The following is a statement from the National Corn Growers Association in response to Sen. Jim Inhofe’s (R-Oklahoma) floor speech today in opposition to S. 517, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.
“Senator Inhofe’s remarks, while unfortunate, are no surprise given his longtime opposition to ethanol. The nation’s corn farmers would like to assure Senator Inhofe that, despite his claims to the contrary, corn productivity has increased significantly over the past 10 years, going from an average of 150 bushels per acre in 2007 to 174.6 bushels per acre in 2016. Today’s efficient farmers produce more than enough corn to meet feed, food, and fuel needs, in an increasingly sustainable manner. Corn farmers are also proud that, based on actual corn and ethanol production experience over the past 10 years, ethanol currently results in 43 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline.
“We appreciate the efforts of Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) and her Senate colleagues who are working to advance this bill. NCGA supports giving consumers choice, especially a choice they can make to improve the environment, enhance vehicle performance, and save money. We encourage Senators to support this straightforward red-tape removal.”