SDCGA statement on higher ethanol blends

Today a broad alliance of ethanol groups formally petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the use of ethanol up to 15% for motor vehicles. The South Dakota Corn Growers Association supports multiple blends of ethanol, and believes in fuel choices for consumers.

“Allowing the use of higher blends of ethanol in existing fleets would simply give the ethanol industry a little more access to markets the oil industry has always enjoyed,” said Bill Chase, president of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association. “As corn growers, we fight for markets every day. This market is critically needed for the additional bushels of corn we will produce every year on the same acres.”

Today it takes 40 percent less land and 50 percent less energy to produce a bushel of corn than it did in 1987.

“It is critical that the ethanol industry moves beyond the arbitrary 10 percent blend wall. It would bring huge benefits to the U.S. economy by providing good jobs, ensuring a market for next-generation biofuels, providing more cost-effective choices at the pump for consumers, and lessening our dependence on foreign oil,” said Chase.

The EPA will have 270 days to decide whether or not to lift the arbitrary limit, during which there will be a period of public comment. The EPA can make a decision on the waiver at any time in the 270 day period.