Senator Duckworth Sets the Senate Record Straight on Ethanol

During yesterday’s U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, Senator Tammy Duckworth coordinated with Senators Ernst and Stabenow to set the record straight on the benefits of corn-based ethanol.

Duckworth asked very important questions of Emily Skor, Growth Energy, during the hearing, which allowed answers to be entered into the record regarding the cost saving benefits of corn-based ethanol.

“What’s really important to understand is the role of biofuel in bringing down the price of oil for consumers. Most assuredly, biofuels like ethanol help bring down the cost of gas prices,” said Skor in answer to Senator Duckworth’s questioning.

To conclude her questions, Senator Duckworth asked for unanimous consent to enter into the record EPA analysis from 2015, 2017 and 2021 that confirm the fact that corn-based ethanol lowers fuel prices for consumers, along with studies that explain the USDA’s finding that corn-based ethanol’s carbon intensity is 39% lower than gasoline and that corn is not causing land use change. The studies also address the recent claims of an overuse of fertilizer.

Thank you to Senator Durbin for helping Congress understand and appreciate the contributions corn farmers and ethanol producers can make to our global climate challenges.

Listen to Senator Duckworth and Ms. Skor’s full comments in the Senate EPW hearing here.