IARN — Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will propose a rule authorizing the year-round sale of gasoline blends containing 15 percent ethanol in several midwestern states. However, the rule would delay action and not take effect until 2024. While this is good news for ethanol, the decision from the Biden administration comes over 200 days past the EPA’s lawful deadline. Several Iowa officials voiced their reactions to the news today and said that something still needs to be done for this year.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement in response to the news:
“While long overdue, I am thrilled that the EPA has approved our multi-state bipartisan RVP waiver request that will pave the way for year-round E15 and bring certainty to the industry. However, the arbitrary delay in implementation this summer is unacceptable and disappointing, but hardly surprising. Iowa won’t accept it without a fight. I look forward to requesting another emergency waiver for this year while at the same time asking the courts to require the Administration to grant our request immediately. Iowans, and all Americans, deserve immediate access to lower-cost, American made E15.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig released the following comment today:
“Despite delays from the EPA, I appreciate the strong advocacy by Gov. Reynolds and other Midwest governors to push the Biden Administration into finally approving a permanent solution to allow the sale of year-round E15. Iowa is ready to significantly accelerate our state’s use and availability of E15 today. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration is needlessly and unnecessarily stalling the start of this rule until 2024. Unless President Biden changes course to allow summer sales of E15 this year, Iowans can expect fewer fuel choices and higher gas prices at the pump.”
Iowa 2nd District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson released the following statement:
“The EPA continually dragged its feet on permanent, year-round E-15. While I’m glad it will be in place in 2024, they’re too late. The President must grant an emergency waiver to make E-15 available for the 2023 driving season. I was proud to lead a letter with Senator Joni Ernst urging the Biden Admin to make year-round E-15 permanent. The President must expand the use of biofuels to lower costs for consumers, reduce emissions, & provide certainty to the biofuels industry.”
Here is a post from Iowa Senator Joni Ernst’s Twitter addressing the news:
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley also released a statement on Twitter:
Several other Iowa officials also released comments on today’s announcement.
For more information on the EPA’s proposed rule, click here.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
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