Joco Today

Sale of E15 lowers costs at the gas pump and supports Kansas’ agricultural professionals

On April 28, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) followed through on Representative Sharice Davids’ request, issuing a national emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of E15 – fuel blended with 10.5 to 15 percent ethanol – during the 2023 summer season in Kansas. Because ethanol is produced domestically from local products and at a cheaper rate than unblended, unleaded gasoline, this action will lower the cost of gas for Kansans, support local agriculture professionals, and improve domestic supply chains.

“I am glad the EPA answered my call today to provide relief for Kansans at the gas pump,” said Davids. “Folks are already dealing with high costs right now, and this emergency waiver lowers the cost of gas, while also supporting local agricultural producers and reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil supply. This is the right move in the short-term, but I’ll continue focusing on lowering costs in the long-term as well.”

In April 2022, the EPA granted an emergency waiver to Kansas, allowing the statewide sale of E15 during 2022 summer months. Earlier this month Davids urged EPA Administrator Michael Regan to once again grant this waiver for the 2023 summer months, adding her voice to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s. Davids also cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would make the year-round sale of this fuel permanent in all states.

The extension announced today by the EPA in response to the lawmakers’ calls will help protect Kansans from fuel supply crises, particularly after foreign oil suppliers announced they would cut oil production by more than 1.6 million barrels a day starting in May. As Davids noted in her letter, this move will reduce our reliance on foreign oil, build U.S. energy security, and support Kansas agriculture and manufacturing.

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:

• Cosponsoring bipartisan legislation that would make the year-round sale of this fuel permanent year-round and in all states.
• Voting for the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, which allows 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.