The U.S. ethanol industry is on pace to produce 4 billion gals. in 2006, reports Illinois Ag Connection. That's a rate greater than the first-year requirement of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) that calls for a minimum production of 7.5 billion gals. by 2012.

The article reports some industry experts project ethanol production could sail past 9 billion gals. by the time RFS is fully implemented. And production could reach as much as 14 or 15 billion gals. by 2015.