Fischer, Ernst, Thune unveil bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act

U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and John Thune (R-SD) joined a bipartisan group of Midwest senators to introduce legislation that would expand the year-round sale of E15 gasoline nationwide.

“We’ve long known that unleashing the full power of ethanol saves consumers money at the pump, supports family farmers, and boosts U.S. energy security,” Sen. Fischer said. “Now, however, we’ve been able to bring critical oil/gas, biofuel, ag, and transportation stakeholders to the table around a common-sense solution.”

Sen. Fischer on Nov. 29 sponsored the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022, S. 5145, with 13 original cosponsors, including Sen. Ernst and Sen. Thune, as well as U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“With this strong coalition of support, it’s time Congress acts to make year-round E15 a reality,” said Sen. Fischer.

Specifically, an enacted S. 5145 would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to ethanol blends above 10 percent, according to the text of the bill.

Sen. Ernst pointed out that homegrown ethanol is a cheaper, cleaner option that can help relieve Americans’ pain at the pump.

“By ensuring the year-round sale of higher blends of ethanol across the country, we will bring much-needed certainty to our corn growers, who stand ready to fulfill demands from coast to coast,” added Sen. Ernst.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the American Petroleum Institute, the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, Renewable Fuels of America, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, and the National Farmers Union are among supporters of the proposed bill.

“The year-round sale of E15 is a common-sense way to leverage American agriculture and provide drivers with a clean and affordable fuel option,” Sen. Thune said. “I have long supported measures like this one that would give fuel retailers the certainty they need to offer E15 without seasonal interruption, which also benefits the biofuel industry — an essential market for South Dakota farmers.”

The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.