| Growth Energy Applauds Passage of Nebraska Bill Expanding Access to E15 |
| LINCOLN, Neb. – Growth Energy applauded legislation approved today by the Nebraska legislature that will provide motorists better, more affordable options at the fuel pump. Sponsored by Sen. Myron Dorn (R-30), the Adopt the E-15 Access Standard Act (LB 562) would expand access to E15 at more Nebraska fueling stations and increase tax incentives for fuel retailers selling higher bioethanol blends.
“This legislation cements Nebraska’s leadership role in homegrown, renewable energy, ensuring that more drivers can enjoy savings at the pump thanks to the state’s world-class biofuel sector,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful to Senator Dorn, Governor Pillen, and other leaders in the legislature for working to get this important new law over the finish line. Growth Energy looks forward to working alongside our farm and retail partners to fully unleash E15 in Nebraska, boost the state’s rural economy, and cut fuel costs for working families.” Passage of LB 562 followed months of work by Growth Energy, POET, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, and other biofuel and ag leaders in the state to expand access to E15. Under the bill, requirements for new fuel sites would take effect in January 2024, while requirements for existing sites would take effect in January 2028, if the state’s blend rate remains below 14 percent. Modeled after a similar E15 access standard in Iowa, the final bill is expected to be signed into law by Governor Pillen. “The Biden administration should take a page from Governor Pillen’s leadership on this issue and move quickly to ensure permanent, nationwide access to cleaner, more affordable E15 fuel,” added Skor. “We’re excited to see Governor Pillen emerge so quickly as one of rural America’s most effective biofuel champions.” |
POET Cheers Passage of Nebraska E15 Standard
(May 30, 2023) Fairmont, NE – POET, the world’s largest biofuel producer, applauded final passage of landmark legislation to ensure that drivers statewide can save money with E15 fuel, made with Nebraska bioethanol. Authored by Sen. Myron Dorn (R-Adams), the E15 Access Standard Act (LB 562) will unlock access to E15 at Nebraska fueling stations and provide qualifying retailers a tax credit for every gallon sold.
“Ensuring the freedom to fuel up with E15 will drive economic opportunities across Nebraska from farms to filling stations,” said Joshua Shields, Senior Vice President at POET. “E15 access will grow in-state demand for corn and bioethanol and put Nebraskans’ hard-earned gas money to work across the state.”
Last year, the average retail price of E15 in Nebraska was 17 cents less per gallon than E10. A recent study showed transitioning from E10 to E15 could save Nebraskans $55 million annually. Shifting to E15 statewide would also increase the demand for corn by 14.5 million bushels per year, boosting economic activity in Nebraska by more than $143 million annually and supporting more than 3,000 jobs.
“Governor Pillen, Senator Dorn, and the Nebraska legislature showed tremendous leadership and delivered a major win for Nebraska’s farmers, fuel consumers, and the economy,” Shields concluded. “We are proud to see Nebraska continuing the drive toward energy independence fueled by American-made E15.”
Nebraska is the second largest bioethanol-producing state but ranks 45th for bioethanol consumption with a blend rate of just 9.7%.