Joco Today

Actions come after cuts to foreign oil supply threaten to raise gas prices by 26 cents per gallon

On April 19, 2023, Representative Sharice Davids took official actions to lower the cost of gas for Kansans, advocating for immediate and long-term solutions through the year-round sale of fuel blended with higher volumes of ethanol. First, she requested an emergency waiver from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan to allow the sale of E15 – fuel blended with 10.5 to 15 percent ethanol – during the 2023 summer season in Kansas. Second, she cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would make the year-round sale of this fuel permanent year-round and in all states.

Earlier this month, foreign oil suppliers announced they would cut oil production by more than 1.6 million barrels a day starting in May, increasing the price domestic gasoline suppliers pay for crude oil. Last year, as these oil costs increased, the national average price Americans paid for gasoline reached a record of $5 per gallon. With the actions announced today, Davids is once again working to provide Kansans relief at the gas pump.

“We must do everything we can to lower gas costs for Kansans now, especially as our country deals with threats to our foreign oil supply,” said Davids. “Guaranteeing E15, a cheaper alternative for fuel made in the U.S., is available year-round not only lowers prices, but also creates opportunities for Kansas farmers and diversifies our energy market. I’m focused on long-term solutions — but folks at home need immediate relief now.”

"Representative Davids’ actions today show her commitment to Kansas agriculture and will help hold gasoline prices in check during the summer driving season,” said Bill Pracht, Bill Pracht, CEO of East Kansas Agri Energy. “This has a positive effect on Kansas consumers with lower cost options at the fuel pump and cleaner burning fuel, which benefits air quality for everyone. As a farmer and ethanol producer I want to thank Representative Davids for her work on these issues."

“The Renewable Fuels Association thanks Rep. Davids for her efforts to open the marketplace to lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 every day of the year,” said Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO. “She clearly recognizes that E15 lowers prices at the pump for Kansas drivers, reduces harmful tailpipe emissions, and creates new market opportunities for the state’s farmers and ethanol producers. Ethanol producers and farmers in Kansas—and all across the country—appreciate her continued leadership.”

In April 2022, the EPA granted an emergency waiver to Kansas, allowing the statewide sale of E15 during 2022 summer months. Now, similar to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s call, Davids’ letter to EPA Administrator Regan asks the agency to once again grant this waiver for the 2023 summer months. Because ethanol is produced domestically from local products and at a cheaper rate than unblended, unleaded gasoline, it lowers the cost of gas for Kansans, reduces reliance on foreign oil, and improves domestic supply chains.

The Consumer and Retailer Choice Act of 2023 would allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15, helping to lower fuel prices and provide certainty in fuel markets for farmers and consumers. Last month, Davids visited East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE), a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, as part of her Farm Bill listening tour. EKAE, which received federal funding to assist with business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, has around 40 full-time employees and relies heavily on Kansas corn producers to supply the crops needed to make the biofuel.

Previously, Davids has taken multiple actions to lower gas prices for Kansans by:

• Voting for the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, which allow retailers the ability to sell higher ethanol-blended fuels year-round,
• Helping to pass legislation that promotes sustainable aviation fuel, a liquid fuel that achieves significant emissions reduction compared to fossil-based jet fuel,
• Supporting legislation that expands biofuels infrastructure, opening up new market opportunities for sustainable fuel sources and lower energy costs for Kansas families,
• Pushing the President to suspend the federal gas tax, providing immediate relief to Kansans at the gas pump.

Original source can be found here.