The American Meat Institute and 14 other industry and environmental groups have joined forces in launching an advertising campaign advocating more scientific testing as part of an effort to convince Congress to reject calls to mandate boosting the amount of ethanol in gasoline by 50%.
The campaign has the tagline, “Say NO to untested E15.”
Most gasoline sold in the United States contains 10% ethanol (E10). Corn-based ethanol supporters want Congress to boost that to 15% (E15), while some support a compromise to boost it 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,” says 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 ran Wednesday in Politico and Roll Call, and is part of a broader effort calling on Congress to require thorough and objective scientific testing before approving an increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline.
“Congress shouldn’t rush to judgment based on politics,” the ad says. “It should wait for the completion of thorough and objective scientific tests and act to protect your safety and our environment.”