In a step forward for energy security and the nation’s consumers, Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), with the support of Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), today introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act in the U.S. Senate.
“The Next Generation Fuels Act would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions, and shore-up America’s energy security for the long run,” said Iowa farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. “We are very grateful to Sens. Grassley, Klobuchar, Ernst and Duckworth for their leadership on this important issue.”
The bill would establish a clean, high-octane standard for gasoline and require that sources of additional octane result in at least 40% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, allowing automakers to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency through advanced engines.
Because corn growers have a vested interest in the future of transportation, NCGA began laying the groundwork and advocating for this policy several years ago, and the Next Generation Fuels Act, H.R. 5089, has received bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“We have worked closely with members of the House and Senate to secure bipartisan support for this legislation,” Edgington said. “In recent months, consumers have been reminded that we need choices at the pump. The Next Generation Fuels Act would diversify our fuel supply and take greater advantage of low-cost, low-emission, and high-efficiency ethanol to give drivers affordable choices as we decarbonize and clean up transportation.”
As gas prices climbed to all-time highs, NCGA has reminded policymakers that ethanol has been priced about $1 per gallon less than unblended gasoline at wholesale, and drivers are saving 30 to 40 cents or more per gallon where retailers offer E15.
In late spring, the Biden administration acted to preserve access to higher blends of ethanol through the summer, ensuring consumers continue to have the low-cost, low-emission choice of E15 at the pump. The Next Generation Fuels Act would build on this progress by advancing higher ethanol blends and advanced vehicles that deliver greater emission reductions, cost savings and consumer choice.
