The Environmental Protection Agency has approved E15 as a registered fuel, helping clear the way for the 15 percent ethanol blend to be used in all cars, light duty trucks and SUVs model year 2001 and newer.
“The approval of E15 by the EPA is just one hurdle in getting E15 into the marketplace,” said Jerry Mohr a farmer from Eldridge and chair of the Iowa Corn Usage and Production committee. “The ultimate goal of getting E15 to the marketplace is to increase the amount of renewable fuels available to consumers, which can help lower fuel costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
While EPA gave its go ahead for E15, it may take additional time before the higher blend is available at pumps in Iowa. Fuel retailers need to have the proper forms on file with EPA to offer it as an option for their consumers.
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is also urging members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation to continue their support and defense of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The RFS was enacted in 2005 to encourage the use of home-grown fuels, such as corn-based ethanol. The future of our energy independence and our security and at home is taking place in ethanol plants across the country. U.S. ethanol production has reduced oil imports from the Persian Gulf region by 25% since 2000. Ethanol also saves the average American consumer $0.89 a gallon on gas every time they fill up.
In a letter to Iowa’s Congressional Delegation, ICGA President Kevin Ross a farmer from Minden asked the delegation to stand with Iowa’s farmers and support the RFS. He also asked that they oppose any legislation that results in the elimination or reduction in the amount of corn that can be used as a feedstock for ethanol and oppose legislation that would prohibit the use of fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol.
For more information on E15 or to contact your legislator please visit www.iowacorn.org.
