Jon Doggett (left), National Corn Growers Association vice president of public policy, joined Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) (right) on Capitol Hill today, touting the importance of renewable fuels, such as ethanol made from corn, and the critical need for E85 infrastructure at the Alternative Energy Refueling System Act of 2006 press event.

NCGA Highlights Corn’s Role in Advancing Ethanol and E85 Infrastructure (5-17-06)

Corn growers are playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s ethanol industry, Jon Doggett, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) vice president of public policy, told members of the press today at the Alternative Energy Refueling System Act press event on Capitol Hill.

The event, hosted by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jim Talent (R-Mo.) highlighted S.2614, the Alternative Energy Refueling System Act of 2006, a bill introduced April 7 by Thune and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) aimed at increasing the number of alternative fuel tanks at gas stations. The bill provides incentives for gas station owners to install alternative fuel tanks, giving consumers more opportunities to opt for cleaner, more environmentally friendly fuels containing ethanol, compressed natural gas or bio-diesel in an effort to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.

“Senators Thune and Obama have shown true leadership and vision for this country in introducing good public policy that will keep us moving forward in providing essential renewable energy infrastructure,” said Doggett. “E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent ordinary gasoline) is rapidly becoming an important part of the nation’s fuel supply. This legislation will ensure that the availability of E85 increases not only in Midwest America, but across the country.”

Thune noted he and his fellow senators hold a deep interest in promoting renewable fuels, such as ethanol, and Talent stated this country needs to be aware that we are in the renewable age.

“Senators Thune and Talent make a very important point for everyone to remember: this is the time for renewable fuels. Corn growers will continue to work to bring energy security to this country through the use of ethanol made from corn,” Doggett said. “We will see renewable fuels fueling America.”

Also participating in the event, were Reps Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), who sponsored the House companion legislation, along with representatives from the Renewable Fuels Association, DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors.

Members of the press and other attendees were also given the opportunity to take a closer look at several flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) onsite.

Ethanol production has reached an all-time high of 4.5 billion gallons produced. There are 97 ethanol plants in operation and 35 more under construction. According to NCGA, increased capacity and more efficient processing could push ethanol production levels closer to 6 billion gallons. There are more than 5 million FFVs on the road that can run on E85 but only 600 stations that offer the renewable fuel.

Doggett noted this type of legislation will provide the incentive to increase alternative fuel infrastructure to feed the country’s growing need for ethanol.