FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2020
Contact: Hannah Packman, 303-819-8737
hpackman@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON – Higher octane fuels like mid- and high-level ethanol blends are mutually beneficial for drivers, farmers, and the environment. Recognizing this, Representative Cheri Bustos today introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act, which would increase gasoline octane to a minimum standard of 98 Research Octane Number (RON) through low-carbon, renewable fuels.
Given their environmental and economic advantages, National Farmers Union (NFU) has long supported higher-level blends of ethanol, as the organization’s president Rob Larew noted in a statement. As such, he welcomed the bill’s introduction and applauded Rep. Bustos’s leadership.
“There are so many reasons to widely adopt low-carbon, high octane ethanol blends. First of all, they significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency, which reduces emissions of the greenhouse gasses that drive climate change. Additionally, by replacing harmful gasoline aromatics, they can improve air quality and respiratory health. If that weren’t enough, they also create new markets for family farmers, support rural economic growth, and offer a cost-effective fuel for American drivers.
“Considering all these benefits, National Farmers Union welcomes any legislation that would facilitate more extensive use of mid- and high-level ethanol blends – and the Next Generation Fuels Act would do just that. We appreciate Representative Bustos’s recognition of ethanol’s potential and the legwork she continues to do to fully realize that potential.”
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National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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