Illinois Corn Releases Ethanol Studies
Posted: October 28, 2008
The Illinois Corn Growers Association has released two landmark studies which conclude that production of ethanol leaves a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline and has substantial room for growth without affecting corn supply to the food and feed sectors.
“The conclusions of these two scientific studies are historic,” said Rob Elliott, vice president of the ICGA. “Amid the long and sometimes heated debate between ethanol proponents and detractors, these studies indicate that modern ethanol plants have a superior carbon footprint and net energy benefit when compared to gasoline refineries,” Elliott said. “Equally significant are the findings of the two studies we are releasing today which indicate clearly the promise of modern ethanol technology. They should put to rest the myth that ethanol is less environmentally friendly than the manufacture of gasoline. They also provide a compelling argument that corn growers will be able to produce sufficient supply to meet food, feed and renewable fuel requirements over the next two decades.”
The studies’ authors were Ross Korves, economic policy analyst at ProExporter Network, and Dr. Steffen Mueller, principal research economist at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Energy Resources Center. Both studies can be downloaded from ICGA here.