Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced by Ethanol

February 6, 2002

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) says the latest figures from Argonne National Laboratory show the use of ethanol-blended fuels reduced CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3.6 million tons in the United States during 2001. This reduction is equivalent to removing more than 520,000 cars from the roads.

"Using ethanol helps combat global warming," said Bob Dinneen, RFA president. "As a renewable fuel, ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This is further justification for Congress to enact a renewable fuels standard. Tripling the use of ethanol would triple the greenhouse gas benefit. By pursing public policies to increase the use of ethanol, we can not only enhance energy security and boost rural economic development; we can reduce air pollution and cut greenhouse gas emissions."

Ethanol-blended fuels reduce vehicular emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that contribute to global warming. Argonne National Laboratory has determined that ethanol-blended fuels can reduce greenhouse gases around 30 percent compared to gasoline. This reduction is due, in part, to the "carbon cycle," whereby much of the carbon dioxide released when ethanol-blended fuels are used is reabsorbed by biomass plants, like corn, during growth. These biomass plants provide the feed stocks for ethanol production.

"The next big environmental challenge in the U.S. is to confront global warming," said Dinneen. "In fact, some states are already considering laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the majority of which come from vehicles. But there's no such thing as a catalectic converter for carbon dioxide. One of the only ways to reduce carbon dioxide from vehicles is through the use of renewable fuels like ethanol. Increasing the use of ethanol would be an effective way for states to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions."