Initially posted on mncorn.org
Key vote alert: 2024 continuing resolution, Dec. 19 as of 10:15 a.m.: Since the full text of the continuing resolution was posted, it’s becoming unclear whether important priorities for corn farmers will be included in a reworked package. MCGA still encourages Congress to include these priorities in the end-of-year package. Stay tuned for an action alert from the National Corn Growers Association soon to ensure that farmers’ voices on these issues are heard.
Continuing resolution includes common-sense fix to issue
Yesterday, in a major victory for corn farmers and rural economies, U.S. congressional leaders posted text for a year-end spending bill that includes a provision allowing for nationwide, permanent year-round sales of fuel with up to 15% ethanol by volume. The fuel blend is known as E15, a nod to its 15% ethanol concentration, and/or Unleaded 88 in reference to its 88 octane rating.
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is thrilled by the provision’s inclusion in the bill. Allowing for permanent, year-round Unleaded 88 sales is a common-sense step that would provide certainty to drivers and all U.S. residents and eliminate patchwork solutions to outdated Unleaded 88 summertime restrictions. Those restrictions have nothing to do with the safety or quality of the fuel.
“The proposed fix is a significant win for drivers, farmers, rural communities, and all consumers, given how Unleaded 88 lowers prices at the pump, reduces emissions, increases consumer choice, and bolsters rural economies,” MCGA President Jim Kanten said. “MCGA is extremely grateful to members of both political parties for including this fix in the continuing resolution, and we look forward to securing its passage.”
Longtime goal for MCGA
Unleaded 88 has been approved for use cars, trucks, and SUVs model year 2001 and newer since 2011. The fuel was first offered for sale in Minnesota in 2013 and is now available at more than 500 fuel stations in the state.
Summertime restrictions of Unleaded 88 sales are due to a quirk in 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act. You can read more here about those amendments and their goals, which include reducing smog and ground-level ozone. However, the reality is that Unleaded 88 is less likely than regular unleaded to contribute to those concerns. All that restricting Unleaded 88 does is create a perception that the fuel is unsuitable for use, which simply isn’t true.
For over 10 years, MCGA has urged members of Congress to put Unleaded 88 on equal footing with regular unleaded fuel by lifting the summertime restrictions. The organization celebrated in recent years when the Trump administration finalized a rule in 2019 for year-round sales and then again as the Biden administration passed successive one-year waivers allowing for summertime Unleaded 88 sales following a successful oil industry lawsuit challenging the 2019 rule. MCGA also celebrated when the EPA this past winter approved a petition allowing for permanent year-round Unleaded 88 sales in eight Midwestern states, including Minnesota, starting in 2025. But farmer-leaders remained focused on passage of a structural solution to the issue.
MCGA is very appreciative of the eight Midwestern Governors, including Governor Walz, who supported the regional fix for year-round E15 and kept the pressure on EPA to approve. The regional fix paved the way for the nationwide fix included in the year-end spending bill.
MCGA thanks members of both political parties who have advocated for this fix at the federal level. That includes Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Representatives Angie Craig, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, Pete Stauber and Tom Emmer of Minnesota’s congressional delegation.
You can learn more about Unleaded 88, and find an Unleaded 88 station near you, at mnfuels.com.
