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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – National Farmers Union (NFU), in conjunction with North Dakota Farmers Union and other state divisions, today unveiled an initiative to advance federal policies that support U.S. renewable energy sources.

The initiative will promote legislative and regulatory solutions to expand markets for higher blends of ethanol, like E30, and advanced biofuels.

“Ethanol drives the demand for corn, and corn sets the price for all other commodities,” said North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne. “It’s important we reduce regulatory burdens that impede the growth of ethanol in the marketplace. Ethanol production is good for American farmers. It’s good for our economy. It’s good for our environment.”

Watne said the Environmental Protection Agency’s interpretation of the Clean Air Act has restricted the sale of mid-level high-octane fuel. He said national energy labs have demonstrated that high-octane blends do not impair performance in non-flex fuel or standard vehicles and that use of E30 would reduce harmful emissions more effectively than E10.

Anne Steckel, a veteran energy, environment and agriculture policy specialist will be leading NFU’s efforts in Washington, D.C.

“Federal-level policies like the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) have reaped tremendous gains for the farming and rural communities that grow and produce renewable, bio-based fuels,” said Steckel. “NFU will continue its avid support of the RFS and pursue innovative policy solutions that expand renewable energy demand, development and infrastructure.”