There are many things the farming community can do, and is doing, to help the environment and climate. But perhaps consumers are not aware of one area when it comes to the environment that the farming sector is already helping: the gas pump.
Anne Steckel, senior advisor for biofuels at the National Farmers Union, says interest in biofuels and renewable diesel continues to grow as consumers understand the many benefits. She noted that biofuels not only reduce carbon emissions but also reduce the price at the pump.
“We see states like Washington State, Oregon, California, that have low carbon fuel standards recognizing and incentivizing the use of these lower-carbon fuels. And so, you’re seeing a lot of growth in those markets, which is a really exciting new avenue.”
Steckel added that biofuels mean commodities grown in the United States can be used in the United States, meaning farmers don’t need to worry about the ebbs and flows of trade and international issues.
As she looks to the future, Steckel says the goal of NFU is year-round E15 sales nationwide.
“We’ve worked very closely with the refiners in the petroleum industry to try to put together some legislation that works for everyone. It’s always easier to put together a good coalition to get something across the finish line than to go at it alone. And so, we’ve really put a lot of work into building a successful coalition. So, Congress can say, these groups have decided that this makes sense for them. We feel comfortable voting on that.”
When it comes to E15 sales, California recently agreed to go to year-round sales of the blended fuel. Steckel said California is not a corn-producing state, so for consumers to recognize the benefits of E15 highlights the many positives of biofuels.