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Lawmakers pushing for year-round and permanent E15 availability

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators is asking the Biden administration to allow year-round E15 sales this year.

The 17 Senators sent a letter to the White House at the end of February saying the effort has economic and environmental benefits and would provide certainty to fuel distributors and retailers.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says the administration can make the decision anytime.

“I think the administration is in position, if they choose to exercise it, to use discretion like they did last year, to allow E15 blends in the summer. We’re hoping that’s the case. With no Renewable Fuel Standard, now that it’s expired, the administration is in a position to set the path forward.”

He tells Brownfield a more permanent fix is needed.  The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022, a bill introduced by Nebraska’s U.S. Senator Deb Fischer and cosponsored by several Senators including Thune, would allow year-round nation-wide sales of E15.  Thune says if lawmakers can get year-round E15 into law, states won’t have to keep requesting waivers.

“We’re very supportive of what the governors are trying to do, but we’re just trying to get permanent solutions in place to keep this industry growing.”

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved petitions from eight state governors to allow year-round E15 sales in 2024, including South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Ohio, but the agency has not approved E15 sales in those states for the upcoming summer driving season.

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