WASHINGTON, DC, US — Thousands of farmers signed a letter to US President Joe Biden expressing concern that his administration is overlooking biofuels in favor of electric vehicles as a means to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“If we are going to address climate change and meet our sustainability goals, we are going to have to take a multi-pronged approach, that includes tapping into higher levels of biofuels, such as corn ethanol, which offers an immediate climate solution,” the letter said.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing to release its light-and medium-duty vehicle tailpipe emissions standards for 2027-32. To meet the standards, the president has set a goal that 50% of all vehicle sales will be electric by 2030.
A recent survey, sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and conducted by Morning Consult, showed that Americans have concerns on a range of issues involving electric vehicles, including the accessibility of charging stations, and an overwhelming majority say vehicles that are compatible with biofuels should remain available to consumers.
In January, thousands of auto dealers from across the country signed on to a similar letter to the president noting that electric vehicles were not selling quickly and were piling up on dealer lots, the NCGA said.
Farmers noted in their letter that it could take years before electric vehicles become popular consumers. This means the administration must focus on solutions that are available now, they said.
“As a low-carbon, clean energy source and an affordable, homegrown fuel, ethanol serves as a critical pathway for agriculture and rural America to contribute to a sustainable future,” the letter noted. “We hope you will join us in fully embracing this technology as we all do our best to fight the causes and effects of climate change.”
California, which is pushing for electrification, has spent billions of dollars to encourage residents to embrace these vehicles. At the end of 2022, only 2.6% of light-duty vehicles were electrified.
Gas stations nationwide currently carry fuel with at least 10% ethanol blends, though selling higher blends of ethanol through the summer months currently requires a waiver by the EPA.
Corn growers have urged Congress to pass legislation that would allow for higher levels of ethanol blends year-round. The NCGA also is pushing to advance the Next Generation Fuels Act, which would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions and help shore-up America’s energy security.
