South Dakota Corn praises support for year-round E15 sales

President Trump’s public commitment on April 12 to allow year-round sales of 15-percent ethanol blends was well-received by the South Dakota Corn Growers Association.

“A policy change that opens the door for year-round sales of E-15 is something we’ve been pushing for years,” SDCGA President Troy Knecht of Houghton said. “This would give consumers another cost-saving option at the gas pump, benefit the struggling ag economy and be good for the environment.”

E15, a 15 percent blend of ethanol in gasoline, has EPA approval for use in all 2001 and newer cars and light trucks. Drivers have logged billions of miles using E15 since its approval. but under current law E15 can’t be sold in summer months.

“It took the persistent efforts of farmers, organizations, the ethanol industry and members of Congress to get to this point,” Knecht said. “We’re grateful President Trump has expressed his strong support and we thank our home-state senator John Thune as well as Sens. Chuck Grassley, Roy Blunt, Deb Fischer and Joni Ernst for their support. They have all been steadfast in their support for ethanol and pushed diligently to gain the administration’s support.”