WASHINGTON — In an issue that has spurred debate among Republicans and Democrats, as well as corn-producing states, and oil-producing states, the U.S. House of Representatives on May 13 passed a bill that would allow year-round sales of E15 fuel.
E15 fuel is a gasoline that is produced using a 15 percent ethanol blend.
Passage of this bill (H.R. 1346), known as the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, was approved by a nearly split 218 to 203 vote, which included 122 Republicans, 95 Democrats and 1 independent in favor, and 90 Republicans, 113 Democrats opposed.
“There were plenty of forces in Washington trying to prevent this vote from ever happening, but we held the line, demanded a vote, and delivered results,” U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, said in a statement. “Every gallon of ethanol we blend is fuel we don’t have to import from foreign adversaries. Every dollar saved at the pump is money back in the pockets of working families. Iowa-grown, homegrown energy won today. I’m proud to have delivered this win for Iowa, and I’ll keep fighting to get this bill to the President’s desk and signed into law.”
Republican leadership including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) have voiced their opposition to the bill.
In the past, the sale of E15 has been seasonally restricted due to environmental concerns. Earlier this year, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin issued a temporary fuel waiver allowing for E15’s continued sale.
“EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer,” Zeldin said in March. “This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice.”
Agriculture associations, and specifically groups affiliated with the nation’s corn growers, have been expressing their endorsement of this fuel bill.
“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,” Jed Bower, National Corn Growers Association president, said.
“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,” Bower added “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.”
“Today’s House vote is a monumental win for Iowa’s corn farmers, rural communities and millions of American drivers. Expanding E15 access drives market growth for U.S. corn and ethanol, promotes cleaner air and delivers real savings at the pump for consumers,” Mark Mueller, Iowa Corn Growers Association president, said. “E15 is a real solution to high prices at the pump as a homegrown solution with outdated regulations that has caused a long-fought battle, and we are not finished yet. ICGA looks forward to working with the U.S. Senate to make E15 a reality for all Americans.”
“ICGA has long advocated nationwide access to higher blends of ethanol and applauds lawmakers for listening to farmers, biofuel producers and consumers for access to markets and options at the pump,” Mueller added.
Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation president, also praises this E15 fuel legislation.
“Farmers applaud the House of Representatives, which proved what is possible when lawmakers work together on behalf of the American people,” Duvall said. “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 percent 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,” Duvall added. “It’s a win-win for farmers, and for all of America.”
The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where both sides of the issue will continue their debates.
