Letter to Hon. Joesph R. Biden, President of the United States - Durbin, Thune, Duckworth Lead Bipartisan Push To Utilize E15, Restore American Energy Independence

Letter

Dear President Biden:

We write to request your urgent consideration of a no-cost, immediate step your administration can take to help curb rising domestic energy costs and displace banned Russian oil imports. Specifically, we request that you utilize any administrative authority to permit the sale of E15 fuel over the 2022 summer driving season, extending the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver from June 1 through September 15.

As the United States joins global partners in seeking to hold accountable and isolate the Russian Federation for its unprovoked assault on Ukraine, we must deny Russia's economic lifeblood of energy dominance. This will require tapping every accessible contribution of American energy technology. As you know, American biofuels are one such readily available energy solution that offer consumers affordable and cleaner options at the pump. Wholesale ethanol has recently traded for approximately $1.20 cents cheaper than gasoline per gallon, a discount that is passed on to consumers and amplified in higher blends like E15, E30, and E85.

Additionally, higher blends of biofuels, as well as biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, displace a greater share of imported oil each time they are chosen by consumers. Preserving the option for American drivers to select E15 throughout the busy summer driving season will benefit our families and businesses while blunting a vital source of funding for Vladimir Putin's campaign of destruction. Additionally, committing to this policy now will send an important signal of certainty and stability to fuel retailers currently or considering selling E15 in the year ahead.

We know this is but one energy solution at your disposal that can contribute to our nation's broader response to Russia's malign aggressions, but it is a foundational way to leverage the strength of American agriculture to provide energy security for consumers and show that the United States is committed to lessening our dangerous dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Thank you for your swift consideration of this request.

Sincerely,[...]