Year-round E15 moved one step closer to becoming a reality this week as the U.S. House passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation designed to allow the higher ethanol fuel blend to be sold across the country all year long. Supporters say the move is important not only for corn farmers and rural communities facing another year of tight margins and high input costs, but also for consumers, as E15 can lower fuel prices by an estimated 10 to 30 cents per gallon. Ag groups react to this news below:
Corn Growers Thrilled by Passage of E15 Legislation- The U.S. House of Representatives voted 218 to 203 to pass H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. In response, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: “We are thrilled to see that E15 legislation passed the House today and are deeply appreciative of the legislation’s sponsors, co-sponsors and all its congressional supporters. “Passage of this bill is essential to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as our growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs. It would also help drivers across the country who could save 10 to 30 cents per gallon on gas as fuel prices continue to rise. “We encourage members of the Senate to quickly take up this bill and send it to the president’s desk for signature.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on House passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which will allow for year-round sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, known as E15. “Farmers applaud the House of Representatives, which proved what is possible when lawmakers work together on behalf of the American people. The bipartisan vote to allow the sale of year-round E15 will benefit drivers and farmers at a time both are desperately in need of good news. Fuels blended with 15% ethanol will increase demand for corn, which will help a struggling farm economy. America’s drivers will also have the choice to fill their tanks with fuel that is typically 10 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon. “We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and get this to the desk of President Trump, who has already signaled his support for E15. It’s a win-win for farmers, and for all of America.”
National Sorghum Producers (NSP) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing legislation to permanently allow nationwide, year-round sales of E15, calling the vote a major victory for America’s farmers, rural communities and domestic energy production. NSP thanked congressional leaders, coalition partners, fuel retailers, ethanol advocates and sorghum farmers across the country who worked for years to advance a permanent legislative solution. “This is a major step forward for American agriculture and rural America,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kan. “Year-round E15 expands domestic demand for American-grown crops, strengthens U.S. energy security and provides greater certainty for farmers and consumers alike. We appreciate the House taking action to finally deliver a permanent solution.” “For years, farmers have been told to wait while Washington studied, delayed and debated a policy that was already proven to work,” France said. “Today’s vote sends a clear message that Congress recognizes the importance of expanding domestic fuel markets and supporting American agriculture.” Sorghum plays an important role in ethanol production, as a key feedstock. NSP noted that year-round E15 will help strengthen long-term market opportunities for sorghum growers while supporting broader demand growth across agriculture. NSP also thanked the organization’s grower members and state leaders who participated in advocacy efforts, fly-ins, grassroots campaigns and direct outreach to lawmakers throughout the process. “We are especially grateful to the farmers who stepped up, shared their stories and helped keep pressure on Congress to get this done,” France said. “This victory belongs to rural America.” While applauding House passage, NSP urged the Senate to move quickly to approve the legislation and send it to the president’s desk. “Farmers need certainty now, not more delays,” France said. “We urge the Senate to act swiftly and finish the job.”
Missouri corn growers applaud passage of year-round E15- The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, moving the country one step closer to year-round access to E15, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol often marketed as Unleaded 88. Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) President Brian Lehman of Versailles said the vote is a commonsense solution for consumers, farmers, and fuel retailers. “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 solutions in front of Congress. We greatly appreciate Reps. Mark Alford, Sam Graves, Jason Smith, Ann Wagner, Emanuel Cleaver, and Wesley Bell for recognizing year-round E15 means more homegrown American energy, lower fuel costs, and stronger corn markets. It consistently saves drivers money at the pump, and right now that matters.” “For corn farmers in Missouri and across the country facing tight margins and continued economic uncertainty, this is about building dependable demand. Expanding access to E15 creates stronger domestic markets and supports rural communities tied to agriculture and renewable fuels. This is exactly the kind of commonsense policy that benefits consumers, agriculture, and American energy security. “While today’s vote is a major milestone, the job is not finished. Our focus now shifts to the Senate to remove the outdated restrictions and deliver permanent, nationwide certainty for E15. MCGA will continue working alongside political leaders and industry partners to get this across the finish line and finally deliver certainty for consumers and farmers.”
