Role of Corn Farmers in High Octane Fuel Future

Cindy Zimmerman

During a House Committee on Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on “High Octane Fuels and High Efficiency Vehicles” Friday, an Illinois corn grower outlined how farmers are now growing what can be the the high-octane fuel of the near future.

Illinois farmer Paul Jeschke testified that high-octane midlevel ethanol blends would “benefit society and rural communities by lowering prices at the pump and reducing pollution while increasing farm income.”

“I’m proud of what we do on my family’s farm,” said Jeschke. “I’m proud that our corn crop can have a part to play in the high-octane future that’s heading our way.” Read Jeschke’s written testimony.
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Listen to Jeschke’s opening statement here: Illinois farmer Paul Jeschke at hearing

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor testified before the panel that ethanol is a ready solution for more efficient engines that require high octane fuels to operate effectively and lower greenhouse gases.

“With a natural 113 octane, ethanol has a lower carbon content than the gasoline components it replaces and provides increased engine efficiency to reduce both tailpipe, greenhouse gas, and criteria pollutant emissions,” said Skor.

Listen to Skor’s opening statement to the committee – Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor at hearing

Audio, Corn, Ethanol