ICGA Thrilled with Governor Reynolds’ Announcement of Proposed Permanent E15 Solution for Midwest Region

Statement from ICGA president Lance Lillibridge

Members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) appreciate the action of Governor Reynolds along with seven other Midwest governors to request a permanent waiver for year-round sales of E15. This is an important request to the EPA that will provide relief, flexibility and certainty for cleaner-burning blends of ethanol from E15 and higher, not just for today but for the long-run.

Together with the governors from Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, Governor Reynolds sent a letter to EPA to request the ability of E15 to be sold year-round to decrease volatility and lower emissions for better air quality. These states represent over 10 percent of all fuel sales, over half of the nation’s E15 fueling stations, over 70 percent of the nation’s ethanol plants and nearly 70 percent of the corn grown in the United States.

Ethanol is a top market for Iowa’s corn farmers and by removing barriers to sell E15/Unleaded 88 year-round drivers will have access to a higher octane, lower carbon fuel that is also more affordable. This announcement compliments the relief that President Biden announced earlier this month for a summer 2022 E15 fix and extends that certainty for retailers and access to E15 for drivers.

ICGA thanks Governor Reynolds for taking this important step by requesting the EPA allow E15 and higher blends of ethanol to be available for drivers year-round. ICGA will continue to work on behalf of corn farmers to provide market access for Iowa corn and corn products.

For More Information:

Shannon Textor, Director of Communications, stextor@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242

Related Articles

News & UpdatesNews
Iowa Corn Growers Furious with New Development on E15
January 22, 2026
Iowa Corn Growers Furious with New Development on E15

The House is expected to advance a funding bill today that omits language that would allow consumers across the country to access fuels with a 15% corn ethanol blend, often referred to as E15.  In response to this development, Iowa Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, Mark Mueller released the following statement:   “Iowa’s corn growers are frustrated and disappointed that after spending...

News & UpdatesNews
New Economic Analysis Shows Solutions to Maintain Iowa’s Corn and Ethanol Industry
January 21, 2026
New Economic Analysis Shows Solutions to Maintain Iowa’s Corn and Ethanol Industry

Without immediate passage of nationwide, year-round E15 and access to ultra-low carbon ethanol markets, such as sustainable aviation fuel and marine fuel, Iowa’s corn and ethanol industry will continue its downward decline, according to a new study released by Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.  Iowa’s corn farmers continue to lead the nation in corn production, and Iowa has long held the title...