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Cautious optimism around year-round E15

The president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association says the clock is ticking on getting nationwide, year-round E15 across the finish line.

Mark Bunselmeyer, who farms in Macon County, tells Brownfield, “We hope to have something decided on that, but I am not very optimistic.”  He says, “We are in an election cycle, so I’m not super optimistic that something will get done, but I am cautiously optimistic.”

He says the Trump administration’s recent request to include E15 in a supplemental funding package could be a good sign.

“The president has been supportive of E15.”  He says, “The one possible concern is it’s a lot different language than what was passed in the House with the small refinery exemptions and things like that, but it takes Congress to get it approved.”

Bunselmeyer says allowing access to higher blends of ethanol would create certainty for retailers, boost corn demand, and lower prices at the pump for consumers.

AUDIO: Mark Bunselmeyer – ICGA