The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
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 which 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.
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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, and Wisconsin’s biofuels industry plays a direct role in delivering that protection. Our 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 that grind 32% of the 545 million bushels of corn produced in our state each year, generating 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.
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.
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.
– Huschitt is president, Wisconsin BioFuels Association.
