Farm groups urge action to support ethanol blends and struggling farmers
Farm leaders and fuel industry supporters are raising concerns over efforts to delay legislation that would allow the year-round sale of fuel blended with 15% ethanol, commonly known as E15. The proposed policy change is aimed at helping farmers, improving fuel choices, and lowering costs for consumers.
“There is a tiny minority of major energy corporations – like Delek U.S. Inc., Cenovus Energy, CVR Energy, HF Sinclair, Parr Pacific Holdings and Suncor Energy Inc. – that are masquerading as small refineries to get Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions they don’t need,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “Their greedy actions are holding up legislation that would help farmers who are struggling during tough economic times.”
The Renewable Fuel Standard was developed to encourage the use of renewable fuels like ethanol. It permits small fuel refineries to request exemptions if ethanol blending causes financial hardship. However, farm groups say some large and profitable energy companies have been seeking exemptions despite having strong financial performance.
According to farm leaders, this practice creates barriers for meaningful reform. They argue that only a small group of major corporations benefit from these exemptions while farmers and ethanol producers lose valuable market opportunities.
The proposed legislation also includes long-awaited changes to the Clean Air Act, which currently restricts summer sales of E15 fuel. Supporters believe removing this outdated rule would create new demand for corn-based ethanol and offer affordable fuel options for drivers.
E15 fuel has been shown to cost less than standard gasoline. Allowing its sales throughout the year could help families save money, especially during high-demand summer months.
A broad coalition of farm organizations, ethanol producers, and petroleum groups supports the changes. They believe the legislation would provide stability to farmers facing economic pressure while encouraging cleaner energy use.
Lawmakers are expected to review the proposed amendment soon. Supporters hope action will move forward to bring economic relief to rural communities and consumers nationwide.
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