By Robert White, RFA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Market Development
An important part of our nation’s security is energy independence, and recent polling shows how Americans feel about this. In March, Morning Consult polled nearly 2,000 registered voters. Eighty-five percent of those polled believed it was important for America to be energy independent, and two-thirds of respondents wanted the United States to reduce its reliance on foreign energy sources. When it comes to ethanol, nearly three-quarters said that renewable fuels like ethanol are important to energy security. The top attribute recognized for ethanol was the fact that it was made here in America.
While many believe the United States to be energy independent, we have a long way to go; our country still imports a third of the crude oil it uses. Last year, the United States spent over $29 billion for oil from OPEC nations—about $220 per U.S. household. At the same time, American-made ethanol displaced the need for approximately 630 million barrels of imported crude oil in 2024 alone.
AAA recently issued two news releases that, together, show the need for more ethanol in our nation’s fuel supply. On May 12, AAA projected a record number of people would be on the road this coming Memorial Day weekend. Over 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period (from tomorrow through Monday). This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record.
Three days later, the auto club warned drivers what they had to look forward to: rising gas prices. “Gas prices are creeping back up just in time for the busy summer driving season. The national average for a gallon of regular is up 4 cents from last week, as the price of crude oil rises and demand goes up.” Yes, prices are lower than they have been at this time the past few years, but they are on the rise.
What does ethanol have to do with this? It’s simple: Boosting the nation’s overall fuel supply with lower-cost fuel sources is the best way to keep pump prices in check. And if we’re celebrating a patriotic holiday like Memorial Day, using an American-made fuel like ethanol is the perfect solution.
When it comes to gas prices, ethanol is a clear winner. As of today, RFA’s real-time gas price reporting website shows that regular unleaded gasoline with 10 percent ethanol costs 70 cents less per gallon, on average, than gasoline without ethanol. The E15 blend (15 percent ethanol), which is available in most states and approved for use in more than 95 percent of vehicles on the road, saves drivers an additional 7 percent. Those who own flex fuel vehicles can fill up with E85—a fuel with up to 85 percent ethanol that currently costs 22 percent less than E10, and 37 percent less than ethanol-free gasoline. With E15 and E85, the savings more than make up for any perceived fuel economy loss.
This weekend, we have a chance to take a stand against foreign oil and in favor of our country’s energy independence, by choosing ethanol-blended fuel. Let’s choose wisely.
