A new poll conducted by Selzer and Company and released by Mediacom and the Des Moines Register earlier this week showed 71% of Iowans support ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). More importantly Republicans’ support for the federal policy has grown since the Iowa caucuses. In a Des Moines Register/Bloomberg poll this past December, Republicans surveyed supported the RFS by 61%. The most recent poll conducted by the Des Moines Register/Mediacom showed a 5% growth in support among Republicans to 66%, while support among Democrats stayed consistent.

Related: There is no 'field of dreams' for Iowa without ethanol

GOOD POLICY: “The RFS improves America’s climate, national security, rural economy and consumer choice,” says Tom Buis of Growth Energy. “Repealing or changing the RFS would turn back the clock and undermine the progress we’ve made in increasing U.S. energy independence and cleaning our air and environment.”

“Iowans know ethanol and the RFS are allowing America’s farmers and innovators to produce clean, secure, renewable fuel right here at home that reduces toxic emissions and is better for the air we all breathe. The immense benefits and potential of biofuels, like ethanol, plays a critical role in America’s energy policy and in developing a 21st century fuel for 21st century vehicles,” notes Tom Buis, co-chair of Growth Energy.

An overwhelming 83% of Iowans caucused for pro-RFS candidates
Buis adds, “Contrary to the oil industry spin, this poll reinforces the fact that the issue gained ground with Iowans during the 2016 caucuses and now they support it in even greater numbers than before. The relevancy of the issue is why an overwhelming 83% of Iowans caucused for pro-RFS candidates in 2016, a higher percentage than in 2012.”

Furthermore, as the Des Moines Register highlighted overwhelming support for the RFS, regardless of political party affiliation, it’s noteworthy that 66% of Republicans, 76% of Democrats and 71% of independents are in favor of the RFS. Additionally, the Des Moines Register pointed out that, “Iowans who consider themselves tea party supporters also like it, with 64% in favor.”

Click HERE to view the Des Moines Register article explaining the results of the poll.

Ethanol aids climate, cleans air and reduces toxic emissions
On February 24 the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held an oversight hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In response, Tom Buis, co-chair of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:

“Homegrown ethanol and the RFS are major wins for the American people. Biofuels, such as ethanol, are a 21st century fuel for 21st century vehicles. It is our only alternative to oil, and the RFS is the most effective policy in reducing cancer-causing chemicals and the toxic emissions that come from oil’s monopoly on our motor fuel supply. The RFS supports consumer choice, creates hundreds of thousands of jobs across America, strengthens our energy security and slashes climate change causing emissions.

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“Policies like the RFS improve America’s climate, national security, rural economy and consumer choice. Repealing or changing the RFS would turn back the clock and undermine the progress we’ve made toward increasing America’s energy independence and cleaning our air and environment.”

Growth Energy: oil industry misleads again
Even as evidence continues to pour in of the consumer, economic, and environmental benefits of ethanol, the oil industry today spouted its same old, disproven talking points about ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The truth is that ethanol is the most tested fuel in history, and is a less expensive choice for consumers. The U.S. Department of Energy has tested ethanol-blends for a total distance of 6 million miles with zero instances of engine damage or performance issues. NASCAR has competed using ethanol more than 8 million miles, and thanks to the high octane of ethanol, drivers have benefited from increased engine performance and greater fuel efficiency.

“Though this kind of rhetoric should be shocking, it no longer is,” said Tom Buis, co-chair of Growth Energy. “The oil industry has made a habit of repeatedly trotting out bogus studies for the single purpose of blocking competition and consumer choice to protect their profits. The fact is that rigorous testing and unbiased studies from the government and other industries have repeatedly demonstrated that ethanol and other biofuels are a less expensive, cleaner and better performing alternative to oil.”

Petroleum industry trying to maintain its monopoly in marketplace
He adds, “It’s obvious that API’s discredited study has no basis in fact and is simply an attempt to maintain its monopoly on the motor fuel marketplace. In reality, a strong, bipartisan majority of Americans support ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard, which provides our country with nearly 400,000 jobs and significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions.”

“API's proposal will turn back the clock and it must be rejected so that cleaner burning, higher performing biofuels will not be eliminated,” added Buis. “Congress should ignore a request that leads to an increase in air toxins and dirtier air to breathe."

About Growth Energy: Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol who feed the world and fuel America in ways that achieve energy independence, improve economic well-being and create a healthier environment for all Americans now. For more information, visit at www.GrowthEnergy.org, follow on Twitter @GrowthEnergy or connect on Facebook.