With Memorial Day weekend coming up, Renewable Fuels Association Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Market Development, Robert White reminds us that we have a chance to take a stand against foreign oil and in favor of our country’s energy independence, by choosing ethanol-blended fuel when we travel.

“On Monday, our nation will remember the many men and women whose ultimate sacrifice guaranteed our nation’s freedom and independence. These are values Americans hold dear, and many of us have lost a loved one on the battlefield—making the day personally poignant,” White writes in a Memorial Day blog post on the RFA website.

An important part of our nation’s security is energy independence, and recent polling shows how Americans feel about this. In March, Morning Consult polled nearly 2,000 registered voters. Eighty-five percent of those polled believed it was important for America to be energy independent, and two-thirds of respondents wanted the United States to reduce its reliance on foreign energy sources. When it comes to ethanol, nearly three-quarters said that renewable fuels like ethanol are important to energy security. The top attribute recognized for ethanol was the fact that it was made here in America.

White notes that AAA recently issued two news releases that show the need for more ethanol in our nation’s fuel supply. “On May 12, AAA projected a record number of people would be on the road this coming Memorial Day weekend. Over 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period (from tomorrow through Monday). This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record.”

Three days later, the auto club warned drivers what they had to look forward to: rising gas prices. “Gas prices are creeping back up just in time for the busy summer driving season. The national average for a gallon of regular is up 4 cents from last week, as the price of crude oil rises and demand goes up.” Yes, prices are lower than they have been at this time the past few years, but they are on the rise.

What does ethanol have to do with this? It’s simple: Boosting the nation’s overall fuel supply with lower-cost fuel sources is the best way to keep pump prices in check. And if we’re celebrating a patriotic holiday like Memorial Day, using an American-made fuel like ethanol is the perfect solution.

In the latest Ethanol Report, White noted that E15 is averaging a little over a 7% discount to E10 regular and EPA has approved the continued sale of the fuel through the summer months. “We have a record number of E15 stations across 33 States and we’re excited that we get to sell it through the summer months of June 1 through September 15th,” said White.

Summer E15 - Robert White, RFA 1:05