WASHINGTON, DC –Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, today issued a statement in response to a Washington Times editorial that rests its conclusions on obsolete information, ethanol myths and scare tactics.
The editorial states that increasing the use of ethanol in our fuel will increase food prices, damage engines and have little or no impact on cutting the pollution in the air. However, Growth Energy leaders were quick to point out that the data cited in their editorial is outdated.
“Today’s Washington Times editorial fails to consider the most recent farm statistics, studies and reports that prove ethanol can help clean our environment, strengthen our national security and create jobs, all without any impact on the drivability of our cars or the cost of our food,” said CEO Tom Buis.
“First, technological advancements in the agriculture industry have made ethanol production more efficient than ever before. The latest crop forecasts prove that our farmers can produce more than enough grain to satisfy all the demand for food, fuel and feed in this country without increasing prices at the grocery store. Food-versus-fuel was a myth perpetuated by vested interests, with no basis in fact that has been dispelled by numerous objective economic analyses.
“Second, exhaustive data has proven that engine performance and durability do not suffer from higher ethanol blends. According to a newly-released Rochester Institute of Technology study, E20 – a blend of 20-percent ethanol with gasoline – has no measurable impact on vehicle drivability or durability, and lower tailpipe emissions compared to conventional gasoline.
“Lastly, the editorial overlooks the economic and environmental benefits associated with higher blends of ethanol. A national study by the Windmill Group, out of North Dakota, estimated that moving from blends of E10 to E15 would create 136,000 jobs in the United States and help reduce our green house gas emissions. Science proves that grain ethanol is a low-carbon fuel that produces 59 percent fewer green house gas emissions than gasoline.
“It seems that the Washington Times editorial would have us maintain the status quo and keep our addiction to foreign oil rather than invest in a home grown fuel that has been proven to be cleaner and more economically beneficial for our country. It’s great if the Washington Times editorial board wants to weigh in on our nation’s energy policy. However, it is important for them to do so based upon the facts and not one-sided misinformation from vested interests who want to preserve the status quo. It is time we ended America’s addiction to foreign oil, and we can do it with renewable, domestic ethanol.”
# # #
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.