conservation+land Archives - Smarter Fuel Future

Celebrate National Parks…Not Biofuels

On August 25, 2016, the National Parks Service (NPS) is celebrating its 100th birthday – an incredible milestone marking a century of stewardship in our parks. But as NPS prepares to blow out the candles, we can’t help but imagine what we’d wish for if we were in their boots…

Highway to the Dead Zone

Those who tout the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as a “green” policy are onto something. The RFS is definitely green — unfortunately, it’s the kind of green that creates algal blooms that harm ecosystems and marine life.

16 million more acres is so large, it is almost unfathomable. But don’t worry – we’re here to put it into perspective for you.

16 million acres and counting…

Our latest data visualization shows the increase in corn and soybean plantings in the United States from 2005-2015, using 2005 as a baseline.

Our recent analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture points to our worst fears: the ethanol mandate is a driving force in the radical transformation of the U.S. agricultural landscape in the years since the RFS was instituted.

Dear Mr. President…

After taking a few days to review the letter Senators Markey (D-NH) and Boxer (D-CA) sent you regarding the EPA’s recommendation to lower the Renewable Fuel Standard, we’ve taken the liberty of making sure you had a version that aligns with reality.

Higher gas prices and plowing over natural conservation land should be cause enough for Congress to revisit the ethanol mandate, but the fundamental problem with policy is simply a disconnect with economic basics.

24 Ethanol Realities

Proponents of the ethanol mandate promised Americans that their plan would save the environment; but 10 years later, America’s premier “environmental” policy is actually doing more harm to the environment than good.

Good Intentions, Failed Policy

In theory, the government mandate requiring that ethanol fuel be blended into America’s gasoline supply was intended to spur energy independence, reduce emissions and jumpstart rural economic development. Unfortunately, the RFS has failed to deliver on its environmental goals.

The Ethanol Mandate’s Effect on Farmers

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), despite its original intentions to protect our environment and increase corn prices, has become just another form of corporate welfare, benefiting ethanol producers while average farms struggle to remain competitive.

Is this the Worst Policy in America?

For the first time since the ethanol mandate was enacted, a government agency has confirmed what the refining industry has said for years…forcing ethanol into our fuel supply will increase gas prices.

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