Republican congressional candidate Chris McGowan said he will push to make the E15 ethanol blend available all year nationwide if he is elected.

“It will make a positive difference for our farmers and the price of corn,” he said during a recent visit to Fort Dodge.

He is seeking the Republican nomination in the 4th Congressional District, which includes Webster County and all of its surrounding counties.

The district is now represented by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, who is not seeking reelection because he is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

E15 is a higher blend of ethanol that can generally be used in cars made since 2001.

Its use has been banned between June 1 and Sept 15 on the grounds that exhaust from it could create smog in warmer weather. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued waivers in 2022 through 2025, allowing it to be used all year. That has prompted renewable fuels and farm groups to call for permanent use through every year.

McGowan said powerful oil interests, especially in Texas, have stood in the way of allowing year-round use of E15.

“The oil constituency does not want to give up that market,” he said.

In another issue of interest to farm groups, McGowan said Congress and President Donald Trump must work together on tariffs.

“I recognize that the president’s tariffs are presenting very significant challenges to our economy,” he said.

“However, I support the president’s effort to level the playing field and make sure that free trade is also free and fair trade,” he added.

“Congress and the White House need to be communicating,” he said.