Sen. Thune backs ethanol fuel initiative
Citing the action as a win for consumer choice and energy security, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) is praising the Trump Administration for permitting the year-round sale of E15 fuel here.
Thune, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently joined President Trump at the White House for the announcement, expressing gratitude to Trump for what he referenced as upholding the commitment to America’s farmers.
“As I have discussed personally with the president and members of his administration on multiple occasions, the announcement will be welcome news to farmers throughout the Midwest and Great Plains,” Thune said. “Since year-round E15 sales would naturally help lower fuel prices, this also means consumers across the country will have more affordable choices at the pump, in addition to reinforcing American energy dominance.”
In April, Thune joined 17 of his Senate colleagues in forwarding correspondence to then-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt, highlighting the benefits of E15 while also encouraging him to address the Reid Vapor Pressure issue that was preventing year-round E15 sales.
American Petroleum Institute officials have offered a dissenting opinion on the matter.
“Putting a fuel into the marketplace that the vast majority of cars on the road were not designed to use is not in the best interest of consumers,” Mike Sommers, API president and CEO, said. “Vehicle compatibility tests have shown that high ethanol levels in gasoline can damage engines and fuel systems. The EPA has previously stated that it does not have the legal authority to grant the E15 waiver and we agree with that assessment. The industry plans to aggressively pursue all available legal remedies against this waiver.”