South Iowa News

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) along with the entire Iowa Congressional Delegation has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expedite the approval of permanent year-round sales of E15 in 2024 rather than postponing it to 2025. In a joint statement, the delegation expressed their concerns over the delays impacting American families and farmers. "This delay in permanent, year-round E15 sales punishes American families and farmers who have already faced record inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices, and uncertainty in the market as a result of this Administration’s economic policies," the delegation stated in their letter.

The delegation highlighted the crucial role of biofuels in Iowa, with nearly every other row of corn in the state being used for biofuel production. They emphasized that biofuels play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50%. The biofuels industry in Iowa supports 57,000 jobs, lowers fuel prices, and contributes $7.2 billion to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, ethanol has played a vital role in reducing U.S. crude oil imports by 600 million barrels in 2022.

The delegation underscored the importance of timely decision-making by the Administration, stating that delays in implementing year-round E15 sales negatively impact the hardworking farmers who play a crucial role in both feeding and fueling the nation. The letter to the EPA urges for swift action to support the biofuels industry and mitigate the challenges faced by American families and farmers.

The text of the full letter can be accessed at the provided link, outlining the delegation's collective call for the EPA to prioritize the approval of year-round E15 sales to support the biofuels industry and the economy of Iowa.