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Ethanol Facts

Ethanol is a tremendous fuel that offers many benefits in a variety of areas. Here are just a few ethanol facts — just follow the links for more information and details.

Engine Performance (click for more)

  • Ethanol-blended fuel keeps your fuel system clean for optimal performance because it does not leave gummy deposits.
  • Ethanol-blended fuels are approved under the warranties of all auto manufacturers marketing vehicles in the U.S. Some even recommend ethanol use for its clean burning benefits.
  • All mainstream manufacturers of power equipment, motorcycles, snowmobiles and outboard motors permit the use of ethanol blends in their products.

Environment (click for more)

  • In 2010, the production and use of 13 billion gallons of ethanol in the U.S. reduced CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 21.9 million tons, the equivalent to removing 3.5 million cars and pickups from America’s roadways.
  • Ethanol requires less fossil fuel inputs than gasoline refining.
  • Ethanol is rapidly biodegraded in surface water, groundwater and soil, and is the safest component in gasoline today.
  • Ethanol has a positive energy balance

Energy Security (click for more)

  • The U.S. imports more than 65 percent of its petroleum needs today, and two-thirds of the world’s known oil reserves are located in the volatile Middle East.
  • According to the Government Accounting Office, the U.S. has spent more than $130 billion over 32 years in government subsidies to the oil industry.
  • Blended with gasoline at terminals, ethanol can help extend our fuel supply by adding volume to the market.
  • The 13 billion gallons of ethanol produced in 2010 displaced the need for 445 million barrels of oil, at a savings of $34 billion to the U.S. economy.

Benefiting Consumers (click for more)

  • Ethanol is saving consumers money at the pump, roughly $200-400 per year.
  • In 2010, the U.S. ethanol industry increased household income by $36 billion, money that flows directly into the pockets of American consumers.
  • Today, ethanol is blended in nearly every gallon of unleaded gasoline sold in the U.S.

Economy  (click for more)

  • In 2010, the U.S. ethanol industry helped support 400,6770 jobs in all sectors of the economy.
  • In 2010, ethanol contributed $53.6 billion to GDP, added $36 billion to household income and displaced the need for 445 million barrels of oil.
  • The ethanol industry employs a broad cross-section of Americans, paying good wages and providing benefits.

Agriculture  (click for more)

  • Tremendous increases in the productivity of U.S. farmers have ensured ample supplies of grain are available for domestic and international use as food, feed and fuel.
  • Ethanol production utilized the starch in 4.65 billion bushels of corn in 2010 to produce 32.5 million metric tons of high quality livestock feed, distillers grains and corn gluten feed and meal, and 13 billion gallons of ethanol.

Trade  (click for more)

  • According to the International Energy Agency, the growth of ethanol production worldwide has led to a 1 million barrel per day decrease in global world oil demand.
  • The United States is the largest fuel ethanol producer in the world.