LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Renewable Fuels Month highlights the importance of renewable biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. The month of May marks the beginning of the summer driving season, making it an ideal time to fuel up on clean and cost-saving biofuels. Ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel help to decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil, boost our nation’s economy, and support thousands of jobs in rural communities.
Nebraska is the second-largest producer of ethanol in the country, and the use of a 10% blend saves Nebraskans millions per year. In 2024, thanks to ethanol blends of E10 and above, Nebraska drivers saved at least $300 million. Overall, the Nebraska ethanol industry contributes more than $6 billion to the state’s economy.
“Today begins a monthlong celebration of renewable fuels and their impact on our state,” Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) Executive Director Ben Rhodes said. “Ethanol and other renewable fuels provide many benefits: they strengthen our rural communities, save drivers money, and contribute to cleaner air.”
Biodiesel adds 70 cents per bushel to the value of soybeans. Bigger demand for soybean oil to make biodiesel also increases the supply of soybean meal, leading to lower animal feed prices paid by poultry and livestock farmers. Biodiesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% on average compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles can lower emissions by filling up with biodiesel blends of 20% (B20) or higher. Find locations near you at biodieselne.com.
The renewable diesel industry also continues to grow. According to Clean Fuels Alliance America, “renewable diesel is a biomass-based diesel fuel made from the same renewable feedstocks as biodiesel using a process that resembles traditional diesel fuel production. Renewable diesel is a drop-in diesel replacement that meets ASTM D975—the same standard for petroleum diesel. It can be used in ground, rail and marine transportation, as well as agricultural equipment.”
Fueled by Nebraska, a partnership of Nebraska biofuels organizations, and the Nebraska Soybean Board, invite you to join them to celebrate renewable fuels in your classrooms, at work, and in your community this May. Learn more and find ethanol retail locations at fueledbynebraska.com.
“With the summer driving season starting, May is the perfect time to highlight the renewable fuels industry,” Rhodes said. “The NEB thanks Nebraska’s 24 ethanol plants for all their hard work in producing high-quality, homegrown fuel. Fill up with higher blends all month long and join us in showcasing all the benefits of renewable fuels.”
Important Renewable Fuels Month dates:
· May 6: Gov. Jim Pillen will declare May as Renewable Fuels Month
· May 5 and 12: Tune into upcoming Renewable Fuels Month segments on Pure Nebraska, which airs on Lincoln’s Channel 10/11 live weekdays from 9-10 a.m.
The Nebraska Ethanol Board works to ensure strong public policy and consumer support for biofuels. Since 1971, the independent state agency has designed and managed programs to expand production, market access, worker safety and technology innovation, including recruitment of producers interested in developing conventional ethanol, as well as bio-products from the ethanol platform. For more information, visit www.ethanol.nebraska.gov.
Fueled by Nebraska is a partnership of the Nebraska Ethanol Board, the Nebraska Corn Board, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska to ensure strong markets for biofuels.
###
