YEAR-ROUND SALE OF E-15 COULD SAVE DRIVERS MORE THAN 40 CENTS PER GALLON
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R.1346) Act, legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) to bring down costs at the pump, passed the House with broad bipartisan support. The bill will lower gas prices by permanently allowing the year-round sale of E15 – a more affordable blend of ethanol and gasoline that could save drivers more than 40 cents per gallon.
“Gas prices are up more than $1.50 a gallon over the last year and Upstate New Yorkers feel it every time they drive to work, pick up their kids from school, and head to the grocery store. Folks need real relief – not someday, not eventually, but now. This bill is a win for every driver in Upstate New York, and I’m proud to get it done,” said Rep. Riley.
Consumer data shows the price of E15 averages $0.42 per gallon less than the price of traditional blends at the same gas stations, and $1 less compared to ethanol-free gasoline. With gas prices skyrocketing in the wake of the ongoing war in Iran, giving consumers access to E15 year-round could create real savings.
But despite E15’s lower cost, arbitrary federal regulations prevent E15 from being sold during the summer months except in a handful of Midwest states that have been granted an exemption. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act would end the restriction, permanently allowing the year-round sale of E15 in every state.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
“Today marks an important day for agriculture with the passage of year-round E15 in the House. This legislation will not only save consumers $0.10 to $0.30 per gallon at the pump, but it will also support farmers by providing an expanded market for corn growers. The sale of E15 year-round is expected to increase demand for corn by up to 2.4 billion bushels per year for farmers across the country, while reducing CO2 emissions by more than 17.62 million tons per year — the equivalent of taking nearly 4 million cars off the road. New York Farm Bureau applauds Congressman Riley’s leadership on this bill as a cosponsor of the legislation, and we look forward to Senate approval to provide the final step in this important boost for agriculture,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher.
“New York corn and soybean growers appreciate Congressman Riley’s leadership in supporting year-round E15 sales across the country. Expanding access to E15 helps diversify and strengthen markets for New York farmers by creating greater demand nationwide for homegrown renewable fuels, while reducing uncertainty caused by seasonal restrictions in the fuel marketplace. It also supports rural communities, increases consumer choice at the pump, and gives drivers access to a lower-cost, cleaner-burning fuel option, all of which are much-needed initiatives today and into the future,” said Colleen Klein, Executive Director of the New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association.
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