The Environmental Production Agency (EPA) announced it would not grant a blanket delay on the summertime fix for E15 adopted by 8 Midwestern states. This ensures that consumers in those states will have access to E15 year-round, providing a boost to corn demand and farmers. EPA further noted that a nationwide E15 solution is being negotiated in Congress and that EPA may still grant emergency waivers this summer if justified for the entire country.
IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw made the following statement:
“Even as we continue to work on a preferrable, nationwide solution, today’s EPA announcement means that retailers in the Midwest know they will not have to bag pumps, consumers know they will not have to pay 15-20 cents more per gallon, and farmers know a key growth opportunity for corn demand will not disappear. IRFA is deeply grateful to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for standing by farmers and consumers to ensure access to E15 this summer.
“But as Administrator Zeldin noted, work is ongoing in Congress for a nationwide solution that would be easier for oil refiners to implement. IRFA’s top goal is to ensure E15 access remains as a year-round fuel option, but we also stand ready to work with President Trump, Zeldin and the refiners to find the easiest route to that end. Congress can make nationwide E15 happen in the next spending bill in March. There is no reason to delay.
“This all started with Iowa Governor Kim Reynold’s leadership, supported by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and the entire Iowa delegation. We cannot thank them enough. Let’s all work together to get this done.”
The full EPA press release can be found here.
