New Life in Year-Round E15 Effort as Compromise Introduced in House of Representatives

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Urges Swift Action from Congress

Press Contact: Hannah Love

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WEST DES MOINES, IA - Today, the U.S. Reps. Michelle Fischbach, Randy Feenstra, Stephanie Bice, and Adrian Smith introduced legislation which would permit the sale of E15 year-round nationwide. The legislation also requires EPA to finalize a pending rulemaking to recognize that E15 is compatible with existing infrastructure and equipment, which was originally introduced by Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst.

"IRFA is thrilled to finally see this compromise legislation introduced," said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. "We thank the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, chaired by Rep. Feenstra, for their work in getting us to this point. With high gas prices pinching the American consumer, it is beyond time for Congress to quickly pass E15 legislation that will reduce fuel costs while boosting demand for American farmers. Our message is simple: get this to the President's desk immediately so that he can sign it into law."

The legislation, which is proposed as an amendment to the Farm Bill, also reforms the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) refinery exemption process by clarifying who qualifies as a "small" refiner beginning in 2028. Refiners meeting the new standard would receive an automatic 75 percent reduction in their RFS obligations. Larger refiners would be able to petition for RFS exemptions on an emergency basis. Going forward, RFS exemptions would not be reallocated.

"The RFS exemption process has been abused for years, leading to market confusion and a massive number of lawsuits," Shaw said. "This reform will relieve true small refiners and provide certainty for the marketplace. Gone will be large refining companies that plead for RFS exemptions from the EPA while at the same time boasting of record profits to their shareholders and the SEC."

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird exposed this behavior in a letter last fall, and Iowa Sen. Grassley is pushing federal officials to provide transparent answers .

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The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association represents the state's liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation's leader in renewable fuels production with 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 5 billion gallons annually - including 34 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity - and 8 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 408 million gallons annually. For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at: www.IowaRFA.org .