By Scout Nelson
Congress is considering a White House-backed proposal that would allow year-round sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. Farm and ranch groups in North Dakota believe the measure could increase demand for ethanol, strengthen agricultural markets, and provide additional support for farmers facing low commodity prices and ongoing market uncertainty.
Currently, E15 cannot be sold during the summer because of regulations related to smog emissions. If lawmakers approve the proposal, the seasonal restriction would end, allowing E15 to be available year-round and offering consumers another fuel choice.
Matt Perdue, president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, said year-round E15 sales can help strengthen domestic demand for agricultural products while supporting farmers facing low commodity prices and ongoing market uncertainty.
“The Senate needs to find a path forward on year-round E15,” Perdue urged. “This has been at the 1-yard line now for several years. It’s time to get it across the finish line.”
Farm leaders welcome proposed updates to federal farm loan programs included in the Senate's Farm Bill draft. These changes could help farmers and ranchers manage record-high debt levels. At the same time, many producers continue to face rising fertilizer prices and other expensive production costs.
“Long term, there are opportunities to figure out whether or not the safety net that we have today is really built for a lot of the volatility and uncertainty that we’ve experienced over the last several years, and that we anticipate experiencing into the future,” Perdue explained.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kn1
Categories: North Dakota, Energy, Government & Policy