A spending bill from the appropriators of the U.S. House of Representatives Published Tuesday evening To keep the government open until next spring, a provision is included that allows nationwide sales of a gasoline blend containing up to 15% ethanol year-round.
After years of banning the E15 blend from sale at gas stations during the summer months, the Environmental Protection Agency this year allowed it to be sold year-round in eight Midwestern states. The provision in the emergency funding bill would allow E15 to be sold in all states year-round.
The provision is a large win for corn producers and their allies from both parties in Congress. Proponents of ethanol, which is made from corn, say it boosts U.S. production and lowers gasoline prices.
Sen. Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican who sponsored a bill that would make the mix available year-round, said the move was part of the GOP agenda to “unleash American energy.”
“My bill puts an end to years of patchwork and uncertainty – year-round, nationwide E15 will now be a reality,” said Fischer. “This legislation also fulfills the mandate we received in November to unlock American energy. My bill will not only reduce gas prices and provide consumers with more choice, but it will also create new opportunities for American producers who are currently particularly suffering from lower prices.”
House Energy and Commerce Democrat Frank Pallone of New Jersey welcomed the inclusion of the measure, saying it would support lower gas prices and boost U.S. energy production.
“By allowing higher levels of ethanol in our gasoline, Americans can rely more heavily on homegrown biofuels, saving drivers money at the pump and helping protect Americans from dramatic global price swings,” Pallone said in a statement.
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., one of the few Republicans in the farm state House of Representatives to support the E15 provision, said in a statement: “All year long, E-15 is the most important policy we have for farmers in the Midwest.” Ranchers. I was content to advocate for it in the Agriculture Committee and with our speaker and was pleased that it was adopted. I also know that our entire Nebraska delegation insisted on this. It’s a team win.”
At a U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing last yearSen. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat and chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska supported the availability of E15 as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower prices.
The EPA granted an exemption in May 2022 So that the mix can be available nationwide year-round as President Joe Biden’s administration has sought to lower gas prices.
The stopgap measure, also known as a “continuous resolution,” would keep the government’s funding at current levels until mid-March. It contains some additional provisions, including funding for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.
The House and Senate are expected to pass the omnibus measure before members leave for the holidays on Friday. Biden is expected to sign the bill.
Nebraska Examiner reporter Aaron Sanderford and DC Bureau senior reporter Jennifer Shutt contributed to this report.
Last updated on December 17, 2024 at 8:42 p.m
