After ambitious beginning, BioTown loses some steam
REYNOLDS, Ind. — This one-stoplight farming hamlet had big dreams in 2005 when it was christened BioTown USA.
Its goal: to become the first U.S. community to meet all electricity and gas needs through renewable energy by using everything from farm waste to sewage.
Industry and government officials led the early charge. BP installed a gas pump offering an ethanol fuel blend, and South Dakota-based VeraSun Energy Corp. started building an ethanol production plant near town pay day loans.
Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns stopped by in support, as did the band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Visitors also included a group of Chilean corn farmers who were touring the Midwest and interested in learning more about biofuels.
But the visitors are long gone, and many say the excitement is, too. Money problems, leadership changes and other obstacles have sparked skepticism that Rey