The following editorial is by Erik Huschitt, President of WBFA.
As Americans prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, a new report
offers a timely reminder. American-made ethanol is helping us move toward greater energy
independence while saving consumers billions of dollars at the pump.
A recent analysis by energy expert George Hoekstra finds that ethanol use results in more than
$50 billion in annual fuel savings for American drivers. That is equivalent to about 39 cents per
gallon. You’re saving nearly 40 cents per gallon every time you fill up thanks to ethanol, without
sacrificing your engine or reliability.
How? Ethanol is a high-octane, low-cost fuel component blended into nearly every gallon of
gasoline sold today. Hoekstra’s study shows that producing the same octane level using only
traditional petroleum refining methods would be more than four times as expensive as using
ethanol. Eliminating ethanol from the U.S. fuel mix would significantly increase refining costs,
driving up fuel prices nationwide.
Consequently, for drivers in Wisconsin and across the country, that savings is real and meaningful. Blending American-grown ethanol into our fuel is one of the most effective strategies we have to shield
consumers from global energy market disruptions. Renewable fuels strengthen U.S. energy
security at critical moments. Wisconsin’s biofuels industry plays a direct role in delivering
that protection. The state’s farmers grow the corn. Our producers convert it into clean-burning fuel. Our
communities benefit through lower fuel costs, job creation, capital investment, and increased
local tax revenue.
Wisconsin is home to nine ethanol plants. The plants grind 32% of the 545 million bushels of corn
produced in our state each year. This generates approximately 670 million gallons of ethanol
annually. These facilities are a cornerstone of our state’s agricultural economy, supporting both
rural vitality and national energy goals.
Furthermore, the benefits don’t stop at the 10% ethanol blend (E10) that’s now standard nationwide.
Hoekstra’s research also indicates that higher ethanol blends, such as E15 (Unleaded 88), can yield even greater savings per gallon for consumers. These fuels are already expanding across
Wisconsin and the country. By supporting policies that enable year-round sales of higher
ethanol blends and investing in retail infrastructure, we can unlock even more value for
American families.
Ethanol is a national asset economically, environmentally, and strategically. As we honor our
country’s independence this week, let’s also recognize the role renewable fuels play in
preserving it. Ethanol saves every American family money at the pump and helps build a more
resilient, self-reliant energy future.
