Three governors from the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA), Gov. Terry Brandstad (R-Iowa), Gov. Pat Quinn (D-Ill.) and Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) recently sent a letter to 11 of their fellow Midwestern governors urging their support for an E15 action plan on the state level, following federal approval June 15.
“I would like to commend Governors Brandstad, Quinn and Brownback for their unyielding support of the ethanol industry,” stated Tom Buis CEO of Growth Energy. “They understand that the ethanol industry is integral to their state’s economic growth, now and in the future. The ethanol industry already supports more than 500,000 good paying jobs, promoting economic growth and opportunities in rural America. State regulations are the final hurdle for E15, and these governors understand the proactive measures they must take to bring E15 to retailers in their state.”
The governors recognize the importance of diversifying our nation’s transportation fuel and providing consumers a choice at the pump. The governors stress that use of E15 is optional, but note the financial benefits of a home-grown, lower-cost fuel, particularly for consumers who are working to make each dollar count during troubling economic times and high gas prices.
“This letter exemplifies the kind of leadership necessary to bring E15 to the commercial marketplace,” Buis continued. “By calling on their fellow governors to bring all of the stakeholders to the table and establish an E15 action plan, they will be ahead of the curve, ready for the seamless integration of E15.”
The letter outlines the many challenges E15 will face in the states and what their fellow governors can do to streamline the approval process. Fellow governors are called to: coordinate state agencies, ensuring that all state codes and regulations accommodate E15, provide short term infrastructure support from the public and private sectors to aid retailers install Flex pumps as well as liability protection for retailers.
Buis concluded, “These governors have stepped up to the plate at a critical juncture in the process of bringing E15 to consumers. I applaud them for their definitive actions and for their resolute support of the ethanol industry. I urge the 11 other governors of the MGA to follow suit and help clear the bureaucratic obstacles and red tape to simplify the final steps of E15 commercialization.”
Source: Growth Energy