FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2019

Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON – In a move to expand use of higher level blends of ethanol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued a proposed rule to allow the year-round sale of E15, or gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol. The timing of the proposed rule will hopefully allow EPA to issue a final rule by June 1, the start of the summer driving season. Sales of E15 gasoline are currently prohibited during the summer in many states.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the release of the proposed rule:

“The move to expanded use of higher level blends of ethanol is absolutely vital at this moment in time. More E15 use means we can begin to dig into our massive oversupply of corn, lifting prices ever so slightly for all commodities. Farmers Union applauds EPA for releasing this proposed rule, and we look forward to helping the agency get this in effect by summertime.

“Moving forward, we need to build on this achievement by expanding use of E30 gasoline. The result would be a necessary boon for farm families stuck with low prices in a struggling farm economy and rural communities that are in need of economic rejuvenation. It would also lead to cheaper gasoline prices, better performing engines, and significant climate gains for consumers. NFU urges federal policymakers to remove barriers to higher level blends of ethanol and work to encourage the continued growth of the American biofuels industry.”

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To download an audio file of Roger Johnson’s quote, visit our website at nfu.org/audio.

About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.

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