Three governors call for their colleagues in the Midwestern Governors Association to support an E15 action plan on the state level. Gov. Terry Brandstad (R-Iowa), Gov. Pat Quinn (D-Ill.) and Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) sent the letter, coming on the heels of federal approval of E15, to 11 of their fellow Midwestern governors, and that has won the praise of Growth Energy:
“I would like to commend Governors Brandstad, Quinn and Brownback for their unyielding support of the ethanol industry,” stated Tom Buis CEO of Growth Energy. “They understand that the ethanol industry is integral to their state’s economic growth, now and in the future. The ethanol industry already supports more than 500,000 good paying jobs, promoting economic growth and opportunities in rural America. State regulations are the final hurdle for E15, and these governors understand the proactive measures they must take to bring E15 to retailers in their state.”
The governors recognize the importance of diversifying our nation’s transportation fuel and providing consumers a choice at the pump. The governors stress that use of E15 is optional, but note the financial benefits of a home-grown, lower-cost fuel, particularly for consumers who are working to make each dollar count during troubling economic times and high gas prices.
“This letter exemplifies the kind of leadership necessary to bring E15 to the commercial marketplace,” Buis continued. “By calling on their fellow governors to bring all of the stakeholders to the table and establish an E15 action plan, they will be ahead of the curve, ready for the seamless integration of E15.”
The three governors have called for streamlining state regulations and providing short-term infrastructure support to ensure the future of the green fuel.