EXHIBIT
23.1
CONSENT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The
Board
of Directors
Pacific
Ethanol, Inc.
We
consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
Pacific Ethanol, Inc. on Form S-8, of our report, dated April 14, 2006 relating
to our audits of the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB of Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
/s/
HEIN
& ASSOCIATES LLP
Irvine,
California
September
28, 2006