While the technology has been around since the 1990s, carbon capture when partnered with “clean” fuel and biofuels can be a more economical and effective option for improving the environment and agriculture’s future.

The American Carbon Alliance is a new organization that seeks to be a voice for carbon capture pipelines, ethanol producers, landowners, farmers, construction workers and citizens to embrace a new energy future for the U.S. ACA recently announced new members from the Dakotas.

As a part of the alliance, the North Dakota and South Dakota Ethanol Producers associations will help bring attention to the benefits that carbon capture technology will have on rural communities, the U.S. economy and the ethanol industry.   

“We are excited to add the North and South Dakota Ethanol Producers associations to our organization,” says Tom Buis, ACA’s CEO. “These groups are relentlessly dedicated to expanding ethanol production and will be a tremendous asset to our coalition’s work. With their help, we’ll continue working to bring about a new energy future in America.”   

The South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association advocates for the expansion of the ethanol industry, increased marketplace access, and greater use and acceptance of ethanol across the state. Its member producers include POET Bioprocessing, Dakota Ethanol, Redfield Energy, Red River Energy and Ringneck Energy.

Bioethanol link

“Carbon pipelines are important to the expansion of the bioethanol industry, and the bioethanol industry is critical to the future of agriculture in the U.S. and around the world,” says Doug Berven, executive director of the South Dakota Ethanol Producers Association. “We proudly support the efforts and the mission of the American Carbon Alliance.”   

The North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association shares a similar mission. Its member-producers include Blue Flint, Dakota Spirit, Guardian Energy Hankinson, Red Trail Energy LLC, Tharaldson Ethanol and Red River Biorefinery.

“Carbon capture and sequestration will open endless possibilities for ethanol and rural America as a whole,” says Laura Lacher, executive director of the North Dakota association. “We’re happy to join the American Carbon Alliance, where we can continue to tell that story and advocate for North Dakota’s future.”  

ACA’s coalition continues to grow. These groups join the ranks of Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Renew Kansas Biofuels Association. 

American Carbon Alliance contributed to this article.