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 years advocating and sharing the benefits for all Americans that comes with the passage of E15, Congress has again kicked the can down the road. There is now talk that members of Congress are planning to establish a rural energy council to explore this legislation. We have worked on E15 for years. We already have a bill. We have already come to an agreement with the petroleum industry. There is nothing left to discuss. 

“Rather than including E15, Congress is now trying to appease farmers with this new task force. The fact that this news comes on the same day that talks of a $1.2 trillion taxpayer government funding package comes out is bizarre. Today, corn is priced below the cost of production when we have a solution with E15 that would add 94 cents per bushel. Farmers don’t want payments. We want markets. But without nationwide, year-round E15, many of us are now going to continue relying on government payments to stay afloat. 

“The absence of E15 shows that Congressional Leadership is choosing to side with a handful of non-U.S. based refineries, rather than the American corn farmer.” 

For More Information:

Sydney Garrett, Public Relations Manager, sgarrett@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242