Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol trade association, applauded the introduction of three new pieces of legislation introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) that would fast-track consumer access to lower-cost, lower-carbon motor fuel blends.
“Higher ethanol blends continue to grow in popularity among drivers looking to save money while protecting our climate,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This legislative push offers a means to put higher biofuel blends within reach of drivers faster than ever, so we can make a greater difference for the climate today. In fact, a nationwide transition to E15 could slash emissions by 17.62 million tons per year – equal to removing approximately 3.85 million vehicles from the road. E15 is also a cheaper fuel averaging $0.05 to $0.10 cheaper per gallon when compared to regular gasoline. We applaud Senator Klobuchar and her colleagues for making biofuels a top priority for congressional leaders, and we urge lawmakers to take advantage of this opportunity to support America’s farm communities, save drivers money, and reduce carbon emissions.”
The Low Carbon Biofuel Credit Act, introduced by Sen. Klobuchar, along with Sen. John Thune (R-SD), would provide retailers and fuel blenders a direct incentive to offer higher ethanol blends, including a 5-cent tax credit for each gallon of E15 sold, and 10 cents for each gallon containing more than 15 percent of lower-carbon ethanol.
The Biofuel Infrastructure and Agricultural Product Market Expansion Act, introduced by Senators Klobuchar and Ernst (R-Iowa), would provide $1 billion over 10 years to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the sales of low-carbon biofuels.
The Clean Fuels Vehicle Act, also introduced by Sens. Klobuchar and Ernst, would provide an automotive incentive for every flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) manufactured. FFVs are needed as more gas stations around the nation are providing greater access to higher blends of ethanol like E85, a low-carbon and low-cost fuel.
E15, known to consumers at the pump as Unleaded 88, is approved for all cars model year 2001 and later, which includes 95% of cars on the road. Americans have driven over 22 billion miles on E15 to date, and the higher-ethanol fuel blend is available at over 2,460 retail stations nationwide.