MISSOURI RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH ETHANOL

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–With diligent preparation and attractive ethanol pricing, the implementation of the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard on Jan. 1 went unnoticed by drivers in the Show-Me State.  The Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA), a major supporter of the statewide 10 percent ethanol standard, commends Governor Matt Blunt, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and petroleum marketers for working together in support of the state’s farmer-owned renewable fuels industry and providing drivers with a high-performance fuel alternative. 

"The execution of this statewide standard puts Missouri on the map in terms of ethanol utilization," says MCGA President Mike Geske, a farmer from Matthews, Mo.  "Missourians can be proud of the fact that we are one of the first three states in the nation to implement a 10 percent ethanol requirement.  After months of hard work, it is extremely rewarding to see Missouri seamlessly join the ranks of Minnesota and Hawaii, the only two other states to successful implement a statewide ethanol standard." 

Now law, this E10 standard requires petroleum marketers to use ethanol blends whenever the price is less than regular unleaded gasoline.  This unique price trigger helps ensure a lower price for E10, which marketers should then pass along to consumers.  Exemptions to the standard include gasoline sold at airports and premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher.  Though exempted, premium may still be blended with ethanol unless indicated otherwise. 

According to data provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Missouri Department of Agriculture, ethanol was blended in 90 percent of the gasoline sold in the state during the month of November.  With oil approaching a once unfathomable $100 barrel figure, the additional supply is helping bring down the high cost of gasoline by extending supply and providing an alternative to crude, says Geske.

"The ethanol market moved the petroleum industry to blend E10 ahead of the standard, but knowing that the law was looming has helped," says Geske.  "Missouri legislators have succeeded in reducing the consumption of petroleum-based fuel here in the Midwest.  This is a role that government can and should play.  We thank Governor Matt Blunt for his leadership and vision in making this law a reality." 

All auto manufacturers who sell cars in the United States approve fuels enriched with up to 10 percent ethanol, with many recommending it for its high-performing, clean-burning benefits.  A fact sheet and answers to frequently asked questions on the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard is posted on MCGA’s Web site at www.mocorn.org.  A radio public service announcement is available for download at www.mocorn.org/psa.htm.  To learn more about ethanol or view a map of Missouri’s existing farmer-owned ethanol plants, visit www.mocorn.org/ethanol.htm.