Use American Ethanol-Blended Fuel to Lessen the Burden of Gasoline Costs this Summer

It’s that time of year again. Summer is quickly approaching and gasoline prices are once again climbing. Although gas prices are lower starting off this summer’s driving season compared to last year’s, gas prices have been on the rise. Thankfully, there is a solution to help lessen the burden on drivers’ pocket books, and that solution is American Ethanol.

The rise of gas prices in the busy summer months can have a big impact on consumers’ summer plans. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) projection for the April-through-September summer driving season year is on average $2.45/gallon. However, AAA, has the current national average at $2.73, which is the highest price for gasoline since December. American Ethanol-blended fuel lowers gas prices and saves the average American household over $1,000 on their gas bill annually.

“As Nebraskans gear up for their summer travel and recreational plans, the choice to use American Ethanol at the pump is the easy one,” said Kim Clark, Director of Biofuels Development at the Nebraska Corn Board. “American Ethanol-blended fuels provide a wealth of benefits for consumers. It is cost-effective, American-made, renewable, and better for our environment and consumer health.”

Compared with oil, American Ethanol-blended fuel burns cleaner and improves air quality. When drivers use American Ethanol, they’re improving air quality and reducing the causes of asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer not only for themselves but also their children and grandchildren. American Ethanol lowers the level of toxic, cancer-causing emissions in vehicle exhaust—reducing air pollution, improving human health, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

American Ethanol also gives Nebraskans a choice when they go to fill up with gas. Those choices aren’t limited to the lower price of their gas bill, but also the chance to choose a domestic, clean-burning fuel that fuels our state’s economy as well. Drivers with a flex fuel vehicle (FFV) have the choice to use any American Ethanol fuel blend up to 85 percent ethanol (E85)—a blend of 85 percent American Ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The EPA has also approved that non-flex fuel vehicle owners with automobiles manufactured in model year 2001 and newer, can use E15. Additionally, small engine owners can successfully use American Ethanol-blended fuels up to 10 percent (E10) for their marine watercraft and small engines, such as lawn mowers.

“Consumers and professional drivers alike can appreciate the power and performance that American Ethanol-blended fuels offer while also recognizing the money saving benefits the fuel provides,” said Jon Holzfaster, a farmer from Paxton, Nebraska, Director on the Nebraska Corn Board and chairman of National Corn Growers Association’s NASCAR Advisory Committee. “NASCAR has proven the power and durability of American Ethanol and as consumers you can witness the health and cost savings.”