Senate Farm Bill Boosts Year-Round E15 Sales Amid Energy Independence Concerns

The inclusion of year-round E15 ethanol blend in the Senate's version of the farm bill has generated optimism among South Dakota lawmakers, who believe it could strengthen the farm economy and boost energy independence.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) voted in favor of both bills, stating that 'we need to' approve year-round E15 sales for American energy dominance. He emphasized that relying on liquid fuels from countries like Iran is a concern, adding 'I would rather wake up every morning worried about the price of corn in a South Dakota field than worried about the price of oil in an Iranian oil field.'

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) also expressed support for year-round E15, calling it a boost for agriculture and rural communities. Sen. Mike Rounds (South Dakota Republican) has similarly spoken in favor of year-round E15.

However, opponents of the expansion point to research showing that higher ethanol blends could worsen summer smog while encouraging the conversion of grasslands for corn farming. Some lawmakers from oil-producing and refining states also oppose the expansion.