Ethanol Backers Hail E15 Move, But Also Focus on Refiner Waivers

While ag groups backing ethanol were thanking the Trump administration for moving ahead on finalizing the plan to allow sales of E15 year-round, they also used the opportunity to call on the administration to address the issue of small refiner waivers via the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

"The ethanol industry thanks President Trump for personally championing this critical regulatory reform that will enhance competition, bolster the rural economy, and provide greater consumer access to cleaner, more affordable fuel options," said Renewable Fuel Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper. "We have always agreed with the President’s assertion that the outdated summertime prohibition on E15 was 'unnecessary' and 'ridiculous.'"

Despite that praise, Cooper said the Small Refiner Exemptions (SREs) could mean those benefits of expanded ethanol use "could be undermined if EPA continues its unprecedented assault on the RFS with indiscriminate small refinery hardship waivers."

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) also welcomed the E15 action by EPA, but President Lynn Chrisp warned the SREs have "taken a toll on farmers by undercutting the RFS and reducing corn demand."