Congresswoman Cheri Bustos–a member of both the House Appropriations and Agriculture Committees–released the following statement on Friday, May 31,2019, after the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their final rule to implement year-round E15, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol.
“After years of fighting for year-round E15, today’s announcement is welcome news for Illinoisans and our biofuel producers,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “While this announcement should have come much sooner, I am pleased the Administration is taking this commonsense step, that will help both farmers and consumers across the Country. Our agricultural economy is struggling right now because of the President’s erratic trade policies….Further supporting our biofuel producers will give a much-needed shot in the arm to rural America.”
Congresswoman Bustos has long been a champion of biofuels, the Renewable Fuel Standard, and year-round E15 to grow our agricultural economy. Previously, she spoke out against the EPA’s secret use of waivers to big oil companies, to undermine the biofuel industry. [She] will continue to advocate for more transparency and accountability from the agency.
Last year, Congresswoman Bustos wrote to President Trump urging him to honor his pledge to deliver on year-round E15 and stressed its importance to Illinois producers.