Energy Independence

Sure, ethanol is great for your car and better for the environment. But when you choose ethanol, you're also doing your part to lessen our dependence on oil. The less oil we use, the less we have to worry about the stability and intentions of other countries when it comes to our nation's fuel supply. Right now, ethanol production replaces gasoline that would require the use of 600,000 barrels of oil a day.

So Ethanol Is Essential In The Struggle To Reduce Our Dependence On Oil.
The United States currently imports about 37 million gallons of gasoline each day. Since 1970, Americans increased gasoline consumption from 12 billion gallons of fuel per year to more than 160 billion gallons of fuel per year. Ethanol is helping address the need for renewable fuel options - so someday we won't have to worry about other countries holding the keys to our nation's critical fuel supply.

U.S. ethanol production replaced about 228 million barrels of imported gasoline or crude oil in 2007. That's more than all the oil imported Iraq and nearly 1/2 of that which was imported from Venezuela, thus saving Americans an average of $45 million a day.
In 2007, the ethanol industry generated a surplus of $1.2 billion to the Federal tax treasury.

Using Ethanol-Enriched Fuel Helps Our Economy, Too - Because It's Made From Crops Grown Here In The United States.
Believe it or not, one bag of seed corn produces around 1,200 gallons of ethanol fuel. Which in turn, produces 12,000 gallons of 10 percent ethanol-enriched fuel. That means Americans drive 230,000 miles on one little bag of seed corn - which translates into less crude oil imports. And that's good for our economy.

By growing crops and producing ethanol, we create new jobs, boost local economies and expand the tax base. We're spending our precious dollars right here at home where they can have a more positive impact on the economy.

Today there are more than 139 ethanol plants across the country that produce 7.8 billion gallons of ethanol per year, with more than 60 plants under construction or expansion.
The U.S. ethanol industry supported the creation of nearly 238,541 jobs in all sectors of the economy in 2007, boosting U.S. household income by $12.3 billion.

RESOURCES

Did You Know?

Believe it or not, one bag of seed corn produces around 1,200 gallons of ethanol fuel.

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE: A New Perspective on America's Fuel Challenge.

THINK OF IT THIS WAY — Ending our reliance on imported gasoline may not be as difficult as first thought, ethanol is leading the way.

U.S. Domestic Ethanol Production	U.S. Domestic Gasoline Production	Conservation	Total U.S. Domestic Energy Production
9 billion gallons of ethanol yield: 21 days of energy independence	49 billion gallons of gasoline yield: 128 days of energy independence	none: every driver in the U.S. uses 447 gallons per year	149 days of energy independence

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
14 billion gallons of ethanol yield: 37 days of energy independence	49 billion gallons of gasoline yield: 128 days of energy independence	19 days of conservation: each driver reduces usage by 21 gallons per year (approx. 4.5%)	186 days of energy independence *Based on this projection, America can go until July 4th (just over half the year) before needing to rely on imported oil. In addition, in this scenario, imports during the second half of the year can decrease by 15%.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Use ethanol every time you fill up. If ethanol is not available in your area, ask your retailer to offer both E10 and E85. Make your next car a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) Use E85 whenever available if you own an FFV Consider using alternative blends of ethanol as they become available in your area (FFVs only): E20, E30, E40 Source: www.DrivingEthanol.org	Source: www.eia.doe.gov Energy Information Association	Get a tune-up - this can increase your gas economy by 4% Slow down Combine trips Car Pool Check tire pressure for optimal economy www.fueleconomy.gov	*When you factor in the RFS (36 billion by 2022), biofuels production would account for an additional 57 days of U.S. energy independence. This would take us to nearly Labor Day without having to import oil in the Goal scenario.

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