US Farmers Can Supply Long-Term Energy and Climate Solutions
by Jon Doggett (Fox Business/National Corn Growers Association) We must expand fuel choices and make ethanol more accessible across the US — … The Agriculture Department estimates that the cost of fuel, lube and electricity combined for American farmers is projected to increase 34% in 2022.
We must remain focused on long-term solutions to diversify the nation’s fuel supply, increase U.S. energy independence and insulate consumers from the volatility of fossil fuels. Ethanol, made from corn produced by American farmers, is key to providing the stability and long-term relief consumers need – all while helping clean up transportation by cutting carbon and tailpipe emissions.
U.S. consumers agree. Recent polling by Morning Consult conducted earlier this year showed 60% of respondents said ethanol can increase America’s energy independence and help the U.S. reach its goal for net zero carbon emissions, while 58% of respondents believe ethanol can help reduce gas prices.
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Indeed, ethanol has been priced as much as $1 less per gallon than unblended gasoline at the wholesale level, and drivers have been saving upwards of 30 cents or more per gallon where retailers offer the choice of E15. The science is on our side: Analysis from the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory finds today’s ethanol results in up to 52% fewer GHG emissions than gasoline.
Ethanol already adds billions of dollars of gallons to the U.S. fuel supply, offsetting demand for high-cost oil, supporting cleaner air and increasing the total fuel available to consumers. But we can and should do more to expand fuel choices for consumers and make ethanol more accessible across the country.
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Rather than allow litigation to block consumer choice, EPA used common sense and maintained market access for low-cost, low-emission E15 this summer. The House of Representatives also passed legislation to fix this outdated fuel rule, putting the ball in play for the Senate to finally bring policy up to date with science and drivers.
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A bipartisan group in Congress, led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, in the Senate and Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., in the House, are pushing for the Next Generation Fuels Act. This legislation would increase our fuel supply through expanded use of low-carbon ethanol to improve engine efficiency, cut emissions and offer consumers more choices to save money at the pump.
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Without better fuel in the marketplace, automakers can’t deploy the advanced engine designs that make vehicles more fuel efficient and cut emissions, ultimately reducing choices for drivers.
This is a commonsense step to shore up our energy security for the long run, through cleaner fuels and vehicles that work together to provide more diverse and affordable solutions to consumers as our nation transitions to cleaner transportation. Blending more low-carbon, low-cost ethanol makes these advanced fuels and vehicles possible. READ MORE
