VIDEO: Ricketts Promotes Renewable Fuels and Nebraska’s Farmers During Press Call
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted his efforts to promote renewable fuels and Nebraska’s farmers during his weekly press call. Ricketts recently led a resolution declaring May 2025 as Renewable Fuels Month in America. He spoke with members of Nebraska press about the resolution:
“Nebraska farmers fuel the world through the production of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel,” said Ricketts. “Renewable fuels save consumers money at the pump and support Nebraska agriculture. They clean our environment and support American energy security.”
Ricketts also underscored the cost savings renewable fuels provide Nebraskan families.
“Biofuels save consumers money at the pump,” continued Ricketts. “Last time I filled up at Hy-Vee, I saved 55 cents per gallon with E10 compared to the regular 89 octane. That’s saving money at the pump. That’s real relief.”
In addition, Ricketts described the economic benefits of biofuels for Nebraska’s farmers. Nebraska’s 25 ethanol plants have capacity to make nearly 2.2 billion gallons of biofuel each year. These plants provide more than 1,300 good-paying jobs with an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion.
TRANSCRIPT:
Senator Ricketts: “Thank you very much for joining this press call today.
“Nebraska farmers fuel the world through the production of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.
“Renewable fuels save consumers money at the pump and support Nebraska agriculture.
“They clean our environment and support American energy security.
“That’s why I introduced a bipartisan resolution designating May 2025 as Renewable Fuels Month in America.
“As Governor, you may recall I did that a lot for the state of Nebraska. We’re doing it for America now.
“My resolution celebrates Nebraska’s farmers, rural communities, and home-grown energy.
“Biofuels save consumers money at the pump.
“Nebraska drivers saved at least $325 million last year by using ethanol blends like E10 and E15.
“During the summer months, drivers can save more than 30 cents per gallon.
“Owners of flex fuel vehicles, which can run on blends up to E85, can save even more.
“Last time I filled up at Hy-Vee, I saved 55 cents per gallon when I filled up with E10 compared to the regular 89 octane.
“That’s saving money at the pump.
“That’s real relief.
“Biofuels support Nebraska agriculture.
“Our state is America’s second-largest ethanol producer.
“Our 25 ethanol plants have capacity to make nearly 2.2 billion gallons each year.
“These plants support more than 1,300 good-paying jobs.
“They bring an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion dollars.
“Biofuels help local farmers get better prices for their corn and soybeans.
“A typical dry mill ethanol plant adds nearly 50% more value to every bushel of corn processed last year.
“That’s value-added agriculture.
“These fuels help drive our economy forward.
“Biofuels can help clean our environment.
“Ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 44% to 52% compared to regular gasoline.
“E15 also reduces other pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates.
“That means cleaner air for our communities.
“Biofuels also support American energy security.
“The Renewable Fuels Association estimates that U.S.-produced ethanol displaced the need for 630 million barrels of imported oil in 2024.
“Using home-grown fuels means we rely less on authoritarian countries like Venezuela.
“Authoritarian countries don’t share our values.
“We should never depend on them for energy when we have proven solutions right here in Nebraska.
“This resolution is one of my many ways I’m supporting renewable fuels.
“I led the fight against Biden’s EV mandate.
“I introduced the Flex Fuel Fairness Act to expand access to flex fuel vehicles.
“I’m pushing to pass Senator Deb Fischer’s bill to allow year-round E15 sales nationwide.
“I introduced the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act with Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar.
“That bipartisan bill helps biofuels power cargo ships and other large vessels.
“I also support the Farm to Fly Act, which will develop the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
“Consumers, producers, and industry would all benefit from these expanded opportunities.
“Nebraska’s biofuels producers help fuel America and the world.
“Every day is a good day to choose biofuels.
“As you get ready to hit the road this summer, consider filling up on E15.
“You’ll be supporting local producers, helping clean our environment, and promoting American energy security.
“You’ll also be saving money at the pump!
“Now that’s a win for everybody.”