Growers Applaud Move by U.S. House Members to Expand Ethanol Access

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauded a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House for introducing the "Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act" today, providing consumers with year-round access to higher blends of ethanol.

"This legislation would remove needless limits on the sale of ethanol, particularly during the summer months, helping us further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut prices at the pump while helping corn growers by providing a steady market for ethanol." said Minnesota corn grower and NCGA President Harold Wolle. "The members of Congress introducing and co-sponsoring this legislation clearly care deeply about the economic wellbeing of farmers and rural America."

Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Charice Davids (D-Kan.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) are sponsoring the legislation.

Under current federal policy, 15% blends of ethanol, often called E15, cannot be sold at terminals during the summer months. But the Clean Air Act gives EPA authority to temporarily waive these requirements to address pressing concerns, such as fuel shortages.

The policy has left corn growers who rely on the sale of ethanol with a great deal of uncertainty. Drivers have also been faced with higher gas prices during the summer vacation season.

The Biden administration has issued waivers over the last few years. But growers and many Midwest governors have called for a permanent fix to the problem. Today's legislation would offer that solution.

Similar legislation, introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), has been pending in the Senate. Corn grower leaders have also supported that legislation.

"Our champions in both chambers of Congress have sponsored and co-sponsored sound and sensible legislation that will remove a major market barrier, for us" Wolle said. "Now we call on their colleagues and the president to do what it takes to ensure this legislation becomes law."