Ethanol Blog

Hastings, Nebraska,-based Cooperative Producers Inc. is providing E15 at another of its farmer's cooperative locations in the state, this time in Funk, Nebraska, according to a news release from the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

CPI also sells E15 at two other cooperatives in Nebraska.

The company announced it is removing ethanol-free gasoline from its product line in Funk to make way for ethanol blends.

The EPA is set to release a proposed rule in February 2019 to allow year-round E15 sales in time for the driving season in June 2019.

"As a farmer-owned cooperative we need to support the folks who do business with us," Gary Brandt, vice president of energy with CPI, said in a news release. "CPI uses 500,000 bushels of corn in the ethanol we sell every year, so adding more ethanol to the pumps in Funk really brings a sense of ownership to our growers who work hard throughout the year to feed and fuel our country."

Brandt said CPI does not need to modify fuel storage or dispenser equipment to add E15 in Funk.

"This location doesn't have a flex-fuel pump, but we're still able to offer E15 by blending it at the pipeline terminal," Brandt said. "We're looking forward to seeing the impact on our business by only offering ethanol-blended fuels. As E15 fuel gains momentum, we believe it will become available at most fuel stations in Nebraska."

E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, is typically priced 5 to 10 cents lower than regular unleaded, and has an octane rating of 88, according to the Nebraska Ethanol Board. EPA already allows the use of E15 in vehicles 2001 and newer. E15 currently is available at more than 40 stations across Nebraska.

"We appreciate Cooperative Producers' move to add higher blends like E15, because more ethanol means fewer toxic chemicals in our fuel," said Sarah Caswell, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. "Using higher blends of ethanol is a good decision for all Nebraskans. It helps the state's economy, consumers' wallets, vehicle engines and the environment. Ethanol's impact across the country and the globe continues to grow, but it starts right here at home."

Ted Schrock, district 6 director of the Nebraska Corn Board and farmer from Elm Creek, Nebraska, said the board often refers to the ethanol industry as the "golden triangle."

"We have productive corn, ethanol and livestock sectors, which all work together to boost our state's economy while providing us with food, fuel and fiber," Schrock said in a news release. "CPI cooperative has taken a great step in strengthening this triangle by using a renewable, locally produced product that benefits everyone who likes to breathe clean air while saving at the pump."

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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