Modern Ethanol Industry Has Superior Environmental and Economic Profile Versus Gasoline

MarketWatch - The Wall Street Journal

Ethanol production creates smaller carbon footprint than gasoline - Increase in corn supply will meet food demand and stimulate renewable fuel growth
Last update: 10:23 a.m. EDT Oct. 28, 2008

CHICAGO, Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Illinois Corn Growers Association announced at a press conference Tuesday that the state has become a technological and commercial leader in corn-based ethanol while unveiling two landmark studies that concluded that production of the biofuel leaves a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline and has substantial room for growth without affecting corn supply to the food and feed sectors.

"The conclusions of these two scientific studies are historic," said Rob Elliott, vice president of the ICGA. "Amid the long and sometimes heated debate between ethanol proponents and detractors, these studies indicate that modern ethanol plants have a superior carbon footprint and net energy benefit when compared to gasoline refineries. And, the Korves study provides compelling data that ethanol production can grow substantially at no risk to food supplies."

The ICGA said that the state's total ethanol output has surpassed 1.5 billion gallons annually which is about one third of total gasoline use in Illinois thereby playing a significant role in helping the country wean itself from imported/non-renewable carbon-based fuels. The growing ethanol industry is creating new jobs in rural communities.

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