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 A thriving ethanol industry is a vital market for Missouri's corn producers. Currently, six majority farmer-owned plants operate in the state. Utilizing nearly 20 percent of Missouri's corn crop, the plants produce approximately 275 million gallons of ethanol and 825,000 tons of distillers grains.
As of Jan. 1, 2008 the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard requires petroleum marketers to blend ethanol in gasoline whenever ethanol is priced less than regular unleaded gasoline. This unique price trigger helps ensure consumers benefit from the lowest priced fuels. Exemptions to the standard include gasoline sold at airports and premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Though exempted, premium may still be blended with ethanol unless indicated otherwise.
Ethanol offers a wealth of additional benefits. Ethanol burns cooler and cleaner than conventional gasoline, reduces tailpipe emissions and improves air quality. The ethanol industry also boosts the national economy by providing new jobs and generating local tax revenue. Ethanol is 100 percent renewable and reduces our dependence on foreign oil. According to the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council, in 2007, ethanol use in the U.S. eliminated the need to import 228 million barrels of foreign oil and keeping money at home.
In 2008, MCMC commissioned a study to quantify the economic benefit of utilizing ethanol in Missouri. More information about ethanol and additional studies are below.
Additional Ethanol Links:
How is ethanol made?
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