On November 29th, Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022 to finalize year-round E15 nationwide. Tune in to a discussion with CEO Emily Skor and Senator Deb. Fischer on the legislation’s impact on American drivers and energy security.
Skor: Tell us about the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and what it means for American drivers.
Fischer: What we are looking at again is a bill that is going to allow for the year-round sale nationwide of E15. We are very aware of when you are at the pump and you are able to get an ethanol blend to fill your tank up with, not only is it better, but it’s also better for the environment, and it’s especially better for the consumer. When you look at the data that is out there, the average price right now for E15 during the summer driving season is .16$ per gallon lower than regular Unleaded gasoline. So, consumers are going to really benefit. Retailers, they want to offer E15. Since 2017, the number of retailers that are offering E15 has more than doubled. So it has gone from about 1,200 retailers to 2,700 retailers. We have seen the percentage of gallons that have been sold also gone up, it went up by 35{7bfcd0aebedba9ec56d5615176ab7cebc5409dfb82345290162ba6c44abf8bc8} this summer because drivers are looking for where they can find the best pricing. We are seeing everything come together here, a time when the American people are getting hit by those high gas prices and I think anything we can do to help consumers, to help the people that we work for, make sure that they have a good choice when they go to fill up their vehicle.
Skor: What does this legislation mean for energy security and energy stability?
Fischer: I have always supported an all of the above energy policy for this country and we are so very fortunate to have that abundance of natural resources right here in the United States of America. When we look at energy, we should always include biofuels and we should always include E15, because it does offer us an affordable, clean source of energy.
Skor: What is the likelihood of this bill passing before the end of the year?
Fischer: We are working to get it done as soon as we can. I am optimistic about it, and I think the time is right, I think it is time we have year-round sales of E15.