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Posted on  

November 21, 2000

WIFE President Calls for Increased Support for Ethanol

Speaking at the national convention of Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE), Cindy Cruea, long time ethanol supporter and newly-elected president of WIFE, called for increased support for the ethanol industry. “WIFE urges Congress and the Administration to develop a comprehensive National Energy Plan that includes renewable fuels,” stated Cruea. Cruea also noted that farmers would rather not depend on the government for support. “I am thankful that the Washington administration is aware of the mental, physical and spiritual stress that farm families are facing,” said Cruea. However, I believe our proud farmers and ranchers would much rather improve their financial situation through their own investments, management decisions, determination and dedication.”

WIFE is entering its 25th year as one of the nation’s leading farm organizations. “WIFE was a pioneer in promoting the use of ethanol, thus reducing the nation’s dependency on foreign oil,” said Cruea. “Promoting a cleaner environment and expanding the use of our domestic farm products for use in production of renewable fuels continues to be a major priority.”

RFA SUPPORTS CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD PROPOSAL FOR ETHANOL SULFUR CONTENT IN CALIFORNIA REFORMULATED GASOLINE

Proposed Limits Recognize that Blending Ethanol Reduces Harmful Emissions

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has announced its support for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposal to limit the sulfur content of ethanol in California’s phase 3 reformulated gasoline (CaRFG3) program. The sulfur limits for ethanol and gasoline were considered at a CARB hearing today in Sacramento. The proposed sulfur limit for ethanol is a third of the proposed limit for gasoline.

“The ethanol industry is proud to be the lowest sulfur component of California gasoline,” said Eric Vaughn, president of the RFA. “Some make a good argument that all gasoline components should be held to the same sulfur standard. While that argument has merit, the ethanol industry supports the lower sulfur limit for ethanol because we are proud of the quality of ethanol. CARB’s limits recognize that blending ethanol in California gasoline reduces harmful emissions.”

CARB proposed a sulfur limit of only 10 parts-per-million (ppm) for ethanol while allowing a 30-ppm cap for gasoline by 2005. The sulfur limits are part of CARB’s ongoing effort to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Sulfur degrades the emissions control systems of newer vehicles.

“Ethanol blended in CaRFG3 will have a dramatically lower sulfur content than gasoline,” said Vaughn. “Blending ethanol reduces toxics, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter emissions. Now CARB has recognized that ethanol also helps modern vehicle emissions control systems operate properly by reducing sulfur. Given the clean air, clean water benefits of ethanol, we are certain Californians will continue to embrace ethanol-blended gasoline.”

Ethanol will provide much needed volume and octane for the California gasoline market as MTBE, the toxic water contaminant, is phased out. The ethanol industry has pledged to supply all the cost-effective ethanol California requires to maintain clean air standards, octane, and volume.

“The ethanol industry looks forward to increasing ethanol production in California,” said Vaughn. “California must maintain the clean air benefits of the federal oxygen standard. Then, as the switch from MTBE to ethanol continues, the California economy and jobs will benefit right along with the environment.”

For additional information, visit the RFA's web site at www.ethanolrfa.org
 

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