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Congresswoman concerned about lack of communication on E15 negotiations

A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says her party has been left in the dark on the status of nationwide, year-round E15.

“My Republican colleagues have kind of shut us Democrats out of the conversation.”

Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says the Rual Domestic Energy Council is already months passed its self-imposed deadline to deliver legislation to the House floor.

“I didn’t think a task force was needed.”  She says, “We had already reached a negotiated point that was sufficient enough for the refineries, but also really unlocked these opportunities for our growers.”

She tells Brownfield recent waivers for expanded summer sales of E15 are a good start, but…

“We just want to get away from this waiver system, which is really uncertainty for our growers.”  She says, “Year-round E15 would allow them the certainty to know more of what they’re growing for in a very uncertain farm economy.”

Budzinski says use of higher ethanol blends would also bring price relief to consumers facing spiking fuel costs.

The House is scheduled to return to session on Thursday.   

AUDIO: Rep. Nikki Budzinski