WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 25, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) to release its lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis of ethanol produced from grain sorghum. This new data signifies the first time a domestically-produced grain ethanol could qualify as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
The EPA analysis found that ethanol produced from grain sorghum has an estimated lifecycle GHG emissions reduction of 32 percent compared to gasoline. Evidence also indicates that when biogas is used in conjunction with combined heat and power technology, grain sorghum ethanol achieves a 53 percent reduction in greenhouse gas relative to gasoline. Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis lauded the study, noting that “this breakthrough data marks a tremendous accomplishment for our industry, and serves as further evidence of the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The potential for qualifying as an advanced biofuel is a testament to the ingenuity and competitiveness of U.S. ethanol production. Ethanol continues to prove itself as a more efficient fuel.”
“Improving the competitiveness of domestically-produced ethanol has a duel impact on the American economy – creating more jobs and opportunities, while simultaneously providing U.S. consumers with cleaner, cheaper fuel choices,” Buis concluded.
The EPA plans to initiate a 30-day comment period before finalizing the data.
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now.