July 10, 2016
By Austin Dillon
I have been racing cars all of my life. Growing up in the garage, I learned firsthand the incredible amount of preparation, teamwork and determination it takes to succeed. The one thing I have learned in that time, teams are measured by one thing in NASCAR: performance.
From the crew chief, to the tire changer, to the engineers, everyone on the team ultimately contributes to performance on the track. We rely heavily on each other, but we also depend on key partnerships that ensure we reach our goals. The fuel we put into our engines is one of the most important contributors to our performance at the track each and every weekend.
Fortunately, NASCAR has been powered by a homegrown bio-fuel since 2011. It’s clean, green and renewable. The best drivers in the world have raced almost 10 million flawless miles on Sunoco Green E15 — proving it’s as good for engines as it is for the environment.
Throughout my life, I have been lucky to travel across this great nation of ours. I’ve had the pleasure to meet people from all walks of life, including the hard working families who farm in our country’s heartland. That’s why I am so proud of my partnership with American Ethanol, because the American-grown corn used to manufacture ethanol has helped support countless farming communities, and our nation’s economy.
Educating our fans about sustainable homegrown American fuel that is better for our environment is truly a passion of mine. Offering consumers a higher blend of ethanol at the pump reduces our dependence on foreign oil and creates jobs right here in the U.S., while revitalizing rural economies across America.
In 2011, NASCAR’s groundbreaking partnership with Sunoco and American Ethanol prompted the launch of a long-term bio-fuels program across our three national touring series. Sunoco Green E15, a 15 percent ethanol blend bio-fuel, has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent while increasing horsepower.
How does this apply to you, the consumer who isn’t driving a race car on a daily basis? Tests by the Department of Energy prove that all 21st century engines can run on E15, a higher blend of ethanol, and automakers warranty 15 percent blends for use in nearly 3 out of 4 new cars being sold today. Moreover, drivers have surpassed 150 million miles using E15 in the last 12 months. Higher ethanol blended fuels are safe and viable options.
Gasoline retailers and automakers are embracing consumer demand for higher blends of ethanol by increasing the amount of pumps with E15, E85 and other higher blends and designing vehicles to support these higher blends of clean-burning, high-octane biofuels.
However, even with all of this positive momentum at our backs, we are now facing a critical time for our nation. Since 2005, the Renewable Fuel Standard remains the only clean energy policy working to lower our dependence on oil, keep our air clean and combat climate change.
Right now, preparations are being made to finalize the volume requirements that determine how much renewable fuel oil companies are required to make available to consumers at the pump. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed initial volume requirements that fall short of even the modest goals set into law by Congress.
To guarantee that the current administration doesn’t turn back the clock on America’s most successful energy policy, consumers across the country must make their voices heard now — the deadline is quickly approaching. By July 11, drivers who care about having affordable, green options at the pump should contact the EPA and ask their lawmakers to support a strong Renewable Fuel Standard. It’s easy, just visit GrowthEnergy.org/Action to make your voice heard by the EPA.
I am proud to run American Ethanol in my car, I promise you will be too.
AUSTIN DILLON drives the No. 3 Chevrolet SS. which includes sponsor American Ethanol, for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Read the original story: Ethanol Fuels the Race Against Climate Change