JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDFU) – North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne made the following statement on today’s announcement by President Biden that the summertime ban on sales of E15 (gasoline with 15 percent ethanol) will be lifted.

“President Biden’s decision today acknowledges the important role of agriculture and renewable fuels in our nation’s energy security. Farmers want to do their part in reducing our dependence on foreign oil. One way to do that is to reduce the barriers to offering a variety of ethanol blends at the pump, like E15, which can help consumers save money. Today’s decision also provides certainty for ethanol producers and retailers and offers consumers a cheaper homegrown fuel throughout the year.

“In the long term, we will continue to push the administration and Congress to eliminate barriers to greater availability of ethanol. Mid-level blends of ethanol, like E30, provide even better efficiency, emissions reduction and octane benefits. We need to make sure consumers have the option to buy higher-level blends.”