has represented the U.S. ethanol industry before major newspaper editorial boards and national television and radio media.
Jennings grew up on a cattle ranch and grain farm that his family has owned and operated for more than 100 years, and he is a graduate of South Dakota State University.
Jennings and his wife, Sarah, have two children.
For more information, call 605-334-3381.
