News

Ag industry pressuring Biden administration to approve year round E15  in Midwest

Members of the ag industry say they’re frustrated by the lack of action from the Environmental Protection Agency to approve year-round E15 sales.

But, EPA Administrator Michael Regan told reporters on Thursday, the administration’s support of biofuels has been clear. “Especially advanced biofuels to reach our carbon goals, but also to keep this country globally competitive. We’re continuing to work that interagency process.  EPA has submitted its homework and we’re letting that interagency process work through that.”

Thirty-one Senators and House members recently sent a letter to the administration asking them to quickly approve a petition from Midwestern governors.  Several state attorney’s general also sent a letter asking Regan to promulgate regulations consistent within 90 days of their request.

Troy Bredenkamp with the Renewable Fuels Association tells Brownfield they’ve been waiting for nearly 9 months. “And, that is really our concern, with the delay in actually getting out a rule in time that it can be reacted to and promulgated, they’re really setting this up for a one-year delay for the 2023 driving season.”

He says if the EPA doesn’t approve the request, then ethanol supporters would need to ask the administration for an emergency waiver.

Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, says  the E15 roadblocks have been disappointing. “It’s going to cost thousands of retailers and millions of motorists this summer, unless they get their butts in gear.”

The governors cite provisions under the Clean Air Act that grant them the authority to sell year-round E15 sales.

Brownfield’s Brent Barnett and Larry Lee contributed to this story.