WASHINGTON, D.C. – Newly published, peer-reviewed research highlights the disastrous impact of corn ethanol for climate, communities, and wildlife. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences, revealed that the Renewable Fuel Standard artificially inflated corn prices by 30 percent between 2008 and 2016, made ethanol one-quarter more carbon intensive than gasoline, and increased annual fertilizer use by up to 8 percent — which polluted waterways and fueled toxic algal outbreaks.

“Rather than replace fossil fuels with a cleaner option, corn ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard have only accelerated the climate crisis, contaminated drinking water throughout the Midwest and Great Plains, and destroyed millions of acres of wildlife habitat. This landmark, peer-reviewed research newly underscores that corn ethanol is not a viable climate solution,” said David DeGennaro, climate and biofuel specialist at the National Wildlife Federation. “The Biden Administration and Congress must use this information to promote real climate and transportation solutions rather than doubling down on the failed policies of the past, and prioritize communities over commodities.”