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Using E15 ethanol to drive down fuel prices and increase American energy independence are the goals of a bipartisan bill U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra is pushing.
"By cutting red tape and unleashing American energy production, we can lower gas prices, bolster biofuels production and make our country energy independent again," the Republican from Hull said in a written statement.
Feenstra represents the Fourth Congressional District, which includes Webster County and all of its surrounding counties.
The bill he is co-sponsoring is called the Home Front Energy Independence Act. It is being introduced as gasoline prices surge to almost $4 a gallon in northern Iowa and even higher in other parts of the country.
The legislation would do these things:
• Make E15 ethanol available all year.
• Establish an E15 tax credit.
• Extend the tax credit for biodiesel.
• Direct the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize its E15 labeling rule.
• Provide for biofuel infrastructure and compatibility with retailers.
Feenstra is co-sponsoring the bill with U.S. representatives Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa; Angie Craig, D-New Mexico; and Cheri Bustos, D-Illinois.
U.S. senators Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, have introduced the bill in the Senate.
The bill awaits action by congressional committees. Because it must go through the long congressional approval process and be signed into law by President Joe Biden, it is unlikely to provide quick relief from high gasoline prices.