Corn and Corn Stover: Feedstocks that Can Fuel America

Recent USDA updates to the Billion Ton Study reaffirm that the United States has the feedstock needed to create cellulosic ethanol fuel, due in large part to corn stover supplies.

According to the update, corn stover offers one of the most viable forms of easily-collectible sources of cellulosic biomass for conversion into ethanol. This is a huge opportunity for farmers as well as ethanol producers looking for ample and affordable supplies of feedstock.

Currently, the RFS sets a target of 500 million gallons in cellulosic ethanol by next year. Some question the validity of the standard, because of the roadblocks we’ve seen to producing commercially-viable cellulosic ethanol.

But, we must remember that we have climbed significant hurdles to get to this point – and we are at the brink of bringing competitively-priced cellulosic ethanol to market. Greater access to the fuels market through the full implementation of E15 and an investment in Flex Fuel pumps and Flex Fuel vehicles will help naturally expand the demand for ethanol – both corn-based and cellulosic – by giving consumers more choice at the pump.

Until then, we can rely on our grain-based ethanol producers to continue to provide us with a fuel that benefits our environment, national security and economy right now