News
Indiana groups have mixed reactions to E15 bill being vetoed
Hoosier biofuel and agriculture groups have mixed reactions to Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb vetoing Senate Enrolled Act 303.
The bill would have required an additional label on E15 fuel dispensers.
The Indiana Ethanol Producers Association is pleased with the news.
Spokesman Tim Phelps says biofuels like ethanol are a crucial piece of Indiana’s economy, and E15 represents an opportunity for the state.
“Indiana is ready for E15—a higher octane, cleaner-burning fuel that saves motorists money and today is approved for use in more than 95 percent of all vehicles on the road,” he says. “…It will boost farm incomes, grow grain markets, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
Growth Energy and POET are also pleased.
In a statement, Joshua Shields, senior vice president of governmental affairs and communications with POET, said the veto will allow Hoosier farmers, biofuel producers, and retailers to continue to drive fuel savings and the state’s fuel economy forward with E15.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the bill was “fueled by a wave of misinformation.”
“Hoosiers already enjoy legal access to lower-carbon, lower-cost E15 at 79 locations, and the veto is an important step toward ensuring greater competition at the pump, lower prices for drivers, and stronger markets for Indiana farmers,” she says.
CountryMark is disappointed in the decision.
President and CEO Matt Smorch says CountryMark’s goal in seeing the legislation passed was to sell more ethanol blended fuel throughout Indiana.
“Without updating Indiana’s definition of gasohol, selling E15 at our terminal system in Indiana year-round is simply not possible,” he says. “We regret that a consumer awareness label kept our state from moving forward ethanol legislation that would have benefited fuel consumers, our Indiana agricultural communities, and our state’s economy.”
But, he says the farmer-owned cooperative will continue to work to find the right compromise from all parties that will provide the needed clarity to advance liquid fuels for the future.
In a letter about Holcomb’s decision to veto the bill, the governor said he does support a provision in the bill that redefines gasohol and makes clear that E15 can be sold year-round in the state. He is encouraging the Indiana General Assembly to codify the definition next year.
