Expanded E15 Sales Have Helped, but Ethanol Backers Say Roadblocks Still Remain

November 02, 2020

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by Chris Dunker (Lincoln Journal Star) In lifting a restriction on the sale of E15 during summer months, corn growers and ethanol producers praised President Donald Trump for removing a major roadblock to expanding sale of the 15% ethanol blend.

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The change has helped corn farmers, ethanol production facilities, and retailers, said Roger Berry, administrator of the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

"We continue to see drivers realize the value of E15," Berry said. "They realize it's less expensive when compared to E10, and they are getting the same results in miles per gallon.

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During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, expanded E15 sales helped provide a cushion when 11 of Nebraska's 25 ethanol plants went into a "hot idle" and production decreased by 45% statewide.

Berry said all but two of the plants have returned to normal operations, which has left Nebraska's ethanol production — No. 2 in the U.S. behind Iowa and ahead of Illinois — about 5% below its capacity before COVID-19.

But the Trump administration has left several roadblocks in place preventing E15 from reaching its full potential, ethanol backers say.

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Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, has also said he backs expanding E15 sales and the Renewable Fuel Standard, but has not spoken about lifting further restrictions preventing the fuel from appearing at more gas stations.

With ethanol production and consumption still below normal levels, removing red tape to allow E15 to be sold in more locations across the U.S. is key, Cooper said.

Despite Trump's vocal support, there has been no movement by the EPA to begin changing the rule, which could take as long as a year to complete, he added. READ MORE includes VIDEO

Working together to build demand (Wisconsin State Farmer)