WASHINGTON – Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) joined the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in submitting comments in response to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Discussion Paper on a Federal Clean Fuel Standard (CFS).
Representatives of the three organizations just completed a visit to Canada to discuss that country’s newest environmental initiative with regulators and industry and share details of the U.S. experience with its Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).
The U.S. and Canadian renewable fuels industries have much in common. Ethanol production in both countries is largely from corn and uses similar processing technologies, technology mixes and coproduct streams. Additionally, both have shown dramatic improvements in their respective greenhouse gas (GHG) profiles over the past decade with further improvements expected in the years ahead.
The U.S. and Canada also benefit from free trade preferences under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has paved the way for significant bilateral trade between Canada and the U.S.
“We support the Canadian government’s plan to implement a Clean Fuel Standard as the best way to help meet the transportation sector’s needs with lower GHG intensive fuels. Increased ethanol utilization will reduce GHG emissions, improve air quality, and provide a renewable source of octane for Canadian fuel consumers at a competitive price,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.
“A strong Clean Fuel Standard should build on the success of Canada’s Renewable Fuel Regulations, which have helped clean the air, boost local economies, reduce the reliance on petroleum imports and lower the price of gasoline for consumers. But it needs to be done right, based on sound science and consumer choice. We are optimistic Canada’s effort will be successful and we look forward to remaining trading partners on the cleanest, highest octane source of fuel in the world,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen.
“The U.S. ethanol industry applauds Canada’s desire to reduce the carbon intensity of its transportation fuel market, and we see our northern neighbor as a strong partner in renewable fuels expansion,” said Tom Sleight, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. “Our product is an important supplement to Canada’s own domestic production and should Canada boost its use of ethanol, our industry stands ready to ensure that the supplies Canada needs are available.”
Contacts:
Melissa Kessler, USGC, mkessler@grains.org
Chris Hogan, Growth Energy, chogan@growthenergy.org
Rachel Gantz, RFA, rgantz@ethanolrfa.org
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About the U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and related products. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is contained on its website www.grains.org.
About Growth Energy
Growth Energy represents producers and supporters of ethanol working to bring consumers better choices at the fuel pump, grow America’s economy and improve the environment for future generations. Our organization’s national campaign – online at www.GetEthanol.com – serves as the leading source of information for consumers seeking cleaner, more affordable fueling options. For more information on our organization, visit us at www.GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on Twitter @GrowthEnergy, or connect with us on Facebook.
About the Renewable Fuels Association
The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visitEthanolRFA.org.