NCGA’s Program Roadmap: A Pocket Guide to Sustainability

NCGA has partnered with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, to conduct engine testing on various engines with mid-level ethanol blends. The research shows higher blends of ethanol increase engine performance, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions across vehicle types.   Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:   3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution contamination. 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all counties, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development...

NCGA launched a new messaging campaign in Washington D.C., outlining the environmental benefits of corn ethanol that can be realized today. The digital campaign was made up of non-skippable video units on streaming services, video on local websites within Washington D.C., and social media marketing on Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, NCGA was the sole sponsor of the latest Agri-Pulse Podcast Deep Dive series on biofuels, sponsored content in Politico, and had a :30-second TV spot run on local D.C. programs. All of these efforts explore not only the environmental benefits of ethanol, but the policy demand needed to ensure the industry is on a level playing field moving forward in the transportation and energy sectors.   Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:   3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution contamination. 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to...

NCGA and state corn grower associations have partnered with the Hormel Institute on research pertaining to the environmental impacts of ethanol and human health, specifically carcinogens. The Hormel Institute, housed at the University of Minnesota, conducts research and provides education in biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture.   Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:   3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution contamination. 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all counties, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of...

NCGA continues as a partner of NCERC, finding new and innovative technologies and solutions to further optimize the utilization of corn-based ethanol, which can serve as a building block for high-value molecules and new novel applications for ethanol products.   Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:   7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. 7.2 By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. 9.5 Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all counties, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.  

This work will address the impact of crop residues on soil health and sustainability by conducting a life-cycle analysis. The goal is to take historical data and show the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that farming practices help reduce the carbon intensity of fuel and how corn provides additional decarbonization benefits. The outcome of this study will help drive future discussions with CARB and show the environmental benefits of using corn-based ethanol in California.   Alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:   2.4 By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality. 7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy...