Congressmen reintroduce bill to allow year-round E15

In Washington, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) reintroduced legislation to broaden fuel choices for retailers and consumers by expanding the existing waiver of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations related to the Reid Vapor Pressure of motor vehicle fuel, which E10 received in 1990, to include E15.

“By restricting retailers’ ability to market the fuel they feel is most competitive, these archaic EPA regulations are impeding the free market and limiting consumers’ options at the pump,” Congressman Smith said. “There is no reason E15 should not receive the same regulatory relief extended to E10 decades ago. We must foster the development of a robust energy marketplace, including ethanol and other renewable fuels, in order to achieve American energy independence.”

“Ethanol is a homegrown renewable energy source that supports millions of jobs in communities in Iowa and throughout the country,” said Congressman Loebsack. “This legislation will remove an unnecessary barrier and allow E15 gasoline to be sold in the summer months. This legislation helps expand consumer choice at the pump, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil, and stimulate economic development throughout the country.”