After Ernst’s Push, EPA Takes Action to Expand Access to E15

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a relentless advocate for Iowa’s biofuel industry and member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new proposed rule to remove certain barriers to expanded sales of E15, including E15 fuel dispenser labeling and compatibility with underground storage tanks.

 

“I’ve long been calling for EPA to take action to expand access to higher blends of biofuel, like E15, and to provide more choice at the pump. This proposed rule would help remove barriers to increase sales of E15 by addressing issues with the label at the pump and underground storage tanks. On behalf of Iowa’s biofuel community, I’m glad to see EPA take this step; and, as the saying goes, ‘better late than never,’ said Senator Ernst. “I will continue to be a champion for Iowa farmers and producers and work with the incoming administration to get this rule across the finish line.”

 

To read the new proposed rule, click here.

 

Background :

Senator Ernst  worked closely with the Trump Administration to remove the outdated restriction on the sale of E15 year-round.

 

During an Oval Office meeting in 2019, Senator Ernst secured a commitment from EPA Administrator Wheeler to help expand biofuel infrastructure and fix ongoing labeling issues for higher blends of ethanol. She then  pressed Wheeler on the issue at an EPW Committee hearing.

 

Following the hearing, Ernst  called on Administrator Wheeler to certify biofuel infrastructure for E15 and remove unnecessary labeling. The president made a commitment late last summer to expand access to higher blends of ethanol.

 

On Tuesday, Ernst spoke with President-elect Biden’s expected EPA Administrator nominee, Michael Regan, about this issue and the need to continue expanding access to higher blends of biofuel.