Durbin Statement On President Biden's Announcement Issuing An Emergency Waiver For The Use Of E15 This Summer
SPRINGFIELD—U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, today released the following statement on President Biden’s announcement that EPA plans to issue an emergency waiver to allow the use of E15 this summer:
“Illinoisans have been hit hard by the spike in record-breaking gas prices. Thankfully, today’s announcement will allow our energy sector to use more biofuels like ethanol, known to be a reliable energy solution that supports American farmers as well.
“I’ve been a continuous advocate of this approach to our nation’s recent fuel crisis, and I’m relieved to see the White House take this action that will offer consumers relief and more affordable, cleaner options at the pump.”
EPA’s national, emergency waiver will allow E15 to be used in most of the country from June 1 to September 15. EPA plans to take final action to issue the waiver closer to June 1.
In March, Durbin led a bipartisan letter to President Biden urging him to permit the year-round sale of E15 in order to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy, particularly as the U.S. freezes imports of Russian oil and natural gas.
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