COLUMBUS, OHIO—Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, urged Ohio lawmakers today to advance a bill that would give drivers on the Ohio Turnpike greater access to E15, a fuel blend made with 15% homegrown ethanol that sells for $0.30 less per gallon on average and is approved for use in 96% of cars on the road today.
In comments submitted to the Ohio House Transportation Committee, Growth Energy voiced its support for Ohio House Bill 773, which would require fuel stations on the state turnpike to offer E15 as an option. Ohio Representatives Josh Williams and Roy Klopfenstein introduced the legislation.
“In Ohio, there are currently only 192 retail fuel locations selling E15; less than four percent of the state’s estimated 5,833 retail fuel locations offer E15. Compare this to Minnesota, with half of Ohio’s population, that has more than 500 retail locations offering E15,” said Growth Energy Senior Vice President Chris Bliley in comments. “That means that while Ohio is among the top corn-growing and ethanol-producing states in the country, Ohioans do not have access to more affordable fuel options that drivers in other Midwest states have.”
“HB 773 ensures the state of Ohio can do its part to support its agriculture community by promoting the expanded use of E15, a gasoline blend using a higher percentage of corn ethanol,” Bliley added.
Read Growth Energy’s full comments here.
About E15
E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% ethanol, typically produced from corn. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer—representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 5,100 gas stations in 35 states and is legal for sale in every state. On average, E15 saves drivers up to 30 cents per gallon compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 can save drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.
To learn more about E15, click here.