Lawmakers, Biofuel Groups Turn Up Heat for E15

Clint Thompson Biofuels/Energy

Geoff Cooper

Farm State lawmakers and biofuel groups are turning up the heat on the White House to approve year-round E15 sales amid the U.S. embargo of Russian oil and soaring gas prices.

Gas prices are at historic highs as the war in Ukraine continues and that the U.S. imposed a ban on importing Russian oil. The crisis has sparked a fierce push by the biofuels industry and its backers in Congress to renew year-round sales of E15. Here is Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) head Geoff Cooper.

“Ethanol is 70 to 80 cents per gallon cheaper than gasoline right now: 70 to 80 cents. And common sense tells you if you use more ethanol and less gasoline, you’re going to reduce the cost to the consumer.” 

RFA and Growth Energy are urging the administration to use its authority to green light summertime use of E15.

“And send that signal now, so the retail sector and marketers can take steps to prepare to sell E15 year-round.”

But Cooper admits, the White House may not be listening.

“It’s been very frustrating, and we don’t know why they’re not looking at some of these other options and trying things that have a proven track record of not working.” 

Things like using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve or going to other adversaries like Venezuela and Iran for more oil.

Senators from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, and Nebraska introduced a bill to make year-round E15 sales permanent, provide a tax credit for higher blends, and extend the biodiesel tax credit for three years.

(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)