Rep. Green Statement on Trump Administration Promoting Year-Round Sales of E15

HOUSTON, TX – Congressman Green (D-TX), a senior Democrat on the Energy & Commerce Committee, released the statement below following the announcement by the Trump administration to give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval to begin the process of allowing year-round use of E15, gasoline that is blended with 15 percent ethanol:

“I have long opposed adoption of E15, and I oppose this decision by the administration,” said Green. “E15 is not a suitable fuel for all vehicles, including boats, older vehicles, ATV’s, and motorcycles. I’m concerned consumers will pay more over time because of wear and tear on their vehicles and I believe that increased use of ethanol can contribute to more pollution during the summer months.”

“Additionally, the amount of cropland that needs to be allocated for corn production for ethanol, the amount of energy required for ethanol production, and the impact on food prices all has serious negative implications. When the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was created in 2005, which is the policy responsible for ethanol blends with gasoline, the United States relied on imports of foreign fuel. Today, the United States is on track to be a net energy exporter in the next four years. I believe the RFS should be reformed instead of increased to promote E15 fuel blends.  I am hopeful to find support in Congress to reduce or completely eliminate the use of corn-based ethanol in the RFS.”

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