Nebraska and Iowa Governors Announce American Ethanol Pump Labeling Initiative

Governors of the nation's top two ethanol-producing states jointly announced the launch of a statewide pump labeling initiative to promote the American Ethanol brand.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad have announced the implementation of new fuel pump labels featuring the American Ethanol brand.  The American Ethanol brand will provide nationwide consistency in pump labeling for all ethanol blends including E10, E15, E30 and E85.

The American Ethanol brand was originally introduced in 2011 when NASCAR adopted E15 (15% ethanol) as its fuel of choice.  Nebraska and Iowa are among the first states to introduce the brand at retail locations. Both states are offering new pump labels free of charge to retailers across Iowa and Nebraska.  In each state, the new labels have been approved by the state agencies that govern pump labeling.

"This new brand label will provide a consistent consumer experience at pumps across the state and capitalize on the high profile that American Ethanol has enjoyed through the NASCAR partnership," said Governor Branstad.  "We want to make it even easier for consumers to find this clean-burning, high-performance fuel wherever they travel."

Governor Ricketts emphasized the clean air benefits of ethanol blended fuel. "When it comes to air quality, American Ethanol-blended fuel burns cleaner,” said Governor Ricketts. “The new pump labels are a great way to inform consumers of the wealth of benefits American Ethanol-blended fuels provide. It is cost-effective, American-made, renewable and better for our environment.”

According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, American Ethanol-blended fuel burns cleaner and improves air quality compared to regular gasoline. When drivers use American Ethanol, they’re improving air quality and reducing the causes of asthma, heart disease and lung cancer not only for themselves but also their children and grandchildren. American Ethanol lowers the level of toxic, cancer-causing emissions in vehicle exhaust—reducing air pollution, improving human health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

With 3.8 billion gallons of annual production and 42 ethanol plants, Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production.  Nebraska is second with more than two billion gallons of annual production and 24 plants.  "The ethanol industry has re-energized rural communities and added value to agricultural production in our states," Governor Branstad said.  "Ethanol production has created good jobs, generated tax revenue and helped our nation improve its energy security."

"Ethanol transforms corn into fuel, animal feed and economic vitality all across Nebraska and Iowa," Governor Ricketts added.  "In Nebraska, the Golden Triangle of corn, livestock and ethanol gives us a unique advantage for economic growth and national leadership in the production of fuel, food, feed and fiber."

Several retail outlets have already begun displaying the American Ethanol label, helping consumers better understand their choices when they fill up.  Any standard vehicle can use E10, a blend of 10 percent ethanol while vehicles 2001 and newer can use E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol.  With nearly 500,000 flex fuel vehicles in Nebraska and Iowa, consumers can flex their option to choose E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and make a positive impact agreed both Governors. Selecting American Ethanol fuel blends at the pump is the right choice for cleaner, healthier air—and the American Ethanol label at the pump will help consumers in making that choice.

Big savings on ethanol flex fuels at U-Stop

If you're cool to flex fuel, you can fill up for less—a lot less—this coming Tuesday.

On Tuesday, November 25, flex fuel ethanol blends will be available at deep discounts from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the U-Stop location at 84th & Highway 6 in Lincoln.  E85 will be discounted by 85¢ per gallon; E30 will be 30¢ less and E15 will be 15¢ off for the two-hour period.  Customers must be driving a flex fuel vehicle to fill up with these blends. Other restrictions apply. See store for details.

The flex fuel promotion is sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Ethanol Board in partnership with U-Stop. 

There are nearly 200,000 flex fuel vehicles in Nebraska, which can run on any blend of ethanol and ordinary gasoline up to E85, or 85 percent ethanol.  

"About one in seven Nebraskans is driving a flex fuel vehicle and many don't even realize it," said Kim Clark. "You might have a flex fuel insignia on your vehicle or you might have a yellow gas cap.  And you can always check your owner's manual to see if you're driving a flex fuel vehicle."

In addition to the at-the-pump discounts, flex fuel drivers will also receive discount coupons on future flex fuel purchases.  A number of in-store specials will also be available at U-Stop during the two-hour discount period.

10 reasons to use ethanol-blended fuel this summer

The choice at the gas pump is easier for Nebraskans in their summer travel and recreational plans this year. And that choice is renewable, cost-effective and builds a strong economy. Here are ten reasons to use ethanol-blended fuel this summer.

1. The most affordable fuel.
The drastic rise of gas prices in the busy summer months hurts our pocketbooks. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) projection for the April-through-September summer driving season year is on average $3.61/gallon, 3 cents higher than last year. This year’s Memorial Day holiday saw drivers paying slightly more for gasoline than the previous two years, according to AAA. Thankfully, ethanol-blended fuel lowers gas prices up to $1.09 per gallon on average and saves the average American household $1,200 on their gas bill annually.

2. It’s renewable.
It’s no secret that Nebraska is the “Cornhusker” state and is notably the third largest corn producing state and second largest ethanol producing state in the nation. By growing 14 billion bushels of corn in the U.S. in 2013, corn is a renewable crop that provides for a reliable fuel source year after year. A recent poll by Fuels America found that 92% of U.S. adults support having renewable fuel at their local gas station, specifically E15 fuel – renewable fuel made of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline.

3. Ethanol plants create food, feed and fuel.
An ethanol plant doesn’t just make fuel. When a bushel of corn travels to the plant to make fuel, it also makes food and other co-products in the process. Co-products include livestock feed called distillers grains, corn oil and other products that add to the food supply. In other words, we’re making food, feed and fuel. From one bushel of corn comes 2.8 gallons of ethanol in addition to 17 pounds of distillers grains. The strong ethanol industry in Nebraska is one of the main factors for the state’s recent status move into the number one cattle feeding state because of the availability of the high-protein, value-added distillers grains feedstuff.

4. Has not driven up food prices.
The price of corn is the lowest it’s been in three years, yet food prices have not come down. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) change in food prices index shows that food prices are going to continue to rise. So what is driving up food prices? Researchers at the World Bank identified crude oil as the number one determinant of global food prices; as the price of oil increases, food prices follow closely behind.

5. Builds up our state economy and growth of jobs.
Just in Nebraska alone, over 1,200 direct jobs are attributed to the ethanol industry, not to mention the hundreds of thousands indirect jobs across the country. Ethanol supports rural America, generating a $500 billion increase to communities’ farm assets around the country. When agriculture is healthy, the state economy is healthy.

6. Gives consumers a choice.
Ethanol, a renewable fuel, gives Nebraskans a choice when they go to fill up with gas. Those choices aren’t limited to the lower price of their gas bill, but also the chance to choose a domestic, clean-burning fuel that fuels our state’s economy as well. Those drivers with a flex fuel vehicle (FFV) have the choice to use any ethanol fuel blend up to 85 percent ethanol (E85).

7. Reduces greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions.
Compared with oil, ethanol-blended fuel burns cleaner and reduces harmful GHG emissions. Ethanol lowers the level of toxic, cancer-causing emissions in vehicle exhaust—reducing air pollution, improving human health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Ethanol is homegrown.
Ethanol has dramatically reduced the size of the checks America writes to foreign oil suppliers to the tune of $44 billion dollars saved last year. The U.S. reduced oil imports by 476 million barrels in 2013—the equivalent of about 12% of total U.S. crude oil imports, thanks to this renewable resource.

9. Use in boats and mowers.
With the summer months comes fun in the sun and in the yard. Ethanol-blended fuels up to 10 percent (E10) can be used successfully in marine watercraft and small engines, such as lawn mowers. Small engine owners should know that EPA has approved E15 only for automobiles manufactured in model year 2001 and newer, and it is not approved for any other engine use.

10. E15: tested and safe.
E15, fuel blended that is 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, has been the most aggressively and comprehensively tested fuel in the history of the EPA, which has been approved for its use in vehicles starting with the 2001 model year and newer. E15 saves more money at the pump, burns cleaner and supports our economy. NASCAR race cars have run more than 5 million miles on E15, starting with the 2011 racing season, and its drivers and mechanics give the fuel high marks for power and durability.

New Flex Fuel Pumps Open up in David City

New flex fuel pumps are now open in David City at the RB’s Corner Stop on Highway 15.

This is the 83rd retail location with E85/flex fuel pumps that offer ethanol blended fuels such as E85 for flex fuel vehicles. RB’s Corner Stop is offering E10, E20, E30, and E85. There is an ethanol blend for everyone.

These pumps were paid for in part by a grant provided by the Nebraska Corn Board. The location is supporting the local economy by offering a homegrown, locally produced fuel, ethanol.

“We have been working hard to get flex fuel pumps across Nebraska,” said Kim Clark director of biofuels development for the Nebraska Corn Board. “Over the last year we have doubled the number of locations that offer E85 and other ethanol blended fuels.”

Todd Sneller, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board said, “Ethanol saves motorist money at the pump. Last year, ethanol saved Americans in the Midwest over $1.60 per gallon. A consumer’s choice and ethanol availability are high on consumer’s priority list with today’s gas prices.”

One in 10 Nebraska motorists currently own a flexible fuel vehicle which can run on any blend of ethanol and gasoline, up to E85, and many don’t even know it. To confirm if a vehicle is flex fuel, drivers can check their owner’s manual, their gas cap, look for the flex fuel emblem on their vehicle or click here.

When flex fuel drivers fill up on E85 and other ethanol blends, they’re strengthening Nebraska’s economy, making our country more energy independent and helping the environment. Blender pumps that offer higher ethanol blends are helping the nation move past the E10 blend wall.

Grand opening details will be available at a later date.

To find a list of retailers that offer E85 and other mid-level ethanol blends visit the Nebraska Ethanol Board website at www.ne-ethanol.org or check the Nebraska Corn Board website at www.nebraskacorn.org.

Boosting renewable fuels

Last week congress approved a bill that helped the country avoid the fiscal cliff.

One of the items in that bill included extending tax credits that help with cellulosic ethanol production. The bill also helps with ethanol infrastructure.

The extension of tax credits come as welcome news to many area corn producers. Jon Holzfaster fills his vehicle up with an E-85 blend of ethanol. The District 8 Director of the Nebraska Corn Board is happy that tax credits were extended to help the ethanol industry.

“The extension of the alternative fuel infrastructure tax will be much more valuable in the short term,” says Jon Holzfaster, Nebraska Corn Board. That tax credit allows the folks that install the infrastructure to provide alternative blends of ethanol or alternative fuels the opportunity to offset some of their tax liabilities by providing a choice for the consumers at the pump with different blends of ethanol.

Holzfaster says if the tax credits were not extended the ethanol industry would suffer. He adds in tax credits will help the industry continue to flourish and help keep the price of gasoline down.

“It is a product that utilizes a renewable resource. It is friendly to the environment and it is saving consumers' money at the pump. We do not feel we really need to have an abundance of Federal legislation behind this but it is good to know that is someone back there that knows that industry and can do things to help the industry in providing that security of knowing you will not have the rug pulled out from underneath you,” says Holzfaster.

Holzfaster says the extension of the tax credits is great news for the future of the ethanol industry. He believes there are many senators on Washington that see the benefits of ethanol and they are fighting to make sure the industry continues to be viable in the coming years.

View Holzfaster’s interview with KNOP-TV News out of North Platte.

Staff Update with Kim Clark

It's been a while since we've done a Staff update but here is the newest one. This week Kim Clark talks to us about the blender pump grants that the Nebraska Corn Board has available to retailers! For more information visit www.Nebraskacorn.org

 

Nebraska Corn Board's blender pump grant funds 50% allocated

Less than a month after announcing a new blender pump grant program, the Nebraska Corn Board said this week that it has received "a tremendous response," with half of the funds available in the program already being committed.

As part of its 2012-13 budget, the Nebraska Corn Board set aside $750,000 to further develop fuel ethanol infrastructure in Nebraska through the grant program. Grants provide fuel retailers up to $40,000 to help cover the costs of installing blender pumps.

“We have seen an incredible amount of interest from retailers from all across the state, from Lexington to Blair, including larger communities like Norfolk, Columbus, Omaha and Lincoln,” said Kim Clark, director of biofuels development with the Nebraska Corn Board.

“Blender pumps are a great way to support agriculture and renewable fuels in Nebraska, while offering motorists more choices at the pump. The grant money the Nebraska Corn Board offers helps offset some of our costs to install the pumps and is a great incentive to upgrade,” said Stephanie King-Witt, director of marketing, media and public relations of Bosselman’s Pump & Pantry.

Bosselman's used previous Nebraska Corn Board grant fundsto install blender pumps in Central City, Grand Island and St. Paul.

The company has also jumped at the opportunity the new grant program funds provide. 

David Merrell, a farmer from St. Edward, noted that Nebraska is the second largest producer of ethanol and the third largest producer of corn in the country. “We need to be able to use more of the products we produce right here in the state,” said Merrell, a member of the Nebraska Corn Board. “Blender pumps are a great way to increase the availability of ethanol, especially for those who drive flex fuel vehicles, and we’re seeing more FFVs on the road every day.”

The pumps also provide opportunities for stations to more easily offer E15, which is approved for use in all model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks and SUVs.

Seth Harder, general manager at Husker Ag, LLC, said, “We at Husker Ag feel that blender pumps are a necessary part of rural sustainability. The state of Nebraska has no traditional oil refining capacity, as most of the states in the upper Midwest do not. As such, we are subject to importing over 90 percent of our transportation fuel into the state. Blender pumps allow flexibility, choice and price control for the consumer.”

What are the uses of corn?

Corn takes many forms and gets used in many ways. Corn from Nebraska gets divided among three major markets: livestock, value-added and exports.Livestock
Livestock is one of the corn grower’s most important customer, consuming more than 40 percent of all U.S. corn – plus the growing supply of corn co-products like distillers grains, which are produced by corn ethanol plants.

In Nebraska, livestock production is the engine that powers state’s economy. It is a more than $7.5 billion industry that is fundamental to the well-being of Nebraska – and contributes in some way to the financial health of every Nebraskan.

About 14 percent of the Nebraska’s corn crop is fed to livestock within Nebraska, with the bulk of that (more than 70 percent) going to beef cattle. For a complete breakdown, click here. In total, though, about 40 percent of the corn grown in Nebraska is fed to livestock somewhere in the United States or around the world. We also feed distillers grains – a coproduct made from ethanol production – to livestock in the state.

Nebraska has more than 5,000 feedyards willing to work with cow-calf producers interested in retaining ownership or partnering on their feeder cattle. They offer competitive feeding rations from the quality feedstuffs available in the state. And now, cow-calf producers nationwide can get an up-close view of the cattle feeding industry in Nebraska, thanks to the six minute video, “Consider the Possibilities – Cattle, Corn and Co-Products – Feeding Cattle in Nebraska”.

Value-Added (biofuels, PLA, corn sugar, etc)
One of the first ways we like to add value to corn is by creating a renewable fuel – ethanol. Just one Nebraska plant in 1985 has grown to 24 ethanol plants in 2012. Spread throughout much of the state, these plants have a capacity of nearly 2.0 billion gallons – making Nebraska the second-largest ethanol producing state in the country. Combined, these plants use more than 700 million bushels of corn per year – and produce more than 6 million tons of distillers grains, a high protein feed ingredient comprised of the parts of the corn kernel not used for ethanol production.  

Ethanol has been the fuel choice of most drivers in Nebraska – with market share reaching 70 percent beginning in 2007. Consumers can use E10 or if they own a Flex Fuel Vehicle, can use up to E85 – 85% ethanol! Just recently the EPA has approved the use of E15  in cars manufactured in 2001 and newer.

Another way to use corn is for corn-based PLA -- polylactic acid. PLA is clean, green and renewable, and it replaces petroleum-based alternatives. A lot of Nebraska corn is made into PLA since it is produced at a plant in Blair, Nebraska. Pretty much anything that is plastic can be made from corn – plastic cups, silverware, plates, bags, golf tees – you name it!

One more use is for corn sugar or HFCS – a natural sweetener that is used to sweeten and keep foods fresh. Corn sugar is the same as table sugar – just made from corn rather than cane or beet. Corn sugar is handled by the body the same as sugar, has the same number of calories as sugar, is nutritionally the same as sugar and is fine in moderation. Learn more about this at SweetSurprise.com.

Exports
Corn exports out of Nebraska are divided into two categories: foreign and domestic. “Foreign exports” involve corn sales to countries around the world. “Domestic exports” includes any corn that is shipped from Nebraska to another state in the U.S., with California being the largest market for Nebraska corn, taking about 145 million bushels of Nebraska corn mostly for livestock and poultry last year. Foreign sales make up about 6 percent of corn usage, with Mexico (via rail) being a top market.

To support foreign markets for corn, the Nebraska Corn Board partners with the U.S. Grains Council to break down trade policy barriers and to educate buyers about the quality of U.S. corn and value-added corn products—as well as sorghum and barley. The Council is a unique partnership of producers, agribusiness, the public sector and overseas customers. It’s goal is to strengthen U.S. farmers’ profitability by boosting worldwide demand for grain. The Council operates offices around the world and conducts innovative market development programs in dozens of countries.

Just as important as feeding corn and its co-products to livestock is developing markets for Nebraska beef and pork overseas. After all, sending corn-fed beef and pork to international customers around the world has a larger economic impact than exporting raw corn and corn co-products. This is why the Nebraska Corn Board supports the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and invests towards market promotion activities and supported U.S. beef and pork trade missions around the world.

Corn Uses
Iowa State University recently developed this poster to show the processing and utilization of corn. Click here to see a larger image.

Nebraska Corn Board offers new blender pump grant incentive for fuel retailers

The Nebraska Corn Board said in a news release today that it is making grants of up to $40,000 per location available for fuel retailers who install fuel blender pumps.

Blender pumps allow retailers to more easily offer additional ethanol blended fuels, expand their fuel offerings and provide a point of distinction in the marketplace while serving the growing number of motorists driving flex fuel vehicles.

Such pumps also provide opportunities for stations to more easily offer E15, which is approved for use in all model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks and SUVs.

“We recognize the cost to install blender pumps can be a hurdle, and this grant program is designed to help station owners move forward and upgrade their system,” said Curt Friesen, a farmer from Henderson and member of the Nebraska Corn Board. “We especially would like to see new pumps installed in larger cities where there are more drivers, which means more flex fuel vehicles capable of using ethanol blends beyond E10 and E15.”

There are more than 120,000 flex fuel vehicles in Nebraska and that number is increasing everyday, said the board's Kim Clark. However, there are only about 20 blender pumps and an additional 40 pumps offering E85 across the state.

“Nebraska is the second largest producer of ethanol in the country yet the state is lagging behind in ethanol infrastructure,” Clark said.

Station owners who install blender pumps may benefit from the blending economics and a higher volume of ethanol sales, while their customers enjoy a new array of fuel choices at the pump. “Flex fuel vehicle owners of today and tomorrow will appreciate the ability to pull up to a pump and find higher blends of ethanol fuel such as E30 or E85,” Friesen said.

Clark said E15 should be available for sale in the state by the end of the year.

“Blender pumps are the perfect opportunity to offer E15 along with E10 and other ethanol blended fuels,” she said. “Station owners who lay the foundation for the future of renewable fuels now will really be in a good position in the years to come.”

For more information about the grant program, contact Clark at kim.clark@nebraska.gov or telephone 402-471-2676.

Celebrating Earth Day with Ethanol

Blue skies, green grass, fresh air, running water, and colorful plants. These are just a few of the things that describe our wonderful planet. This Sunday, thousands of people across the United States will be celebrating “Earth Day”, which was started back in 1970 by John McConnell. Earth Day takes place every year on April 22 and is a celebration of our planet while at the same time bringing attention to environmental issues.

So what are some ways that a person can participate on Earth Day? Well there are many ways that a person can participate, such as planting a tree or recycling different items. However, another way to participate on Earth Day, that is both environmentally friendly and easier on your wallet, is to fill up your vehicle with a renewable fuel, such as ethanol. Ethanol has been proven to reduce tailpipe carbon monoxide by as much as 30 percent and also reduces particulate matter up to 50 percent. The use of ethanol won’t only have an impact on the environment now, but will be better for the environment in the future. It is estimated that by using ethanol, drivers could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent in the future.

If you drive a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV), you can fill up with any ethanol blended fuel, such as E85. If you’re not sure whether or not your vehicle is a FFV, be sure to either check your fuel cap or the driver’s manual. Both should give you an indication on whether or not your vehicle can use higher blends of ethanol other than E10. Even if you don’t drive a FFV, anyone can still fill up with E10. E10 contains up to 10 percent ethanol that is blended in with 90 percent gasoline. E10 is offered at most retailers across the state of Nebraska while certain locations offer higher blends of ethanol. If you are looking for a retailer close to you that offers higher blends of ethanol, such as E85, you can visit the Nebraska Ethanol Boards website where they have all of the E85 and blender pump locations listed on a map.

As we celebrate our planet this weekend, remember that there are many ways to participate and one of the easiest ways that is both good for the planet and your wallet is filling up with ethanol!

Nebraska Corn Board Staff Report on New Blender Pump Locations

In this week's Nebraska Corn Board staff report, Kim Clark talks about the three new blender pump locations that just opened. These new locations are located in Paxton, Broken Bow, and Aurora. To find out more about blender pumps and ethanol, be sure to visit the Nebraska Corn Board website!

Using a fuel that is easier on the wallet and the environment!

Have you filled up your vehicle lately? If you have, you’ve probably noticed you paid more than the last time you filled up your tank. Gas prices have been sky rocketing lately, and it looks like we are starting to see a repeat of 2008.

The current national average for regular gasoline is $3.90, only ten cents away from being at $4.00. In Nebraska, regular gasoline prices are averaging $3.88 and isn’t far off from the $4.00 mark either. If a person thinks about it, if you drive a car with a 14 gallon tank, it will cost you $54.32 to fill up today. A year ago, it would have only cost a person $3.58 to fill up their tank with regular gasoline, or $50.12 total.

So how can we combat these high prices, especially as we enter into the busy summer season? The best and easiest solution is to use ethanol blends of fuels. So what do blends mean? Simply, cars cannot run on ethanol alone, so most commonly, there is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline which is E10. These blends of fuel can range from E10 up to E85 and with these blends of fuels come cheaper fuel prices as well. The current price for a gallon of ethanol is around $3.30, nearly sixty cents cheaper than buying regular gasoline.

It might not seem like much right now, but in the long run it can add up and save drivers hundreds of dollars. Ethanol won’t only be easier on your wallet, but will also be much better for the environment. Because of technology advances in corn and ethanol production, ethanol now has a net positive energy gain. A net positive energy gain means that ethanol produces more energy than it takes to make it.

So the next time you go to fuel up your vehicle, think about using an ethanol blended fuel. Not only is it a renewable fuel, but it is produced right here in America by family corn farmers. It helps keep your money right here in America benefiting rural communities and schools instead of going overseas to other countries.

Anyone can use the ethanol blend of E10 in their vehicle, and just recently the EPA has approved the use of E15 in cars manufactured in 2001 and newer. If a person drives a flex fuel vehicle (FFV), they can use any blend of ethanol, such as E85. To find out if you drive a FFV, check the gas cap or check your driver’s manual. Have a classic car? Check out this guide for using ethanol blends.

Why blender pumps?

Most likely you are probably asking yourself what is a blender pump and how does it affect me?

Don’t worry; you’re not the only one with these types of questions as many drivers are starting to learn about the benefits that blender pumps have to offer.

First, you should know that ethanol blender pumps have only been around for a short amount of time, since 2006. The nation’s very first ethanol blender pump was put into operation at 4 Seasons Co-op in March 2006 up in Britton, South Dakota. This new technology allowed drivers to choose the mixture of fuel they would like to put into their fuel tanks. Other fuel retailers began to slowly add this new technology to their fuel stations across the nation to give drivers a choice at the pump.

So now that you know the history of the blender pump, you are probably wondering why you hardly see blender pumps at fuel stations. One main reason is that blender pumps aren’t a cheap investment for fuel retailers. The approximate cost of a blender pump is around $26,000, approximately $7,500 more than a regular fuel dispenser.

Although blender pumps are expensive, retailers can apply for grants to help cover the expense of installing a blender pump. For example, the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association have a $5,000 grant that Nebraska fuel retailers can apply for to help cover their installation cost of a blender pump. In order to apply for this grant, fuel retailers need to download and fill out an application from the Nebraska Corn Board website and then send it into the Nebraska Corn Board office where the Market Development Committee will review the applications.

Like it was said earlier, blender pumps are not a cheap investment and a reason why there are less than 20 locations in Nebraska that offer blender pumps. Now most would think that these locations would mainly be in the more populated parts of the state such as Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha. However, that is not the case and while Grand Island does have two blender pump locations, Lincoln and Omaha have none. It is actually surprising that neither Lincoln nor Omaha have a blender pump location especially from the fact that these locations have the highest number of flex fuel vehicles on the road! Lincoln has approximately 15,000 flex fuel vehicles and Omaha has over 25,000 flex fuel vehicles with many more commuting into the communities each day.

Some may think that the reason there are very few blender pump locations is from the fact that there aren’t very many benefits. Yet, that isn’t the case, and blender pumps offer drivers of flex fuel vehicles many different benefits.

One main benefit is drivers can choose their own blends of fuel. A person can choose a higher amount of gasoline blended with ethanol or vice versa. For example, a blender pump location may offer the choice of either E30 (30% ethanol, 70% gasoline), E50 (50% ethanol, 50% gasoline), or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).

Not only do blender pumps give drivers a choice at the pump, but it also allows drivers to keep more money in their pockets. Studies have shown that using blender pumps can actually save drivers money compared to using regular gasoline. Sometimes the savings can range from ten cents a gallon up to almost forty cents a gallon. Now, when you look at that it doesn’t seem to be much. However, if you fill up a 12 gallon tank, and you get a forty cent savings, you end up saving $4.80 every time you fill up. Still doesn’t seem like your saving much? Well, if you figure you have to fill up at least once a week, you end up saving $19 each month or $228 a year. In today’s economy, every dollar we save can end up going towards something else.

Not only is ethanol saving drivers money and giving them a choice, it also helps their vehicles run better. Studies have shown that using higher blends of ethanol actually help a vehicle engine run smoother plus increase its horsepower. It should be noted though that ONLY flex fuel vehicles can use higher blends of ethanol greater than E10. If you aren’t sure if your vehicle is a flex fuel one, check either the owner’s manual, the gas cap, or look for the flex fuel emblem which should say whether you can use higher blends of ethanol. You can also visit EthanolRetailer.com to see if your own car is flex fuel or if you are looking for a new flex fuel vehicle.

Next time you pull into the fuel station, check to see if they use blender pumps. If they do and you drive a flex fuel vehicle, don’t be afraid to use them. Just remember the benefits that blender pumps have to offer and also realize that you are supporting your local economy and the 26,000 Nebraska corn farmers! If you would like to learn more information about ethanol or Nebraska corn farmers, be sure to visit the Nebraska Corn Board website!

USDA REAP Grants

In this week's staff report, Kim Clark discusses the USDA REAP grant that is available to fuel retailers in rural communities. If you know of a retailer in your community who is interested in installing blender pumps, be sure to share this information with them so that they can apply for the REAP grant. To find more information about the REAP grants, click here.



New fuel blender pump open in Arcadia, Nebraska

Motorists in the Arcadia, Nebraska, area have new fuel options thanks to the opening of a new blender pump at Trotter Service.

The blender pump is one of about 60 in Nebraska that offer higher ethanol blends. The blender pump at Trotter Service makes available E10 for all vehicles, as well as mid-level blends (like E30) to E85 for those driving flex fuel vehicles.

More than 117,000 Nebraska motorists currently own a flexible fuel vehicle which can run on any blend of ethanol and gasoline up to E85, according to a joint news release on the opening from the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Ethanol Board.

To confirm if a vehicle is flex fuel, drivers can check their owner’s manual, their gas cap, look for the flex fuel emblem on their vehicle or visit the website www.ne-ethanol.org/e85.

"E85 is cleaner than gas, it’s produced right here in Nebraska and more and more vehicles can use it every day," said Todd Sneller, administrator of Nebraska Ethanol Board. "When flex fuel drivers fill up on E85, they’re strengthening Nebraska’s economy, making our country more energy independent and going easier on the environment."

The pump in Arcadia is one of 15 in Nebraska installed with support from a Nebraska Corn Board grant.

Kim Clark, ag program manager for the Nebraska Corn Board, said another benefit of the blender pump in Arcadia is consumers choice. "This new blender pump will offer flex fuel vehicle owners a fuel choice based on price, performance and availability," she said.

Those interested in Nebraska Ethanol Board’s flex fuel vehicles (FFV) club, which provides updates on new E85 locations and other announcements, can to go www.ne-ethanol.org/ffv to sign up.

To find a list of fuel retailers that offer E85 and mid-level ethanol blends, just go to www.ne-ethanol.org or www.nebraskacorn.org.

Factors that affect your fuel economy

By Kim Clark, Ag Program Manger for the Nebraska Corn Board

In my previous blog it was mentioned that when using E85 in your flex fuel vehicle, you may see up to a 25% reduction in fuel mileage compared to E0.

Several factors that affect the fuel mileage when using the same fuel type.

• Road conditions: potholes, dry pavement versus wet
• Weather conditions: Wind, rain, snow
• Driver: each driver has their own driving style (acceleration and deceleration speed, driving speed, etc)
• Rapid acceleration and braking
• Short trips
• City driving versus highway driving
• Short trips versus longer trips
• Cold weather: Your engine operates efficiently when it is warm
• The amount of weight in the vehicle
• Towing

These are only a few of the factors that will cause your vehicle’s fuel mileage to vary when using the same fuel type. There isn’t one of these factors that will cause fuel mileage to vary more than another. Each factor plays a role in fuel mileage reduction. There are ways you can drive more efficiently.

It needs to also be noted that ethanol blended fuels are more energy dense; therefore, when you are using ethanol fuel, your vehicle will get more horsepower. Additional horsepower may be useful in some driving conditions, when towing, driving up inclines, and more.

The bottom line is that fuel mileage varies when fueling with the same fuel type for several reasons and ethanol fuel provides additional horsepower. Now it is up to you, the consumer, to weigh the pros and cons and make the best fueling choice decision.

Why limited options for flex fuel?

By Kim Clark, Ag Program Manager for the Nebraska Corn Board

Recently my husband and I began shopping for a different vehicle. A must at this point, not a need. Before we began shopping, we agreed on a price point. We didn’t know exactly what make or model of SUV we wanted, but it needed to be flex fuel and be under our budgeted amount. Since we didn’t have many limitations-except price and flex fuel, we thought we would have MANY options.

We started by making a list of SUVs. We knew right away the larger SUVs – the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Excursion, GMC Yukon, etc – were removed from our list because of their price tag, even though all were flex fuel. This left us with the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Arcadia, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder and a few others.

Our previous vehicle was a Ford Escape and we wanted something a bit larger. This eliminated the Equinox, Escape, Arcadia and a couple more. Most of these smaller SUVs are flex fuel so not only is our list becoming smaller, but we are also eliminating flex fuel SUVs!

Our list still contained the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Murano, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander and a couple others. It may be getting smaller, but now there aren’t any flex fuel vehicles left on it. You would think at least one of these would be flex fuel!

Since price, size and flex fuel were the only requirements, shouldn't we still have plenty of options?!

After eliminating the large SUVs based on price and the smaller SUVs based on size, we were left with mid-sized SUVs, all of which are not flex fuel. While we were still had several many options for makes and models, the flex fuel vehicle was eliminated because it isn’t found in mid-sized SUVs.

Flex fuel vehicles have been made since 1998 on some vehicle makes and models so why is it so hard to find a mid-sized SUV that is flex fuel? That is what we tried to figure out—with no luck!

Looking further, we found there were some years auto manufacturers made a specific make and model that was flex fuel, but the following year that vehicle wasn’t flex fuel. It doesn’t make any sense.
Although most consumers want a choice in the vehicle they purchase, they also want choice of fuel at the pump, and they want to benefit Nebraska's economy and agriculture, but that choice isn’t available in many SUVs.

By 2012, 50 percent of vehicles manufactured by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors will be flex fuel.

There should be more options coming soon!

FREEDOM film promotes ethanol

Last week, the screening of the documentary film, FREEDOM, was in Lincoln, sponsored by Green Plains Energy and The Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities.

The film focused on the use of ethanol as the most sustainable fuel for transportation –the energy that is in the biggest demand. These important points were covered in the film:

• Ethanol does not require more energy to make than it yields.

Argonne National Laboratory research has shown that corn ethanol delivers a positive energy balance of 8.8 megajoules per liter. The energy balance from second-generation biofuels using cellulosic sources is up to six times better, according to a study published in Biomass and Bioenergy Journal.

• Ethanol does not take food away from humans.

Only 1 percent of all corn grown in this country is eaten by humans as sweet corn. The rest is No. 2 yellow field corn, which is used in animal feed, food supplements and ethanol.

• Ethanol does not emit more greenhouse gases than gasoline.

A 1996 EPA study analyzing sources of air pollution confirmed that gasoline vehicles and non-road equipment are the largest contributors to vehicular gaseous hazardous air pollutants. However, another study showed ethanol reduces tailpipe carbon monoxide as much as 30 percent and tailpipe particulate matter emissions by 50 percent. Also, the Journal of Industrial Ecology at Yale University published a study in 2009 that found that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by up to 38-59% when using ethanol as a transportation fuel.

• Ethanol can be made from waste.

Cellulosic ethanol can be made from agricultural waste and biomass such as corn cobs and stover, wheat straw, wood, energy crops & even municipal waste.

• Ethanol is cleaner burning.

Compared to gasoline, ethanol reduces every single tailpipe emission (CO; CO₂; smog; particulates; NOx and SOx) because ethanol contains 35% oxygen and results in a higher temperature burn.

• 12 billion gallons of ethanol were produced in Canada and the US in 2010.

This will grow to 36 billon gallons by 2020. Currently, the ethanol industry replaces 364 million barrels of imported oil each and every year in the USA and Canada.

• There are 8 million flex fuel vehicles already on the road, which is 3% of US vehicles.

We’re adding 800,000 to 1 million new flex fuel vehicles each year. There are already over 2,200 E85 and ethanol blender stations with over 60 E85/blender stations per month being installed.

• Ethanol creates jobs and is good for the economy.

A major study by the Windmill Group identifies 645,000 jobs created by ethanol in the USA and $92 billion.
After the film, they had a three-member panel including:

• Todd Becker, CEO of Green Plains
• Cecil Steward, Pres/CEO of The Joslyn Institute
• Lt. Gov Rick Sheehy

There was good discussion and interaction from the attendees. Lt. Gov. Sheehy was first to boast on Nebraska’s great position being the best situated for corn, ethanol and livestock production. The ethanol industry in Nebraska produces 2 billion gallons per year, which escalates into job creation, new technology and co-products to be used by livestock.

The discussion of first-, second- and third-generation biofuels was an important topic and Todd Becker explained how corn’s role is so important in that. In corn-ethanol production, one-third of the kernel is the starch used to make ethanol fuel, one-third is protein that is passed through to use in distillers grains to feed livestock, and the last one-third goes into CO₂. The role of second-generation biofuels comes into play in using the CO₂ to grow algae, for example, which is then able to make food, feed and fuel again.

For more on the film, watch the teaser below or go to www.thefreedomfilm.com.

Ethanol promotion, discounts during the State Fair (and Husker tickets!)

The Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island gets underway today and the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association are on hand with a display talking about the faces of Nebraska farmers — and a whole lot more. Just make your way to the Exhibition Building on the fairgrounds.

For a full schedule of the corn-related activities, click here.

In the mean time, the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Ethanol Board have partnered to promote ethanol, flex fuel vehicles (FFV) and blender pumps at this year's fair. They've even thrown in some ethanol discounts and a chance to win Husker tickets!

The ethanol discounts take place next weekend — Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5 at two locations in the Grand Island area. Those driving FFVs will enjoy 20 cents off E20, 30 cents off E30 and 85 cents off E85. (FYI - The discounts come back for Husker Harvest Days!)

The discounts are at the Bosselman's Pump & Pantry (1235 Allen Dr. location only) and the Aurora Cooperative's A-Stop 24 location at 4155 E. Highway 30. For a map and details on the fuel discounts, click here.

“There are approximately 100,000 FFVs in Nebraska and nearly 90 percent of consumers don’t know they drive a flex fuel vehicle,” said Kim Clark, ag program manager for the Nebraska Corn Board.  She said the fair is a great opportunity for people to come out, learn about FFVs and find out if they have one parked in their garage.

To address FFV and ethanol questions specifically, the groups will host a Q and A session on the Exhibition Building stage on Saturday, September 3 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. The “Do You Flex Fuel?" program will feature an auto mechanic, fuel retailer, ethanol expert and an automobile salesperson.

As for the Husker tickets, the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Ethanol Board are giving away two pairs -- one pair for the September 10 Nebraska vs. Fresno State game and another pair to the September 17 Nebraska vs. Washington game.

Registration for your chance to win is online -- just click here. Winners will be notified September 6.

Good luck! ...and be sure to stop by the Nebraska Corn Board or Nebraska Ethanol Board booths at the fair for details.

Nebraska State Fair begins this Friday!

It’s that time of year again!

Yep, you got it. The Nebraska State Fair is right around the corner. Starting this Friday, August 26 people from all over Nebraska and of all age ranges will attend the State Fair.

With this year’s Department of Agriculture theme, “The Story of Nebraska Agriculture”, the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Ethanol Board are partnering together to provide information for consumers about flex fuel vehicle (FFV) education, ethanol education, and blender pumps at each of their booths in the Exhibition Building.

In addition to ethanol information and education, the Nebraska Corn Board booth will have a video about the, “Faces of Nebraska Family Farmers” and jars of corn representing corn production from 1930, 2011, and the future.

There will be a few events you can attend while at the State Fair to learn more about flex fuel vehicles, ethanol, and blender pumps. On Saturday, September 3rd from 3 - 4 pm, the Nebraska Corn Board is hosting a Question and Answer Panel on FFV’s, blender pumps, and ethanol on the stage in the Exhibition Building.

Also during the State Fair, if you have an FFV, you can enjoy additional savings at blender pumps in Grand Island. See the Nebraska Corn Board or Nebraska Ethanol Board booth for more information. Check out either of the booths anytime during the State Fair for more information on promotions, to learn about flex fuel vehicles, which ethanol blends you can use in your FFV, and more.

You can also visit the Nebraska Corn Board website for more information www.NebraskaCorn.org . The Nebraska Ethanol Board has a flex fuel vehicle club where you can sign up to receive news and information about flex fuel vehicles, blender pump promotions and ethanol discounts, www.NE-Ethanol.org/FFV.

Are you a Husker Football fan?! Just for answering a few questions about ethanol, you could win two tickets to a Husker football game. Find out more at our booths, but also visit NebraskaCorn.org or NE-Ethanol.org to enter, starting August 26th.

While at State Fair, meet some Nebraska CommonGround volunteers while tasting some food and recipes while you’re at it! On Saturday, September 3 from 5:15 – 6 pm at the Exhibition Building stage, sample some great recipes from Nebraska farm women and hear their stories of life on & off the farm.

Are you on Twitter? If so, you can tweet with the hashtag #NeCornEthanol all throughout the fair and we will be awarding prizes daily!  


See you at the fair!

Schedule Short-cut for Nebraska Corn Events:

Friday, August 26th	State Fair Parade through Fonner Park at 5 pm • Come see the Sustaining Innovation trailer at the State Fair Parade and get some candy corn!
Monday, August 29th	"Nebraska Corn for Kids” presentation 10-10:30 am on Exhibition Building Stage
Tuesday, August 30th	“Nebraska Corn for Kids” presentation 10-10:30 am on Exhibition Building Stage
Wednesday, August 31st	Nebraska Corn Growers “Beef Pit” Day • Come get some great tasting beef from the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Beef Pit in the Exhibition Building – and see some friendly corn growers serving you!
Saturday, September 3rd	“Do You Flex Fuel” Panel on Exhibition Building Stage 3-4 pm • Hear from the experts about using ethanol in your flex fuel vehicle.
	“Cookin’ with CommonGround” demonstration on Exhibition Building Stage 5:15-6 pm • Sample some great recipes from Nebraska farm women and hear their stories of life on & off the farm!
Sunday, September 4th	4-H & FFA Appreciation BBQ 11 – 1:30 pm • If you’re a 4-H or FFA member or family member – pick up your free lunch ticket and get a great pork lunch while the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Pork Producers Association honors a Nebraska pork producer.
	Nebraska Farmer’s Check Presentation to Red Cross 1 – 2 pm • The Nebraska Corn Growers Association will be presenting a donation check to the American Red Cross from the grain donation program that Nebraska farmers across the state donated to help with the Japan Relief Effort.