Ethanol Blog

With the EPA anticipated to release a proposed rule to allow year-round E15 sales, agricultural cooperative company GROWMARK Energy has started offering pre-blended E15 at its terminals to serve gasoline retailers across the Midwest.

The company has started offering E15 at terminals in Amboy, Ashkum and Petersburg, Illinois; Fort Dodge, Iowa; and St. Joseph, Missouri.

In a news release on Friday, the Renewable Fuels Association said it has been working with GROWMARK on a number of issues to enable to help the company offer E15, including regulatory compliance, participation in the EPA's required fuel survey, and adoption of RFA's misfueling mitigation plan (MMP).

"We are pleased to hear GROWMARK Energy will offer E15 at its terminals, helping to expand the market for the higher ethanol blend," said RFA Vice President of Industry Relations Robert White. "GROWMARK Energy's announcement provides new opportunities for retailers and a greater choice for consumers. We thank GROWMARK Energy for its leadership and look forward to further growth expansion of higher octane, lower carbon E15."

Since President Donald Trump announced Oct. 9 that EPA would free up sales of E15 year-round, some gasoline retailers including Casey's General Store have announced plans to expand E15 availability at their stations.

Earlier this week the American Petroleum Institute released "push poll" that show 79% of 1,001 registered voters have concerns about allowing year-round E15 sales.

A push poll includes questions used to sway public opinion on an issue or political candidate.

The EPA has approved the use of E15 in vehicle models 2001 and newer, and the fuel already is sold eight months out of a year.

The Trump administration's decision was widely celebrated in rural America. EPA announced it intends to release a proposal by February with a goal of finalizing a rule in time for the summer driving season starting in June.

The U.S. ethanol industry has been pushing the EPA to issue a waiver on E15 for some time, holding out hope the agency would be able to take action that would allow for year-round sales. Federal law forbids the sale of E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15. Currently, E15 sales are restricted in nearly two-thirds of the country during the summer months because of ozone concerns.

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

Follow me on Twitter @toddneeleyDTN

(TN)

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