A recent survey indicated 80% of Americans prefer the cleaner and more environmentally friendly renewable fuel ethanol and alternative fuel vehicles, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) notes.

The survey, sponsored by American Lung Association of Minnesota, polled 1,651 vehicle owners, of which 92% said they prefer flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) and 60% prefer E85 for use in FFVs.

“This survey clearly shows more and more consumers are becoming more aware of the cleaner, greener vehicles and homegrown renewable fuels options available to them,” says Bruce Noel, NCGA Ethanol Committee chairman. “The global oil market is unstable with prices rising dramatically; innovation is needed to help secure this country’s energy independence. Corn growers are leading the country in bringing domestically produced renewable fuels from the fields to the consumer. Consumers will also reap both economic and environmental benefits as well using E85.”

Noel says NCGA and state corn grower organizations are continuing the push to ensure legislation and the education of consumers is in place to advance the ethanol industry and bring E85 to every part of the country. Currently, there are more than 700 refueling locations, and Noel says corn growers are working to ramp up the production of ethanol and are working to ensure the increased availability and infrastructure for E85.

Noel also noted that the positive message of ethanol and E85 is growing across the nation.

“The 100th ethanol plant is now online, automakers are aggressively touting E85 and FFVs, and Wal-Mart recently announced they are taking part in offering the renewable fuel to their customers,” he says. “This should show consumers renewable fuels are here for good.”