Klobuchar Urges Administration to Bring Down Fuel Costs by Using Executive Power to Approve Year-Round E15

WASHINGTON - Senator Amy Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, is urging the Administration to make E15 available before the summer driving season to help reduce rising domestic fuel prices. E15 is a blend of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol. Since the outbreak of war in Iran began, gas prices have risen sharply.

Klobuchar also asked for the President's support for legislation that would permanently authorize year-round E15.

"As the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I write to ask that you immediately use your administrative authority to allow drivers across the country to use E15 fuel year-round," wrote Klobuchar. "This is a no-cost, immediate step your administration can take to help curb rising domestic fuel costs as the war in Iran continues."

"As you know, American-made biofuels are a readily available energy solution that offers consumers affordable options at the pump," Klobuchar continued. "E15 plays an important role in supporting farmers, strengthening rural economies, and providing consumers with more affordable fuel options. On average, E15 is saving drivers about $0.25 per gallon compared to conventional E10 blends. This savings can be even greater with higher ethanol blends like E30 and E85."

The full letter is available here and below.

Dear President Trump,

As the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I write to ask that you immediately use your administrative authority to allow drivers across the country to use E15 fuel year-round. This is a no-cost, immediate step your administration can take to help curb rising domestic fuel costs as the war in Iran continues.

As you know, American-made biofuels are a readily available energy solution that offers consumers affordable options at the pump. E15 plays an important role in supporting farmers, strengthening rural economies, and providing consumers with more affordable fuel options. On average, E15 is saving drivers about $0.25 per gallon compared to conventional E10 blends. This savings can be even greater with higher ethanol blends like E30 and E85.

In the past as now, year-round E15 has had bipartisan support and should be included in law, and in particular in a Farm Bill. While I ask for your support for a permanent legislative fix, I also ask that you immediately use your executive authority to allow for year-round E15 this year.

Year-round E15 is also good for our national security. The U.S. ethanol industry currently has the capacity to produce 18.5 billion gallons per year, enough to replace the volume of crude oil that originates in the Middle East and traverses the Strait of Hormuz nearly fivefold. Ethanol can quickly and economically fill the market void created by shipping disruptions in the Middle East.

Since the outbreak of war in Iran began, gas prices have also risen sharply, selling today at a nationwide average of $3.97 per gallon - up from $2.95 one month ago. Higher blends of biofuels, as well as biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel displace a greater share of imported oil each time they are chosen by consumers. Preserving the option for American drivers to select E15 throughout the busy summer driving season will benefit our families and businesses.

Granting a year-round waiver would ensure a stable fuel supply, reduce prices at the pump, and support farmers who are struggling with low commodity prices. This action would provide certainty to fuel producers, retailers and consumers. Committing to this policy now will send a market signal of certainty and stability to fuel retailers currently or considering selling E15 this year.

While E15 is one of many solutions that can contribute to our nation's broader response to rising energy prices, it is a crucial way to utilize the strength of American agriculture that would immediately lower costs on consumers, bolster energy security, and show that the United States is committed to reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Thank you for your swift consideration of this request.

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