Following the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology’s mark up and ultimate approval of H. 875, legislation designed to untimely repeal approval of E15 that was introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner.

“The House Science Committee is ignoring hard data and facts that show E15 is reliable and the most tested fuel to date,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “It is ironic that many members of the Committee chose to ignore the science, kick the can down the road and keep our nation addicted to foreign oil. Clearly this legislation does nothing to increase our energy security or independence; rather it only provides additional roadblocks and legislative hurdles for homegrown American energy from entering the commercial marketplace.

Buis continued, “H. 875 is a legislative tactic to delay, and ultimately repeal approval of E15. This is truly unfortunate as E15 is the most tested fuel to date and all the ethanol industry is asking for is the chance to compete in a free marketplace, where market share is not blocked and consumers and retailers have the opportunity to make the voluntary choice of the fuel they wish to use. However oil companies, refiners and special interests know that once higher blends of biofuels become available, consumers will line up to get a cleaner, higher performing, better fuel that is made in America instead of paying more to continue our reliance on foreign oil.”

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), added, “This legislation is a tribute to stubbornness. Congressman Sensenbrenner refuses to acknowledge that E15 is a thoroughly tested and approved fuel option that gives consumers a cost-saving, environment-enhancing, domestic renewable choice at the pump. E15 has been test driven the equivalent of 4,700 round trips from Washington, D.C. to Milwaukee. If he doesn’t want to use it, fine, but American drivers have a right to choose. Stop throwing bad paid-for ‘science’ and scary warnings around in the name of oil monopoly protectionism.”