Hinson co-sponsor of bill to clear the way for year-round E15

MARION — A bipartisan bill was introduced in the US House late last month that would clear the way for the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15%.

North-central Iowa congresswoman Ashley Hinson is a cosponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and hopes the bill will gain some traction among members of Congress.   “This is about consumer choice at a time when inflation is so high, and we want to make sure that people have the option to lower the cost of the energy they are consuming. Think about farmers who are out in the fields right now, all the energy they are consuming. I have had to fill up my minivan, since I’m home I’m running around the kids a lot more. I choose E-15 because I know that’s a better deal and I’m helping support Iowa agriculture at the same time.”

Hinson says she optimistic that her colleagues will support the bill.  “Obviously we’re in recess right now back in Iowa. I continue to talk to my colleagues in the biofuels caucus about hopefully getting some traction on this bill once we get back, but it will be an issue that I continue to focus on because year-round E-15 is about consumer choice and it’s a win-win for Iowa agriculture and Iowans who need a little bit more in their bank account right now.”

Fellow Iowa House members Randy Feenstra and Zach Nunn are also cosponsors of the bill in the House, while both of Iowa’s senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are cosponsors of the Senate companion to the bill.