With Big Boost From Sugar Cane, Brazil Is Satisfying Its Fuel Needs

With Big Boost From Sugar Cane, Brazil Is Satisfying Its Fuel Needs - New York Times: Already the use of ethanol, derived in Brazil from sugar cane, is so widespread that some gas stations have two sets of pumps, marked A for alcohol and G for gas.In his State of the Union address in January, Mr. Bush backed financing for "cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn but wood chips and stalks or switch grass" with the goal of making ethanol competitive in six years.

Wired News: Brazil Schools U.S. on Renewables: But in Brazil, they're far beyond the talking stage: Ethanol and biodiesel are already making significant contributions to the nation's trade surplus, boosting the country's economy and reducing its reliance on foreign oil. The South American scenario provides valuable lessons in how strong political will can spark domestic energy production.

Living on Maui where Sugar Cane production is our third largest industry, and gas is currently at $3.25 / Gallon, it would be nice to have an inexpensive alternative.