Senator: Window Narrowing for Yr-Round E15 Legislation


   
Miguel E. Andujar
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) -- Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has urged lawmakers to 
advance legislation allowing year-round sales of E15 gasoline, warning 
supporters that they may be running out of opportunities to make the fuel a 
permanent fixture on the market.

Speaking on the Senate floor on Tuesday (6/16), Grassley said expanding 
nationwide access to higher ethanol-added fuel would support farmers at a time 
of weak grain economics while strengthening rural economies.

   The E15 contains 15% ethanol compared with the regular E10 gasoline with 10% 
ethanol. It has gained renewed attention in recent years as policymakers looked 
for ways to expand domestic fuel supply amid elevated gasoline prices.

   U.S. lawmakers are preparing to schedule a Senate vote on the House-passed 
bill to permit year-round nationwide E15 sales. The legislation offers a 
discounted fuel option for consumers facing surging pump prices linked to the 
Middle East conflict.

   U.S. gasoline at the pump averaged $4.052 gallon during the week ended June 
15, up 91.2cts from a year ago, data from the Energy Information Administration 
showed.

   Supporters argue year-round E15 availability could increase fuel supply at a 
discounted cost, while creating additional demand for U.S. corn production. 
Some refiners, however, express concern that the policy could increase 
compliance costs.

   The bill now moves to the Senate, where it requires 60 votes to overcome a 
likely filibuster and secure final passage.




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