WASHINGTON – Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, released the following statement in support of U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu’s remarks about higher ethanol blends and flex fuel vehicles. During an event in Des Moines, IA, yesterday, Secretary Chu reiterated his support for increasing the amount of ethanol in the fuel supply to up to 15 percent and urged automakers to make all their new cars flex fuel so that they can run on even higher blends of ethanol like 30 or 40 percent, all the way up to E85, a fuel that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
“We applaud Secretary Chu for his support for increasing the ethanol in our fuel supply to up to 15 percent and his continued leadership in promoting ethanol as part of the solution to our energy and economic challenges. The science overwhelmingly shows that mid-level blends of ethanol, like a 15 percent blend, have no adverse impact on a car’s performance, maintenance, or emissions, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should approve Growth Energy’s Green Jobs Waiver based on this peer-reviewed research. Further, we urge automakers to follow the Secretary’s advice to make all new vehicles flex fuel so that they can run on even higher blends of ethanol. By increasing the ethanol we use in America, we will create new green collar jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our national security, and improve the environment.”
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.