Michigan Corn Growers Thank President Biden for Counting on Biofuels to Lower Costs, Boost Energy Independence
President Biden announced today that his administration will use existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88.
“Michigan’s farmers stand ready to do our part to contribute to American energy independence,” said Randy Poll, president of the Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA). “Ethanol is a made right here in Michigan, from Michigan-grown corn. We thank President Biden for his support of ethanol fuel, which is a cleaner choice that also saves consumers money at the pump.”
The president made the announcement at a POET ethanol production facility in Menlo, Iowa, and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington participated in the event.
“Corn growers thank President Biden for ensuring drivers continue to have access to a lower-cost fuel choice and for acknowledging how renewable ethanol helps reduce prices, lower emissions and improve our nation’s energy security,” said Edgington. “Farmers are proud to contribute to cleaner, less expensive fuel choices.”
A 2021 court decision resulting from oil industry efforts to limit the growth of higher ethanol blends was set to end full-market access for E15 beginning this summer, absent action from the Biden administration or Congress. Arguments for blocking summer access to E15 are based on outdated models that inaccurately measure the volatility of ethanol fuel.
Ethanol adds billions of gallons to the U.S. fuel supply every year, lowering demand for high-cost oil while increasing total fuel available to consumers. Corn farmers’ increased productivity and efficiency have resulted in higher yields, using fewer resources, to meet food, feed and fuel needs to help keep prices down.
With a host of factors driving up gas prices, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, farmer leaders across the country asked the president to extend the use of E15 to hold down prices at the pump. Farmers also asked their Members of Congress to support continued availability of E15, sending them thousands of messages in recent weeks and backing bipartisan Senate and House advocacy for the action announced today.
In addition, both MCGA and NCGA have advocated for the passage of the Next Generation Fuels Act, which would pave the way for higher blends of ethanol fuel while providing a permanent fix for E15 access. The Next Generation Fuels Act has been cosponsored by the following Michigan Representatives: Rep. Lisa McClain [R-MI-10], Rep. Brenda Lawrence [D-MI-14], and Rep. Dan Kildee [D-MI-5].
