MCGA responds to EPA’s approval of E15 proposal
Today, for eight Midwestern states, including Minnesota, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a regulatory option to address the outdated rule barring summertime E15 sales that had been requested by the governors of the respective states. Unfortunately, the plan won’t be implemented until 2024, which creates uncertainty for E15 this coming summer.
First and foremost, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) continues urging Congress to pass legislation allowing for permanent year-round sales of E15 nationwide. The rule banning summertime sales is arbitrary and not based on the most recent emissions data, which shows that E15 is no more likely to contribute to smog than regular unleaded. Concerns about smog had been the reason law regulating summertime fuel sales was enacted in 1990. In fact, E15 reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution compared to regular unleaded, according to studies.
MCGA thanks the EPA for approving the proposal but is disappointed about its delayed implementation. The organization joins the National Corn Growers Association and other groups in urging the EPA to use its existing authority to prevent a disruption in E15 availability this summer.
Additionally, MCGA thanks the bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, for signing onto a letter urging the EPA to use its authority to ensure summertime E15 sales in 2023.
E15, also known as Unleaded 88, is a 15% biofuel blend that’s approved by the EPA for use in 2001 and newer cars, trucks, and SUVs. The blend boosts octane, reduces emissions, and lowers costs — on average, 17 cents per gallon compared to regular unleaded.
In Minnesota, thanks to the grassroots advocacy of MCGA grower-leaders and investments by the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, E15 is available at more than 420 fuel stations, with more slated to come online in the coming years. In 2022, the state set a record for most E15 sold in a single year at 105.5 million gallons.
“There is no good reason for a summertime E15 ban. In fact, the ban comes from a time when E15 wasn’t even available as a fuel,” MCGA President Richard Syverson said in a statement. “While the EPA’s approval of the regulatory option is positive, more action is needed. Consumers have been enjoying increased access to E15 in recent years, and it would be regrettable for any reduction in availability to happen.”
“Additionally, MCGA thanks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the governors of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin for their efforts to ensure year-round E15 access,” Syverson added. “We appreciate their leadership and determination and look forward to continuing to work with bipartisan lawmakers to expand E15 access.”
Learn more about E15 and where you can find it in Minnesota at mnfuels.com.
