Kansas Corn Frustrated with E15 Inaction, Applauds House Ag Farm Bill Passage

Kansas Corn Frustrated with E15 Inaction, Applauds House Ag Farm Bill Passage

3-5-26- Kansas Corn Growers Association leaders said they were pleased with yesterday's passage of the "skinny" Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee. Kansas Representatives Tracey Mann (R), and Sharice Davids (D) both voted in favor of the Farm Bill. However, KCGA remains extremely frustrated with the lack of movement for passage of year-round access for E15 fuel. A Democrat-backed E15 amendment to the Farm Bill in the committee was shot down in a partisan vote, with Rep. Davids voting in favor. Republican committee members voted against the amendment on a procedural basis.

"We are well aware that E15 lies outside of the jurisdiction of the House Ag Committee, but desperate economic times in farm country call for unorthodox measures, and we're disappointed with progress on E15," KCGA CEO Josh Roe said. "If Congress was concerned about playing by the rules, then we would have a report out of the E15 task force by now. The task force has missed the imposed deadline for an agreement, and we're past the promised deadline of the end of February for a House vote."

KCGA President Matt Splitter, Lyons, said passage of year-round E15 is critical for farmers who are experiencing extreme hardship.

"I'm disappointed that actions have come short of the words and talking points promising a tireless effort to see E15 through to the finish line. We appreciate the representatives who have worked to push E15 forward, and we wish all our congressional leaders shared the same sentiment in calling for aggressive measures to make sure Kansas corn farmers have needed markets available during these undeserved low economic times," Splitter said. "Kansas corn farmers are searching for champions to help bring stability back to a deflated ag economy. We are willing to have a dialogue with representatives who will commit to helping Kansas farmers gain access to a market that has proven itself viable and ready to meet the demand today."

In a surprise move in January, an E15 proposal backed by corn, ethanol and petroleum groups was removed from the House spending bill and a Rural Domestic Energy Council was formed to bring forward a compromise measure for year-round E15. The Council failed to meet Speaker Johnson's deadline for a proposal from the council for a House vote which was to take place by the end of February.

"House leadership is quick to point out that progress is being made," Roe said. "But it appears that the same few foreign-owned refiners are blocking progress when agriculture and the U.S. consumer need it the most. We will continue to hold our leaders accountable to American farmers and consumers until E15 is across the finish line."

The continued lack of year-round market access for E15 has slowed widespread adoption of the popular higher octane, lower cost fuel that has been hindered by an obsolete rule since it was approved for use 2011. Year-round E15 has the potential to create market demand for well over 2 billion bushels of corn, creating desperately needed markets for farmers in a depressed farm economy, as well as lower fuel prices for consumers at a time when fuel prices are rapidly increasing.

Established in 1975, the Kansas Corn Growers Association represents its members in legislative and regulatory issues and promoting Kansas corn and its products. Visit kscorn.com for more information.

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