President Donald Trump announced at the White House on Tuesday his directive to remove the restriction on the sale of E15 year-round by expanding the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver to fuel blends up to 15 percent ethanol throughout the year. Current law does not allow E15 to be sold in the summer months.
Iowa is the largest producer of ethanol in the country with nearly 50 ethanol plants and accounts for 27 percent of national ethanol production. Ethanol production is a driver of the state’s economy
Iowa’s congressional delegation who have pushed for this change applauded the decision.
“I applaud President Trump’s decision to continue E15 sales into the summer months. After discussing with him the benefits of this decision during his recent visit to Dubuque, I have no doubt he is looking out for the best interests of our farmers,” Congressman Rod Blum (R-Iowa) stated.
“It is past time that E15 is made available for year-round sales. I am proud to lead the fight for year-round E15 in Congress, but I am pleased that the Administration finally took this step. Ethanol is a homegrown renewable energy source that supports millions of jobs in communities across Iowa and throughout the country,” Congressman Loebsack Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) said. “This rule change will remove an unnecessary barrier and allow E15 gasoline to be sold in the summer months. Making this change will help expand consumer choice at the pump, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil, and stimulate economic development throughout the country.”
“Working with President Trump and his administration, we have finally delivered E15 year-round. For Iowans, this means further support for renewable energy, cleaner air, and a needed economic boost for our agricultural economy,” Congressman David Young (R-Iowa) stated.
“As part of an all-the-above energy strategy, ethanol helps reduce our reliance on foreign oil – increasing our national and economic security. Today’s historic announcement will give consumers more options at the pump and provide cheaper fuel so we can continue building on a growing economy. I’m thankful the President has delivered on his promise to Iowa farmers,” Young added.
“Last week, I met in the Oval Office to encourage President Trump to promote the increased use of biofuels like ethanol. During our seventy-five minute meeting, I specifically urged the President to instruct the EPA to allow the year-round sale of E15, and I encouraged him to adopt policies that will open the door for greater use of even higher ethanol blends beyond E15,” Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa) stated.
“One week after our meeting, the President is traveling to Iowa to announce that his administration will allow the year-round sale of E15. I am confident that when our producers learn of this decision, they will understand that their Congressman and their President have their backs on biofuels, and they will be as happy as I am with the President’s pro-ethanol actions today,” King added.
“As the Renewable Fuel Standard is central to rural America’s growth and development, I want to thank President Trump, Secretary Perdue and Acting Administrator Wheeler for listening to the American farmer, and taking action to support rural communities,” U.S. Senator Ernst said.
“As the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production, today’s action is especially exciting for Iowa. Granting the sale of E15 year-round will mean that Iowans will see an increase in farm income, increased ethanol production and consumption and a boost in our economy. E15 year-round also gives people across the country more choice at the pump. As EPA fulfills the president’s directive on reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard to better serve the American farmer, I look forward to working with EPA on their plans for increased transparency around the RIN marketplace,” Ernst added.
“Opening the door for year-round sales of higher blends of ethanol is a victory for farmers, Rural America and the nation as a whole. Allowing an open marketplace with more fuel options for consumers encourages competition, drives down consumer fuel costs and is good for the environment. It also maintains and creates jobs in parts of the country that need them most and decreases America’s dependence on foreign oil. I want to thank President Trump for his leadership and for keeping his promise to the farmers and agricultural workers in Iowa and throughout the nation. I appreciate his hard work and ability to successfully navigate the challenges surrounding this issue,” U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) stated.