July 29, 2010

American Meat Institute against increase in ethanol in gasoline

In the effort to persuade the US congress to reject a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline by 50%, the American Meat Institute (AMI) and 14 other industry and environmental groups have joined forces to sponsor an ad with the tagline, "Say NO to untested E15."

The American Meat Institute (AMI) said that most gasoline sold in the US contains 10% ethanol (E10). Some advocates of corn-based ethanol are seeking to boost that to 15% (E15), or to compromise with a boost to 12% (E12).

"Increasing the consumption of corn-based ethanol by 50% will increase food and feed prices, driving up costs for meat and poultry producers and ultimately consumers," said American Meat Institute President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle. "This controversial decision certainly warrants careful and thoughtful examination considering the many negative consequences increasing the blend will have."

The advertisement, which recently ran in Politico and Roll Call, is part of a broader campaign calling on Congress to require thorough and objective scientific testing before allowing an increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline.

"Congress shouldn't rush to judgment based on politics," the ad said. "It should wait for the completion of thorough and objective scientific tests and act to protect your safety and our environment."