News

Hinson calls House passage of E15 bill a major victory for agriculture

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says the bipartisan E15 bill that passed out of the House on Wednesday is a monumental moment for agriculture.

“We know this is such a challenging time for our ag economy, and we should be using every single tool available to help support our farmers and our rural communities. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act does just that. It helps to drive new demand for our American ag products and helps to boost farm income by $13.8 billion.”

During a press call Thursday, the Iowa Republican said it’s time for Congress to step up and provide a permanent solution after the issue has been debated for more than a decade.

“E15 is not a mandate. It’s a market, and it is a win-win-win. It helps to support homegrown energy, reduces our reliance on foreign oil, and helps to support America’s producers at the same time.”

Hinson was a member of the House Rural Domestic Energy Council that was tasked with crafting the legislation. She says it could have an impact this year.

“Year-round E15 could save consumers more than $150 million dollars this summer alone. And in Iowa, more than half of our gas stations already sell E15. Demand keeps growing because people know it’s a lower-cost option that works.

Hinson says permanent, year-round E15 would help support demand for up to 2.4 billion bushels of corn and support more than 188,000 jobs nationally.

AUDIO: Rep. Ashley Hinson on House passage of E15