WASHINGTON –The American Meat Institute (A.M.I.) and 14 other industry and environmental groups have sponsored an ad with the tagline, “Say NO to untested E15”, as part of a campaign to persuade Congress to reject calls by some to mandate an increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline by 50%.

Most gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10% ethanol (E10). Some advocates of corn-based ethanol are seeking to boost that to 15% (E15), or to compromise with a boost to 12% (E12).


“Increasing the consumption of corn-based ethanol by 50 percent will increase food and feed prices, driving up costs for meat and poultry producers and ultimately consumers,” said J. Patrick Boyle, A.M.I. president and chief executive officer. “This controversial decision certainly warrants careful and thoughtful examination considering the many negative consequences increasing the blend will have.”

Running on July 22 in Politico and Roll Call, the ad is part of a broader campaign calling on Congress to require thorough and objective scientific testing before allowing an increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline.

The ad (http://bit.ly/aWJcH1) is illustrated by four-color photos of people next to stalled vehicles and equipment – a snowmobile, a car, a riding lawnmower and a boat – under the headline: “Don’t let the ethanol industry leave you stranded.”

“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.”

For more information, visit http://www.followthescience.org/.