Colo. Corn Administrative Committee Welcomes Next Generation Fuels Act
The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee said legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday will boost long term corn demand for clean, affordable ethanol. The Next Generation Fuels Act recognizes the high octane, low carbon benefits of corn ethanol.
“The introduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act is a step forward for ethanol. This transition to higher octane fuel will improve the air quality, increase fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the price of fuel and grow future demand for corn,” said Jeremy Fix, President of the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee.
The Next Generation Fuels Act establishes new 95 Research Octane Number (RON) and 98 RON standard for gasoline and requires that sources of additional octane result in at least 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than unblended gasoline. Currently, gasoline has a standard of 91 RON.
This will ensure the progress already made to lower emissions through cleaner renewable fuels continues. Through advanced engine design features that take advantage of this new fuel, automakers will be able to increase engine performance and significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency.
A new 95 and 98 RON would support mid-level blends like E20, E25 and E30 which would generate new corn demand. This legislation was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives last year, and now in the Senate. The Next Generation Fuels Act is sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
Due to its high octane rating and other properties, ethanol is an efficient octane source. It is also the most cost-effective octane source, providing the greatest efficiency gains at the least cost to drivers while displacing the most harmful components of gasoline.
The CCAC and other corn checkoff organizations have helped fund research pertaining to ethanol, and supported marketing programs, such as Colorado’s own “Look for the Blue Hose” campaign to increase the usage of ethanol. This project markets to consumers the benefits of ethanol, and directs drivers to where E15 can be found. Check out www.lookforthebluehose.com to learn more.
The National Corn Growers Association continues to build support for policies that take greater advantage of ethanol’s benefits, and the CCAC is grateful for their work on legislative that supports corn producers.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has provided more information on the benefits of high octane fuels and corn growers’ support for a low carbon octane standard at ncga.com/octane.