Michigan Agriculture Organizations Disappointed in Governor’s Veto of E-15 Program

LANSING - Organizations representing Michigan's diverse agriculture sector expressed disappointment with Governor Gretchen Whitmer's decision yesterday to veto an incentive for retailers selling E-15 - a fuel made with 15% ethanol that reduces carbon emissions and can be used in all cars built in 2001 or later.

"Michigan's corn farmers are disheartened to see the Governor block this important legislation that was championed by members of her own party," said Jim Zook, executive director of the Michigan Corn Growers Association. "Ethanol is not only a significant market that helps keep Michigan's farm families in business, it's also a cleaner-burning fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and lowers gas prices for drivers at the pump. Though we are deeply disappointed in this outcome, we appreciate the legislators that were willing to stand up for Michigan farmers and pass this legislation in the first place."

"We are disappointed Governor Whitmer vetoed a pro-agriculture, pro-environment, pro-consumer policy that had already been approved by the Michigan Legislature," said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. "Promoting higher biofuel blends like E15 reduces our reliance on oil, supports the rural economy, reduces harmful emissions and gives families more choices at the pump. Legislators were spot on to approve this boost for E15 fuels and today's veto by the governor was a missed opportunity."

Greenstone Farm Credit Services added that incentives can serve as an effective vehicle to improve conditions that impact our economy and industry.

"It is important to have government policy serve positive economic interests," said Travis Jones, president and chief executive officer of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. "This modest incentive could have produced a beneficial result to the agriculture economy."

The $3 million grant program would have given motor fuel retailers a five-cent rebate per gallon sold of E-15. The rebates would have been capped at $100,000.