Norfolk NE Radio: Ricketts concerned with clean fuel standard prioritizing electric vehicles

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts touted the benefits of ethanol-blended fuels amid consideration of a clean fuel standard that could prioritize electric vehicles.

During the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, Ricketts had an exchange with Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.

Ricketts said the use of ethanol blended fuels led to a reduction of nearly one billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2020.

“In addition, ethanol creates economic opportunities for our families, especially in Nebraska. There are over 1,000 direct jobs in Nebraska related to the ethanol industry. And it creates the demand for corn from our farmers. I would also note the byproduct goes to feed our livestock. So, it is a wonderful thing there.”

Cooper said a properly designed clean fuel standard and doing lifecycle analysis correctly, would drive increased use of ethanol and other renewable fuels above and beyond what is called for under the renewable fuel standard.