North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak says momentum is building in Washington to make year-round E15 a permanent policy, but challenges remain as lawmakers work to balance concerns from both agriculture and the energy industry. “We absolutely want to see something permanent, and we’re working toward that goal.” Fedorchak says the main sticking point continues to be refinery concerns, particularly among smaller operators. “Everyone in farm country is in favor of it, but there are groups that are not in favor of it or have had concerns, and those are the refineries and some of the smaller refineries,” she said, noting lawmakers are working to find a balance that protects producers, refiners, and consumers. She adds that the situation in the Middle East is adding urgency, as higher fuel and fertilizer costs impact farmers. “E15 helps to provide another solution to the domestic supply of energy.” Fedorchak also emphasized the need to pass a new farm bill to provide certainty, saying producers are dealing with trade challenges, high interest rates, and lower commodity prices. Click here to listen to Jamie Dickerman’s interview with Rep. Julie Fedorchak.
