Naig Applauds Proposed Rule Allowing Year-Around Sales of E15

Announcement is welcome news for Iowa farmers

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement today applauding the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator on the issuance of a proposed rule allowing the year-round sale of 15-percent ethanol blends. The proposal reverses a thirty-year old rule limiting the sale of E15 to June 1 to September 15. The proposal could be implemented in time for the summer driving season.

"Administrator Wheeler’s follow through on President Trump’s directive to allow the market to access E15 year-around is welcome news for our farmers during these challenging times. The renewable fuels industry provides value to Iowa farmers, our rural communities and the environment. The proposed rule is an important step towards fulfilling the country’s increasing demand for cleaner fuels,” said Naig. “With just 80 days left until the summer driving season, it is imperative that the EPA completes this process by June 1. We’ll continue to review the proposed RINS reform provisions to ensure the resulting rules support the RFS and promote investments in higher blends of renewable fuels.”

The renewable fuels industry accounts for more than $4.6 billion (about 3.5 percent) of Iowa’s GDP, generating $2.3 billion of income for Iowa households, and supporting more than 43,000 jobs throughout the state, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. Congress created the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil.