ICGA Efforts with Governor Reynolds Comes to Fruition

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today they will be delaying the implementation of a plan, created by a group of bipartisan Midwest Governors, that would allow for the sale of E15 year-round in each respective state. This has been a huge priority for the Iowa Corn Growers Association as it would ensure consumers have access to homegrown, cleaner-burning, more affordable fuel options at the pump.

“We thank our very own Governor Reynolds for leading the effort for year-round E15. Reynolds has been a champion for biofuels and believes in the products we grow right here in Iowa that help alleviate the stress on many consumers wallets when fueling up at the pump” said Denny Friest a farmer from Radcliffe, Iowa, and Iowa Corn Growers Association President. “Not only are higher blends of ethanol more affordable by 15-16 cents a gallon, but also cleaner burning, which is why we continue to encourage the EPA to use its authority to increase the fuel supply through uninterrupted access to E15 year-round.”

In April of 2022, Reynolds, along with several other Midwest governors, informed EPA of their decision to support year-round E15 under the Clean Air Act. This would normally give the EPA 90 days to approve the governors’ plans, however, the EPA took 10 months to issue the proposal, which now includes a delay in implementation until 2024.

Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst also signed on to a letter from 15 other U.S. senators, sent to President Biden on Tuesday, which called on the president to direct EPA to again use the agency’s existing authority to allow for the continued use of E15 through this summer.

The Iowa Corn Growers Association will continue to work on the nationwide sale of E15 year-round and a solution for the 2023 summer driving season, which is right around the corner.

For More Information:

Rachel Zumbach, Public Relations Manager, rzumbach@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242