Don’t Mess With the RFS

July 22, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer Union

South Dakota grows an abundance of corn that contributes to ethanol production. Ethanol is one product with several possibilities and benefits. A few of the benefits are described below.Fuel Options: The Renewable Fuel Standard ( RFS) has a long-term plan that would gradually increase renewable fuel usage and production; decrease dependence on foreign oil; and reduce harmful emissions giving us cleaner air to breath. The industry wants the RFS to proceed and be allowed to build an infrastructure to surpass E-10 fuel, give the consumer the right to choose basic gasoline or an EtOH blended fuel, have the right to reduce harmful emissions into the air we breathe. High Quality Livestock Feed: South Dakota Farmers Union does not want to see the industry held back from making more advances in technology, efficiency, or the ability to compete globally in the renewable fuel sector. The Ethanol Industry will provide a better product to the American consumer. Technology and best practices has advanced and are changing constantly.

• In 2014, 30 million metric tons of distiller grains were produced and used for livestock feed (according to Renewable Fuel Association website)
• Corn oil is used as a livestock feed ingredient
• Enzyme and yeast options have increased
• Useable energy continues to improve production efficiency

Jobs for Rural America: The Ethanol Industry processes and supports a large quantity of technical jobs that provide young people a way to return to rural America. 83,000 direct jobs and 300,000 in-direct jobs were produced and supported by RFS. In South Dakota, EtOH jobs average $60,000 and in SD that is an excellent paying job. Cleaner Emissions for Cleaner Air: Benzene is a harmful chemical that is linked to many health issues and is omitted through the tailpipe of a vehicle. There are no safe levels of Benzene. Ethanol is a product that will aid in cleaner air and cleaner environment. Ethanol blended fuels at 30% or higher do not release Benzene in the emissions of a vehicle. Reducing the RFS will not provide cleaner air. USA Made Product: The United States is now one of the world’s leading EtOH suppliers, exporting to various counties such as Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates. Every plant that ships ethanol by truck or rail has to run quality control tests and follow strict parameters which are sent with every shipment of EtOH. This ensures that the consumer receives a high quality product that will not damage their vehicle. The requirements are followed very closely; otherwise, there are very costly fines from the railroad if out of spec product is shipped. In some areas the minimum fine is $6000 per car. The industry strives to produce a domestic high quality renewable fuel. Go to www.growthenergy.org to post a comment to the EPA. Voice your opinion for Ethanol. Comments end Monday, July 27, 2015 so hurry! Erin Wilcox

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Last Modified: 07/22/2015 8:00:31 pm MDT