FARGO, N.D. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should use its authority under the Clean Air Act to provide consumers with continued access to low-cost, low-emission E15 during the summer months, according to a letter sent today [April 4, 2023] from corn grower leaders to EPA administrator Michael S. Regan.
The president of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, joined by leaders from National Corn Growers Association and 17 other state corn grower groups, signed the letter, which called on EPA to replicate its actions from last year and ensure uninterrupted access to E15 through the summer.
“At a time when fuel supplies are volatile and prices high, consumers and retailers need all fuel choices available, especially as the summer driving season is right around the corner,” said NDCGA President Andrew Mauch. “Fuel market conditions that spurred EPA to allow E15 last summer are expected to continue this year, and Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to disrupt global energy markets,” stated Mauch who farms with his family near Mooreton in Richland County.
EPA approved E15, or 15 percent ethanol blends, in 2011 for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, which account for more than 96 percent of vehicles on the road today. Retailers have increased availability of E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, to offer consumers choice and lower fuel costs, as well as increase the fuel supply. E15 has been sold year-round for the past four years, but outdated regulatory barriers continue to hinder permanent full-market access to E15.
NCGA and state corn grower associations reminded EPA officials that access to higher blends of ethanol can help keep prices down at the pump. The corn grower leaders pointed to warning signs, such as OPEC’s announcement of a 1.16 million barrels per day output reduction beginning in May, as reason the Biden administration should do everything possible to increase the domestic fuel supply to help keep prices down.
“With ethanol currently priced around 50 cents less per gallon than unblended gasoline at wholesale, drivers are continuing to save up to 15 cents or more per gallon,” the growers stated. “As the number of retailers offering drivers this low-cost, low-emission choice increases, the economic benefits also expand.”
Finally, the leaders noted, in addition to increasing supply and lowering prices, higher blends like E15 reduce emissions.
“Ethanol results in nearly 50 percent fewer GHG emissions than gasoline, so Increasing ethanol blending from 10 to 15 percent further cuts GHG emissions,” they said. “Blending more ethanol to make E15 displaces the most toxic aromatic hydrocarbon components in gasoline, reducing exhaust emissions for cleaner air.”
The grower leaders urged EPA to act on their request in the near future to provide market certainty.
The North Dakota Corn Growers Association is the farmer-led membership organization focusing on advancing public policy at the state and federal levels of government, that impacts North Dakota corn producers. The NDCGA board of directors consists of fourteen growers from seven districts, along with three at-large and two industry directors.
— North Dakota Corn Growers Association
