Legislation (S. 344) has been introduced by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and David Vitter (R-LA) that would overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) earlier decision to allow an increase in the amount of ethanol (E-15) that can be blended with gasoline. 

P. Scott Shearer, Vice President

March 11, 2013

2 Min Read
Bill Introduced to Overturn EPA’s E15 Waiver

Legislation (S. 344) has been introduced by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and David Vitter (R-LA) that would overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) earlier decision to allow an increase in the amount of ethanol (E-15) that can be blended with gasoline.  The bill would prohibit EPA from granting any waiver for a blend above 10% ethanol and would repeal previous waivers.

Senator Wicker said, “EPA’s flawed waivers allowing E15 amount to government bureaucrats issuing short-sighted regulations that negatively impact families and businesses across the country. The concerns surrounding E15 that existed prior to the waivers have increased instead of diminished.”

 

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to the National Hog Farmer Weekly Preview newsletter and get the latest news delivered right to your inbox every Monday!

 

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) said the legislation is “fueled by emotion and loyalty to home-state oil constituents.  Now that ethanol represents 10% of the American fuel supply and growing, oil companies are panicked.”  A coalition of businesses, agriculture and environmental groups are supporting the legislation.

In a letter to Senators Wicker and Vitter, the group said, “In addition to the impacts on engines, an increase in ethanol content will have well-documented detrimental effects on food and feed prices at home and abroad, and on the environment.”  Those signing the letter included the American Meat Institute, Boat USA, Environmental Working Group, National Chicken Council, National Taxpayers Federation and the National Turkey Federation.

 

See other Legislative Preview articles:

Senate Ag Subcommittees Leadership Named

Reduce Crop Insurance Subsidies

Lift Cap on Proteins and Grains in School Lunches

Proposed COOL Rule to Increase Labeling Requirements

About the Author(s)

P. Scott Shearer

Vice President, Bockorny Group, Inc.

Scott Shearer is vice president of the Bockorny Group Inc., a leading bipartisan government affairs consulting firm in Washington, D.C. With more than 30 years experience in government and corporate relations in state and national arenas, he is recognized as a leader in agricultural trade issues, having served as co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for U.S.-China Trade and co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for Trade Promotion Authority. Scott was instrumental in the passage of China Permanent Normal Trade Relations and TPA. He is past chairman of the USDA-USTR Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products and was a member of the USAID Food Security Advisory Committee. Prior to joining the Bockorny Group, Scott served as director of national relations for Farmland Industries Inc., as well as USDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs (1993-96), serving as liaison for the Secretary of Agriculture and the USDA to Congress.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
National Hog Farmer is the source for hog production, management and market news

You May Also Like