October 11, 2000

A nationwide public opinion poll shows strong public support for a larger role for domestic ethanol in the nation's energy policy. By wide margins, the public supports ethanol over foreign oil; requiring ethanol-blended gasoline instead of allowing the oil companies to choose whether to use ethanol; and, candidates who support the increased use of ethanol.

"Americans overwhelmingly want policymakers to support domestic ethanol and to end our dependence on foreign oil," said Eric Vaughn, president of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). "Consequently, the public is squarely behind the government requiring ethanol-blended gasoline. Perhaps the most compelling finding is the public is much more likely to vote for candidates who support increased ethanol use. Those debating the current energy crisis would do well to address the immediate impact domestic ethanol can have. It's good public policy and the people are listening."

Key survey findings include: 62% of the public are familiar with ethanol; the public supports a policy focusing on ethanol over maintaining our reliance on foreign oil by a huge 10 to 1 ratio (78% for ethanol, 7% for foreign oil); and 60% of the public would support a government requirement that gasoline contain a small percentage of ethanol. Only 28% favor allowing the oil companies to make the decision alone; and people are 4.5 times more likely to vote for a candidate who supports increased ethanol use (57% more likely – 12% less likely to vote for the candidate).

"Public policy is lagging behind public opinion," said Vaughn. "This Congress and all the candidates for public office have an opportunity to support a sensible U.S. energy policy. The message of this poll was clear: the first step should be to increase the use of domestic ethanol."