New Alternative Fuel Announcement in a Few Weeks - 2/9/07

David I. Bransby, professor of energy and fiber crops at Auburn University and a researcher on the use of plant fibers including switch grass, said there are companies with a new technology to produce alternative fuel that will run in vehicles without any modifications.  Bransby said there may be an announcement of this new technology from one of these little known companies in a few weeks. This new technology will produce alternative fuel for under a dollar a gallon.

Currently specially modified vehicles are needed to run the current ethanol and biodiesel fuels.  Bransby says this new fuel will not need a modified vehicle.  Currently 15% of the U.S. oil is imported from the Middle East and the rest come from other countries.  Bransby said the U.S. must have alternatives. 

Bransby is a member of the newly formed Alabama Alternative Energy Committee.  This committee was formed to study alternative energy sources and report their findings to Governor Bob Riley and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks.

The state of Alabama switched all the vehicles in the state motor pool from gasoline powered vehicles to ethanol compatible vehicles in January of 2007.  Gov. Riley said “There is a bipartisan consensus that we can no longer depend on Middle East oil.”  He wants to pass legislation in 2007 that will give incentives in the form of tax breaks to consumers and companies that use alternative fuels.

Riley has given the committee the task to develop a comprehensive plan for the states future energy production and use.  Riley said the state is committed to work with companies to develop alternative fuel sources and fueling stations.

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