The ethanol industry has enlisted reality-television star Chris Soules, of “The Bachelor” and “Dancing With The Stars” fame, to promote the benefits of the corn-based fuel ahead of the Iowa caucuses on Monday.
The six-figure ad campaign features Soules, who ranks himself among Iowa’s corn farmers, to promote the benefits of producing ethanol from corn, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires the fuel to be blended in gasoline, as a boon to the state’s agriculture ecnomy.
“The campaign comes as all eyes turn toward Iowa for the first-of-the-nation caucuses, where there has been an outpouring of support for clean, secure, American ethanol and the [Renewable Fuel Standard] from Iowa voters alongside 12 of the 14 presidential candidates,” reads a statement from the pro-ethanol group Growth Energy, which is funding the ad buy.
Tom Buis, the group’s president and CEO, notes that ethanol makes up 10 percent of the nation’s fuel supply. “It’s important now more than ever that we recognize ethanol’s critical role in America’s energy policy,” he said.
Ethanol policy has been a top concern in the lead up to the caucuses, especially for candidates who oppose the Renewable Fuel Standard. Ted Cruz has been walking a tightrope on the issue in recent weeks, saying he supports ethanol but will phase out the Renewable Fuel Standard, which creates a market for cleaner biofuels.
Many of the other candidates have generally supported corn ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard while campaigning in Iowa.
“American-made ethanol cuts our dependence on foreign oil and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, creates jobs and provides consumers with a choice at the pump,” Buis said. “It’s no coincidence that an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of candidates for president have all realized the immense benefits and potential of ethanol.”
The ad appears nationwide on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC.
