Nebraska and Iowa Governors Announce American Ethanol Pump Labeling Initiative

(Nebraska Corn Board) Governors of the nation’s top two ethanol-producing states jointly announced the launch of a statewide pump labeling initiative to promote the American Ethanol brand.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad have announced the implementation of new fuel pump labels featuring the American Ethanol brand. The American Ethanol brand will provide nationwide consistency in pump labeling for all ethanol blends including E10, E15, E30 and E85.

The American Ethanol brand was originally introduced in 2011 when NASCAR adopted E15 (15% ethanol) as its fuel of choice. Nebraska and Iowa are among the first states to introduce the brand at retail locations. Both states are offering new pump labels free of charge to retailers across Iowa and Nebraska. In each state, the new labels have been approved by the state agencies that govern pump labeling.

“This new brand label will provide a consistent consumer experience at pumps across the state and capitalize on the high profile that American Ethanol has enjoyed through the NASCAR partnership,” said Governor Branstad. “We want to make it even easier for consumers to find this clean-burning, high-performance fuel wherever they travel.”

Governor Ricketts emphasized the clean air benefits of ethanol blended fuel. “When it comes to air quality, American Ethanol-blended fuel burns cleaner,” said Governor Ricketts. “The new pump labels are a great way to inform consumers of the wealth of benefits American Ethanol-blended fuels provide. It is cost-effective, American-made, renewable and better for our environment.”

According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, American Ethanol-blended fuel burns cleaner and improves air quality compared to regular gasoline. When drivers use American Ethanol, they’re improving air quality and reducing the causes of asthma, heart disease and lung cancer not only for themselves but also their children and grandchildren. American Ethanol lowers the level of toxic, cancer-causing emissions in vehicle exhaust—reducing air pollution, improving human health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

With 3.8 billion gallons of annual production and 42 ethanol plants, Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production. Nebraska is second with more than two billion gallons of annual production and 24 plants. “The ethanol industry has re-energized rural communities and added value to agricultural production in our states,” Governor Branstad said. “Ethanol production has created good jobs, generated tax revenue and helped our nation improve its energy security.”

“Ethanol transforms corn into fuel, animal feed and economic vitality all across Nebraska and Iowa,” Governor Ricketts added. “In Nebraska, the Golden Triangle of corn, livestock and ethanol gives us a unique advantage for economic growth and national leadership in the production of fuel, food, feed and fiber.”

Several retail outlets have already begun displaying the American Ethanol label, helping consumers better understand their choices when they fill up. Any standard vehicle can use E10, a blend of 10 percent ethanol while vehicles 2001 and newer can use E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol. With nearly 500,000 flex fuel vehicles in Nebraska and Iowa, consumers can flex their option to choose E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and make a positive impact agreed both Governors. Selecting American Ethanol fuel blends at the pump is the right choice for cleaner, healthier air—and the American Ethanol label at the pump will help consumers in making that choice. READ MORE and MORE (RadioIowa) and MORE (Kearney Hub)