Ethanol Record Set for 2001

January 29, 2002

Not surprisingly, U.S. ethanol production set a record of 1.77 billion gallons last year, nearly a 10% increase from the 1.63 billion produced the year before and 20% more than was produced in 1999 when 1.47 billion gallons were produced. According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), a new record for production in December also was set. More than 124,000 barrels per day (b/d) were produced, exceeding the previous December record of 113,000 b/d set the year before. New monthly production records were set 11 out of 12 months last year.

"The ethanol industry continues its impressive production expansion," said Bob Dinneen, Renewable Fuels Association president. "Ethanol demand was up throughout the country in 2001, led by California's markedly increased demand for ethanol, increased ethanol blending in areas with tight refining capacity, and heightened consumer demand for domestic fuels following Sept. 11. In response to growing demand, nearly 20 new ethanol plants began construction in 2001, setting the stage for even greater ethanol production in 2002 and 2003."

He added, "The ethanol industry has worked very hard over the last two years to meet the demand for clean, domestic fuels. The investment of farmers in the ethanol industry and the growth of production capacity are nothing short of amazing. The RFA will continue to promote public policies that reflect the ethanol industry's new abilities and seek to increase the production and use of America's primary domestic, renewable fuel."