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New legislation with “landmark” support could make E15 sales permanent

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced into the U.S. Senate that would allow year-round, nationwide sales of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent.  

American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022 would make permanent sales of E15 blends a reality. “We could go down the road of having EPA issue another regulatory solve for this problem, but that would always find its way in court. To have Congress clarify what the law says and clarify what the statue is, this is the best solution.”

The bill was introduced by Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and has support from: Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

Jennings says the bill has landmark support from numerous ag groups and The American Petroleum institute, which is rare. “That’s a big deal because The API should bring votes to the table in Congress that we have not been able to secure when this legislation has been introduced in the past.”

And, he says, the lame-duck Congress could move on it. “That maybe difficult to achieve.  It’s not clear yet how long Congress will be in session because the rail issue and other issues taking a lot of time.”

Jennings says if the legislation is not passed yet this year, it will be a priority in the new Congress.

API Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman says the legislation strengthens the reliability of the fuel supply chain.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the legislation brings consistency and stability to the marketplace.

Tom Haag, National Corn Growers President, says the bill would ensure drivers have permanent access to low-cost, low-emission E-15 fuel.

Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, says the bill provides a permanent fix to skyrocketing gas prices.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says he has long supported a move to higher blends of ethanol and supports the legislation to make it a reality.

Brian Jennings, ACE CEO: