Iowa Corn Growers Association

 

JOHNSTON, Iowa – September 25, 2020– The Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) welcomes legislation introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives that will boost long-term corn demand for clean, affordable ethanol. The Next Generation Fuels Act recognizes the high octane, low carbon benefits of corn ethanol.

“The introduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act is welcome news not only for corn farmers but also for consumers,” said ICGA President Carl Jardon. “Ethanol blends in the range of E25 allow drivers to travel further with fewer fill-ups and fewer harmful emissions due to providing an efficient and cost-effective higher octane level. ICGA is looking forward to working with elected officials to see the Next Generation Fuels Act through.”

The Next Generation Fuels Act establishes a new 98 Research Octane Number (RON) standard for gasoline and requires that sources of additional octane result in at least 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than unblended gasoline. This 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 improve vehicle fuel efficiency. A new 98 RON would support mid-level blends like E25 and E30 which would generate new corn grind. 

The Next Generation Fuels Act is sponsored by Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois). ICGA looks forward to working with our representatives in Washington to continue to build support for policies that take greater advantage of ethanol’s benefits.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has provided more information on the benefits of high octane fuels and corn growers’ support for a low carbon octane standard at ncga.com/octane.