Next Generation Fuels Act Provides Key Piece of the Clean Energy Solution
The Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) today welcomed the reintroduction of The Next Generation Fuels Act, legislation to transition gasoline and vehicles to low-carbon, higher-octane fuel to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet future needs of more advanced vehicles by taking advantage of the benefits of higher ethanol blends. MCGA also thanked Rep. Lisa McLain (R-MI) for her co-sponsorship of the bill.
“Using higher blends of ethanol in our fuel supply will allow us to immediately and affordably decrease carbon emissions and build future vehicles with greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions,” said MCGA Chairman Matt Frostic. “This legislation builds on the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard and makes it possible for corn farmers to continue our commitment to providing the cleanest, most efficient and lowest cost fuel on the market. We thank Congresswoman McLain for cosponsoring the bill and for her support of Michigan’s corn farmers.”
The bill would require that automakers phase in higher octane fuel by model year 2031. Higher octane fuel will allow automakers to take advantage of advanced engine technology that will be able to significantly improve vehicle fuel efficiency.
The bill also requires that octane sources used in the new fuels 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. Today’s ethanol results in nearly 50% fewer GHG emissions than gasoline, and ongoing improvements in farming practices and carbon capture technology have the potential to bring ethanol to net-zero emissions.
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.
More information on the benefits of low-carbon, high-octane fuels and NCGA’s support for a low-carbon octane standard can be found at ncga.com/octane.
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About the Michigan Corn Growers Association
The Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is a grassroots organization of grower members dedicated to increasing the profitability of corn production. The MCGA is the only organization in Michigan that works solely on behalf of the state’s corn growers for pro-agriculture legislation. The MCGA works to ensure that corn growers’ voices are heard at the local, state and national levels. Find out more online at www.micorn.org.
