Although Nebraska is one of the “Elite Eight” states that are allowed to sell E15 year-round, they are still actively promoting increased ethanol usage, pushing for a “national fix”.
According to Jan Tenbensel with the Nebraska Ethanol Board, “Ethanol is so important to farmers, corn farmers, but all farmers, because a rising tide lifts all ships. The more corn grind we can do, the better it is for the cotton guys, better for the soy guys. We’re all in this boat together. What we need to do first of all, Nebraska is part of the eight-state waiver to get E15 year-round. This is a great first step, but realistically, we need a national fix, and hopefully, we’ll see it here in the next couple of months out of Congress. Remember, every percent of ethanol we use nationally is almost half a billion bushels of corn ground every year. So, a couple of percent added to that national average would really help the carryout and be a great thing, especially for our beginning farmers.”
The state’s ethanol board says that it is shocking how many misconceptions are still out there surrounding E-15, especially with facts that speak for themselves.
“It’s funny because most of the guys that have misconceptions, once you show them the facts and once they understand that the refineries are buying this and that we need ethanol to add to our domestic fuel supplies. Ethanol is our cheapest source of octane. It’s the best source of octane. Ethanol replaces the most expensive, the most cancerous, the most toxic ingredients in gasoline. Right now, ethanol is about $1 cheaper per gallon on a weighted aromatic basis, so our cars won’t run without these products. So, either have to do an expensive product made at the refinery or a less expensive product, and a more natural product made from farmers’ corn.”
Looking ahead, there are several big opportunities for ethanol, including the development of sustainable aviation fuel. Another exciting possibility is the creation of plastics made from the byproducts of corn ethanol production.
