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Ernst questions Vilsack on Administration’s year-round E15 plans

An Iowa Senator wants to know when Midwestern motorists can expect to find more E15 fuel on the market.  Republican Joni Ernst told the Senate Ag Committee’s USDA Oversight hearing she welcomes the long-overdue EPA ruling to allow year-round E15, “But, we know that pushing off implementation until 2025 is very discouraging for those in that area.”

Ernst says with the summer driving season coming soon, many families, corn farmers, ethanol producers, and retailers still have no idea if E15 will be at the pump this summer.  She asked Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack about the likelihood of another emergency waiver to allow the higher ethanol blend. “It appears as if you are confident that the EPA will announce another emergency waiver. Is that correct?” Vilsack replied, “That’s correct.”

The EPA finalized a rule allowing the year-round E15 fuel a week ago, but delayed implementation until 2025.