Thursday, U.S. Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, legislation that leverages greater fuel octane to reduce carbon emissions from transportation, improve air quality by reducing the use of harmful aromatics and increase demand for biofuels.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) welcomed the reintroduction by Bustos, joined by kudos from both the Kansas and Missouri Corn Growers associations. Bustos originally sponsored the legislation a year ago. NCGA expressed appreciation for the other members of Congress who joined Bustos as original co-sponsors of the bill, including Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Jason Smith (R-Mo.), James Comer (R-Ky.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and Cynthia Axne (D-Iowa).
"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 higher the octane, the more efficiently the engine uses energy. As a clean octane standard, the bill requires that sources of additional octane result in at least 40% fewer GHG emissions than unblended gasoline and sets new limits on toxic hydrocarbon aromatics. These requirements will reduce GHG and tailpipe emissions to build on the progress already made to lower emissions with cleaner renewable fuels. Through advanced engine design features that take advantage of this new fuel, automakers will be able to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency.
"We appreciate the bipartisan group of representatives who cosponsored the bill, and KCGA is encouraging members of our Kansas delegation to become cosponsors of this legislation," said KCGA President Brent Rogers, Hoxie, Kan. "Ethanol already provides a low carbon fuel solution and passage of this bill would be a big step moving toward advanced vehicles fueled with higher levels of low-carbon high octane ethanol fuel."
"Working toward utilizing a lower-carbon, higher-octane fuel source will reduce emissions, improve air quality, and increase fuel efficiency," said MCGA President Jay Fischer, Jefferson City, Mo. "Ethanol meets those needs, is produced right here at home, and is available immediately to help address climate concerns. So we are pleased to see the reintroduction of this bill and the opportunity for corn-based ethanol to be a part of the climate solution."
"Today's ethanol results in nearly 50% fewer GHG emissions than gasoline, and ongoing improvements in farming practices and carbon capture technology can bring ethanol to net-zero emissions," said Linder. "Corn growers support market-based clean fuel policies that incentivize low-carbon fuels, and the Next Generation Fuels Act would complement these policies, advancing greater decarbonization per gallon."
Corn ethanol is an effective, low-carbon octane source, providing the greatest fuel efficiency gains at the least cost to drivers while displacing the most toxic components of gasoline. Higher octane levels and vehicles designed and warranted for these fuels would support ethanol blends up to 30%, which would decrease GHG emissions and improve air quality by replacing harmful hydrocarbon aromatics.
"Congresswoman Bustos has been a real champion for the benefits of low-carbon ethanol and for agriculture," Linder said. "NCGA is thankful for the Congresswoman's leadership in advancing renewable fuels by reintroducing this legislation. Corn growers look forward to working with her to build support for clean energy policies that take greater advantage of ethanol's benefits."
Due to ethanol's high octane rating, low-carbon, high-octane ethanol blends results in both additional fuel efficiency and significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction benefits. Ethanol is also priced lower than gasoline, making it the most cost-effective octane source.
By requiring the new high octane fuel to utilize low-carbon sources, the Next Generation Fuels Act will decarbonize liquid fuels as vehicle technologies advance. This requirement, coupled with a new limit on harmful aromatics content, ensures that progress already made to lower emissions continues.
Using more petroleum-based sources to increase fuel octane would produce more carbon emissions, erase GHG reduction benefits from improved fuel economy and result in more emissions of harmful hydrocarbon aromatics, which degrade air quality and respiratory health.
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy