The latest continuing resolution to keep the government open does not include plans for year-round sales of E15. Corn growers say those sales coulf offer a big boost to a suffering farm economy.
Every one percent increase in the blend rate equates to about 500 million bushels of corn. It is not a mandate at all. It just kind of clears out some of the outdated regulations that prevent retailers from offering unleaded 88 to drivers. So, we believe that when given the choice, you pull up to the pump and you see something that is 20 to 25 percent cheaper than regular fuel, you’re probably going to pick E15,” said Neil Caskey, National Corn Growers Association CEO.
The ethanol industry adds around 15 billion gallons to the U.S. fuel supply each year. NCGA says the addition of year-round E15 sales would amount to 2.3 billion gallons more.