Finally, the Congress hoped the federal oxygen requirement could provide new market opportunities for farmers by stimulating new demand for ethanol. I believe these objectives remain as valid today as they were in 1990. I firmly believe that ethanol does play and will continue to play in our nation's environmental, economic and energy security. I know that ethanol, an organic, non-toxic, biodegradable substance, is the right thing to pursue in the case of the MTBE debate. Ethanol is widely marketed across the country to increase octane and reduce emissions through its clean burning properties as an oxygenate.
Ethanol is also an effective tool for reducing air toxics.
As a renewable fuel, ethanol can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear to me and many others that ethanol is good for the environment, both our water and our air. I believe that my fellow colleagues Senators Grassley, Durbin, and Harkin will be able to outline additional environmental benefits later in this hearing. Ethanol provides significant benefits to the economy, particularly in farming communities across rural America. Earlier this year, I participated in the first ethanol plant grand-opening in Missouri.