Mailbag: Wisconsin Biofuel: Jeff Pieterick writes:

The annual Detroit Auto Show is underway. This year's offerings are decidedly "green" in tone. It seems the new mileage standards approved in the Energy Bill are having their impact on the market, and diesel has moved to the fore. This week, we review the revolution that is occurring in the car industry while sharing a glimpse at the new models and concepts that were introduced.

There is also exciting news published in Biodiesel Magazine about a potential new feedstock for biodiesel. Expect to hear a great deal more about field pennycress in the months ahead.

This week's news also included stories about challenges that continue to confront the biodiesel industry. The European Union is threatening to limit imports of marginally efficient biofuels, choosing to direct its support toward biofuels produced in a way that provides maximum impact in reducing our carbon footprint. Meanwhile, the New York Times takes a look at the food-vs-fuel argument and other issues surrounding sustainable biofuels. Many of these concerns are legitimate, and we''ll explore these issues in greater depth in coming weeks.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, great progress is being made in the state legislature toward establishing a Renewable Fuel Standard that will make biofuels more available to Wisconsin consumers. Primary sponsor Senator Pat Kreitlow will be a guest speaker at the meeting of the WBA to be convened in Eau Claire on Monday, January 28. We expect to have a full report on the progress of this legislative initiative in our next newsletter.

There is indeed lots of excitement in the world of Wisconsin biodiesel. You can look to your WBA to keep you apprised of all the developments and news as it occurs. It's our way of promoting this industry while moving us ever closer to more fully offering "Home Grown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin."