WASHINGTON DC (May 21, 2019) — Congressional Biofuels Caucus co-chairs, Representatives Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Collin C Peterson (D-MN), Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) led a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler regarding the EPA’s proposed rulemaking involving modifications to the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for 15-percent ethanol (E15) and regulatory changes to the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market. Currently, the EPA is attempting to finalize a rule that would allow the sale of E15 to be sold year-round. The Congressional Biofuels Caucus’ letter advocates on behalf of agriculture and rural communities that depend on a strong market for renewable fuels.
“I am pleased to join with my fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus to lead the fight for a strong RFS and year-round E15 in Congress. Ethanol is a homegrown renewable energy-source that supports millions of jobs in communities across Iowa and throughout the country, and allowing the sale of E15 year-round will remove unnecessary barriers to expanding the use of renewable fuels,” said Rep Loebsack. “However, this rule is far from perfect, and I urge EPA to acknowledge the Biofuels Caucus’ concerns regarding unnecessary blending-restrictions on E15 and needless manipulation of the RIN market, which will drive down RIN prices to the benefit of the oil industry, and to correct these issues as they prepare to finalize the rule in time for this summer's driving season.”
“Year-round sales of E15 are long overdue,” said Rep Peterson. “I hope that the Administration moves quickly to finalize a strong E15 rule, which benefits consumers, farmers, and ethanol producers. The EPA should separately consider RIN market-reforms in a fair way without undercutting the intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard.”
“I’ve been a strong supporter of lifting restrictions on the sale of E15, and am pleased to see the Administration move toward allowing year round sales,” said Rep Davis. “Given the state of our farm economy, we need clear rules from the EPA as we move toward this summer’s driving season.”
“Kansas farmers rely on the integrity of the RFS to extend market opportunities for the products they grow,” said Rep Marshall. “While I applaud EPA for working diligently to approve E15 for year-round use so that drivers across the country can continue to benefit from lower prices at the pump this summer, I remain concerned about some of the proposed modifications and regulation changes that could hurt the success of the renewable-fuels industry.”
The EPA announcement follows years of advocacy work to allow E15 to be sold year-round by the biofuels industry, agriculture producers, and Congressional Members who support renewable fuels. The EPA regulates the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) of gasoline sold at retail stations between June 1 and September 15. During this timeframe, gasoline blends with 15% ethanol are not allowed to be sold at retail stations, causing inconsistent sales of E15.
