Fax: 402-476-8859, Cell: 402-580-8815

john@nebraskafarmersunion.org

July 14, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nebraska Farmers Union Encourages Nebraskans To Tell

EPA They Support Raising The Ethanol Blend Rate By July 20 Deadline

Lincoln, Nebraska—Nebraska Farmers Union is asking Nebraskans to go the GoE15.com website to submit their comments in support of E15 blends by the July 20, 2009 deadline.

Earlier this year, EPA opened up a public comment period for citizens to comment on the opportunity to raise ethanol blends for gasoline by 5%. “This comment period provides U.S. citizens the opportunity to tell the Environmental Protection Agency our nation is serious about reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. This is an historic watershed opportunity to say ‘yes’ to renewable energy produced by farmers in the Midwest and ‘no’ to the imported oil imported from the Mideast dictators,” said John Hansen, Nebraska Farmers Union President.

“EPA can utilize a very simple administrative procedure to raise the ethanol blend rate 5% which would automatically improve our air quality, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, support the rural economy, and create thousands of new jobs without spending more taxpayer money. The research clearly shows that raising the domestic blend rate for ethanol by 5% will not harm engines, and would not require any mechanical adjustments to vehicles.” Hansen said.

Rural America desperately needs an economic stimulus package. Here is an economic stimulus package that does not spend more taxpayer dollars or increase the national debt. Raising the blend rate guarantees new jobs will be created where they are needed most, in rural America. All that is required to create this economic stimulus package is for EPA to use its administrative discretion, and regulatory common sense,” Hansen said.

The latest scientific research supports ethanol more than ever. The latest research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows that ethanol produced from corn can reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions by as much as 59% compared to gasoline.

A United States Department of Energy study found significant gains in efficiency in ethanol production. Between 2001 and 2006, ethanol production reduced its water consumption by 26.6%, reduced electricity demand by 15.7%, and reduced total energy use by 21.8%.

“Nebraska has a much bigger stake in this EPA decision on ethanol blends than all but one state since Nebraska is the second largest ethanol producing state in the nation. Nebraska is facing a huge corn crop, slumping grain exports, and already collapsing domestic grain prices. EPA can create a new market for U.S. corn with the stroke of a pen. This is an economic, air quality, and national security winner for our nation,” Hansen concluded.

For additional assistance on how to take part contact the Nebraska Farmers Union State Office at 402-476-8815.

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