Biofuel Champions Introduce Bipartisan E15 Fix in House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, commended a bipartisan group of House lawmakers for introducing abilltoday that would allow for the year-round nationwide sale of E15-a fuel blend made with 15% American bioethanol that's more affordable and better for the environment than standard gasoline.

"E15 is one of the best ways to lower costs for consumers while also reducing our carbon emissions. For the past six summers, hardworking families across America have enjoyed big summer savings on E15 ranging from 10 to 30 cents per gallon, with some locations selling the fuel for more than a dollar less per gallon," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "But over the last three summers, those savings were only possible thanks to last-minute intervention by EPA. This bill will finally fix the outdated law that threatens to take E15 off the market when consumers need it most during the busy summer driving season.

"We thank Representative Smith (R-Neb.), Representative Craig (D-Minn), and the bipartisan group of cosponsors for their leadership to ensure we preserve consumer access to lower-carbon, more-affordable fuel options nationwide all year round. With bipartisan bills now introduced in both chambers of Congress, this is our chance to finally get this commonsense legislation across the finish line."

The E15 fix introduced today is the House version of S. 2707, the Nationwide Consumerand Fuel Retailer Choice Act. The legislation would allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10%, provide limited retroactive relief to small refiners, and supersede a recent effort to ensure year-round access to E15 in eight Midwest states.

About E15

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approvedits use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer-representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 3,400 gas stations in 31 states and is legal for sale in every state except California. Last summer drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with E15 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

Learn more about E15 here.