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Growth Energy FAQ

What is Growth Energy?

Growth Energy is a proactive group of American ethanol producers dedicated to growing America's economy through cleaner, greener energy. We believe ethanol is America's best renewable fuel, reliable and affordable now. It's high-tech, homegrown and on the verge of innovative breakthroughs that will make it even cleaner and greener for the long-term. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home.

Which companies make up Growth Energy?

Growth Energy is comprised of many American ethanol producers and other organizations in the industry, including ICM, Western Plains Energy, Hawkeye Renewables, Green Plains Renewable Energy and POET, just to name a few.

Where is Growth Energy located?

Growth Energy has offices in Washington, D.C. and Omaha, Neb., but represents thousands of people from across the country who have registered their support for our efforts, from suburban moms who want clean air for the kids to small business owners who want to protect themselves from cartel-driven spikes in gas prices. Growth Energy’s members include 69 plants and 54 affiliated companies in 22 states.

How can I get involved with Growth Energy?

There are a many ways that you can help Growth Energy spread its message about the benefits of ethanol. To become a Growth Energy member or join our eTeam, please visit the membership options page under the About tab on our website here.

What is E85?

E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. Besides its superior performance as a high-octane fuel, ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline; it is a completely renewable, domestic, environmentally-friendly fuel that enhances the nation's economy and energy independence.

Today, the U. S. imports more than half of its oil, and those imports go up as overall consumption continues to increase. By producing and consuming more American ethanol, U.S. drivers can help reverse that trend. Government tests have shown that E85 vehicles reduce harmful hydrocarbon and benzene emissions when compared to vehicles running on conventional gasoline. Use of E85 also reduces carbon dioxide (CO2), a harmful greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming.

Although CO2 is released during ethanol production and combustion, it is recaptured as a nutrient to the crops that are grown to produce ethanol – a nearly complete recycling of the carbon. Ethanol is proven to be 59 percent cleaner than conventional gasoline. Unlike fossil fuel combustion, which unlocks carbon that has been stored for millions of years and never recaptures it, use of ethanol contributes to capturing carbon in the atmosphere – much of it put there by fossil fuels.

What is a Flex Fuel pump?

A Flex Fuel pump is a filling station fuel pump that allows consumers to select the desired blend of gasoline and ethanol. Increasing the number of Flex Fuel pumps across the country will help deliver ethanol to consumers and end the near-monopoly on transportation fuels enjoyed by the petroleum industry.

What is the Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver?

In March 2009, Growth Energy submitted a waiver to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lift the arbitrary regulatory cap on ethanol from a 10 percent blend of ethanol to a 15 percent blend of ethanol in our gas supply. High‐tech ethanol is cleaner and greener than ever before. Blending higher percentages of ethanol into our gas is a step we can take right now to create American jobs, increase our energy independence, and improve our environment. It would also ensure a market for the emerging cellulosic ethanol industry. In January 2011, the EPA approved the use of E15 for vehicles built after 2001 - representing 67 percent of the auto fleet and more than 75 percent of the fuel consumed.