ACE Statement on House Leadership Decision to Create E15 Rural Energy Council

Today, Congressional House leadership decided to omit from the pending appropriations package bipartisan legislation that would permanently allow the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 in favor of creating a new E15 Rural Energy Council to "develop legislative solutions to address the crisis facing our nation's farmers and refiners." American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement in response:

"We expect Congress to adopt bipartisan legislation to finally allow retailers the option to offer E15 to their customers on a year-round basis before the summer driving season. Any new legislative package considered by Congress must expand, not limit, market access for ethanol.

"As rural America copes with some of the toughest economic conditions in a generation, Congress must meet the moment and finally make E15 year-round a reality. It is a commonsense solution that can immediately boost demand for corn, strengthen farm income, and save motorists money at the pump."