The Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KYCGA) joined farmers nationwide in a campaign led by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to push for year-round E15. This legislation, referred to as the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, was recently brought to the House and Senate again, with Congressman Comer as a co-signer.
Following the bill’s introduction, Kenneth Hartman Jr., President of the NCGA, issued a letter addressed to Congressional leaders, urging farmers and agricultural advocates to join him in signing it to show their support for year-round E15.
This call to action garnered almost 9,000 signatures from 47 states, making it the NCGA’s most successful call to action to date. Kentucky contributed 551 signatures to this nationwide campaign. This was driven by the efforts of the Commonwealth’s corn-growing leaders, who rallied support of farmers, agribusinesses, and all those impacted.
KYCGA spread this message widely, recognizing that year-round E15 could create a demand for an additional 2.3 billion bushels of corn annually for ethanol production.
KYCGA’s goal is to serve as the advocacy arm for Kentucky’s corn industry, empowering farmers to amplify their voices in the governmental process. The call to action in support of year-round E15 achieved just that.
“On behalf of the KYCGA, I would like to extend a thank you to Congressman Comer for co-sponsoring the bill, as well as the agriculture community, agribusinesses, and industry partners for leading this call to action,” said Josh Lancaster, KYCGA President. “Your involvement has not gone unnoticed, and this collective effort shows Kentucky farmers and agricultural supporters’ strong commitment to increasing corn demand.”
Approximately one third of corn produced in the U.S. is used for ethanol production. In addition, ethanol adds approximately 15 billion gallons to the U.S. fuel supply each year. Year-round E15 sales would expand the demand for corn.
Hartman said passing legislation that includes year-round E15 comes at no cost to the government, but could provide critical support to America’s energy sector, overdue relief to American families, and provide necessary economic security to rural communities.
E15 is a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. It offers a potential option for reducing fuel costs, as ethanol is often less expensive than traditional gasoline. Hartman said drivers who steadily use E15 as their primary fuel source save an average of 25 cents per gallon.
In recent years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted waivers permitting the sale of E15 during the summer months. However, Kentucky growers have advocated for a permanent solution that would provide consumers with year-round access to E15 at the pump.
In December, growers were on the verge of a victory when language to eliminate the ban was included in a government funding resolution. However, disappointment followed as this provision was removed during negotiations.
Once again, the opportunity to secure year-round E15 access is within reach. The large number of signatures underscore the importance of E15 to farmers and rural America, and we greatly appreciate your participation in this crucial call to action.