Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) were joined by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) – three of the four co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus – to reintroduce the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.
The members released the following statements:
“Year-round E-15 has broad, bipartisan support in Congress and from key stakeholders,” said Rep. Adrian Smith. “Moving forward with year-round E-15 would provide consumers affordable fuel options while boosting American energy independence, which is why the recent proposal from the Biden administration to allow for year-round E-15 in just 8 states next summer is not enough. Consumers need year-round, nationwide E-15 – and they need it now – and I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for partnering with me on this important bill.”
“Year-round access to E15 will create new markets for our family farmers, support economic growth in rural communities and lower prices at the pump for Minnesotans – it’s a win at every stage of the supply chain,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’ll keep working on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Smith on this bill to support our biofuel producers and farmers – and look forward to getting it across the finish line.”
“E15 use year-round would drastically improve the domestic production and supply of energy in America,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson. “I’m grateful for Rep. Smith’s and Rep. Craig’s leadership on this effort to ensure more affordable prices at the pump and cleaner fuel options. We got this bill passed in Congress last year, and I’m looking forward to doing so again, and getting year-round E15 signed into law.”
The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to ethanol blends above ten percent to allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of E-15. In addition, it would ensure consistency and limit disruptions across the national fuel supply chain by prohibiting the removal of the 1-psi waiver for E-10 ethanol.
The legislation is supported by numerous stakeholder groups, including Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association.
“Without action, the fast-approaching summer driving season could be the first since 2019 without lower-cost E15 blends,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “This legislation represents an immediate solution that will deliver savings for drivers, lower carbon emissions, and offer greater protection from the global turmoil that continues to cast a shadow over our energy security. There is no reason to keep biofuels from America’s heartland bottled up, especially based on an outdated regulation. We are grateful to Senator Klobuchar, Senator Fischer, Representative Smith, and Representative Craig, and their bipartisan allies who continue to fight for rural families and American drivers. The clock is ticking, but we have outstanding champions in Congress working to ensure that working families don’t lose access to their favorite lower-carbon, lower-cost option on June 1.”
“RFA thanks Rep. Smith, Rep. Craig, and other renewable fuel supporters in the House of Representatives for introducing this commonsense legislation, which brings stability and certainty to the marketplace. Ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers, and farmers all agree on the need for this legislation to ensure year-round availability of lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 at the pump. As war in Ukraine continues to wreak havoc on global energy markets, this bill helps keep gas prices in check and extends the U.S. fuel supply. We are highly encouraged by the diverse support this effort is receiving, and we urge Congress to move quickly to adopt this legislation,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
In the House, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Act is cosponsored by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Sam Graves (R-MO), Mike Flood (R-NE), Don Bacon (R-NE), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Mike Bost (R-IL), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Zach Nunn (R-IA).
The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act is the House companion to the Senate bill introduced by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).