Rendell Lauds Launch of First Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in Pennsylvania

Coskata broke ground today in Madison, Pennsylvania on a $25 million dollar plant that will produce 40,000 gallons of ethanol per year for $1 per gallon.  The biotechnology behind the company does not rely on corn.  Corn-based biofuel production is being blamed for the current run up in food prices and subsidies for its production for the global food riots now ongoing.  Coskata relies on cellulosic ethanol production, meaning that they are able to convert a wide variety of materials like agricultural waste, wood chips and tires into ethanol.  Coskata claims that cellulosic ethanol production yields an 84% reduction in greenhouse gas emission relative to either corn-based ethanol or gasoline.  The company is hoping to put a larger production facility online over the next several years.