Illinois Corn: America and Higher Blends of

America and Higher Blends of Ethanol

Dan Obert, IL Corn Communication and Marketing Manager

Americans are on the move again after a year of disruption. Road trips, graduation ceremonies and ball games are all commonplace again and with it comes the familiar trip to the gas station to fill up the tank and grab a snack.

As you probably know, most gasoline sold in the country contains around 10 percent ethanol. However, we would like it to be higher. All cars from the year 2001 and newer can run safely with gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol. It can sometimes be challenging to find a place to purchase E15, also known as Unleaded 88. Chains that are most likely to carry E15/Unleaded 88 include Caseys, Thorntons, Qik-n-EZ and Kwik Trip.

The benefits of ethanol are abundant. It is cheaper, you support local farmers compared to an oil corporation, ethanol gives gasoline higher levels of octane which improves engine performance, it is cleaner for the air and reduces greenhouse gasses immediately to combat climate change. What are corn farmers doing to develop public policy promoting higher blends of ethanol through better fuels and better engines? Introducing the Next Generation Fuels Act.

The Next Generation Fuels Act is sponsored by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos whose district includes Rockford, Peoria, Quad Cities and all of the productive and picturesque farm ground in Northwestern Illinois between.

This act would create a revolutionary new fuel standard that leverages greater fuel octane to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and improve air quality all while increasing demand for biofuels. Corn-based ethanol is the only fuel source that meets all the criteria outlined in this bill. The act would aim to have engines built for higher blends of ethanol around E20-E30 for all new vehicles across the nation. This legislation finally ties the engines and fuels together to advance the aforementioned benefits. You may be asking what can I do now to help preserve liquid biofuels for generations to come? First, call your U.S. Representative and voice your support for liquid biofuels and mention this new act proposed by Congresswoman Bustos. Second, seek out gas stations that already offer E15/Unleaded 88 for your 2001 and newer vehicle. The natural increase in demand is an indicator for broader adoption of even higher blends of ethanol. Lastly, tell your friends and neighbors! Communication studies continuously show people trust most those they know best, if they know you are in support of higher blends of ethanol and using E15 they may start to adopt the new fuel as well.

As the year unfurls and we continue to get back to doing the things we treasure, think about how a mindless activity like pumping gas into your tank can have such a profound unseen impact.

www.ilcorn.org