E15 Bill is About Protecting Consumer Choice

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement in response to Sen. Jim Inhofe’s (R-Okla.) floor speech today in opposition to the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 517):

“This bill is about protecting consumer choice year-round for a legal fuel that is better for the environment, improves engine performance, and saves Americans money at the pump. We stand firm that Congress should put the needs of consumers ahead of the oil industry.

“E15 is a federally approved fuel for all cars made since 2001. It boosts octane, saves consumers up to 10 cents per gallon, and improves the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and displacing toxic additives in gasoline. Consumers have recently surpassed 1 billion miles driven on the fuel, and it is now available at more than 900 retail sites across 29 states. Drivers are demanding E15, and more retailers are offering it every day.

“However, due to an outdated regulation that hasn’t been updated since 1990, gas stations are forced to restrict their sales to flex-fuel vehicles only, or remove it from sale altogether between June 1 and September 15. That means that when gas prices are at their peak, consumers are denied the choice of an affordable, cleaner option for their cars.

“A vote against this bill is a vote against consumers — it’s saying that you don’t trust consumers to make their own choices at the pump. In fact, Growth Energy released a survey showing that U.S. small engine owners are pleased with the performance of their fuel and find it easy to pick the best option, including regular unleaded blends of 10 percent ethanol (E10).

“This legislation is a common-sense fix that has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. We applaud the bill’s champions in the Senate for keeping the focus where it needs to be — ensuring year-round consumer savings at the pump.”