Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, testified before the Environmental Protection Agency during a hearing on the planned revision of the Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Emission Standard.
As automakers refine vehicle technology, the increased use and development of biofuels represents an opportunity to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from internal combustion engines. Higher ethanol levels not only increase engine productivity but also reduce criteria air pollutants and air toxics once they are fully deployed.
NFU has long supported biofuels, such as E30, that can be realized in new and existing internal combustion engines. Larew told the EPA that biofuels are a vital component of this nation’s energy policy. “NFU has long urged the EPA to support rural Americans by promoting higher-level blends of ethanol as a cost-effective means of achieving required and improved octane levels,” Larew says.
“We again ask EPA to acknowledge the potential for high octane, low carbon fuels, such as E30, to reduce GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles.” Larew also reminded the EPA that the agency must also consider the economic benefits of the increased use of mid-level ethanol blends as a high octane, low carbon, cost-effective fuel will bring to struggling rural communities while also benefitting consumers.