View from the Cab: Fuels act reintroduced

By: Kent Casson

The National Corn Growers Association is praising the reintroduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act in the U.S. Senate.

This legislation would reduce carbon emissions, help shore up our country’s energy security and lower fuel prices, according to an article from Bryan Goodman at www.ncga.com.

It has been one of the NCGA’s top advocacy priorities. The bipartisan Senate reintroduction was led by Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) along with Tammy Duckwork (D-Ill.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).

“The Next Generation Fuels Act addresses some of the country’s most pressing concerns by providing consumers with more options in the transition to cleaner fuels and vehicles and supporting our long-term energy security,” explained NCGA President Tom Haag.

Under the act, new vehicles would transition to cleaner and more efficient fuels that also lower driver costs. This would allow automakers to improve vehicle fuel efficiency with advanced engines.

“We’re very grateful to Sen. Grassley, along with Sens. Klobuchar, Ernst and Duckworth for taking the lead on this priority legislation for corn growers,” adds Haag.

The act would permanently remove barriers at the regulatory level, allowing for higher blends of ethanol and advanced vehicles which deliver greater emission reductions and cost savings. NCGA has called on President Biden and his administration to prevent a disruption in access to higher fuel blends this summer.

Eight Midwestern governors have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to remove barriers to higher blends of ethanol in order to avoid further delay. NCGA’s website reports EPA has proposed delaying implementation of the governors’ plan until 2024.

Haag is disappointed with the EPA’s delayed response to the states. The governors’ plan requires low-volatility gasoline so drivers in these states keep having year-round access to fuel with 15 percent ethanol, often marketed as Unleaded 88.

You can stay up to date on everything corn related at the national level by visiting the National corn Growers Association website at www.ncga.com. You’ll discover key issues, how to become an advocate and the process for taking action. Website viewers can also sign-up to receive the organization’s newsletter by entering an e-mail address.