IRFA Applauds Iowa Delegation for Standing United to Support E15, Farmers, Livestock Producers and Consumers

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Bill to Permanently Fix Year-Round E15.

Contact: Cassidy Walter
515-322-0435

JOHNSTON, IOWA – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7606, the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act by a vote of 221 to 204. Among several provisions aimed at lowering food and fuel prices across the country was a permanent legislative fix to the outdated regulation that makes it difficult for E15 to be sold in much of the country in the summer months. The legislation also provides $200 million in funding for fuel providers to install equipment to offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel.

The bill was supported by all of Iowa’s representatives, Rep. Cindy Axne, Rep. Randy Feenstra, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Rep. Ashley Hinson.

“Today Iowa’s delegation spoke with one united voice to support consumer access to cleaner, lower-cost E15,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “IRFA thanks Representative Cindy Axne for working with Democratic leadership to ensure this E15 fix was included in the bill. We also applaud Representatives Randy Feenstra, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Ashley Hinson for putting aside party politics and standing up for what is right for Iowa and consumers across the country. E15 costs on average 10 to 30 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded fuel, providing instant relief in this time of record-high gas prices. It has never been more important than it is today that E15 continue to be available at the pump across the country all year long.”

Earlier this year President Biden directed the EPA to take temporary, emergency action to keep E15 flowing this summer. IRFA applauded that step, but it was only temporary. If this legislation becomes law, oil refiners could never again game fuel regulations to prevent retailers from offering E15 or consumers from buying it. The bill also included provisions that will help protect Iowa livestock producers from the consolidated power of foreign-owned meatpackers.

“This bill should have passed with 400 yes votes,” stated Shaw. “But the power of large foreign corporations and oil refiners was on full display during a hectic and intense week of lobbying leading up to the vote. I was truly disappointed that some tried to distort provisions in the bill to stir up opposition, but I was immensely proud that every Iowan stood united for lower-cost fuel choices like E15.”

H.R. 7606 was supported by IRFA, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate. It is expected to be another tough fight for passage, especially given the filibuster requirements in the Senate.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.5 billion gallons annually – including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity – and 11 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 410 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org.

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