"The Iowa exhibits show that a product's commercial viability and environmental benefits can go hand in hand in the marketplace," said Grassley. "Each of these commercial enterprises is taking a positive economic and environmental step forward. And it's a win-win concept for Iowa and the Midwestern economy because these innovative products also add value to our homegrown commodities."
A Radcliffe-based company, Mirenco, Inc., presented a product designed to maximize fuel mileage, reduce vehicle emissions and promote alternative fuels. Called DriverMax, the company has patented a microprocessor that has the capability to control two fuel injection systems simultaneously. According to the company, this makes it possible to operate a diesel engine on various ratios of ethanol and diesel fuel.
According to Grassley, transit systems in Iowa already have lined up to install the fuel efficient system. The 5 Seasons Transportation system in Cedar Rapids has used 300,000 gallons of ethanol since installing the product nine years ago. And Sioux Transit in Sioux City currently is installing it in its fleet. In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation plans to use the technology in its Concept 2000 vehicles, with the intent to burn up to 30 percent ethanol in its snow removal plows.
A West Des Moines subsidiary of AGRI Industries showcased a biodegradable, soybean-based hydraulic oil, called BioSOY. Developed by a research team at The University of Northern Iowa, a consortium of private sector, government, education, and agriculture interests in Iowa are helping to finance and market the new industrial lubricant. A regional, farmer-owned cooperative based in Iowa, AGRI Industries serves nearly 200 members in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Grassley also visited an exhibit that uses soybeans processed in Sergeant Bluff to produce an industrial solvent called SOYGOLD. The Omaha-based parent company, Ag Processing, Inc., draws from six soybean processing plants in Iowa, including Sergeant Bluff, Sheldon, Emmetsburg, Eagle Grove, Manning, and Mason City to provide soybean meal and soybean oil for a variety of industrial and commercial uses.
Iowa State University's Center for Crop Utilization Research (CCUR) featured a number of products developed from raw Iowa commodities. Established in 1987, the center works with small businesses to develop processes, technology, products, and markets for Midwestern crops.
"A safer, cleaner environment and a commercially viable product are not mutually exclusive," said Grassley. "In a highly competitive global economy, Iowans are leading the way into the 21st century marketplace. What's more, these innovative solutions promise to add value to Midwestern commodities and keep our environment clean. I salute the ingenuity and hard work of all those involved."
A three-day summit, The National Marketplace for the Environment featured hundreds of products, technologies and services that seek to increase energy efficiency, reduce pollution, conserve resources and provide a safer workplace.
