FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, June 29, 2009

Auburn Montgomery professor briefs congressman on clean-burning fuel research

Unlike ethanol products already on the market, Biology Professor Ben Okeke envisions a clean-burning alternative fuel that would not wreak havoc on the food supply and drive up prices.

Through research at the Auburn Montgomery campus, Okeke is developing a process for making ethanol from sawdust, grass clippings, tree limbs and other agricultural and forest waste.

Okeke opened his lab Monday to Rep. Bobby Bright for a demonstration of the work he and his students are doing in a bid to gain the congressman’s support for a $1 million grant Okeke is seeking.

“This is good for me to see,” said Bright. “As a congressman, I have input in certain areas. Hopefully, I will be able to influence and get appropriations so we become less dependent on foreign fossil fuels.”

Currently, ethanol is generally produced from corn. But as demand has grown, it has taxed the supply, creating shortages and ratcheting up the cost of corn as food for both humans and livestock. However, Alabama produces 15 million tons of agricultural and forest waste a year, which Okeke’s research shows could produce about two billion gallons of liquid fuel without impacting the food supply at all, Okeke said. He estimated Alabamians use about three billion gallons of liquid fuel, meaning this new ethanol source could greatly reduce dependence on foreign fuel sources.

Bright said this is only one of many different sources that is needed for the U.S. to become energy independent.

“I commend Dr. Okeke for his work,” said Bright.

Bright also spoke to students about what Congress is doing to strengthen the economy and about his plans for Alabama's 2nd Congressional District.

Contact Information
Carolyn Kinney
Auburn Montgomery
University Relations
334-244-3642
ckinney@aum.edu