To the Editor:

I was encouraged to see President Trump’s recent commitment to make E15 available at gas stations year-round. As a farmer, and legislator, I understand how impactful this change will be to rural Iowa communities specifically, and to all of Iowa in general.

E15 is a fuel blend made with 15 percent ethanol that burns cleaner, provides higher octane and gives consumers the opportunity to save five to ten cents per gallon. For too long, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has restricted the sale of E15 to only eight and a half months of the year — keeping it off the market during the summer. This not only hurts consumers all over the U.S., but it also hurts Iowa farmers by taking away market access.

Having access to year-round E15 would generate demand for an additional two billion bushels of corn. It is no secret farm income has declined by nearly 47 percent in the last 5 years, and year-round E15 can help alleviate some of that.

I want to thank our elected leaders such as Senators Ernst and Grassley for supporting this important cause for rural Iowa, that ends up helping all Iowans who purchase fuel.

Jerry Behn

Iowa State Senator