(NDAgConnection.com) – The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that would expand consumer access to higher biofuel blends that save consumers money at the pump and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The National Corn Growers Association supports two biofuels provisions in the “Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act.” The provisions offer a permanent solution for maintaining year-round market access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend, called E15, and provide additional support for infrastructure for higher biofuels blends. NCGA also endorsed the PRECISE Act, which was included in the package.

“NCGA thanks Members of Congress, including Reps. Angie Craig and Cindy Axne, for advocating for biofuels as an energy security solution,” said NCGA Vice President of Public Policy Brooke S. Appleton. “We are also appreciative of the bipartisan House members who voted in favor of this bill to keep these solutions moving forward in Congress.”

Renewable fuels add billions of gallons to the nation’s fuel supply every year, lowering demand for high-cost oil while increasing total fuel available to consumers.

Ethanol is currently priced around $1.20 less per gallon than unblended gasoline at wholesale, and drivers are saving 30 to 40 cents or more per gallon where retailers offer E15. E15 also cuts emissions for cleaner air.

The PRECISE Act, originally introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson, helps farmers access precision agriculture technology through USDA programs.

Farmers’ increased productivity, sustainability and efficiency are resulting in record corn yields using fewer resources to meet food, feed, fuel and export needs, helping keep consumer prices down in the face of high oil prices and improving environmental outcomes.