Ethanol Task Force

Controversial decision could affect U.S. farmers and more

Republican U.S. lawmakers plan to create a task force to study potential year-round sales of higher-ethanol E15 gasoline blends in the U.S., after an attempt to pass such legislation in a funding bill this week fell through.

Farm groups and Midwest ethanol advocates criticized the decision to form a task force instead of passing legislation, predicting it will hurt American farmers already stung by low prices, uncertain global trade, and a lack of clarity over U.S. biofuels policies.

Farm interests are angling for year-round sales of E15 – which has higher ethanol content than the E10 now widely available at the pumps. That move would heighten demand for corn, ethanol’s primary ingredient.