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Ohio Farm Bureau applauds the passage of H.R. 1346, allowing the year-round sale of E15, also known as Unleaded 88 fuel. This legislation is a long-overdue step forward for Ohio farmers, rural communities and consumers across the country. The permanent availability of E15 will strengthen domestic energy demand, provide certainty to fuel retailers and give consumers a more affordable choice at the pump. 

“At a time when farm families face a long list of economic challenges, expanding market opportunities and strengthening demand are critical to the long-term certainty of Ohio agriculture and our rural communities. Year-round E15 is a meaningful step for Ohio growers, renewable fuel and American consumers,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy for Ohio Farm Bureau. 

The 15% ethanol blend saves drivers an average of 10 to 30 cents per gallon and offers higher octane for improved engine performance. It’s estimated the permanent year-round access of E15 would reduce CO2 emissions by more than 17.62 million tons annually, add nearly $26 billion annually to the U.S. economy and increase domestic demand for corn by up to 2.4 billion bushels a year. 

Ohio’s ethanol industry currently processes more than 217 million bushels of corn each year, produces 600 million gallons of fuel and currently supports more than 14,000 jobs within the Buckeye State. 

Ohio Farm Bureau has long advocated for the year-round sale of E15. Members have continuously reached out to lawmakers, and the organization has worked closely with Ohio Corn & Wheat, American Farm Bureau, fellow state Farm Bureaus, and other agricultural partners to help move this legislation across the finish line. 

“We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of lawmakers that made this legislation possible, our agricultural partners such as Ohio Corn & Wheat for championing the need for a permanent solution and the thousands of engaged Ohio Farm Bureau members who made their voices heard with Congress. The personal stories shared by our members remain one of the powerful tools we have in advocacy, and E15 is just another example of grassroots engagement delivering results, ” emphasized Irvin.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org. 

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].