Next Generation Fuels Act would support MN farmers, rural communities
Minnesota corn farmers and the state’s rural communities stand to gain economically from environmental legislation recently reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, the Next Generation Fuels Act leverages the clean, higher-octane value of ethanol, which is nearly 50% lower in carbon intensity than gasoline, to meet the legislation’s new standards for both fuel and vehicles.
“This legislation is very important to corn farmers in Minnesota,” said Bryan Biegler, president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA). “The Next Generation Fuels Act helps give our rural communities an economic boost. Increased ethanol demand will bolster farm incomes, helping family-owned farms here in Minnesota.”
Corn ethanol already makes up 10% to 15% of each gallon of fuel, which benefits farmers and rural communities, lowers fuel prices and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The Next Generation Fuels Act removes the regulatory hurdles for incorporating up to 30% blends of corn ethanol to help meet the legislation’s standards, which could increase corn demand by 1.8 billion bushels a year, according to estimates.
“Not only is ethanol a critical market for corn farmers and their crop,” Biegler said. “The Next Generation Fuels Act also offers a tangible, cleaner-burning fuel that consumers can use today, something that’s good for all Minnesotans.”
The Next Generation Fuels Act has 17 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. MCGA and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) thank the representatives who have signed onto the bill and urge others to follow suit.
“We ask farmers and their neighbors to join us in letting their members of Congress know this is a priority for them and the state,” Biegler said.
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.
Contact your member of congress today and ask them to support the Next Generation Fuels Act. Take action now!
