This Earth Day Choose the Cleaner-Burning Fuel, American Ethanol

As Earth Day nears, environmental stewards around the world will take part in events to raise awareness about challenges facing the environment. But drivers can do their part year round by filling up with renewable biofuels such as American Ethanol.

In 2015, the use of ethanol in gasoline reduced greenhouse gas emissions on our roads and highways by 41.2 million metric tons. That’s equivalent to removing 8.7 million cars from the road, according to the Renewable Fuels Association.

Drivers, who fill up with cleaner-burning biofuels, take a little step every day to make a big impact on the environment.

Everyone can choose E10 at the pump. If you drive a 2001 or newer vehicle, you can use E15. And if you are among the one in seven Nebraskans who drives a flex fuel vehicle, choose higher American Ethanol blends such as E30 and E85.

In order to reach the octane levels needed for our engines to run, oil companies replaced lead in gasoline with toxic chemicals – toluene, benzene and xylene. What doesn’t combust in the engine leaves the tailpipe as harmful particles.

“Hydrocarbon octane sources like benzene are highly toxic and pose a threat to our air and water,” said Roger Berry, director of market development for the Nebraska Corn Board. “They end up in the air we breathe as tiny particles that enter our lungs, hearts, brains and bloodstream.”

American Ethanol adds oxygen which helps fuel burn more completely. The more American Ethanol in our fuel, the fewer toxic chemicals and particles floating in the air we breathe.

“Adding 10 percent American Ethanol to base gasoline reduces the volume of toxic compounds in our fuel by about 25 percent,” added Berry.

By making a green choice and using American Ethanol, every time you fuel up, drivers can help improve the air quality in their community and the world. 

Learn more about American Ethanol here.

American Ethanol and NASCAR Salute Earth Day for 45 years of Success

American Ethanol and NASCAR have millions of reasons to salute Earth Day and that number grows every day they are on the race track. Just last month NASCAR topped 7 million miles running on Sunoco Green E15, a fuel blended with American Ethanol. The fuel change made 5 years ago has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and at the same time increased horsepower.

Dr. Michael Lynch, Vice President, Green Innovation says that American Ethanol was essential in launching its long-term biofuels program and reducing overall emissions. “NASCAR’s goal is to be an environmental leader, not only in sports, but all industry,” said Mike Lynch, Manager of Green Innovations.  “Over the years we made significant steps in conservation by introducing measurable, best-in-class initiatives in recycling, alternative energy, and carbon mitigation. The transition to Sunoco Green E15 five years ago really took our environmental commitment to the next level.”

American Ethanol can trace its connection to Earth Day back to its inception. Before founding Earth Day, Senator Gaylord Nelson worked to have the pollution produced by cars regulated and was involved with the protection of the oceans. Earth Day’s creation was inspired by his 1969 visit to Santa Barbara, California, shortly after an oil spill occurred on a nearby shore. “American Ethanol is an environmentally safe, homegrown, clean burning alternative to fossil fuels that can help clean our air if given the chance. No beaches have closed due to an ethanol spill. ” Says Chip Bowling, President, National Corn Growers Association and Corn Grower from Maryland.

The Obama administration is pledging that the U.S. will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent over the next 10 years. Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, says American Ethanol has a bright future in helping reach those goals. “Over 200 million cars on the road can use E15 today and immediately lower emissions. That’s a pretty big number but all of those consumers don’t have that choice yet. We can learn a lot from NASCAR and correlate their success from the track to the highway. It just comes down to giving the consumer a choice.” Said Buis.

In only 40 years, Earth Day has evolved from a single day celebrating the environmental movement in the United States to a global network that empowers more than a billion people to better understand, protect, and improve the environment. This evolution has also taken place in the massive NASCAR fan base. Back in 2008, NASCAR could see consumers were starting to identify with the green movement and knew it was something good for future generations. In 2008, NASCAR fans were 50% more likely than non-fans to indicate their household was very green and were always looking for new ways to positively impact the environment. Last year that same number rose to 100%.

To learn more, visit www.americanethanolracing.com.