Thune Faces Pressure from Ethanol Industry as E15 Legislation Stalls

U.S. ethanol producers and farmers are intensifying pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pass permanent nationwide year-round E15 legislation, citing its potential to strengthen corn demand, improve rural economic activity, and provide motorists with a lower-cost fuel option.

The American Coalition for Ethanol's annual conference in Minneapolis heard from South Dakota farmer and ACE President Troy Knecht, who recalled Thune's criticism of then-Sen. Tom Daschle over failure to advance the Renewable Fuel Standard more than two decades ago.

Thune represents South Dakota, one of the states most closely tied to the corn and ethanol economy, making his leadership position crucial in passing E15 legislation. With the midterm elections approaching, the legislative calendar is becoming increasingly important.

Ethanol advocates believe that Senate leadership now has an opportunity to deliver a long-sought policy victory for rural America.