Michigan farmer and NCGA Ethanol Action team member Russell Braun testified on behalf of NCGA at a public hearing in Dearborn, Mich., September 25 to review the proposed SAFE Vehicles Rule. This proposed regulation would set standards for vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Important for farmers, regulators also requested comments on the benefits and role of high-octane fuels when it comes to meeting vehicle standards.
Corn farmers have a vested interest in the future of transportation fuels, and NCGA wants to ensure automakers have the tools and technology to meet future emissions and efficiency standards, both cost-effectively and safely for drivers. One of these tools is high-octane fuel, such as a mid-level ethanol blend.
Braun’s testimony urged regulators to consider fuels and vehicles as a system of high-octane fuel used with optimized engines. While ethanol may not be the only source of fuel octane, it is the lowest cost - and lowest carbon - octane source currently available to consumers.
Braun also encouraged EPA to use the agency’s authority to support the production and use of higher-octane fuels by addressing regulatory barriers, the need for a minimum fuel octane standard, RVP parity and correcting fuel efficiency calculations.
“NCGA supports one national standard for vehicles. High-octane, low-carbon fuel can help harmonize federal and state standards and is a needed compromise solution on future standards,” Braun concluded his testimony.
COVID-19 Resources
NCGA is taking a series of actions to do our part to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic fallout it is creating for corn farmers and our customers. Short term, this means instituting policies to protect the health and safety of our stakeholders and the broader communities we serve. Long term, we’re focused on creating solutions to help corn farmers and our customers recover from the financial impacts of this crisis.
CommonGround
CommonGround is a group of farmers connecting with consumers through conversations about science and research and personal stories about food and misinformation surrounding farming. Supported by the NCGA and state corn organizations.
SHP
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is a farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health. Administered by NCGA the partnership has more than 220 working farms enrolled in 16 states. SHP’s mission is to utilize science and data to partner with farmers who are adopting conservation agricultural practices that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.
