Year-Round E15 Sales Tied Up in Washington
Lawmakers are considering making E-15, an alternative fuel blend made up of 15% ethanol and gasoline, available year-round. Currently, it's not allowed to be sold in the summer due to concerns about ground-level ozone and smog. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued a five-year waiver citing expensive gas prices and geopolitical reasons.
Bill Pracht, president and CEO of East Kansas Ag Energy, believes that making E-15 available year-round will save drivers 10 to 25 cents per gallon at the pump. He also thinks it will boost the US corn industry while keeping profits local. Any car built after 2001 can use E-15.
The debate is stalling in the US Congress due to a divide over how to move forward. The Senate Farm Bill, which includes this provision, did not get enough votes. A standalone House bill passed but has been bottlenecked in the Senate.