Midwest farm groups support E15 move

MENLO, Iowa — Agriculture organizations voiced support of the Biden administration’s move to lift the restrictions of using E15 gasoline during the summer.

Here’s what they said.

“We’re thankful the administration is recognizing the value of E15. This is but one ethanol policy solution available that can contribute to our nation’s broader response to Russia’s malign aggressions, but it is a foundational way to leverage the strength of American agriculture to provide energy security for consumers. This is a win-win by lessening the U.S. dependence on foreign energy and saving Americans money at the pump.”

Marty Marr, president

Illinois Corn Growers Association

“Indiana ranks as the fifth-largest producer of U.S. ethanol, generating more than 1.2 billion gallons per year. The Hoosier State produces nearly 8% of the total U.S. ethanol output. There are 14 ethanol plants in the state. Collectively, these ethanol plants consume about 47% of Indiana’s total corn crop, more than 461 million bushels. Ethanol adds billions of gallons to the U.S. fuel supply every year, lowering demand for high-cost oil while increasing total fuel available to American motorists. Ethanol has been priced an average of 80 cents less per gallon than unblended gasoline at wholesale through March, and drivers currently save up to 20 cents or more per gallon where E15 is available.”

Scott Smith, president

Indiana Corn Growers Association

“Illinois Farm Bureau welcomes the Biden administration’s decision to permit summertime sales of E15 for the purpose of addressing high gasoline prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. More demand for ethanol-blended fuels should help reduce prices at the pump. We support the administration’s efforts to incentivize infrastructure that expands capacity for higher levels of renewable fuel blends, while also incentivizing oil companies to resume oil production from inactive wells located on federal lands.”

Richard Guebert Jr., president

Illinois Farm Bureau

“Indiana Farm Bureau is grateful the Biden administration has listened to pleas from those of us in agriculture to lift summertime restrictions on E15 gasoline sales. A higher blend of ethanol at the pump would reduce costs to consumers and benefit a large number of Hoosier farmers. Indiana has 15 ethanol plants, and about 45% of the corn we grow goes into ethanol. Ethanol represents a critical market for our members and the ethanol industry supports many jobs in our rural communities. Reducing our dependence on foreign crude oil will boost our economy and keep rural Indiana and rural America viable.”

Randy Kron, president

Indiana Farm Bureau

“America’s corn farmers and local ethanol plants are deeply committed to playing a larger role in addressing today’s energy needs. The renewable fuel industry has been built from the ground up with the simple goal of increasing America’s energy security. From inception to today, that mission has not changed. Ethanol remains a renewable solution that does not require drilling or fracking. Not only is this solution good for the consumers and good for the environment, but it is also a step toward reducing our dependence on foreign oil. There’s been a call for more American oil from American soil. As corn farmers, we wholeheartedly agree. Corn-based ethanol starts with a seed in the ground, capturing the sun’s energy, then harvested and refined into a cost-effective, high octane, low carbon fuel source that helps minimize greenhouse gases and maximize performance. But the answer goes beyond today’s emergency waiver. We need to work toward a long-term, permanent solution that includes higher blends of locally refined ethanol. America’s corn farmers stand ready to answer the call.”

Jay Schutte, president

Missouri Corn Growers Association

“With retail gas prices surging to record levels, biofuels provide a homegrown option to help drive down the rising costs. As the nation’s leading producer of both ethanol and biodiesel, the biofuels industry in Iowa alone supports more than 46,000 jobs, predominately in rural communities, and the industry accounts for over $5 billion of Iowa’s GDP. Iowa Farm Bureau members appreciate the bipartisan support from our entire federal delegation for their efforts encouraging the Biden administration to make this important change that will benefit all Iowans.”

Brent Johnson, president

Iowa Farm Bureau

“We applaud President Biden and his administration for recognizing that low-cost, low-carbon ethanol should be given a fair opportunity to strengthen our energy security and reduce record-high pump prices. Giving fuel retailers the freedom to offer E15 this summer will not only result in lower fuel prices for hardworking Americans, but it will also cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce tailpipe pollution linked to cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses and other health concerns. As our nation copes with energy price inflation and strives to enhance energy security and diversity, we salute President Biden for turning to America’s farmers and biofuel producers for ingenuity and solutions.”

Geoff Cooper, president and CEO

Renewable Fuels Association