New Ethanol Production Record Set

March 14, 2000

The U.S. ethanol industry set a new production record in January with an average of more than 107,000 barrels per day for the month. That proves ethanol can meet the demand for a clean air gasoline oxygen additive, says the Renewable Fuels Association.

Eric Vaughn, RFA president, said, "The ethanol industry is growing to meet the demand for clean burning renewable fuels. We're moving right now to meet California's need for a clean air fuel that doesn't pollute water. We can replace MTBE in California's gasoline today."

California has banned MTBE by 2003, and other states and members of Congress, are looking at a ban. "The ethanol industry is proving it can meet the demand," said Vaughn. "Californians want clean air, clean water and an affordable, high performance gasoline. Ethanol does all that and more."

RFA says switching to ethanol would save California consumers from two to five cents for every gallon of gasoline they buy. "Ethanol is available in California today and could replace the entire MTBE oxygenate market by July 4," said Vaughn.