The U.S. Energy and Information Administration (EIA) published its most recent report on September 3, 2021. The report states that pre-Labor Day retail gas prices are at their highest since 2014, with the average retail price of a gallon of gasoline at $3.15, representing a .92 cents a gallon leap from this time last year.
Additionally, the EIA report on ethanol shows continued increases in the U.S. production capacity of ethanol which was at 17.5 billion gallons per year as of January 1, 2021. This is up from 17.3 billion gallons in 2020, and 16.9 billion gallons in 2019. These numbers demonstrate a continued increase in ethanol production capacity and a commitment to utilizing this renewable, cleaner-burning alternative fuel.
Contrary to ethanol production, U.S. biodiesel production capacity has decreased, according to the EIA report. Biodiesel production capacity was at 2.4 billion gallons per year as of January 1, 2021, down from the 2.5 billion gallons per year of 2020 and 2019.
Ethanol and biodiesel continue to play an essential role as alternative options to conventional gas as we work to create a healthier future with less air pollution, fewer greenhouse gasses, and increased energy independence.