November 2, 2007

Despite higher grain prices, US public remain firm believers of ethanol

Despite protests from the agricultural sector on ethanol production, the American public is largely supportive of it, according to a survey released by an ethanol group.

The survey, released by Renewable Fuels now, a coalition of organizations and companies, revealed that 74 percent of Americans say the US should increase domestic production of renewable fuels. The poll surveyed 1,000 adults.

Those polled also said Washington should play a role in supporting such efforts.

Eight-seven percent indicated the government should actively support the development of a renewable fuels industry, while 77 percent feel Congress should encourage oil refiners to blend more ethanol into their gasoline products.

Most respondents in the survey do not hold the view that ethanol production is what is causing grain prices to rise, with only 7 percent saying it is so.

As much as 84 percent blamed something else. Nearly half blamed higher oil prices (46 percent), 15 percent blamed rising global demand while 14 percent blamed drought.

The survey was conducted from Oct 23-Oct. 25 by the Mellman Group and commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association.