Biofuel Plants Feel Pinch Of Bad Economy

Rising Crop Prices, Funding Shortages Stunt Growth Of Once-Burgeoning Industry (AP) It's one of the newest buildings in this small agricultural town. Aligned between two city water towers, the 120-foot long biodiesel plant gleams in the sun. The paint on its sign hasn't even chipped. But weeds have begun to encroach on the Great River Soy biodiesel plant, which produced just 94,000 gallons over two weeks before it ran out of money and was shuttered. It's a scene that has been repeated throughout the United States: Clovis, N.M.; Nevada, Mo.; Hartsburg, Ill.; Lamoni, Iowa; Evansville, Wis.; Greybull, Wyo.; Rock Port, Mo.; Belle Fourche, S.D. All were supposed to have biofuels plants operating or under construction by now. None do. This week, another ethanol plant, in Pratt, Kan., declared bankruptcy. Prospects for another in... [read full story]