ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) applauds House passage of theNationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. The act, if passed by the Senate and signed by the president, will allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 fuel.
“MFU has long advocated for using higher blends of bio-based fuels and this bill allowing year-round, nationwide use of E15 is a good start,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “With gas prices soaring at the pump, this legislation will help lower the price of gas. It will also give much-needed support to corn prices across the state.”
The bill passed on a bipartisan 218-203 vote, with all eight members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation voting in favor. It allows a year-round 15 percent blend of ethanol, up from the current 10 percent blend. Minnesota is home to 18 ethanol plants with a capacity of more than 1 billion gallons, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The bill now heads to the Senate.
“At a time when both producers and consumers are facing continued economic pressure, expanding access to E15 is a commonsense step that strengthens competition in the fuel marketplace, supports homegrown energy and agriculture and keeps more dollars circulating in rural America,” said National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew.
About Minnesota Farmers Union
Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
