The Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KyCGA) wants to express its appreciation to Congressman James Comer for his commitment to corn farmers and the US ethanol industry. Recently, Congressman Comer joined 20 other Members of Congress to sign on as an original co-sponsor to the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022 (H.R. 9455) introduced by U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Adrian Smith (R-NE). This new legislation that would enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10%. The legislation would help lower fuel prices and improve stability and certainty in the U.S. fuel market.
“We have always enjoyed our strong working relationship with Congressman Comer. His decision to support H.R. 9455, which keeps higher ethanol blends accessible, saves consumers money at the pump and enhances our energy security, is just the latest example of his belief in farmers’ ability to provide energy solutions,” said Joseph Sisk, President of KyCGA. “This bill removes a long-standing outdated barrier to mid-level ethanol blends. It ensures drivers across the country can continue to have year-round access to safe, low-cost, low-emission E15.”
Despite EPA approving E15 for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles and a 2019 update to regulations, a 2021 court decision would have ended year-round market access to E15 last summer without the Biden administration using emergency authority to keep E15 in the market. The administration’s temporary action increased the fuel supply and reduced fuel prices, but fuel choice is again in question for 2023.
This new House and Senate legislation would provide a permanent remedy to the issue on a national basis, even as several Midwest governors have also initiated a state-by-state solution. Just this week, EPA submitted its draft response to the Office of Management and Budget for interagency review, signaling EPA’s intent to move forward with implementing the governors’ notices.
“Following roadblocks and uncertainty on federal actions, governors took matters into their hands this year, and their initiative spurred renewed interest in a nationwide solution,” said Tom Haag, NCGA President. “Corn growers support EPA implementing the governors’ notices for summer 2023, unless or until a national solution, like the one now introduced in the House and Senate, becomes law and resolves this issue once and for all.”
Ensuring continued E15 sales year-round keeps a lower-emission fuel choice in the marketplace that costs less. E15 cuts evaporative, carbon and tailpipe emissions compared to standard 10 percent ethanol blended fuels. Blending more ethanol to make E15 displaces more toxic components in gasoline, reducing exhaust emissions for cleaner air.