The International Biofuels Commission traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of a conference “Establishing a hemispheric market in biofuels.”  Brian Dean was invited to the country by the National Energy Commission (CNE).  His presentation was supported by the Center for Analysis of Public Policies (CAPP).  The event, held at the Great Hall of the Melia hotel, was attended by representatives from the energy sector, members of Congress, and public figures concerned with the issue of energy and the media.  Dean said that the State of Florida needs to find permanent suppliers of ethanol to meet an annual demand estimated at 786 million gallons next year and is in search of producers willing to supply it.  He suggested that the Dominican Republic, which has experience in the planting of sugar cane, could be an excellent partner to achieve Florida’s goal of lessening its dependence on imported oil.  Discussions focused on how Florida and Dominican interests overlap and how the two can partner to assist in fulfilling the state’s 10% ethanol blend mandate, which comes on-line in 2010.