Senator Duckworth Sets the Senate Record Straight on Ethanol

February 17, 2022
A woman is smiling while sitting in a chair in front of a shelf.

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.

Evan playing in dirt
By Tara Desmond September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito
By Tara Desmond September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.
By Lyndi Allen September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners
September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More