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Biden administration expected to lift summertime restrictions on E15

President Biden is expected to lift summertime restrictions on E15 during a stop in Iowa today.

The White House says the President will speak this afternoon at a POET ethanol plant west of Des Moines about steps the administration is taking to lower energy costs.

Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper tells Brownfield he’s “very confident” an emergency E15 waiver will be part of the announcement.

“And we think it’s going to be a great day for the U.S. ethanol industry, and really a great day for anybody who drives a car and buys gasoline.”

Cooper says he’s anticipating an emergency fuel waiver intended to help the marketplace get through this summer, not a long-term solution for year-round E15.

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor also expects Biden to lift what she calls “outdated restrictions” on E15 for the 2022 summer driving season, saying the move will ensure continued access to a fuel that has been saving drivers as much as 60 cents a gallon in recent weeks.

U.S. Representative Angie Craig has led efforts in Congress to allow year-round E15 sales.  The Minnesota Democrat says she’s glad the administration is taking action, especially as the U.S. works to lessen dependence on foreign energy producers.

Senate Agriculture Committee member Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, says if President Biden is serious about driving down costs for Americans, he should allow the sale of E15 during the summer, throughout the energy crisis and beyond.