No time like Independence Day to renew the call for renewables to increase our energy independence.

This week, with Congress preparing for an Independence Day recess prior to debate on a new energy bill, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is stepping up its campaign to ensure that corn-based ethanol is part of the formula that brings our country to energy security and independence. That includes a new television ad stressing the importance of ethanol that starts airing today on local news programs in Washington and on major cable channels such as Fox, CNN and MSNBC.

“It’s now clear that events both here at home and abroad demand a different solution to our energy needs,” the ad states. “One that protects our national security, safeguards our environment and promotes economic growth. One answer grows in our own backyard. Turning American corn into America’s energy. It’s renewable, efficient, abundant and safe. And it creates American jobs. We feed the world; we can fuel it, too. Ethanol. Now is the time.”

Watch the ad below and read more about the NCGA campaign here.