Indiana Ethanol opens door to Political Leaders

Indiana Ethanol Producers Association Member Plant Welcomes Congressman Joe Donnelly

Posted on 23 May 2012 by Gary Truitt

The Indiana Ethanol Producers Association (IEPA) member plant POET Biorefining – Alexandria today welcomed Indiana Congressman Joe Donnelly for a behind the scenes tour and discussion about ethanol.  The tour was led by Dave Hudak, the General Manager of the Alexandria plant and Secretary of the IEPA.  “The ethanol industry is an essential part of Indiana’s economy and we are pleased to welcome Joe Donnelly to Alexandria today to highlight our work,” said Dave Hudak, Secretary of the Indiana Ethanol Producers Association and General Manager of POET Alexandria.   “As a homegrown, renewable energy source, ethanol will help us reduce our reliance on foreign oil while creating jobs for Hoosiers.”

 Donnelly’s visit to an Indiana ethanol plant is only the latest in Hoosier elected officials visiting IEPA member plants.   Congressman Marlin Stutzman (R, IN-03), Senator Dan Coats, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, and numerous other state legislators have also toured IEPA facilities.    “All elected officials have an open invitation to visit our facilities to learn more about our dynamic industry and its importance to our state,” said Steve Pittman, President of the Indiana Ethanol Producers Association.

 Joe Donnelly represents Indiana’s 2^nd Congressional District. 

 “I strongly believe we need to set partisanship aside to get things done for Hoosier middle class families, which is why I wholeheartedly support the ethanol industry,” said Donnelly.  “We are fortunate to have such a vibrant industry in this state that benefits so many Indiana farmers, producers at facilities like this one, and families at the pump.  We need to go all-in on American energy production so we stop sending our hard-earned tax dollars overseas.  Indiana can be a leader in this effort with our ethanol production.”

 A recent study by the Indiana Corn Marketing Council found that ethanol directly and indirectly supports over 3,500 jobs while creating over $3.4 billion in combined economic activity in Indiana.  There are 13 operating ethanol plants in the state with an annual production capacity of over 1.1 billion gallons.

 The Indiana Ethanol Producers Association is a statewide organization that works to promote and encourage effective production and widespread usage of ethanol in Indiana through education and advocacy.  Learn more by visitingwww.indianaethanolproducers.org.

Source: IEPA