U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA), along with the entire Iowa delegation, recently unveiled a bipartisan bill to promote low-carbon, high-octane fuels to protect public health and to improve vehicle efficiency and performance.
“Iowa is the top ethanol producing state in the country, and I know that our biofuels industry is of utmost importance to our economy,” Rep. Miller-Meeks said. “Our legislation would promote increased use of higher ethanol blends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve health, and support agriculture’s contribution to the economy and environment.”
The congresswoman on March 30 sponsored the Next Generation Fuels Act, H.R. 2434, with 19 original cosponsors, including Rep. Feenstra and U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL).
“Thanks to our hardworking corn growers and energy producers, Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is the top ethanol-producing district in the nation,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Between high energy costs and record inflation, biofuels have the unlimited potential to ease the pain at the pump and grow our rural economy. I am proud to help lead the Next Generation Fuels Act to lower gas prices for our families, support Iowa corn growers, and expand American-made ethanol production.”
Specifically, H.R. 2434 would phase in higher gasoline octane levels through the greater use of ethanol beginning with a 95 Research Octane Number (RON) standard for automobile model year 2028 and increasing to 98 RON by model year 2033, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
If enacted, the bill also would require the automobile to operate with an E25 blend for model year 2028 and an E30 blend for model year 2033 onwards for a new vehicle to receive certification from an automaker, the summary says.
Additionally, fuel retailers would be required to carry these higher blend fuels under H.R. 2434, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.