DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, alongside farmers, national agricultural advocates, and ethanol industry leaders, praised Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel for his recent letter to Ohio’s congressional delegation urging them to support federal legislation to expand access to E15 fuel nationwide.
In his letter, Lt. Governor Tressel called for amending the Clean Air Act to offer a permanent solution to enable year-round E15 sales. This move would boost rural economies, promote sustainable energy, and increase demand for homegrown ethanol.
“On behalf of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, I want to extend our gratitude to Lt. Governor Jim Tressel for his leadership and support of Ohio farmers,” shared Tyler Drewes, President of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. “The expansion of E15 is a crucial step in strengthening rural economies, advancing sustainable energy solutions, and ensuring a brighter future for our agricultural industry.”
“By increasing access to E15, we can reduce our reliance on foreign oil, create jobs in rural Ohio, and promote cleaner, more affordable fuel,” commented Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. “The Lt. Governor’s vocal support ensures that Ohio remains at the forefront of the renewable energy movement, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.”
“As corn growers, we recognize the tremendous impact that expanding access to E15 can have on our industry, not only in Ohio but across the entire nation,” shared Jed Bower, Ohio grower and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) First Vice President. “E15 represents a significant opportunity to increase demand for homegrown ethanol. Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel’s letter urging expanded access to E15 helps amplify the voices of farmers nationwide.”
Currently, E15—known as Unleaded 88 in Ohio—requires an EPA waiver for summer sales (June 1–September 15), despite its approval for use in 96% of vehicles made after 2001. This clean-burning biofuel saves drivers $0.20–$0.30 per gallon and has powered over 140 billion miles on U.S. roads, making it the most-tested fuel in history.
“Lt. Governor Jim Tressel’s support for expanding year-round access to E15 shows Ohio is squarely behind our farmers, small businesses and hardworking families who drive our rural economy,” said Ken Miceli, President of the Ohio Ethanol Producers Association. “Expanding E15 will deliver new value for Ohio farmers, bigger investments in rural our communities, and greater savings at the pump from coast to coast.”
Ohio’s seven ethanol plants consume 32% of the state’s annual corn production, supporting over 19,700 jobs and 21,000 farms. Beyond renewable fuel, these facilities produce animal feed and CO₂ for the food and beverage industries, underscoring ethanol’s economic and environmental value.
“Expanding access to E15 doesn’t cost a thing, but the benefits are enormous for corn growers, rural communities, and consumers alike,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “This simple step can make a lasting difference while supporting American agriculture and helping hardworking families across the country.”
You can see Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel’s full letter to Ohio’s congressional leaders urging E15 expansion by visiting www.ohiocornandwheat.org.
Discover more about the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association’s advocacy efforts regarding E15 expansion and other important policy priorities by clicking here.
