Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted the following letter to the editor in response to a recent WSJ editorial about ethanol and E15.
In a flagrantly misleading May 11 opinion piece, “An Ethanol Extortion Play,” the Wall Street Journal editorial board again makes it clear that it cares more about protecting margins for a few oil refineries than allowing competition at the pump that can protect drivers from volatile global oil prices.
Specifically, the editorial attacks bipartisan efforts in Congress to allow year-round sales of E15. Never mind the fact that E15 reduces emissions that cause smog, or that the U.S. blew past the so-called “blend wall” years ago. Never mind that the vast majority of existing fuel infrastructure can be used for E15 the same way it is for E10, or that E15 is approved for 96% of vehicles on the road today. And never mind that the vast majority of the fuel supply chain—including most refiners and fuel retailers—support the bill to lower gas prices.
Ultimately, the most important point here is one the editorial board completely ignores—E15 sells for less and saves consumers money. If Congress finally approves year-round E15, it doesn’t mandate anything. It allows retailers the choice to offer consumers a lower-cost fuel option.
The Wall Street Journal can play games to confuse people, but it can’t argue with the signs in front of any fuel station offering E15 at a steep discount to E10. Congress should remember that when it votes on year-round E15 this week.