WEST DES MOINES, IA: The U.S. House of Representatives passed a “skinny” Farm Bill. Originally, a separate vote on the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council’s year-round, nationwide E15 proposal was supposed to occur at the same time. After ongoing negotiations, the vote on E15 will now occur on May 13, after the Congressional recess, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association stated in a press release.
“IRFA thanks the Iowa delegation and their Midwest colleagues for standing strong last night when ethanol haters tried to sabotage year-round E15 at the last moment,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw. “While a vote on E15 today would have been nice, I am confident there will be even greater support for E15 by the vote on May 13. Every day more members of Congress from outside the Midwest learn how E15 can reduce their gas prices and clean their air. E15 is gaining votes every day.”
Under the rule adopted to govern floor debate, both the Farm Bill and the E15 proposal will receive a floor vote. Under the rule, the Farm Bill, although passed by the House, cannot be transmitted to the Senate until there is an E15 vote.
“If the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that the path toward nationwide E15 is never straight or easy,” added Shaw. “But with the rule on our side, we are confident that an E15 vote will occur on May 13, and we are confident of growing, bipartisan support on the House floor for E15. Now is the time to unleash E15 to reduce gas prices while boosting farmer income and enhancing U.S. energy security.”
