By Andi Anderson
Iowa corn growers are expressing strong frustration after learning that a U.S. House funding bill moving forward does not include language to allow nationwide, year-round access to E15 fuel. E15 is a gasoline blend containing 15% corn ethanol and is viewed as a key market opportunity for corn producers.
Growers say the omission is especially disappointing because E15 legislation has already been negotiated for years and has received broad support from both the agriculture and petroleum industries. Despite this progress, Congress has once again delayed action.
In a public statement, the Iowa Corn Growers Association said the decision shows a lack of commitment to American farmers and rural communities. The group criticized the idea of forming a new rural energy council to study E15, stating that the issue has already been thoroughly reviewed and agreed upon.
“Iowa’s corn growers are frustrated and disappointed that after spending years advocating and sharing the benefits for all Americans that comes with the passage of E15, Congress has again kicked the can down the road. There is now talk that members of Congress are planning to establish a rural energy council to explore this legislation. We have worked on E15 for years. We already have a bill. We have already come to an agreement with the petroleum industry. There is nothing left to discuss.
“Rather than including E15, Congress is now trying to appease farmers with this new task force. The fact that this news comes on the same day that talks of a $1.2 trillion taxpayer government funding package comes out is bizarre. Today, corn is priced below the cost of production when we have a solution with E15 that would add 94 cents per bushel. Farmers don’t want payments. We want markets. But without nationwide, year-round E15, many of us are now going to continue relying on government payments to stay afloat.
“The absence of E15 shows that Congressional Leadership is choosing to side with a handful of non-U.S. based refineries, rather than the American corn farmer.”
Growers argue that expanding E15 would lower fuel costs for consumers, support domestic energy production, and improve farm profitability. Without action, they warn farmers may continue facing low prices and limited market access. More information about E15 benefits is available at https://www.e15fuel.com.
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Categories: Iowa, Crops, Corn, Energy, Government & Policy