Ricketts Issues Statement on EPA’s E15 Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would issue a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of E10 and E15 this year.

"This is good news for Nebraskans and all Americans. E10 and E15 saves consumers money at the pump, supports Nebraska agriculture, cleans our environment, and promotes energy independence. The next step is a permanent fix. Congress should make year-round, nationwide E10 and E15 permanent."

BACKGROUND

As Governor of Nebraska, Ricketts made repeated requests of the EPA to allow the year-round sale of E-15. As Senator, Ricketts co-sponsors the Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act, which would make the sale of country-wide, year-round E-15 permanent. Ricketts also frequently touts the benefits of ethanol and other renewable fuels as a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees the EPA. In addition, Ricketts co-leads the bipartisanRenewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to allow for ocean-going vessels to qualify for the Renewable Fuel Standard program.