Congressman Joe Donnelly applauded an announcement made today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approving of E15 gasoline.  E15 is a blend of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, an increase of 50 percent over the previously allowed E10.  Congressman Donnelly has promoted greater ethanol use to create jobs and boost American-made energy.

“This announcement is great news for Hoosier farmers and ethanol plants and something I have been pushing for since first coming to Congress in 2007,” said Congressman Donnelly.  “As a result of this decision, our farmers and ethanol plants will see an increase in demand for ethanol and our region will receive an economic boost.  Corn grown right here in north central Indiana and processed at facilities like New Energy in South Bend and the Andersons in Clymers will play an even larger role in helping America lessen its dependence on foreign oil.”

“Approximately 80 percent of my corn crop goes to Indiana ethanol plants like the Andersons and New Energy, so the approval of E15 will have a direct impact on my farm,” said Bill Vories of Argos.  “Also, I am proud to contribute to homegrown, American energy production that keeps our dollars here in Indiana and I would like to thank Congressman Donnelly for his work on this issue.”

In November 2007, Congressman Donnelly signed onto a bipartisan letter to President George W. Bush requesting that EPA begin testing higher blends of ethanol in gasoline, such as E15.  (To view this letter, click here.)  Then in April 2009, Congressman Donnelly signed onto a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting that EPA approve the use of E15.  (To view this letter, click here.)

The EPA has approved E15 for cars of model year 2007 or newer, which make up about 18 percent of the country’s light-duty vehicle fleet.  A decision on vehicles from model years 2001 to 2006 could come in the next few months.


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