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More ways than a “skinny farm bill” to pass E-15

The head of the Renewable Fuels Association says the “skinny farm bill” is not the only way Congress can pass nationwide, year-round E-15 this year.

Geoff Cooper tells Brownfield, “There are some must-pass bills that are being worked on this fall, and appropriations are front and center.”  He says, “We think there’s going to be some opportunities there. Failing that, we expect there’s going to be a continuing resolution sometime in September.”

The measure was nearly included in the Continuing Resolution passed last December.  Cooper says as other countries move to implement higher blends of ethanol, it’s beyond time for action at home.

“We’re the world’s leader in ethanol production and consumption. Why are we getting passed by others that were basically blending no ethanol 10 years ago?”  He says, “India is a perfect example of that. Their nationwide average is around E-15 today, and they’re on their way to E-20. If they can do it, why can’t we?”

Cooper says nationwide E-15 would eventually bring billions of gallons in new demand and increase corn demand by billions of bushels as well.

AUDIO: Geoff Cooper – Renewable Fuels Association