WASHINGTON, D.C.—Members of Congress and leaders from several agricultural and biofuel organizations gathered outside the Capitol today to call on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation that will allow for the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15, all year long.

A vote is scheduled for Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives on H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would eliminate an outdated regulation restricting year-round sales of E15.

Several legislative supporters of the bill said now is the time to act on the legislation.

“When I first came to Congress, I made a promise to the people I represent—especially our farmers—that I would work across the aisle to deliver real results,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.). “Today, we’re one step closer to providing the certainty and relief they’ve been waiting for with the passage of year-round E15. Expanding access to E15 is a win for everyone: it strengthens markets for homegrown corn, lowers costs at the pump, and supports jobs, investment, and economic growth across rural America. Now is the time to finish the job, and I urge all of my colleagues to come together and deliver this victory for the American people.”

Budzinski’s comments were echoed by her colleagues.

“Right now, Congress has the power to lower prices at the pump for consumers, expand much-needed market access for biofuel producers, and unleash America’s energy independence—all by passing my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act. It is past time for Congress to do the right thing and join me in making nationwide, year-round E15 a reality,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.).

“America needs year-round E15. Consumers, farmers, and working families need year-round E15. At a time when families are getting squeezed at the pump and farmers are facing uncertainty from every direction, this is one of the clearest bipartisan wins in front of Congress. Year-round E15 means more homegrown American energy, lower costs, and stronger markets. I’m proud to stand with colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this issue and it’s time for Congress to get this done,” said House Agriculture Committee Vice Ranking Member Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio).

“Permanent year-round E15 availability provides lower costs at the pump, provides more domestic markets for our farmers and ethanol producers, and ensures America can move toward energy independence again,” said Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa). “I have always been a strong advocate for Iowans and for ensuring our families, farmers, and producers are represented at the policy table. Passing legislation that provides the certainty of year-round E15 will promote homegrown energy that supports our farmers and rural energy producers. I am grateful to my colleagues, industry leaders, and the farmers who have stood behind this effort. The vote on this legislation will end over a decade of Washington gridlock and address the critical needs of the American farmer. I am proud to support legislation that ensures families can fill up their tanks with lower-cost fuel, while providing our farmers with an expanded market for their products. From the field to the fuel pump, this policy provides a pathway to promote American energy dominance while reducing costs for families.”

“Year-round E15 is a commonsense win for farmers and for families facing high gas prices. We should be expanding markets for American agriculture, not creating more delays or uncertainty through political games or unnecessary studies. I’ll keep working to get this done and finally deliver certainty for our producers and lower prices at the pump,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.). 

“The benefits of year-round E15 are clear: lower prices for American families, consistent markets for our framers, and increased energy independence,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.). “It’s time we pass this legislation and finally provide the permanent, common-sense certainty our farmers and drivers deserve.”

A farmer also spoke about the benefits of E15 during the press conference.

“Corn farmers want to sell their products at a fair price in the marketplace, and year-round E15 grows that market for us,” said Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower. “Expanding access to E15 helps create a stronger, more reliable domestic market for corn. It’s a practical way to help absorb U.S. corn supply and boost demand for ethanol and for corn.”

E15, sometimes seen as UNL 88 at the pump, can be used in all cars made in 2001 and newer, representing  96% of the vehicles on the road today. The fuel blend can save consumers up to 30 cents per gallon on average and estimates show that it could save drivers more than $150 million this summer alone.

Several people at the press conference pointed to the economic hardships facing farmers as well as rising gas prices as reasons to pass the legislation.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “Year-round E15 is a win-win for drivers and farmers. Ethanol blended fuels offer substantial savings at the pump and create vital markets for farmers who are struggling with historically low corn prices. This is an opportunity for Congress to address several important issues with one piece of legislation.”

“Gas prices are at their highest level in four years, and families need relief now,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Year-round E15 will deliver more savings for more Americans, and it can do so right away. If we’re serious about lowering fuel prices nationwide, we need a permanent solution that expands access to E15 across the U.S., instead of in just a few regions.”

“With a vote within reach, family farmers are counting on Congress to deliver year-round, nationwide E15,” said Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union. “This is commonsense, bipartisan policy that puts more American-grown fuel in the tank, strengthens rural economies, and brings real relief at the pump for families feeling the pinch of higher energy costs. A vote for E15 is a vote for farmers, consumers, and energy independence. We urge lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get it done.”

Others emphasized the hard work that has gone into getting the legislation across the finish line.

“Allowing year-round nationwide access to E15 would help lower pump prices at a time when American families really need that relief,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This legislation represents a compromise that was carefully negotiated by lawmakers, farmers, ethanol producers, fuel retailers, oil refiners, and many others across the supply chain. It has broad-based support, and now is the time to get this done.”

“This has been a long-running issue, National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust noted. “But the important thing is that momentum is still there. The legislation is now moving forward on its own track, and there is a real opportunity to finally get this done.”

The post Leaders Cite Economic Hardship, Gas Prices as They Call for E15 Passage appeared first on Growth Energy.

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