In The News

Mar 22, 2023

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Bryan Goodman

The Next Generation Fuels Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate today, drawing praise from the National Corn Growers Association. The legislation, which has been one of NCGA’s top advocacy priorities, would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions and help shore up America’s energy security.   Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led the bipartisan Senate reintroduction along with Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).   “We’re very grateful to Sen. Grassley, along with Sens. Klobuchar, Ernst and Duckworth, for taking the lead on this priority legislation for corn growers,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “The Next Generation Fuels Act addresses some of the country’s most pressing concerns by providing consumers with more options in the transition to cleaner fuels and vehicles and supporting our long-term energy security.” The Next Generation Fuels Act would clean up our nation’s fuel supply and transition new vehicles to use cleaner, more...

Mar 21, 2023

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Bryan Goodman

The president of the National Corn Growers Association urged EPA officials today to implement a petition from Midwest governors that would remove barriers to higher blends of ethanol and avoid further delay.   EPA’s public hearing reviewed the agency’s recent proposal to implement a plan from eight Midwest governors to require lower-volatility gasoline so drivers in those states continue to have year-round access to fuel with 15 percent ethanol, often marketed as Unleaded 88. EPA has proposed delaying implementation of the governors’ plan until 2024.   Haag took issue with the delays to date and urged EPA to avoid further delays in implementation. He also highlighted the emissions reduction benefits of E15 and the current cost savings of up to 20 cents or more per gallon when drivers choose E15.   “We are disappointed with EPA’s delayed response to states,” Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Tom Haag told EPA officials during the public hearing. “Governors submitted their...

Feb 13, 2023

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Bryan Goodman

Higher renewable fuel volumes over the next three years would go a long way in improving energy security, lowering gas prices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to recent comments the National Corn Growers Association submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.   The Renewable Fuel Standard, or RFS, requires that U.S. transportation fuel contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel each year. NCGA’s comments were in response to EPA’s proposed volume requirements for 2023, 2024 and 2025.   “NCGA supports EPA’s proposal of annual increases in volumes, including an implied conventional biofuel volume of 15.25 billion gallons, and recognition that ethanol plays a critical role in cutting GHG emissions and our energy security,” stated NCGA President Tom Haag in the comments. “With continued pressure on energy security and costs, and the need to accelerate GHG emission reductions, however, biofuels can contribute even more. We ask EPA to continue working with us...

Aug 23, 2022

Key Issues: EthanolFarm PolicyHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Bryan Goodman

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is now accepting applications for $100 million in competitive grants to increase the sale and use of higher blends of biofuels like ethanol. The funding, made available through USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, will help more fuel retailers and distributors offer consumers lower-cost and lower-emissions fuels, like E15 and E85, by sharing the cost to expand infrastructure such as pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.    “Higher blends of ethanol, like E15 and E85, are homegrown fuels that save consumers money at the pump while cutting emissions and improving the nation’s energy security,” said Iowa farmer and NCGA President Chris Edgington. “That is why corn growers applaud USDA for investing in additional infrastructure to help more retailers reach more consumers with clean, affordable biofuels.”    USDA will provide cost-share grants of up to 50% of total eligible project costs and expects...

Feb 16, 2022

Key Issues: EthanolFarm PolicyHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Bryan Goodman

Three U.S. senators today highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of corn ethanol during a hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) held before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.   During the hearing, Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who serve on this important committee, discussed the transportation emission reductions that result from renewable fuels, ethanol’s contribution to lowering fuel prices and agriculture’s role in producing and improving renewable fuels, among other issues.   “We appreciate Sens. Duckworth, Ernst and Stabenow for setting the record straight when it comes to agriculture and ethanol,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) president Chris Edgington. “We were very pleased to have them highlight and include NCGA’s statement, which shows the environmental benefits of ethanol, into the hearing record.”   NCGA’s statement to the committee explains how...

Sep 9, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Julie Busse

In joint comments submitted last week to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a group of ag and biofuel organizations and companies highlighted the role  renewable fuels like ethanol can and should play in helping the state achieve its goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2045 or sooner. CARB is in the  process of updating its Scoping Plan, which lays out the path toward achieving the state’s carbon reduction targets.   The comments were signed by leadership of the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, Aemetis Inc., Alto Ingredients Inc., Calgren Renewable Fuels, Pearson Fuels, Propel, POET and RPMG. Their letter spotlights recent state-funded research that indicates pathways to carbon neutrality through greater reliance on renewable fuels like low-carbon ethanol.   “The carbon intensity of the fuel continues to drop as farmers and fuel producers invest in better techniques and technologies,” the group writes. “Ethanol in a wide...

Sep 1, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Dusty Weis

The fifth-term Congresswoman from Illinois is the recipient of the NCGA’s President’s Award.    The Next Generation Fuels Act is poised to reinforce the market for American ethanol, and it’s been introduced in Congress with bipartisan support.   And in this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who was honored with the NCGA President’s Award this year for her support as sponsor of the Next Generation Fuels Act.   She’ll outline the specifics of the bill, share the outlook from Washington and detail what you can do to make sure this important piece of legislation becomes law.     Direct Share Link   Transcript   Rep. Cheri Bustos: Creating jobs, opening up opportunities for our family farmers, driving down carbon emissions. All of that happens if we can get the Next Generation Fuels Act passed, this is an opportunity that we have, and I would love to be able to get this signed into law and make this part of how we do business...

Aug 26, 2021

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today welcomed the reintroduction of The Next Generation Fuels Act (H.R. 5089), legislation to transition gasoline and vehicles to low-carbon, higher octane fuel to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet future needs of more advanced vehicles by taking advantage of the benefits of higher ethanol blends. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill).   “Ethanol is uniquely positioned to immediately and affordably decarbonize transportation, including through paving the way to future vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions,” said NCGA President John Linder. “The Renewable Fuel Standard was a game-changer for corn farmers, and the Next Generation Fuels Act builds on that success in advancing our commitment to providing the cleanest, most efficient and lowest cost energy solution.”   The bill would require that automakers phase in higher levels of clean, low-carbon octane by model year 2031. The...

Dec 4, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolFarm PolicyHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Liz Friedlander

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has long sought new and creative ways to build demand for our product. Since 2005, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has helped to promote both energy independence and a stable, prosperous U.S. economy.   The Next Generation Fuels Act (H.R. 8371) is the next step in corn farmers’ efforts to build on the success of the RFS to continue growing the role of low carbon, affordable and renewable ethanol in the fuel supply. Not only does this legislation yield economic benefits for rural America, but it also results in common sense environmental benefits.   The introduction of the bill follows several years of work by corn farmers to boost long term corn demand for clean, affordable ethanol. But introduction of this legislation is just the beginning of a long process.   The current Congress is set to adjourn by mid-December, making the next week a critical time to raise awareness and build additional support for the Next Generation Fuels...

Nov 10, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Julie Busse

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and Growth Energy recently held a town hall, discussing exciting ethanol initiatives and other opportunities on the horizon for corn growers and biofuel producers. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and NCGA President John Linder participated in the Town Hall with Farm Journal’s Chip Flory.   “We need all the markets we can, and we need market-based solutions,” Linder told viewers. Linder outlined the market potential of getting E15 in California, which is 750 million gallons of ethanol or 260 million bushels of corn. Linder also outlined the market potential of a high-octane low-carbon fuel with the Next Generation Fuels Act, telling viewers eventually the annual usage of corn would be 1.8 billion bushels   Linder and Skor outlined the latest policy priorities for the biofuel and ag industry, opportunities for growth in the domestic and global marketplace, the path to increased consumer choice at the pump via higher ethanol fuel blends,...

Oct 8, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolFarm PolicyHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Liz Friedlander

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) First Vice President Chris Edgington, along with Minnesota Corn Growers Association leadership, today joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue for an Albert Lea, Minn., event in support of higher blends of ethanol.   Perdue announced today that USDA has invested $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).  According to USDA, the $22 million HBIIP investments are projected to increase ethanol demand by nearly 150 million gallons annually. USDA will announce the remaining grant recipients in the coming weeks.   Further developing the infrastructure needed for higher blends of ethanol continues to be a priority for NCGA. These cost-share grants will support more retailers offering E15 and E85 across the country. Increasing the availability of higher blends today also helps expand...

Oct 5, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Julie Busse

A high-octane low-carbon (HOLC) fuel in the marketplace, once fully implemented, has the potential to increase ethanol consumption by more than 5 billion gallons. That’s equal to over 1.8 billion bushels of new annual corn demand. Not only is a HOLC fuel good for corn farmers, but it also benefits consumers and the environment.   Brian West, former Group Leader for the Fuels and Engines Research Group at the National Transportation Research Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), says based on the engine testing work he’s done, the move to a HOLC fuel just makes sense.   “Ethanol has a high Research Octane Number (RON), which is why it is attractive as a spark-ignition engine fuel,” says West. “At ORNL, we tested an unmodified Ford F-150 with conventional E10 gasoline and splash blended that with more ethanol, to make a 98 RON E25 and found modest improvements in efficiency and the truck was four-tenths of a second faster in an acceleration test. Then, in a series of...

Sep 29, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Julie Busse

Looking ahead to the future and setting plants up for success were the primary subjects addressed at the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and Fuel Ethanol Workshop (FEW) virtual meetings.   “Rising Up” was the theme of ACE’s annual meeting, with guest speakers from OPIS, Casey’s General Stores, Pump & Pantry, and a keynote address from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Steve Censky.   ACE CEO Brian Jennings addressed conference attendees saying, “These are extraordinary times. Merely playing defense on the RFS and hoping trade wars subside does not constitute a plan to increase ethanol use. At some point in the future, we will look back at 2020, knowing it was the year that defeated us, or the year we took control and got ahead. I hope you join ACE in Rising Up and going on offense to develop these new clean fuel markets to increase ethanol demand.”   You can learn more about ACE’s virtual conference here.   FEW included a pre-workshop on low carbon...

Sep 24, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Liz Friedlander

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today welcomed the introduction of The Next Generation Fuels Act, legislation to transition to a higher octane fuel in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet future needs of more advanced vehicles. Corn growers support a low carbon octane standard as a means toward boosting long term corn demand for clean, affordable ethanol.   The Next Generation Fuels Act, introduced by Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., recognizes the high octane, low carbon benefits of corn ethanol.   Establishing a new 98 Research Octane Number (RON) standard for gasoline and requiring that sources of additional octane result in at least 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than unblended gasoline, 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...

Sep 3, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Julie Busse

Building out the infrastructure needed for future mid-level blends of ethanol continues to be a priority of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Over the past three-years, NCGA and state partners have worked with Wayne Fueling Systems to produce and sell fuel pumps certified to deliver fuel containing up to 25 percent ethanol.   Thanks to this key partnership, NCGA has supported the sale of more than 50,000 new fuel pumps across the U.S., building out the infrastructure needed to support future mid-level blends of ethanol.   “This lays the groundwork for growing ethanol demand and moving the industry forward,” said NCGA Market Development Vice President Jim Bauman. “Corn farmers' support of NCGA’s multi-year fuel pump infrastructure program supports the introduction of higher octane fuels delivered by low-carbon, affordable, corn-based ethanol.”   NCGA also recently partnered with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), assisting fuel retailers in applying for the...

Jul 14, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolSustainabilityTradeAnimal AgricultureBiotechnologyConsumer EngagementHigh-Octane Low-CarbonNew UsesProduction

Author: Mark Lambert

Despite marketing and economic challenges and a pandemic, farmer leaders of National Corn Growers Association continue to advocate and work to improve the lot of the nation’s family corn farmers. Some of the steps being taken are covered in a new  2020 mid-year report  released online today.   “2020 began with reason for optimism in our industry. The signing of the USMCA trade deal, emerging corn purchases by China, a successful challenge to EPA granting RFS waivers and approval of year-round sales of E-15 had us all looking toward an economic rebound. Then the Coronavirus pandemic stunned the world,” said Kevin Ross, NCGA president. Through it all, corn farmers continue to go to work.  They answer the bell, responding by putting us on track to produce an abundant crop once again.”   You can view the report here.    

Jul 2, 2020

Key Issues: EthanolFarm PolicyHigh-Octane Low-Carbon

Author: Liz Friedlander

The U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis this week released a report titled, “Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America.” The report from the Democratic Majority details the Select Committee’s plan for recommended Congressional action to provide climate solutions.   Notably, the report includes several provisions related to agriculture, including an expansion of conservation programs and increased funds for climate-related research, recognizing the positive role agriculture can play in addressing climate change.   The Select Committee also recognizes the benefits of renewable fuels, like ethanol, in reducing carbon emissions. Ethanol already offers much lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels which, by accounting for beneficial farming practices and other improvements, can be further reduced in the future.   NCGA is pleased to see the report acknowledge that high-efficiency...