Just this week, U.S. EPA did propose a rule that would allow sales of gasoline with a higher ethanol blend in certain Midwest states, but noted that the rule would take effect in summer 2024, a year later than the governors had requested.
Last year, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and Ohio Ethanol Producers Association sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine asking him to notify U.S. EPA that Ohio wishes to implement the sale of E15 year-round. Currently, E15, or sometimes called Unleaded 88, cannot be sold year-round due to outdated restrictions on vapor pressure at the pump. The governor, along with several other Midwest governors, made that request in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in 2022.
Just this week, U.S. EPA did propose a rule that would allow sales of gasoline with a higher ethanol blend in certain Midwest states, but noted that the rule would take effect in summer 2024, a year later than the governors had requested.
“This delay by the EPA would mean even fewer choices at the pump for Ohio consumers and takes one of the lowest cost options for fuel out of the equation this summer,” said Brandon Kern, senior director of state and national policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “Offering E15 throughout the year has given substantial relief to Ohioans’ budgets when they have needed it most. We encourage EPA to reconsider their proposal, and we appreciate Governor DeWine’s efforts to offer E15 year-round to help consumers at the pump and increase demand for corn grown by farmers across Ohio.”
During fuel supply disruptions last year, the EPA was told by President Joe Biden to use existing agency authority to prevent a disruption in E15 availability between June 1 and Sept. 15. That move increased the nation’s fuel supply and put an average of 16 cents per gallon back in the pockets of Americans.
A bipartisan group of senators, including Ohio’s Sherrod Brown, are asking the president to take that same action again this year.
“If the administration is committed to providing access to year-round E15 in the long term, they shouldn’t let EPA rulemaking delays prevent it from being offered this summer,” Kern said.
An unusually warm February and March has Ohio produce crops maturing ahead of schedule, which impacts u-pick operations.
Read More
During his testimony, Aultman added that ensuring that agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Read More
The emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau 2024 priority issues focus on business climate, regulatory environment, preserving Ohio’s farming heritage, healthy rural communities, and grassroots advocacy.
Read More
The law requires most businesses to report information about their beneficial owners, and the intent is to try to make it harder to illegally hide assets and commit financial crimes.
Read More
This allows for limited sale and distribution of dicamba OTT products that were already in the possession of growers or in the channels of trade and outside the control of pesticide companies as of Feb. 6, 2024.
Read More
Data shows there are fewer farms in the United States, yet more new, beginning and young farmers.
Read More
How will this impact Ohio farmers and what can be done to allow for use of the products that have already been purchased?
Read More
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall stressed that it is imperative EPA expeditiously provide clarity to farmers and asked the agency to issue an existing stock order.
Read More
farmers are happy with the purpose and philosophy of the CAUV program, but all would prefer some more predictability in their values and more importantly, their tax bill.
Read More
