The use of advanced renewable fuels is a key ingredient in the roadmap to a zero-emissions, green economy, according to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lisa Jackson. She made her remarks at the Auto Show, held in Washington from January 27 to 31, where the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) showcased Brazilian ethanol made from sugarcane as a recognized example of a low-carbon, advanced renewable fuel alternative.
 
“The United States has to meet ambitious energy goals that include lower fuel costs and emissions, while preserving consumer choice,” said Jackson. UNICA complemented that message by showcasing sugarcane ethanol at the event's Advanced Technology Superhighway section, as a means to achieve the ambitious energy goals established by the U.S. 

Brazilian ethanol produced from sugarcane is widely credited with a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, of up to 90% compared with gasoline. “With this level of GHG reductions, Brazilian sugarcane ethanol is the only liquid biofuel available today that significantly surpasses carbon reduction requirements contained in U.S. renewable fuels policies, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires advanced biofuels to reduce GHG by at least 40% starting this year, and the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) that takes effect in 2011,” said UNICA’s Chief Representative for North America, Joel Velasco.   At the Auto Show, UNICA detailed a nmber of dramatic changes happening with sugarcane ethanol and what they could mean for the United States. “Sugarcane is now the number one source of renewable energy in Brazil, replacing more than half the country’s fuel needs and making gasoline the alternative fuel,” Velasco concluded.

Stand at UNICA (L-R): Charlotte Seigler, VP of PR Stratacomm Agency, receives information about the sustainability of ethanol of Leticia Phillips, UNICA's government and institutional relations in North America

The 69th edition of The Washington Auto Show took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, featuring some 700 vehicles brought by 42 manufacturers from around the globe. One of the highlights of the event was the Advanced Technology Superhighway, a 65,000 square foot exhibit focusing on advances in ethanol and other biofuels, hydrogen and electric, among other technologies.

UNICA’s presence at the Washington Auto Show was made possible through the Apex-Brasil/UNICA project, a partnership launched in January of 2008 between the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association and the Brazilian Export Promotion Agency, within the Federal Development, Industry and International Trade Ministry. The main objective of the partnership is to promote Brazilian sugarcane ethanol throughout the world as a clean, renewable energy source.