BlueFire Ethanol Fuels Inc. can begin final design and construction of a cellulosic ethanol plant near Lancaster after receiving an air permit from the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District. The plant uses green waste from yard waste, grass clippings, woodchips and other organic sources to make ethanol. The plant has a capacity of 3.7 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year. The Irvine-based company chose Lancaster as the site for its first commercial plant because green waste already passes through the area on its way to an adjacent landfill, cutting down on deliveries and helping nearby cities manage landfill waste, said BlueFire President and CEO Arnold Klann. “The Lancaster facility will incorporate the best control technologies available for air emissions and will strictly adhere to BlueFire’s commitment to protecting our natural resources,” Klann said. Mark R. Madler
