U.S. House approves year-round E15 fuel sales

On a bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives approved year-round E15 fuel sales.

Rep. Tracey Mann, R-KS, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said May 13 the vote was a major step forward for farmers.

Mann voted to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation he cosponsors, in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218 to 203. The bill allows E15 fuel to be sold year-round nationwide by removing federal restrictions that currently limit sales to the summer months.

“Year-round E15 is a major win for Kansas agriculture, American energy and families looking for more choices at the pump,” Mann said in a news release. “Kansas farmers help feed, fuel and clothe the world, and this commonsense legislation strengthens markets for our producers, supports domestic energy production and reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers. As a member of the Rural Domestic Energy Council, I have worked directly with producers, refiners and energy stakeholders to craft this legislation, and I look forward to getting it across the finish line.”

The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act:

• Allows E15 fuel to be sold year-round nationwide by removing seasonal federal restrictions on its sale.
• Strengthens markets for agricultural producers by increasing demand for ethanol-based fuels.
• Expands consumer choice at the pump by making higher-ethanol fuel blends permanently available, but not required.
• Supports domestic energy production by allowing more American-grown biofuels to reach consumers.
• Adds more than 100,000 rural jobs at refineries nationwide.
• Reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers that increase costs.

The American Coalition for Ethanol praised bipartisan House ethanol champions for advancing the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15%, in a news release. ACE CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement:

“A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has taken a gigantic step to allow Americans from coast to coast permanent access to low-cost E15. This significant milestone was made possible thanks to leadership from Reps. Randy Feenstra, Michelle Fischbach, Adrian Smith, Dusty Johnson, Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Shontel Brown, Nikki Budzinski and others who helped build a winning coalition of Republicans and Democrats in the House. ACE is committed to helping build on this momentum to secure bipartisan support for the legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“As gas prices continue to skyrocket across the United States, allowing E15 to be sold year-round is the fastest way to save consumers at the pump and help make America more energy secure in the face of the oil supply disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. E15 would also help American farmers coping with the worst economic conditions in a generation by increasing corn demand domestically.”

Farm groups praise

In a news release, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on House passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which will allow year-round sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol.

“Farmers applaud the House of Representatives, which proved what is possible when lawmakers work together on behalf of the American people. The bipartisan vote to allow the sale of year-round E15 will benefit drivers and farmers at a time both are desperately in need of good news. Fuels blended with 15% ethanol will increase demand for corn, which will help a struggling farm economy. America’s drivers also will have the choice to fill their tanks with fuel that is typically 10 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon.

“We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and get this to the desk of President Donald Trump, who has already signaled his support for E15. It’s a win-win for farmers and for all of America.”

The National Farmers Union applauds House passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation that would allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 fuel. NFU President Rob Larew released the following statement after the bill’s passage:

“The House today delivered truly bipartisan legislation that provides meaningful benefits for family farmers, their communities and consumers. Year-round, nationwide access to E15 is a kitchen-table issue, helping families save money at the pump while creating stronger domestic market opportunities for America’s farmers.

“At a time when both producers and consumers are facing continued economic pressure, expanding access to E15 is a commonsense step that strengthens competition in the fuel marketplace, supports homegrown energy and agriculture, and keeps more dollars circulating in rural America.

“The Senate must quickly take up this legislation and send it to the president’s desk so farmers and families across the country can see meaningful savings and economic relief.”

The action now moves to the Senate.

Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].