Ethanol plant in the works for Michigan

A Massachusetts company announced today that it will build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Michigan — potentially putting the state on the forefront of technology that could reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

A plant that produces cellulosic ethanol is promising because the fuel would be derived from non-food sources. The majority of existing ethanol plants, including four in Michigan, produce ethanol from corn — which has been blamed for increasing the cost of feedstock, food and dairy products.

Mascoma Corp. intends to build a plant to produce ethanol from wood, company CEO Bruce Jamerson said in an announcement with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Mascoma will work with Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University to develop the technology and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. will assist the company in site selection and provide tax incentives. More at Detroit News