E15 Gasoline: The Game Changer for American Farmers and Consumers

BUY NOW! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just dropped a bombshell that will shake up the energy market and put money back in the pockets of American consumers and farmers. The EPA has issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline nationwide during the summer driving season. This is a game-changer, folks! Let's dive into why this is a big deal and what it means for you.

WHY E15 IS A WIN-WIN!

1. SAVE MONEY AT THE PUMP! E15 gasoline costs about 10-30 cents less per gallon than E10. That's real money back in your pocket, especially during the summer driving season. People who choose E15 fuel experience an average cost savings of 10-30 cents per gallon, which is much-needed relief for families suffering with high prices.

2. MORE CHOICES, LESS RELIANCE ON FOREIGN OIL! The EPA's action will provide families with relief at the pump by increasing fuel supply and ensuring a variety of gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose. More options at the pump help protect consumers by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels and bolstering U.S. energy independence.

3. SUPPORT AMERICAN FARMERS! This move will drive demand for corn grown, processed, and used right here in America. The National Corn Growers Association advocates for higher blends of ethanol, stating that "Ethanol is an important market for U.S. corn growers. About one-third of the corn produced in the United States is used in ethanol production." A 5% increase in the average blend rate for 2023 would have boosted demand by 15.3% or 2.29 billion bushels of corn, nearly equal to the amount of corn produced in Illinois in 2023.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE DRAWBACKS?

1. SMOG CONCERNS! Environmental groups warn of increased smog and water use. Ethanol plants also use high amounts of water, and states like Kansas are worried about the depletion of aquifers. But let's not forget, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The estimated health benefits derived from the policy outweigh the associated costs incurred by the policy implementation.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS! Increased corn production could lead to higher use of fertilizers, which are a leading source of water pollution. But remember, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In its most recent annual report, the Environmental Protection Agency showed the transportation sector produced 28% of greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol is an oxygenate that reduces exhaust emissions by enhancing fuel combustion. Corn based ethanol is already shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44%-52% compared to pure gasoline.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

The American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on EPA’s emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer season. “Farm Bureau appreciates EPA’s decision to keep ethanol blended gasoline available nationwide through the summer season. People who choose E15 fuel experience an average cost savings of 10-30 cents per gallon, which is much-needed relief for families suffering with high prices.” “Biofuels are an important tool in achieving the nation’s energy independence, while lowering costs for drivers and maintaining important markets for America’s farmers. AFBF has long advocated for year-round E15 sales, and we thank the president and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for listening. We now encourage Congress to pass legislation to offer drivers lower cost options by making year-round E15 sales permanent.”

DO THIS! Call your representatives and tell them to make year-round E15 sales permanent. This is a no-brainer, folks! It's good for your wallet, good for American farmers, and good for our energy independence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save money and support American agriculture. BOO-YAH! This is a winner!