Some farmers say the recently passed House version of nationwide year-round E15 legislation provides much needed certainty to the U.S. ag industry.
“It’s been twenty years that we’ve been fighting for this,” Ohio farmer Eric Tipton says. “We needed this. It gives us a lot of confidence.” According to Tipton, the added corn demand could help improve their bottom line. “We could potentially eat through our carryover corn stocks in the first year with what E15 could bring to the table. That really provides us with another strong domestic outlook for our corn.”
Indiana farmer Tyler Everett says if the bill is signed into law, it could also bring significant cost savings to consumers. “The overall price difference on E15 is anywhere from five, ten, fifteen, and sometimes even a dollar, at the pump cheaper,” he says. “Anything extra farmers can get right now helps.”
Both say the legislation still faces an uphill battle in the Senate, but they’re optimistic the momentum will continue.
Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement: "We are thrilled to see that E15 legislation passed the House and are deeply appreciative of the legislation's sponsors, co-sponsors and all its congressional supporters.”
"Passage of this bill is essential to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as our growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs. It would also help drivers across the country who could save 10 to 30 cents per gallon on gas as fuel prices continue to rise.”
"We encourage members of the Senate to quickly take up this bill and send it to the President's desk for signature."
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Finally! Getting E15 legislation through the U.S. House has been a long, demanding struggle. Now that it has passed in the House, it’s on to the Senate where passage is anything but a sure thing. Why? Well, there are many reasons given, but none make a great deal of economic sense. E15 is also better for the environment and a less expensive option at the pump for consumers. Let’s hope it can and will move through this session and land on President Trump’s desk for a signature.
Contacting your U.S. Senator to express your support for E15 and corn farmers in your area can be very helpful, especially if you have a personal relationship with them. Also contact your state’s Corn Growers Association to see how you might help in their efforts to get this important legislation across the finish line. It is good for your corn farmers!
