WASHINGTON – Ethanol supporters have launched a multimillion-dollar nationwide advertising campaign, countering a push by oil companies that the group has described as misleading, the Des Moines Register reports.

The trade association Growth Energy is behind the advertising blitz, titled “You’re no dummy. Don’t let the oil industry treat you like one,” which will run on cable news networks and in print and radio. The campaign features a ventriloquist and his dummy who counter some of Big Oil’s arguments against renewable fuels.

Oil companies are trying “to mislead Americans to protect their profits and maintain their monopoly. Make no mistake about it, this is a fight about market share,” said Tom Buis, chief executive of Growth Energy. “With this ad and grassroots campaign we’re calling them out on it with our campaign to educate consumers.”

The battle between oil companies and the ethanol industry focuses on the Renewable Fuel Standard that requires refiners to purchase alternative fuels.

The American Petroleum Institute, which represents more than 500 oil and natural gas companies, has criticized the mandate in lobbying Congress to end or overhaul what they say is an outdated measure. “No amount of ads take away from the fact that the RFS is broken and could harm consumers, increase emissions, damage engines, and void car warranties,” said Carlton Carroll, an API spokesperson.