IL Corn Disappointed that EPA Ignores Ethanol in Recent Proposal

April 12, 2023
A poster that says farmers are doing something today for a better tomorrow

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a proposal for new greenhouse gas and multi-pollutant emissions standards for light-duty vehicles. The IL Corn Growers Association is extremely disappointed with the proposal’s inability to account for the environmental benefits of low-carbon ethanol which also provides lowest cost octane alternatives. 

 

In 2018, the use of ethanol in gasoline reduced CO2-equivalent Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) from vehicles in the U.S. by 55.1 million metric tons. This reduction in GHG emissions through ethanol production is equal to removing 11.7 million cars from the road for an entire year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports corn-based ethanol lowers greenhouse gas emissions up to 52 percent. 

“We know corn-based ethanol lowers the United States’ carbon emissions,” said Fairfield farmer and IL Corn Grower President Matt Rush. “American’s need an alternative option to electric vehicle’s limited infrastructure capabilities, and we believe ethanol is this clean energy solution available now.” 

 

University of Illinois at Chicago Principal Economist Dr. Steven Mueller reports high octane fuel with E30 vehicles (HOF) provide comparable greenhouse gas savings to electric vehicles charged on marginal electricity. E85 and HOF hybrid vehicles provide higher greenhouse gas emissions savings than electric vehicles. 

A graph showing the emissions of different ethanol blends and evs charged on rural illinois electricity grid.

Additionally, ethanol powered vehicles are more affordable for consumers. In December 2022, the average price for a battery electric vehicle was $61,500. The industry average for all light duty vehicles was $48,565. 

 

“While we share the administration’s goal of lowering emissions, we are frustrated that EPA appears to be turning exclusively to electric vehicles to lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) in a press release. “The limitations on raw materials, charging infrastructure, consumer preferences, and other factors dictate the need for a wider range of options to immediately mitigate carbon emissions.” 

 

The IL Corn Growers Association and NCGA champion the the Next Generation Fuels Act, introduced in both the House and Senate in March, as a solution for cleaner energy and higher-octane fuel. 

By Sand County Foundation August 28, 2025
Illinois Farmer Awarded Leopold Conservation Award
streambank erosion
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
Streambank Erosion: An Overlooked Threat to Illinois Farmland
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
What Experienced Farmers Wish They Knew Starting Out
Kacie and Captain us
By Jennie Abbott August 21, 2025
Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire shares about her past internship at IL Corn
whiskey
By American Craft Spirits Association August 21, 2025
The Farmer-Distiller: Best Bourbon resulted in a numerical tie, with two distilleries sharing the honor. Queens Reserve, a product of Wood Hat Spirits in Florence, Missouri scored identically to Bloody Butcher Bourbon, which is produced by Pathfinder Farm Distillery in Boonsboro, Maryland.
Green corn stalks in a field, blue sky with white clouds.
By Lyndi Allen August 21, 2025
The time for change is now, action is needed from Congress and the administration after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest World Agriculture and Supply and Demand Estimates report
Show More