The Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association are recognizing four Iowa members of Congress for their role in advancing year-round E15 legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives.
The organizations jointly sponsored a full-page advertisement in the Des Moines Register that began running June 2 and is scheduled to appear three times during the week. The advertisement highlights the efforts of Reps. Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn in supporting legislation that would allow permanent, year-round sales of E15.
According to the groups, passage of the measure in the House represents a significant milestone for the renewable fuels industry and Iowa agriculture. Industry advocates have long pushed for a permanent legislative solution that would remove seasonal restrictions on E15 sales.
The organizations said the legislation would provide greater certainty for corn growers, ethanol producers and fuel retailers while expanding access to E15 for consumers throughout the year. They also contend the measure would increase demand for Iowa-grown corn, support rural jobs and strengthen domestic energy production.
The House action now shifts attention to the Senate, where supporters are seeking approval of the legislation before it can be sent to the president for consideration.
The Iowa Corn Growers Association said Iowa’s congressional delegation has played an important role in advancing policies that support corn growers, ethanol production and renewable fuel use. The organization indicated it will continue advocating for Senate passage of the year-round E15 measure.
E15, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, has been promoted by renewable fuels groups as a lower-cost fuel option that can expand markets for corn while supporting domestic biofuel production.
Source: Iowa Corn Growers Association, "Iowa Corn Growers Thank Iowa Congressional Delegation for Leadership on Year-Round E15 "