(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowa's ethanol industry is not happy with the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to pause year-round sales of E-15. The EPA says it's going to allow year-round sales, but not until 2024, due to supply & demand concerns expressed by the petroleum industry. Monte Shaw of the Iowa Renewable Fuel Association says the decision to pause doesn't make sense when year-round sales have been allowed for five years.
Shaw says the industry is pleased that the fuel is getting the green light in 2024, but doesn't want the delay. He says the industry will likely support getting an emergency waiver to allow the fuel to be sold year-round this year. The EPA agreed to a waiver due to the war in Ukraine and tighter fuel supplies.
Meantime eight states, led by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds continue to push for year-round E-15 sales.
“While long overdue, I am thrilled that the EPA has approved our multi-state bipartisan RVP waiver request that will pave the way for year-round E15 and bring certainty to the industry.
“However, the arbitrary delay in implementation this summer is unacceptable and disappointing, but hardly surprising. Iowa won’t accept it without a fight. I look forward to requesting another emergency waiver for this year while at the same time asking the courts to require the Administration to grant our request immediately. Iowans, and all Americans, deserve immediate access to lower-cost, American made E15.”
Tomorrow, Governor Reynolds will address the National Ethanol Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson has issued a statement:
"While EPA affirmed a request from eight state governors to allow for year-round E15 sales, unfortunately, the proposed rule does not go into effect until April 28, 2024. This delayed implementation still leaves uncertainty for the next 14 months and requires additional action.
Despite the delayed implementation, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is pleased that EPA’s proposed rule seeks to provide a long-term solution and clarity for the biofuels industry. Once fully implemented, this action provides a long-term solution for Midwest consumers, biofuels producers and farmers. EPA’s proposed rule would provide a boost to Iowa’s ag economy and rural communities while delivering price savings at the pump for Iowans. IFBF thanks Governor Kim Reynolds for her leadership on the letter and for her unwavering support of Iowa’s biofuels industry.”