September 22, 2008 – Washington – America’s ethanol industry has a fantastic story to tell. Beginning this week, that story is being told to millions of Americans as the Renewable Fuels Association launches two ads very clearly stating the benefits of today’s domestic renewable fuels industry.

Entitled “Faces” and “Places,” the two 30-second spots feature real Americans from Hereford, Texas who are actively leading America toward a more secure energy future. In “Faces,” local Hereford residents explain why ethanol is critical to America’s energy future. In “Places,” the geographic diversity of America’s ethanol industry is on display as the self-proclaimed “Beef Capital of the World” is also home to two ethanol biorefineries. As the Mayor puts it, Hereford is “the ethanol capital of Texas.”

“America’s ethanol producers are on the leading edge of an energy evolution in this country, but far too often aren’t given the credit they deserve,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “As oil supplies peak and jobs are shipped overseas, ethanol is providing much needed energy security and economic opportunity today. This industry is about real people all across the nation committed to doing their part to ensure a brighter energy future for generations to come. Hereford, Texas, with 1.5 million cattle and two ethanol biorefineries epitomizes the importance of ethanol to America’s energy and economic security.”

Key ethanol statistics:

Number of biorefineries:
171 in 25 states

Annual Capacity:
10.25 billion gallons

Estimated 2008 production:
9 billion gallons

Estimated livestock feed production:
30 million metric tons

Percent of gasoline blended w/ ethanol:
70 percent

Impact on gasoline prices:
$0.29-0.40 per gallon reduction, according to Iowa State University

Impact on oil imports:
228 million fewer barrels of oil imported in 2007 as a result of ethanol production and use

Economic impact:
238,000 new jobs and $47.6 billion added to GDP in 2007