Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
“We came so close at the end of last year because we had that government funding bill going through that didn’t ultimately work out,” explained Rep. Smith. We’re looking for another vehicle there. I don’t want to give up on a standalone approach either, because I think it has a lot of bipartisan support. So, we’re examining all avenues as we move forward, making sure everyone is aware that this is a good thing. It has bipartisan support. It’s good for both consumers and producers. Let’s get this done.”
Rep. Smith explained that Presidents from both parties have offered waivers to states wanting to offer E-15 during the summer months, but he argues that’s not the same as getting it set in stone — and at the end of the day, he said, consumer choice is an essential part of the process.