Jebb Bush Indicates a Change in Florida’s Energy Policy

SAO PAULO, Brazil, April 14 /PRNewswire/ — Bioenergy Alliance, an event spearheaded by FMC, wrapped up its tour of North and Central America in Miami with the noteworthy participation of Jebb Bush, former governor of Florida and president of the Interamerican Ethanol Commission. Bush provided an update, with concrete proof of the change in Florida’s energy policy: a law in progress mandating the use of 10 percent ethanol in gasoline by 2010.

In addition to this clear change in direction for energy in the region, Jebb Bush, according to consultant Luiz Carlos Correa Carvalho, presented a vision of clear commercial liberalization with respect to ethanol. "Ethanol is well established as a highly competitive and sustainable source of energy. Clearly this interests the state of Florida," said Carvalho.

Carvalho said Florida’s adherence to an increase in ethanol consumption is strategic, since the region is already a gateway to Latin America for the United States, especially with respect to logistics. Importing ethanol from Brazil and Central America will be facilitated. The importance of significant ethanol progress in Mexico and Central America has been also reaffirmed. "The Central American region is clearly committed to increasing production and consumption of ethanol," said Alexandre Strapasson, director of the Agro- energy department of Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, following a session in Guatemala.

In addition to the changes in Florida legislation, Mexico, in a surprising move as a traditionally major oil producer, is also showing signs that its energy sector will undergo change. In the midst of general industry reform, which has been at the center of attention in the country, ethanol has made progress: "The Mexican government announced a new law that, by the end of 2008, will regulate the country’s ethanol market. This is a major development," said Luiz Carlos Correa Carvalho. "The FMC initiative has proven to be a first, carried out by a company indirectly linked to the sector. What we want is the extension of a viable energy source to other countries," said Luis Carlos Veguim from Cosan.

   CONTACT   Alfapress Comunicacoes   Jonatas Marcelino Journalist   + 55 19 2136-3501+ 55 19 9796-4526   jonatas.marcelino@alfapress.com.br   Skype: jonatas.marcelino-alfapress  

Alfapress Comunicacoes

CONTACT: Jonatas Marcelino Journalist, Alfapress Comunicacoes,+011-5519-2136-3501, +011-5519-9796-4526, jonatas.marcelino@alfapress.com.br,Skype: jonatas.marcelino-alfapress