“Reaching this milestone for American Ethanol in Indiana is especially significant, because in addition to being known as the racing capitol of the world, we have also earned a reputation as an important ethanol hub for our country, ranking 6th in the nation for ethanol production,” said Ken Parrent, director of biofuels for Indiana Corn Marketing Council. “The commitment by NASCAR®, Richard Childress Racing and American Ethanol means a lot to the corn farmers and ethanol producers who live here and to racing fans everywhere who support our cause.”
The NASCAR Series began running on Sunoco Green E15 Fuel in 2011. A blended ethanol fuel was selected over pure ethanol, because the series wanted to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of a fuel that could also be used in everyday cars on everyday streets. E15 is an ethanol/oil blend that is safe to use in all cars and light duty trucks that were manufactured in 2001 or newer.
“Ethanol-blended fuel is greener, cleaner and homegrown. It reduces our dependence on foreign oil, creates jobs right here at home and helps improve our environment. We want consumers to know that E15 is a safe, high performance and reliable option for them that is less expensive and supports hometown jobs when they fill up at the pump,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “We are excited to celebrate this milestone of 6 million miles raced on Sunoco Green E15 at NASCAR here in Indiana.”
A report released earlier this summer demonstrates how Indiana’s ethanol industry continues to be a driving force to the Hoosier economy. Just last month, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council updated a study on “The Contribution of Ethanol to the Economy of Indiana” by ABF Economics.
“While ethanol production is not a labor-intensive industry, every direct job in ethanol production supports six additional Indiana jobs,” said Parrent. “The study – Contribution of Ethanol to the Economy of Indiana – shows that in 2013 Indiana’s ethanol industry supported more than 4,100 full time jobs and generated labor income of $232 million. State and local tax coffers also received $42 million from Indiana’s ethanol industry.”
*Ethanol in Indiana, By the Numbers:
- 6th largest producer of ethanol in the country
- $538 M in gross state product
- $42 M in state and local taxes
- 4,100 full time jobs supported by ethanol industry in Indiana
- $232 M in labor income
- 12 operating ethanol plants
- 1 billion gallons of ethanol production capacity
- 13 times greater ethanol production for the state than in 2000
*A complete copy of ABF’s study can be found at www.incorn.org/ethanol.