Media Contact: Monte Shaw

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     

July 29, 2011                                                                                                               

IRFA Urges Presidential Candidates to Oppose E15 Ban

Effort in Congress Would Subvert Free Market and Curtail Consumer Choice

JOHNSTON, IA – The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) today called upon the three members of the House of Representatives running for President to oppose Congressional efforts to ban E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) from competing in the fuels marketplace.  In a letter to Reps. Michele Bachmanm, Thad McCotter, and Ron Paul, the IRFA urged the candidates to defend consumer freedom.

“I am writing to ask for your help in defending consumer freedom and enhancing America’s energy security,” wrote IRFA President Walt Wendland.  “Recently Members of Congress from Big Oil states have introduced amendments to the FY2012 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that would essentially ban a legal competitor to petroleum based gasoline.  IRFA calls upon you to publicly oppose amendment #6 by Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) and amendments #9 and #10 by Rep. Michael Burgess (R-OK).”

After the most extensive testing in the history of federal fuel approvals, the EPA approved the use of E15 for model year 2001 and newer passenger vehicles.  The EPA is now in the process of finalizing regulations that will implement its E15 approval.

Wendland added:  “The Sullivan and Burgess amendments are appropriations gimmicks designed to subvert the scientific and legal process that led to the approval of E15 as a consumer choice… For Congress to step in now to ban a legal fuel choice through an appropriations gimmick is a slap in the face to all those who value a free market… In short, we ask you to stand for consumer fuel choice and enhanced energy security for America by opposing these anti-free market amendments.  We anxiously await your reply.”

Notes:  Former President George W. Bush won the 2000 Iowa Caucuses and carried Iowa in the 2004 general election.  President Barack Obama won the 2008 Iowa Caucuses and carried Iowa in the 2008 general election.

Walt Wendland is the CEO of Golden Grain Energy near Mason City, Iowa and Homeland Energy Solutions near Lawler, Iowa.  He is currently serving his second term as President of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.

For full letter, please click here. 

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For more information, visit the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association website at:  www.IowaRFA.org