Renewable Fuels Month Spotlights Benefits of Homegrown Fuel Options

(KRVN/Nebraska Rural Radio Association) May is typically the kick-off to the summer driving season and has historically been a time Nebraska’s renewable fuels industries have come together to highlight the importance of clean-burning biofuel options. However, due to COVID-19 concerns, Renewable Fuels Month was postponed and will be celebrated throughout June 2020. To help promote locally-produced biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts recently declared June as Renewable Fuels Month. Since 2006, the acting Nebraska governor has dedicated one month out of each year to serve as a public awareness campaign.

“As a farmer who grows corn, soybeans and raises livestock, I understand the importance of biofuels to the agricultural industry,” said David Bruntz, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from Friend. “While ethanol and biodiesel have greatly helped add value to Nebraska’s corn and soybean crops, these renewable fuels also benefit consumers. They’re typically less expensive, high performing and better for the environment.”

The environmental benefits of ethanol and biodiesel are particularly important this year, as new scientific research from Harvard University has shown patients with COVID-19 were more likely to die in areas of high pollution than in areas of low pollution. U.S. Department of Agriculture research shows ethanol emissions are up to 43% less compared to gasoline without ethanol, a statistic that has continued to improve.

“There are some people who choose not to use ethanol based off of misinformation they may have heard in the past,” said Jan tenBensel, chairman of the Nebraska Ethanol Board and farmer from Cambridge. “All I can say is to try a higher blend. If you have any vehicle model year 2001 and newer, your vehicle is approved for at least a 15% ethanol blend, sometimes called Unleaded88. E15 is the most tested fuel ever. Also, check your owner’s manual. You might have a flex fuel vehicle, which can use any ethanol blends up to 85% (known as E85). The higher the blend used, the more money saved and the fewer toxic chemicals emitted from the tailpipe.”

Nebraska is often known for its “golden triangle” of agriculture, referring to the close proximity and synergies achieved through the state’s corn, ethanol and livestock production sectors. As the nation’s second largest ethanol producing state, nearly 2.1 billion gallons of ethanol and about 6.4 million metric tons of distillers grains (high protein livestock feed) are created each year from Nebraska’s 25 ethanol plants. Additionally, ethanol production boosts Nebraska’s rural economy by employing over 1,400 people.

Biodiesel is another important biofuel which supports the state’s soybean farmers and provides health benefits to the general public. Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel made from soy oil and other renewable resources. It offers fuel economy, horsepower and torque similar to petroleum diesel, but with fewer harmful effects on diesel engines, the environment and human health. In fact, biodiesel lowers particulate matter by 47% and reduces smog, making air cleaner.

Biodiesel, renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel are low-carbon fuel options used on road, off road, in air transportation, electricity generation and home heating applications. Usage will exceed 6 billion gallons by 2030, eliminating over 35 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.

“Biodiesel has tremendous human health benefits, but it also makes economic sense,” said Eugene Goering, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board and farmer from Columbus. “Not only is biodiesel adding 63 cents per bushel to the value of soybeans, but it also helps livestock producers because it decreases soy protein meal costs. This advanced biofuel is responsible for over 60,000 jobs across the country which supports the American economy.”

Throughout June, follow the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Ethanol Board, the Nebraska Soybean Board and Renewable Fuels Nebraska on Facebook for additional facts and statistics on ethanol and biodiesel. These Facebook pages will also feature trivia promotions, contests and up-to-date information regarding upcoming fuel promotions.

Consumers looking for higher ethanol blends can visit getbiofuel.com or UNL88.com. Biodiesel information and locations can be found at biodieselNE.com and biodiesel.org. READ MORE