Bob Dinneen, President of the Renewable Fuels Association, took Vice President Al Gore to task this week over what it sees as the inaccuracies about biofuels in his new book, 'Our Choice'.  In the book Vice President Gore expresses his "disappointment” over the progress of ethanol in the past 30 years. Yet, the facts used to support his opinion either do not reflect the industry as it exists today or are simply inaccurate, says the RFA.

"Given your attention to science and the facts, I am disappointed by the treatment of ethanol and other biofuels in your new book, Our Choice,” wrote Dinneen. "Many of your characterizations of today’s American ethanol industry are out of date or simply wrong. With 10.5 billion gallons produced and sold this year, ethanol is a major factor in America’s motor fuel supply and is helping eliminate the need for increasing environmentally damaging sources of crude oil.”

Dinneen went on to outline many "encouraging truths” of 21st century ethanol and grain production that counter many of the claims made in Our Choice. While acknowledging the important role Vice President Gore has played in advancing the debate on climate change, Dinneen urges a more complete and up to date review of biofuels to present readers with a clearer and more accurate view of the energy choices they will be forced to make.

"Based on an objective review of the industry as it exists today, I sincerely hope that we can both agree that corn-based ethanol is not a mistake,” wrote Dinneen. "Rather, it is providing a strong economic and environmentally sustainable foundation upon which the next generation of biofuels, including improvements in existing technologies, will be built. Therefore, utilizing what is available today, the US should expand the demand, distribution and transportation of ethanol so that we can build a strong foundation for the next generation of biofuels."

"We are in agreement that our nation can and must pursue public policies which do not make the theoretical be the enemy of the actual, the perfect be the enemy of the good or the present be the enemy of the future. I would be honored to discuss these issues further with you and your colleagues."