Ashley Hinson is Failing to Deliver Lower Gas Prices for Iowans as They Spike Nearly $1 per Gallon in Last Month

Average Cost of Gas in Iowa is $3.34 per Gallon, That’s 89 Cents Higher Than a Month Ago

Geoff Copper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association: “It Would Make a Bad Situation Worse if Congress and the Administration Don’t Get Something Done Very Quickly on E15”

DES MOINES – Ashley Hinson is failing to deliver on long-promised lower gas prices as Iowans across the state are dealing with skyrocketing gas prices. Iowa agriculture leaders are pleading with Hinson and Congress to pass bipartisan legislation allowing for the sale of year-round E15, which would significantly bring down the cost of gas.

For over a year, Hinson has told Iowans year-round E15 is right around the corner, but we’re still no closer to a solution on the issue even though Iowa farmers have been demanding it.

“‘Iowans are being forced to dig deeper into their pockets to pay for skyrocketing gas prices because Ashley Hinson is failing to deliver lower costs,” said Iowa Democratic Party spokesperson Drew Myers. “It’s been over a year since Hinson’s empty promises to pass legislation allowing year-round E15 sales, which would significantly lower the prices at the pump and help Iowa farmers get back on their feet after many challenging years. While Iowans struggle, Hinson is utterly failing to deliver on her promises.” 

IPR: Gas prices are surging. Farm groups say American ethanol could help ease the pain

• All the corn Craig Brodersen raises on his farm in the scenic Loess Hills area of western Iowa ends up at a local ethanol plant.

• He believes the alternative fuel not only helps his bottom line, but U.S. drivers too.

• “E15 helps the consumer, it really does because you’re not buying it from a foreigner – you’re buying it from us,” Brodersen said. “It’s a pretty good product for the country.”

• As the war with Iran has pushed gas prices higher, farm groups are once again calling on Congress to approve year-round sales of E15. The gasoline blend made with up to 15% ethanol currently cannot be sold during the summer in most states without a waiver from the federal government because of Clean Air Act restrictions during warmer months.

• Many lawmakers wanted to reach a deal by Feb.15 to ensure the ethanol-based blend would be available this summer, but that didn’t happen. Then a congressional task force missed a self-imposed deadline late last month to send legislation to the U.S. House for a vote.

• “It would make a bad situation worse if Congress and the administration don’t get something done very quickly on E15,” Cooper said.

•  Without a fix, Cooper said that thousands of gas stations across the county would have to shut down their E15 pumps from June 1 to Sept. 15.

• “That would mean that the lowest cost fuel available in the marketplace today would be removed,” Cooper said. “Consumers are again facing the highest gas prices we’ve seen in years and they’re looking for any way to save money at the pump.”

• “If there was ever a time to get year-round E15 finalized and done, it’s right now,” Cooper said.

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