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Batavia, Oct 13 - Today, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it granted a waiver allowing an increase in the ethanol blend wall to 15% for model year 2007 cars and newer.

“I am pleased that the EPA is moving forward with their decision to increase the ethanol blend wall to E-15 for newer cars, but today’s announcement is only an important first step.  With the EPA’s announcement approximately 43 million cars will have access to gasoline blended with 15% ethanol.  This decision will mean an increased demand for corn grown in Illinois, and ethanol produced right here in the 14th District at plants like Patriot Renewable Fuels in Annawan.  While I am excited about the economic impact this will have, I know more must be done.  I encourage the Department of Energy and EPA to work together to expedite testing on E-15’s impact on cars produced between 2001 and 2006.  I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner in Congress to support farmers in my district and ensure that the EPA continues on the right path in raising the ethanol blend wall.”