BioEnergy International this week broke ground for the Bionol Clearfield LLC, 100 million gallon per year corn ethanol biorefinery in Clearfield, Pa.

"Today, we not only have the responsibility to transform our economy away from fossil fuels -- but with ethanol -- we have the ability to do so," said Stephen J. Gatto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BioEnergy. "Our integrated corn to cellulose program in Clearfield provides America with an extraordinary opportunity to change how we derive our fuels based economy. The partnership between business and government is flourishing in Pennsylvania as embodied by the extraordinary efforts of Gov. Rendell, DCNR Secretary Yablonsky, DEP Secretary McGinty and their exceptional staffs."

"With partners like BioEnergy, Pennsylvania stands at the forefront of developing renewable energy to free us from dependence on foreign sources," Gov. Rendell said. "Not only will BioEnergy's production of 100 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol help us to break the grip of foreign oil producers, but it will create new markets for Pennsylvania's farmers and protect the environment."

"Shovels in the ground mean jobs, energy and a $265 million investment in Clearfield County," Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) said. "It is not just dirt being moved forward but a bright future for BioEnergy, Clearfield County and Pennsylvania -- a future of innovation, independence and home-grown energy."

The corn and cellulosic pilot plants to be built in Clearfield are core to BioEnergy's mission of integrating the development of novel biocatalysts for use in innovative, state-of-the-art biorefineries. Guided by a strategic business model and supported by proprietary technology, BioEnergy is a responsible leader in the new industrial revolution.

"Expanding the production and use of domestic renewable energy sources is vital to the long term economic, energy and environmental security of this nation," said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen.

"Renewable fuels like ethanol offer this nation an immediate opportunity to begin the hard work of mitigating the impacts of climate change, developing greater energy independence and creating jobs and economic opportunity at time when the economy faces significant challenges. The U.S. ethanol industry stands eager to join with Pennsylvanians and the people at BioEnergy International to help meet the energy and environmental challenges this country faces."

2/15/2008