US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
WASHINGTON – Following her continuous advocacy, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that they will issue an emergency waiver for E15, allowing for the fuel to be sold nationwide during this summer’s driving season.
“Finally, Americans will have access to higher blends of ethanol, like E15, throughout this upcoming summer driving season,” Ernst said.“However, Iowa families, corn farmers, ethanol producers, and fuel retailers should not have to wait for this certainty. As everyone is feeling the pain at the pump, they should have E15 year-long, instead of waiting for the whims of the administration to issue a last-minute waiver. I will continue to push for a nationwide solution that permanently secures lower prices at the gas station.”
Background:
Throughout her time in Congress, Ernst has been a strong advocate for homegrown, Iowa biofuel. In addition to supporting the bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act since 2017, Senator Ernst also joined a bipartisan group of Midwest senators in an effort to expand the year-round sales of E15 nationwide in November 2022.
In February 2023, Ernst and the entire Iowa delegation demanded the EPA remove regulatory barriers for gasoline-ethanol blends—like E15—and implement the long-awaited request of Midwest governors, including Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.
In December 2023, Ernst led her colleagues in urging the Office of Management and Budget to work quickly to finalize its waiver, allowing retailers enough time to prepare for 2024 summer sales.
At a recent Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, Ernst questioned USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on when we can expect to see an emergency waiver to allow for nationwide sales of E15. In his response, Vilsack was confident we would again see a waiver in April 2024.
In March 2024, Ernst and the entire Iowa delegation urged President Biden to immediately issue an emergency waiver, which would make E15 available across the country and utilize the strength of American agriculture to provide energy independence.
In April 2024, Ernst and a bipartisan group of senators once again called on President Biden to permit the summertime sale of E15 fuel.
