DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio corn farmers are angry, fed up, and done waiting.
Speaker Mike Johnson and Congressional leadership have once again failed farmers by omitting E15 language in the latest spending bill being debated in Congress, and instead have announced the creation of a bipartisan “E15 Task Force.” Ohio farmers are calling this exactly what it is: a stall tactic, and a betrayal.
With an over 2-billion-bushel surplus of corn and commodity prices stuck at painfully low levels, farmers are facing yet another year of tight margins and feeling serious financial strain. Nationwide, year-round E15 would have been an immediate solution to grow domestic demand, strengthen energy security, and move corn through the market. Instead, Washington is choosing delay and distraction.
The time for task forces is over. Farmers are demanding Congress stop hiding behind committees and pass permanent legislation allowing nationwide, year-round sales of E15, now.
“Ohio farmers are tired of being strung along,” said Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of Ohio Corn & Wheat. “We’ve done everything Congress asked. We’ve shown up. We’ve met. We’ve explained the economics, the science, and the benefits for consumers. And what do we get in return? More delay and more excuses.”
Nicholson said the creation of an E15 Task Force is not leadership, it’s avoidance.
“A task force doesn’t grind a single bushel of corn,” Nicholson continued. “It doesn’t help a family farm staring down another year of low prices. And it doesn’t give drivers immediate relief at the pump. Congress needs to stop wasting time and start doing its job.”
Nicholson emphasized that farmers will not back down until Congress delivers a permanent fix.
“We’re not giving up this fight, not even close,” Nicholson said. “E15 is a proven, tested, American-made fuel. The only thing holding it back is politics and the influence of special interests that profit from keeping this country dependent on outdated policies. Farmers have waited long enough, and consumers deserve better.”
E15, commonly sold as Unleaded 88, is one of the most tested fuels in U.S. history, with more than 100 billion miles driven on American roads. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved E15 for use in 96% of all cars and light-duty trucks on the road today. E15 is also typically $0.20–$0.30 less per gallon than regular unleaded fuel, offering consumers a lower-cost option at the pump.
Ohio is home to seven ethanol plants, supporting jobs, local tax bases, and rural economic growth. Expanding year-round E15 access would strengthen demand for corn, support domestic energy production, and deliver real benefits to Ohio’s more than 38,000 farmers.
Ohio Corn & Wheat is urging every American, farmer or not, to call Congress and demand action. Tell Congress to stop breaking promises. Stop delaying. Stop putting special interests ahead of American consumers and family farms. It’s time to pass a permanent legislative fix for nationwide, year-round E15, now!
