US Rep. Blum introduces companion bill to the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act

In Washington, Congressman Rod Blum (R-IA), along with Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO), Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN), and Congressman David Young (R-IA) introduced the House companion to the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2015. U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) authored the legislation, which removes the burdensome restrictions placed on the ethanol marketplace by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), further encourages manufacturers and producers to develop new technologies, and equalizes the tax between liquid natural gas (LNG) and diesel fuel.

“Consumers appreciate having choices, whether it’s at the grocery store or the fuel pump,” Sen. Grassley said. “Those of us who live in biofuels-producing states like Iowa understand the appeal of cleaner, domestic, renewable fuels. The EPA should be consistent in the way it treats different fuel blends as a matter of fairness and to give consumers more options for fueling their vehicles. The EPA has never acted on its authority to grant a waiver for E15. A legislative fix will fill the void.  I’m glad to see Rep. Blum is taking the lead on the House companion to this common sense bill.  Between the E15 fix and other measures, this bill goes a long way toward clearing key regulatory hurdles while further encouraging the use of alternative fuels.”

Monte Shaw, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director: “Iowa ethanol producers and consumers appreciate Rep. Blum taking the lead on this important issue.  There are several government impediments to fair market access for higher ethanol blends that restrict consumer choices at the pump.  The unfair regulatory treatment of E15 is one of the most important to address quickly.  We look forward to working with Rep. Blum to move this legislation forward.”