Iowa Congressman Feenstra says year round E-15 deal is near

Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says a deal is near that would allow fuel with a blend of up to 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline to be sold year round. Feenstra is one of the leaders of the House Rural Domestic Energy Council that was set up in January when the year-round E-15 policy was stripped from a budget bill. House Republican leaders gave the group until February 25th to submit a bill for a vote on the House floor. EPA concerns about smog during the summer months have prevented the nationwide sale of E15 from June 1 to September 15, but the policy has been suspended in Iowa and other Midwest states.  A majority of the fuel sold at U.S. gas stations contains 10% ethanol. The executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has said expanding E-15 sales would create “brand new market demand” for ethanol.