Ethanol producers form new alliance

SAN ANTONIO, March 2 (UPI) -- U.S. ethanol producers announced the formation of a new industry group and new leadership at another during their recent annual conference in Texas.

The goals of the new Global Renewable Fuels Alliance include promoting biofuel-friendly policies and developing best practices and new technologies, Agriculture Online reports.

"The alliance members are committed to producing renewable fuels with the smallest possible ecological footprint," GRFA said in a statement.

The group has members from 29 countries in North America and Europe.

"What we need to do ... is to continue to do what we have always done -- to speak with one voice," Bob Dinneen, chief executive of the Renewable Fuels Association, said.

Industry lobbying group Growth Energy, formed in November, also announced that it would hire National Farmers Union President Tom Buis to be its chief executive and name a new senior adviser, former U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle of Iowa.

The new leadership will continue the groups' work to get the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to approve adding more than 10 percent ethanol to gasoline blends, said retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, who serves as Growth Energy's co-chairman.