The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has long sought new and creative ways to build demand for our product. Since 2005, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has helped to promote both energy independence and a stable, prosperous U.S. economy.
The Next Generation Fuels Act (H.R. 8371) is the next step in corn farmers’ efforts to build on the success of the RFS to continue growing the role of low carbon, affordable and renewable ethanol in the fuel supply. Not only does this legislation yield economic benefits for rural America, but it also results in common sense environmental benefits.
The introduction of the bill follows several years of work by corn farmers to boost long term corn demand for clean, affordable ethanol. But introduction of this legislation is just the beginning of a long process.
The current Congress is set to adjourn by mid-December, making the next week a critical time to raise awareness and build additional support for the Next Generation Fuels Act. Building support and educating Members of Congress and their staffs now helps set the stage for the legislation to be reintroduced and considered in the new Congress in 2021.
Corn farmers support H.R. 8371 for several reasons:
- Although this a long-term transition, the bottom line for corn growers is that blending more ethanol is the most cost-effective means of improving our fuel.
- While the legislation does not require specific levels of ethanol blending, it removes barriers to higher blends of ethanol, creating more demand for farmers going forward.
- This is a beneficial transition for the future that builds on the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to continue growing the role of low carbon, affordable and renewable ethanol in the fuel supply.
Corn farmers can learn more about the benefits of transitioning the fuel supply to high octane fuel at ncga.com/octane.