SWUTC Research Project Description

Title of Project:  Biofuels for Texas Workshop

Project Number:  167370

Principal Investigator:
Sharon Boxill
(713) 313-7284
P.I. Affiliation:  Texas Southern University

Project Monitor:
Manadou Djimde
Houston-Galveston Area Council
(713) 627-3200

Project Status:  Active

Date Started:  9/1/07

Estimation Completion Date:  8/31/08

Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal:  $46,397

Estimated Cost - Total Planned:  $46,397

Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
America’s dependence on oil jeopardizes its national security, drains billions of dollars from the U.S. economy, and contributes to global warming. The economic benefits of breaking this addiction to oil would be immense and widespread. Fortunately, the commodities best positioned to help end that dependence and enable a transition to a low-oil, high-growth economy are already growing in the fields and forests of rural America. Plants and trees, known collectively as biomass, can be converted into transportation fuel – chiefly ethanol and biodiesel. Renewable fuels from biomass are called biofuels.

The 1992 Energy Policy Act established the goal of having "alternative fuels replace at least ten percent of petroleum fuels used in transportation by 2000, and at least thirty percent in 2010."  Currently, alternate fuels consumed in AFVs substitute for less than one percent of total consumption of gasoline.

The State of Texas has launched an initiative to develop alternative fuel sources in the State of Texas based on renewable fuel sources called "biofuels." The program includes efforts to have one of two national biofuels research centers to be built by the U.S. Department of Energy located in Texas. Major research universities will act as a bridge between the states initiative and private industry in seeking to aggressively implement new renewable fuels technologies in the State. One emphasis will include research into alternative, non-food crop energy sources. This research will serve to display the facts concerning the use of biofuels in Texas transportation and state the case for biofuels objectively.

Project Objectives:
The goals of this research are to publicize and promote:

• Current Texas initiatives for the use of alternative fuels, and expectations of future policy developments;
  
• Current opportunities and challenges in the biofuels sector;  
• The facts about biofuels
  
• The benefits of biofuels: environment and public health.

Task Descriptions:
Task 1: Develop Strategies for Success
This task will outline and define the purpose and objectives of the workshop as well as form a planning committee. This task will also identify and target groups and stakeholders that have a special interest in the workshop theme. An event timeline will be created to maintain coordination and effective deadlines for completion of relevant tasks. Finally, we will develop ways to evaluate the workshops success. Measurable objectives may include attendance and revenue.

Task 2:  Create Workshop Checklist                                                                         
This task will provide a step-by-step guide to organizing and executing the workshop.

Task 3: Develop Workshop Budget
In this task the objective is to create a financial blueprint.  The budget will be specific and include revenue opportunities as well as expenses (printing, speakers, supplies, etc.)

Task 4: Consider Logistics
With many activities going on simultaneously, there are many details to be checked. Major areas to be considered and plan for include: size of space used, utility support needed, setup (tables and chairs, signage, etc) coordination, cleanup, emergency plans and transportation.

Task 5: Plan Publicity and Conduct Workshop
The primary objective of this task is to publicize the workshop, but secondary objectives will be considered.

• Are we trying to inform or educate?
• Increase awareness or attendance of the workshop?
• Build a base support from a specific audience?
• Facilitate good community relations?

In this task we will also brainstorm all the available media and make a detailed list with names of whom to contact and when.
Task 6: Evaluate Workshop and Submit Final Report
Immediately after the workshop while details are still fresh an evaluation will take place. Some general evaluative criteria include:

• Did the workshop fulfill its goals and objectives? Why or why not?
• Identify what worked and what needs fine tuning.
• What items were missing from the checklist?
• Was the workshop well attended?
• Was the formal or informal feedback about the workshop positive?

 A final report will be submitted that will document all activities.

Index Terms:
Alternative Fuels, Biofuels, Energy Policy, Transportation