Motorweek Discusses Biodiesel on PBS in 2005

Biodiesel information as presented by Motorweek in 2005.

The Ethanol Boom

Americans Find A Fuel Source In Corn Technology Energy Gas Oil Fuel As oil prices continue to rise, Americans are getting their fuel from an unlikely source – corn. Across the country, plants are opening that convert corn into ethanol - a clean burning, renewable fuel. Ethanol improves car performance since it cleans the engine, fuel lines and increases the octane of a blended fuel. It also helps the environment – a 10 percent blend of ethanol in fuel can reduce emissions by up to 30 percent. Thousands of gas stations across the country offer drivers 10 percent ethanol blend fuel, and more than 600 stations offer 85 percent ethanol. That number is expected to grow with the recently passed energy bill that mandates an increase in ethanol fuel production. As demand grows, producers are using automation technology to produce ethanol more efficiently. SOT: - David Vandergriend, ICM - David Meyer, Siemens - Ron Fagen, Fagen Inc. - David Reisz, Farmer - Al Jentz, Plant Manager, Amaizing Energy - Kate Brookes, On Scene - Becky Constant, Amaizing Energy, Board of Directors - Eugene Gochenour,Farmer B-roll: - Corn stalks - Trucks unloading corn at plant - Gas stations offering ethanol blend - Cars on road Produced for Siemens

Ethanol vs. Gasoline

KEYWORDS: General Motors Automobiles Cars Consumer Fuel Gas STORY SUMMARY: As the price of gas hits record highs, alternative fuel sources continue to be debated. One alternative fuel which has been touted for years as a renewable, low-emission resource that could replace oil is gaining momentum. More than four million vehicles on the road today can run on gasoline as well as ethanol, the clean-burning fuel made from corn and other biomass sources. The number of stations offering ethanol has also jumped 60 percent since the beginning of the year. Current flexible fuel vehicles can run on as much as 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. A gallon of ethanol is 20 to 30 cents less than regular gasoline, with little difference in ease-of-use at the pump or car performance. General Motors says as much as 30 percent of our gasoline consumption could be replaced by ethanol if it were to become available across the country. SOT: - Tom Stephens, General Motors – Rick Hittle, Arizona Petroleum

911 Remembrance

On 9-11 2001 my lawyer son was in an elevator on his way up to the 77th floor of the Sears Tower. His mother and I reached him by phone each individually to let him know in no uncertain terms to get the hell out of the building. It was about 9 a.m. A short time later, as I watched a BBC broadcast on my computer, the first tower fell. I called my son again who was now on the street and told him what I saw. No further words were needed. He ran away from the building.

For those other sons and daughters, the ones in the Towers, at the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, the ones who couldn't run, no further words are needed! We remember them, the sacrifice of the First Responders, this day, and pray that tomorrow all the cowards behind the act will soon be delivered to their Maker.
So, let us join with the President and First Lady, and say a few words, in silence. Let us all remember them today and forever.
We've stopped running.