Ethanol 
Quick Facts About Ethanol
- In 2010, 36.5% of the U.S. Corn Crop was used for ethanol production
- 1 bushel of corn produces at least 2.8 gallons of ethanol and 17 pounds of distillers grains
- Ethanol is currently blended into 70% of America's gasoline
- Ethanol comprises about 4.6% of total annual U.S. gasoline consumption
American Ethanol
Corn is the most widely used material for ethanol production. In 2010, 36.5% of the U.S. corn crop was used for ethanol production. Texas annually produces approximately 355 million gallons of ethanol. Today, there are approximately 180 ethanol plants in the U.S.
Ethanol is blended into 70% of the U.S. fuel supply, mostly as E10 and E85, and can replace gasoline that requires the use of 600,000 barrels of oil each day. Ethanol comprises about 4.6% of the total annual U.S. gasoline consumption.
In addition to providing a clean, alternative fuel source, ethanol production's co-products make it additionally beneficial. Distillers grain is an important co-product to Texas ethanol production, as it provides a valuable feed for livestock. One bushel of corn will produce at leat 2.8 gallons of ethanol and 17 pounds of distillers grain. Carbon dioxide, used to carbonate beverages, manufacture dry ice and more, is another valuable co-product of ethanol production.
Food & Feed vs. Fuel
Though many try to claim that using corn to make ethanol is driving the costs of retail food costs and redirecting a valuable food source from the growing population, but it's simply not the truth.
In a 2009 report, the Congressional Budget Office reported that factors other than ethanol demand were responsible for as much as 90 percent of the increase in food prices.
The 2010 projected ending stocks, while low, demonstrate that U.S. corn farmers will continue to meet all demands for food, feed, food and fiber. Last year's corn production was the third-largest on record and the yield was the fourth-highest on record.
"There are two reasons why we needn’t be concerned about ethanol’s impact on the corn supply and food prices. First, we are growing more corn on each acre, thanks to technology in the seed and practices on the farm. And we will do so for years to come... Second, at the same time, while the ethanol market has been our “growth sector” for corn demand, its growth is slowing down because we are reaching the limit of how much ethanol can be utilized." Read more in "Our View: On Ethanol, There They Go Again" from NCGA President Bart Schott (2.9.11).
Visit the Ethanol section of our Resources & Links more information.
