Legislative efforts to permit year-round E15 sales could help consumers save money at the gas pump and would support farmers and rural communities. Dan Mauer, CHS Washington, D.C., representative, says expanded use of ethanol blended fuel could be a win-win situation.

Benefits of E15 use year-round

Despite occasional waivers that allow year-round sales of E15 – gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol – retailers are usually not allowed to sell the blend during the summer months. Efforts are underway in Washington, D.C., to permanently allow year-round sales and CHS is advocating for the change on behalf of its owners and customers.

E15 typically sells for about 10 cents less per gallon than E10 fuel, which can provide substantial savings for drivers. “That extra dime per gallon can make a real difference in people’s lives, especially if you extrapolate that throughout a full year,” Mauer says.

Year-round sales of E15 won’t just benefit consumers, he says. “The permanency of year-round E15 sales introduces more marketplace certainty for farmers because they know there will be a consistent demand for their corn for ethanol production.”

Expanded E15 use supports carbon reduction initiatives

E15 offers environmental benefits, Mauer says, since expanded ethanol use can help decrease carbon emissions from the transportation sector. “The green goals of the Biden administration align well with increased ethanol use in our transportation system. That’s a win-win for green energy and the rural economy.”

CHS advocates for year-round E15

As a farmer-owned cooperative, refiner and ethanol producer, CHS has a unique perspective regarding a legislative solution to year-round E15. “CHS is very engaged in this conversation, says Mauer. “We are board members of the Renewable Fuels Association and other ethanol trade associations. Our goal is to find common ground with all stakeholders in this discussion to realize the full gamut of benefits E15 can offer.”