The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is pleased to see the U.S. House of Representatives passing legislation that will increase consumer access to lower-cost, cleaner-burning biofuels. The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, H.R. 7606, packages seven previously introduced bills related to livestock and poultry processing, nutrient management, supply chain, conservation and biofuels.

One of the bills, the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, would ensure that E15, a fuel containing 15% ethanol, could permanently be sold year-round. The bill is sponsored by Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig. Meanwhile, the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, sponsored by Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne, would allocate $200 million for biofuel infrastructure in 2022-23.

“Today’s action by the U.S. House of Representatives would ensure that more consumers can enjoy the benefits of E15 and other biofuel blends,” MCGA President Bryan Biegler said. “We appreciate the leadership of Congresswoman Craig to ensure access to biofuels and urge the U.S. Senate to pass these two bills.”

Renewable fuels add billions of gallons to the nation’s fuel supply every year, lowering demand for high-cost oil while increasing total fuel available to consumers.

Ethanol is currently priced around $1.20 less per gallon than unblended gasoline at wholesale. In Minnesota, drivers who fill up with E15 save 5 to 40 cents per gallon compared to regular unleaded. Given that ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half compared to regular gasoline, E15 and higher ethanol blends also have environmental benefits.

E15 is approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in any vehicle model year 2001 or newer. The fuel is also known as Unleaded 88 because of its 88 octane rating.

More than 420 fueling stations in Minnesota offer Unleaded 88, and that number will increase in the coming months and years, thanks to investments from Minnesota’s corn farmers.

To learn more about cleaner-burning biofuels, such as Unleaded 88, or to find an Unleaded 88 station near you, visit betterfuel.org.