Columbus, OH—Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel released a letter backing the nationwide expansion of E15 fuel. In his letter to Ohio’s congressional leadership, Tressel urged the state’s representatives and senators to support legislation that amends federal statutes related to the Clean Air Act. This would create a permanent solution for the sales of E15 fuel.
“American energy independence starts in our own backyard,” said Tressel. “I am proud to join Ohio’s corn and ethanol producers, the petroleum industry, and fuel retailers in supporting the expansion of year-round E15 sales nationwide.”
E15 fuel currently requires a waiver from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for summer sales from June 1 to September 15, even though it is approved for use in 96% of light-duty cars and trucks sold after 2001. The benefits of E15 include its clean-burning biofuel properties and the ability to consistently save consumers $0.20 to $0.30 per gallon at the pump. E15, often marketed in Ohio as Unleaded 88, is the most tested fuel in history, with over 120 billion miles driven on U.S. roads.
For over a decade, the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association has championed the nationwide expansion of E15 sales and helped build a national bipartisan coalition that includes stakeholders from the petroleum industry, fuel marketing, retail, ethanol, and the agriculture sector. The coalition works together to bring uniformity and regulation certainty to America’s fuel supply.
“Amending federal statutes gives states permanent certainty regarding E15 sales and supports Ohio’s farmers, all while helping Ohioans save money at the pump,” offered Tressel.
Ohio’s biofuel industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy. The seven ethanol plants in Ohio utilize 32% of the state’s annual corn production, supporting over 19,700 jobs and 21,000 farms. Additionally, these plants produce renewable fuel, provide 2 million tons of animal feed, and generate high-quality CO₂ for the food and beverage industries.
“Ensuring states have access to E15 year-round before the summer driving season supports Ohio jobs, saves Ohioans money, and advances American energy independence”, offered Tressel in his letter. “Ohio wins, America wins with year-round E15 sales on a nationwide basis.”
You can read the full letter from the Lt. Governor to congressional leadership below.
Learn more about the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association’s advocacy for E15 sales and other key policy issues affecting your farm by clicking here.
