One acre of American corn produces 300 gallons of ethanol - enough to drive 4 cars for one year and enough to displace 400 gallons of imported oil. Much of the food value is removed from the corn and wheat before making ethanol, so you get both food and fuel from the same kernel of corn or wheat, fully utilizing the resource and diminishing waste. Using ethanol, a renewable clean-burning domestic fuel, displaces imported oil which helps the U.S. better meet its energy demand and increase our country's energy security. The industry creates more than 55,000 jobs nationally in ethanol production and related industry and services. Farmers benefit because ethanol production provides consistent demand for surplus corn and improves corn prices.
Many states have economic incentives as well to encourage the development of the ethanol industry.
Some offer state tax incentives for ethanol blends or financial incentives or a combination of both. Two specific pieces of federal legislation, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandate the phased-in adoption of cleaner burning vehicles. Under these federal laws, state, municipal and private fleets must meet stricter emission guidelines starting in 1998. Visit American Coalition for Ethanol and Renewable Fuels Association for more information. Return to Top of Page Genetically Modified Organisms Scientists have been improving crop genetics for generations.