Can the Future of Electric Vehicles Destroy the Ethanol Industry?

Agriculture, Business News/Analysis, Federal Agency/Executive Branch, Iowa, Opinions, Policy, White House

March 1, 2021

Print This Article Share it With Friends

by Nick Weig (CBS2Iowa) America is in the early stages of a shift from combustion engine cars and trucks to all-electric vehicles, or EV. Electric cars are quiet, sporty and cost a fraction to charge than it costs to gas up their traditional counterparts. But as more motorists reach for the plug instead of the pump, some are concerned it will hurt farmers so connected to a healthy biofuels market.

Senator Joni Ernst is not happy about President Biden’s order requiring federal agencies purchase EV instead of gas vehicles whenever possible. In a recent op-ed, Senator Ernst said: “If the entire United States moves to all-electric vehicles—like the Biden-Harris Administration wants—say goodbye to Iowa-grown biofuel and the livelihoods of the hardworking folks who labor night and day to provide these clean fuel options.”

Former Iowa Governor and newly sworn-in Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack disagrees. “I don’t see why we can’t have both and over a long period of time we’re going to need both.”

Monte Shaw, the Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says Secretary Vilsack is right. READ MORE includes VIDEO

EV demand surges, but battery trouble looms — report (E&E News)

Comments are closed.

Advanced BioFuels USA