The letter writer calls for legislation supporting E15 gasoline year around. As I write this letter, a new congressional panel — E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council — is developing legislation that would allow fuel retailers to offer E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) year-round. As a corn farmer, I encourage the council to expeditiously finish its work and the U.S. Congress to pass this legislation as soon as possible. Year-round E15 is a common-sense step that would provide certainty to drivers and fuel stations and boost agricultural economies. It would not increase air pollution, as some have suggested, nor would it mandate the use of E15 or higher ethanol blends. All it would do is simply ensure that drivers have continued access to a fuel blend they have come to enjoy.
Fortunately, the council includes two members of Congress from Minnesota — Representatives Brad Finstad and Michelle Fischbach — who have consistently been champions of E15 and biofuels. I’m also heartened by President Trump’s comments at a recent appearance in Iowa that he would immediately sign E15 legislation.
As farmers grapple with low corn prices, record-high grain inventories, and high input prices, now is the time to get this common-sense fix across the finish line. I appreciate the attention members of Congress are paying to this issue and look forward to continuing our work on issues that affect Minnesota’s family farmers.
