The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today urged Congress to act immediately to pass legislation that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15, to help offset rising costs related to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Corn growers have been calling for year-round E15 for years because of the benefits to both consumers and farmers,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “Now, more than ever, we need Congress to pass legislation that would increase fuel supplies and offer a lower-cost option at the pump for consumers facing rising gas prices, in addition to increasing demand for corn growers.”
E15 is typically 10 to 30 cents lower per gallon than regular gasoline. As gasoline prices rise relative to ethanol, consumer savings increase even further.
Today, nearly every gallon of gasoline in the U.S. contains a minimum of 10% ethanol derived from corn. Most cars on the road today can use fuels with even higher blends of ethanol, including E15, or gasoline blends with up to 15% ethanol. However, an obsolete clause in the Clean Air Act prevents the sale of E15 during the summer months, which discourages fuel retailers from making permanent investments in dispensing infrastructure.
“There should be no question about the value of increasing homegrown American fuel, especially now,” said Bower. “It is time for Congress to finally make good on its promises to allow permanent access to E15 year-round.”
Bower noted that, short of an immediate permanent solution to this issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should issue a summertime waiver.