Ethanol SUVs catch researchers’ eye

ALABAMA – Hoover’s ethanol-powered police SUVs will be featured today at a gathering of Auburn University researchers and federal lawmakers looking at ways to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., is expected to join the discussion and watch demonstrations of renewable energy technologies at the E.V. Smith Research Center in Shorter.

The demonstrations also will include technologies mentioned in President Bush’s State of the Union address, such as the production of ethanol using switchgrass and wood chips, and vehicles powered by biodiesel made from soybean oil or used cooking oil. A pickup that runs on wood also will be on display.

Jim Price, executive director for Central Alabama Clean Cities, said clean fuels help the economy and the environment. They also provide energy security, when oil supplies are questionable.

Birmingham News