The National Farmers Union and the American Farm Bureau Federation are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency’s emergency fuel waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 gasoline this summer. However, both groups agree that further action is needed to lend added stability to the struggling farm economy.
NFU has long advocated for year-round access to E15 and the expansion of higher ethanol blends, such as E30, and is calling for a permanent solution that strengthens domestic demand for American-grown agricultural products.
“Nationwide access to E15 is a much-needed win for family farmers and consumers alike,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “At a time of increasing global uncertainty, E15 helps lower costs at the pump while creating reliable markets for farmers.”
“However, this remains a temporary fix,” Larew continued. “It’s past time for Congress to deliver common-sense legislation that allows for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall called for EPA’s summer waiver to allow sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, or E15, to be made permanent amidst growing urgency and calls for the passage of legislation.
“Farm Bureau thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA for granting a waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer, but the time is now for Congress to make the availability of E15 permanent.
“Biofuels play an important role in meeting America’s energy needs and are a win-win for farmers and drivers. E15 gasoline saves consumers 10 to 30 cents per gallon at the pump and creates markets for American-grown crops. Permanent sales of E15 blends would increase demand for corn by roughly 2.4 billion bushels a year.
“We also appreciate Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar’s call for quick action to enable year-round E15 sales. She joins a growing number of senators on both sides of the aisle, including Chairman John Boozman, who recognize the importance of passing legislation on year-round E15. This is a bipartisan opportunity for Congress to work together to benefit America’s families and rural communities.”
Sources: NFU, AFBF news releases
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