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Removal of year‑round E15 from farm bill frustrates ethanol leaders but could open door to standalone vote

The Farm Bill 2.0 that passed the U.S. House on Thursday removed an amendment that would have allowed access to year-round E15. Ben Rhodes is the executive director of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.  “We’re obviously very frustrated with yet another delay,” he says.  “It seems they’ve been kicking the can down the road here for, you know, 10 years now.” 

But, he tells Brownfield it could be better for access to year-round E15 in the long run. “Looks like the farm bill is going to struggle to pass perhaps on its own, whether E15 was attached or not,” he says.  “So I think decoupling it from the farm bill, who knows what will happen with a standalone vote, but this is just another route. Maybe it gives us a greater chance of success. I’d like to trust our champions on the Hill that they’re finding the proper route for this to move finally.” 

While frustrated, Rhodes says this is the furthest Congress has gotten with E15 legislation.  “And this could serve as proof of concept for a future potential route forward,” he says.  “Whether this one gets through both chambers or not. Because we’ve never gotten it through either of the chambers. To get it even through the house would be a massive step and a great sign that we could get it through both at some point.” 

American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says the decision by Congress would allow a handful of oil refiners to hold hostage legislation that allows retailers to sell lower-cost E15 is mind-blowing.  He says ACE will continue its work helping members of Congress find a path forward for legislation.  

AUDIO: Ben Rhodes, Nebraska Ethanol Board