A widely respected public opinion research firm had some good news for the ethanol industry at the National Ethanol Conference Wednesday.

In a poll commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and conducted by American Viewpoint, 64 percent of adults polled said they supported the RFS, while just 25 percent are opposed.

Presenting her findings during a luncheon address at NEC, American Viewpoint president Linda DiVall said, “The ethanol industry has a compelling narrative to advance to consumers — it significantly reduces greenhouse gases, lowers our dependence on foreign oil, creates quality jobs, reduces fuel costs for Americans, and is serving to advance further innovations in renewable fuels.”

DiVall came up with four positive message components for the ethanol industry to utilize – green energy (targeting women and younger adults), oil companies still receive subsidies, ethanol creates jobs and reduces gas prices, and finally – call it a biofuel instead of ethanol. “Biofuel is seen as a more futuristic energy source than saying the word ethanol,” she said. “There are very positive images associated with biofuels.”

Listen to DiVall explain in this interview: Linda DiVall at NEC 2013

2013 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

2013 NEC Golf Tournament Photo Album