LANSING, MICH.—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, expressed its disappointment after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) used a line-item veto to single-handedly cancel the state’s E15 tax incentive, which was approved by the legislature earlier this summer. The incentive would’ve expanded access to E15 (also called Unleaded 88), a fuel blend made with 15% American bioethanol that lowers emissions and is more affordable than standard fuel.
“Governor Whitmer’s unilateral veto of Michigan’s E15 tax incentive will cost consumers more money and leave carbon reductions on the table,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Higher biofuel blends like E15 cost less than standard fuel, and are a critical decarbonization tool. Members of the Michigan legislature understood this, and that’s why they approved the incentive to expand access to this fuel choice. With the Governor’s veto, Michigan drivers will now miss out on those cost savings, and lose an opportunity to quickly and easily lower their carbon emissions. We thank the Michigan lawmakers who recognized the important role American biofuels can play in decarbonizing the vast majority of cars and trucks on the road today. It’s unfortunate for Michigan drivers their Governor disagreed.”
Michigan is both a consumer and producer of bioethanol. Today, there are 23 fuel stations that sell E15 in the state—that number would likely have increased had the incentive taken effect. Moreover, Michigan is home to five biorefineries that purchase more than 100 million bushels of corn annually in order to produce more than 400 million gallons of bioethanol each year.